How to Choose a Wine Rack Fridge
No matter if you drink wine on weeknights or serve it at dinner parties, you need the right tools for storing your collection. We looked for a rack that was easy to put together, could hold standard bottles and was large enough to accommodate the decanter as well as other accessories.
We also considered niche size, ground clearance, and energy efficiency. Check out how our top selections compare!
Temperature Control
When storing wine, it is important to consider the temperature of the room. Too cold can damage the cork and label, and too much humidity could cause the bottles to rust or mold. A wine rack fridge has a temperature control feature to help you store your bottles at the appropriate level of humidity and temperature to suit the wine you are buying. Protect your wine from extreme sunlight and vibrations since they can impact the quality.
A wine refrigerator is constructed with a double-paned doors that blocks UV rays as well as helping to insulate. It also comes with an automatic lock that stops accidental opening of the doors, which can affect the temperature inside. It is also a humidifier to keep the air inside fresh and ensure that your wine is protected from premature oxidation.
A wine cellar refrigerator also comes with independent temperature zones. This allows you to store different kinds of wine at the right temperature and can enhance the quality of your collection. For instance lighter reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay do best in the cooler range and bolder reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah/Shiraz benefit from being stored at a slightly warmer temperature.
Wine rack fridges or regular refrigerators are both suitable for storing your bottles wine. However a wine cooler was designed specifically for this purpose and comes with an ideal storage temperature between 45-65degF. A lot of regular refrigerators operate with temperatures that are too cold for wine storage, and can adversely affect the bottles by cracking or exploding corks.
Wood is used in many wine refrigerators due to its ability to give them a classic and elegant look. However, certain types of wood can affect the flavor of your wine. Avoid storing wine in wood racks that are stained because the odors may be absorbed by the cork and alter the taste of the wine. Wine racks are usually made of stainless steel or wrought iron, which is both durable and resistant to stains.
Control of Humidity
Many wine cellars have an active humidity control system. This means that a sensor is able to detect the amount of moisture present in the air and uses the power of a fan to blow cool humid air into the fridge and raise the humidity to an optimal range. This ensures that the corks stay supple and seal the bottles properly to protect the wine from burning. This also helps to keep the labels legible and prevents the growth of mold.
This is especially crucial for wines that need to be stored long-term, as the effects of oxidation can alter the color and flavor of the wine. The control of humidity helps prevent the development of these effects and ensures the wine stays in good condition for longer durations of time.
Standard fridges are not the ideal storage solution for wine. They may not offer enough humidity control or could be too cold. Temperatures that are too cold can cause the liquid in the bottle to freeze, which could crack or pop the cork and ruin the contents. A wine rack fridge does not expose the bottles to these cold conditions, so that they do not freeze and maintain their integrity.
Another issue that can happen in regular refrigerators is the exposure to odors. The smells from leftover food and other items can transfer into the wine and spoil the flavor and taste. This issue can be avoided by keeping the wine-only storage space in a wine fridge.
A wine rack refrigerator is a great choice for anyone who wants to store and age their wine collection in an environmentally controlled and secure space. It is suitable to store wine in short-term storage in busy areas, and it can aid in preserving wines for long-term cellaring by minimizing the amount of light they are exposed to. Many models have UV-protective glass to protect the wine from damage caused by light. With a wide selection of sizes and styles, there is sure to be a wine fridge that meets your requirements. You can choose from a variety materials, such as wood and metal, to find the perfect design for your home.
Adjustable Shelves
If you have a small wine collection A wall-mounted wine rack may be the best option for your wine fridge. These units look much like the clock or picture on the wall, and tend to have a more attractive appearance than freestanding wine cabinets. Additionally, they typically have a lower price tag than a full-sized wine refrigerator.
However, a wine refrigerator with shelves that are adjustable is a much better option for a larger wine collection. These models allow you to customize the amount of space available for your bottles. You can accomplish this by sliding the dividers upwards and down. This gives you greater flexibility in the quantity of bottles that you can store. These models also help to maintain a consistent temperature in your bottles, which is crucial to age wine.
A wine refrigerator with adjustable shelves will have a unique wood-metal hybrid design. The shelves are constructed from solid metal bases that won't warp. The top is made of perfectly carved wooden cradles which hug bottles of any size and shape. The cradles help minimize the vibrations and movements that can damage wine, and even help keep bottles in a straight position. This can help you avoid the need to stack your bottles, which can reduce their capacity per shelf.
under the cabinet wine fridge of this kind of wine storage is that the cradles protect your bottles from UV light which could prematurely age the bottles and affect their flavor. Some models come with an hygrometer that monitors the humidity within the cabinet. This informs you when the humidity is high or low, so you can adjust the wine fridge accordingly.
Some wines have certain wines have a "sweet spot" in relation to temperature, and that's where they taste their best. If you own different kinds of wine, it's essential to locate a wine refrigerator with dual zones of cooling. You can store every wine type at the optimal serving temperature.
A lot of wine refrigerators with adjustable shelves also have the security cage. This stops the theft of wine bottles and can be locked so that unwanted guests cannot reach into the fridge while you are not there.
Dual Zone Cooling
Many wine drinkers appreciate the variety of wines available, and a dual zone refrigerator is a great option for these. They include cooling technology that allows you to set two different temperature profiles. For instance, you could keep your white wines at an icy crisp, crisp temperature of 46-56 degrees and keep reds at a warmer, more cellar-like 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to take a taste of your favorites simultaneously, while keeping each at the perfect serving temperature.
These units are also able to accommodate magnum-sized bottles. They usually include extra space for larger wine bottles, allowing you to store and serve more of your favorite brands. Many models have shelves that can be removed, allowing you to easily adjust the racks for different sizes of bottles.
In addition to the ability to control temperature, these wine refrigerators are also designed to safeguard the integrity of your collection. They are insulated against heat transfer and harmful UV rays which can cause damage to the wine. Doors are often double-paned to increase insulation. Some doors even have a lock that prevents accidental openings.
Certain models also include drip tray, which protects the interior from spilled wine and prevents it from staining the interior. They are designed to hold wine bottles horizontally, so that the cork is kept moist, protecting the wine against drying.
A wine rack refrigerator is the perfect solution for any wine storage space whether it's in your kitchen, home bar or a separate wine room. These coolers are designed to be practical and elegant, and can be customized for any space. They are more energy efficient than single-zone wine fridges due to their advanced cooling systems and insulation. You will save energy costs on your electric bill. These models are also an excellent choice for those who want to add an element of luxury to their collection. What are you waiting for then? Find the perfect unit for you by beginning your search now.