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Wine Coolers
Not everyone has the space or money to build a wine cellar, so wine coolers are becoming more popular. As more people get involved in wine tasting, they find they need a proper place to store bottles of wine. To keep wine at its best, it should be stored in a still environment, away from any direct lighting. The temperature should be kept at a constant level between 53 and 57 degrees F. The moisture level should range between 55 and 70%. This can be a very challenging environment to create in the average household.
Enter the wine cooler. No, we are not talking about those bottles of wine mixed with other ingredients that make it more like wine kool-aid. A wine cooler is a refrigerated unit made especially for creating the perfect environment for storing wine. Unlike a wine cellar, however, they are much more affordable and can fit in a small space.
Wine Coolers and Refrigerators
Wine coolers or refrigerators can be found in sizes that will hold anywhere from 6 to 48 bottles of wine. A cooler is the best way to keep your wine properly if you will not be storing your wine for longer than a year. You can find freestanding models, countertop models or even coolers that can be built into your cabinets.
Small countertop models are very reasonable in price and can still hold up to 24 bottles at one time. Of course, you can also find them in many different styles to fit your kitchen décor. Some are stainless steel, some are glass, and some are decorated with very nice woodwork. You can even get some with a touchscreen to set the proper temperature.
If you will be storing your wine for over a year, you can still get smaller refrigerated wine cellars that hold anywhere from 23 to over 200 bottles. Many of these wine cellars have two temperature zones; one for storage and one to keep at serving temperature. This is especially important with red wines, which are at their best between 55 and 60 degrees F.
Depending on where you want your wine cooler to go, you will find varying prices. Countertop and freestanding models usually cost less than built in or recessed models. Of course, capacity will affect price, too. You can find tall, narrow coolers or short and squat coolers. Wherever you intend to put it, you can find one to fit the space. You can even find a narrow 4 bottle cooler that hangs under a cupboard.
Most wine coolers have very quiet motors. They will require a vent area for those that will be built in place because the motor does give off a little bit of heat. Built in models will add value to your home and give your kitchen an upgrade. Of course, if you have the money, the wooden coolers really look exquisite.
If you can, get a cooler with digital controls so you know exactly what temperature your wine is kept at. Why not use the best technology you can to ensure that your wine is perfect?
