Everything You Need to Know About Wine Refrigerators

What are wine refrigerators?

A wine refrigerator – also known as a wine cooler or wine chiller – is a refrigerator specially designed to store bottles of wine at an ideal temperature and humidity.

Can't my normal refrigerator do that?

No. The temperature of your kitchen refrigerator is usually too cold for the proper storage of wine. Different wines should be stored and served at different temperatures, but generally speaking, 55° is around the average temperature wine should be kept at – almost 20° warmer than a normal refrigerator. It is also important for wine to be stored at a consistent temperature to maintain its integrity, and a refrigerator's temperature fluctuates every time it's opened (which is a lot!).

What should I look for when shopping for a wine refrigerator?

When shopping for a new wine refrigerator, it is important to keep your purpose in mind. The needs of the average person just looking for a better way to store their dinner wine is much different than a full-blown wine connoisseur and enthusiast. Here are some key factors to consider when purchasing a wine cooler:

• Price. The first thing you should do when shopping for a wine refrigerator is set a budget. This step is important because if you don't have a maximum number you are able to spend, you could wind up dropping several thousands of dollars. Your budget should depend on the other factors as well, but never spend more than is comfortable for you.
• Capacity. One of the biggest differences among different wine coolers is their capacity – some are made to store 6-8 bottles, and some can hold several dozen. This number is completely up to you, but to be safe, always buy one that can store about 20% more than you think you will need (as long as you can afford it).
• Style. Wine refrigerators come in two distinct styles – built-in and standalone. Built-in models are designed for seamless integration into your kitchen, as they are meant to be installed directly into your cabinetry. On the other hand, standalone models can be placed anywhere there is an electrical outlet.
• Appearance. The appearance of your wine refrigerator is important. If it is going into a kitchen or home bar, there is likely already an established theme. Wine refrigerators come in a variety of appearances including stainless steel, wood, and tempered glass.
• Temperature zones. As previously mentioned, different types of wine call for different storage temperatures. For example, it is recommended that white wines be served at temperatures 10-15° lower than red wines. To help solve this problem, some wine cooler manufactures include multiple temperature zones – if you are willing to pay the price.
• Other factors. Other things you should consider when buying a wine refrigerator include noise level, shelving flexibility, energy usage, reversible hinges, and whether or not you can lock it.

If you are buying a wine cooler to replace an existing, broken one, it may be worth looking at repair options first. Many times, wine coolers can be fixed for a fraction of the cost it would take to replace them. If you live in Long Island or New York City and need your wine cooler repaired, call Speedy Subzero at 866-782-9376. We offer 24/7 emergency service and same-day repairs done in the comfort of your own home.