Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
If you're hosting guests or sipping a glass of wine after dinner This dual-zone refrigerator is the perfect solution to store and chill both wines and beers. It can be freestanding or built-in, and features a seamless, seamless door that can be placed in any space.
Although vibrations are generally innocuous, they can disturb the sediment inside a bottle, and trigger chemical reactions that might not be visible. In time, this can reduce esters and dull flavors.
Humidity Control
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor that is present in the air. It fluctuates throughout the day due to many factors. Temperature as well as precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions can dramatically impact the level of humidity. It is crucial to keep humidity at an optimal level for many reasons. Humidity can affect weather patterns and indoor air quality, and even wine storage. Many aromatic compounds in wine are sensitive to changes in humidity. If the humidity is too high, it can affect the balance of these compounds and alter the flavor of the wine. A wine refrigerator can help to maintain the proper humidity level to preserve the taste of a bottle.
A wine fridge can also prevent cork deterioration and ensure a proper seal. Corks can dry out when the humidity is low. This allows oxygen to enter the bottle and accelerates the aging process. A wine fridge can help maintain a humidity level of 55%-75% to prevent this from happening.
Wine coolers are also a great way to store wine and beer. A wine cellar is made for long-term storage. A lot of these units contain a space specifically for beer bottles, so you can easily keep your beer and craft beers in the same place as your favorite wines. They also have efficient designs that regulate temperatures and humidity to avoid condensation that could damage labels or packaging.
Most models include a hygrometer, which allows you to check the humidity levels in your wine cooler and adjust it accordingly. You can install a humidifier in your wine refrigerator to boost the humidity.
If you decide to use a wine refrigerator, place the dehumidifier in a space apart from it. This will stop the dehumidifier from absorbing any of the beer or wine that you store in the refrigerator. If you plan to keep your wine for a long period of time, controlling the humidity is vital. For a brief period of time, you might not notice any changes in your wine, however over months or years the absence of humidity can dramatically alter the flavor profile of your favorite wines.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations that occur inside the wine fridge can interfere with the natural aging of the stored wines. Even minor vibrations can cause sediment to move inside the bottle, triggering complex chemical reactions that will reduce esters and dull wine's flavor over time. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that minimizes the sound and tremors and allows your wine to age in peace and properly.
Despite the fact that wine refrigerators emit less sound than normal fridges, the fan and refrigerant circuits that are that are found in a lot of units are still prone to creating noise. It is crucial to follow the clearance guidelines and place your wine cooler in a quiet location away from any other sources of noise.
It is also recommended to clean your wine cooler regularly with a nonabrasive cleaner and let it "air out" for about a minute before filling it with bottles. This will reduce dust and dirt that may build up in the air vents.
If you find that your wine fridge produces excessive noise, it could be because of an electric fan that isn't working or the compressor. The compressor is typically situated at the back of the wine fridge and if it is not properly positioned or hits something behind it, it could shake itself free of its rubber mounts and produce loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler works as a normal fridge, compressing air molecules electronically, which reduces their temperature. They are then blown through the interior of your fridge. This kind of cooling is much more energy-efficient than other cooling methods, like frost-free or evaporator refrigerators. The drawback to compressor wine coolers is that they require frequent repairs and tend to create more noise than other types of refrigerators. Many consumers choose thermoelectric wine chillers that do not use a compressor.
Temperature Control
Wine, as well as beer, requires specific temperatures to ensure that it has the best flavor. This makes it important to choose a beverage and wine fridge that offers adjustable temperature controls so you can store your drinks at the perfect serving and storage temperatures for each style. Dual-zone models are available with separate temperature zones for beer and wine bottles.
Generally speaking, most beer types prefer to be served cooler than wine. The ideal temperature for serving a particular style will depend on the kind and the method used to make it. For example, wheat beers and pilsners can be enjoyed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and IPAs, sours barleywines, and more robust ales should be served between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. Warming a beer too much will give it an unpleasant "skunk" smell that can detract from the overall enjoyment.
You'll need a wine fridge that has a temperature range suitable for your preferred whites and reds. Certain wine refrigerators come with humidity-control features that help to keep the wine from oxidation and to keep the corks in good condition. Some models even have specialized UV glass to block sunlight, which helps preserve the wine's color and shield it from premature aging.
The temperature control system of a refrigerator is powered by compressor technology or thermoelectric cooling. Compressor units use vapor compressors to reduce temperatures in the wine refrigerator, whereas thermoelectric models utilize electronic convection fans to circulate cool air throughout the refrigerator. For the best results, many refrigerators incorporate these two technologies.
If you are planning to purchase a beverage or wine fridge that uses the compressor technology, look for one that has vibration-absorbing shockpads. This is because the vibration generated by compressor-based operations could interfere with the normal maturing process of wine and speed up the process of oxidation.
While you can purchase an appliance that is specifically designed for wine, you may find it more cost-effective to buy a conventional refrigerator, or even a standard refrigerator that has a spacious interior with movable shelves and plenty of storage in the door. You can then customize the space to accommodate the various varieties of wine, beer and other cans and bottles.
Storage Options
If you love hosting here parties and have a variety of drinks on the menu, consider a beverage cooler. These refrigerators can store bottles and cans of wine, beer and other ice-cold beverages like water and soda. They are available in both built-in and freestanding models. A built-in model can be installed under counters or in cabinets in kitchens that have small space.
Refrigerators of both types come in a variety of sizes and styles, making them ideal for most homes. Look for models that have sliding shelves to make it easier to find your preferred beverages and wines. Some refrigerators feature soft LED lighting that showcases your collection in soft, gentle light. Some refrigerators even have an option to control humidity. This feature can in preventing the formation of frost on your wine and beer bottles, so that you can enjoy your favorites without worrying about a buildup of frost.
Dual-zone refrigerators can store your most loved wines at the perfect temperature to serve. You can also use the two zones to keep your craft beer in storage as it usually has similar optimal temperature ranges to the wine bottle. A dual zone wine refrigerator can store larger bottles of beer or spirits than a typical refrigerator.
Keep your beer and wine in a place that has adequate lighting protection. The proper conditions will prolong their lifespan. The refrigerator should be kept free of dust, odors and other debris that can alter the taste of your beverages as time passes.
You should consider a cellar fridge if you want to store a large collection and preserve its worth. This kind of fridge is intended for long-term storage and serves at a slightly warmer temperature than a wine refrigerator, permitting your bottles to develop their best taste. A cellar fridge also has humidifiers that keep the right level of humidity. This helps to ensure that the cork stays dry and inert, preventing the outside air and the traces of food stored in refrigerators from getting into your wine bottle and deteriorating its quality over time.