10 Things Everyone Hates About Under The Cabinet Wine Fridge
The Benefits of an Under the Cabinet Wine Fridge
Wine refrigerators offer a convenient and stylish method of storing your favorite wines at the optimal temperature. They come in built-in and freestanding models.
There are many considerations when shopping for wine refrigerators that include design and aesthetics, interior layout, cooling system energy efficiency, brand name reputation, warranty, and more.
Size and Capacity
A built-in wine fridge can fit into a cabinet and be integrated into an the kitchen space. They vent the back to prevent overheating. This means they require more space than freestanding models to ensure adequate ventilation. Due to their greater capacity and other features, they could cost more than a wine fridge that stands alone.
If you're planning to install an under-counter wine cooler it's recommended to speak with a professional installer. They will ensure that the unit is placed safely and securely within your cabinet, and can also make sure all electrical connections are properly made. They have the experience and tools to prevent any damage or vibrations that might affect the quality of your wine.
Built-in units are a great option for small kitchens with limited space, because they require less space than freestanding units. They can be recessed into cabinets to create an elegant and sleek appearance. These units are bigger than freestanding wine fridges, and are ideal for serious collectors, or for those who want to age their wines for a long time.
Some models come with slide-out shelves that make it easy to reach bottles at the bottom of the racks. Wire racks are also available in other models that offer an older-fashioned style of storage and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of bottles. Wooden cradles are another option to offer a classic look while securely securing the bottles to prevent spills and rolling.
Dual zone wine refrigerators let you keep white and red wines in separate temperatures. This is ideal for those who love different types of drinks. Digital temperature controls and LED lighting allow for easy monitoring and customized control of your wine storage. Certain models shield your wine against harmful UV rays which can cause premature aging.
Space Considerations
If you're thinking of buying an open-top wine fridge to place under your counter, make sure the door can open up fully so you can access everything in the cabinet. It's also important to keep the space clear to ensure proper air circulation so you won't be obstructing the vents. Some models feature front venting, while others require an appropriate distance between the wall and the unit to ensure adequate ventilation.
It is recommended to buy a wine refrigerator that can meet the specific needs of your climate, as this will aid in protecting your investment and extend the longevity of your wine. It's also a good idea to choose a model that is Energy Star rated, as this indicates that it has met the strictest energy efficiency standards. It will run quietly and save you money over the long run on your energy bills.
The type of wine you'll be storing is another important factor. Wines of various types require different temperatures to ensure optimal storage and serving. Find wine refrigerator built in with adjustable shelves that can accommodate different bottle sizes. Also, consider whether you'll be keeping standard or magnum-sized bottles. They require more space than regular.
In addition to the temperature and capacity as well as the capacity, you should also examine the internal technology of the wine fridge for carbon filters and alarms. A wine fridge must also have UV protection to prevent the wine from absorbing harmful chemicals or oxidation, which can harm the taste.
For a more seamless look, you can opt for a built in wine fridge that can be integrated seamlessly with custom cabinetry or entertainment centers. These units are available in stylish, panel-ready finishes and can be installed in tight spaces. They can also vent from the front. Before investing take a measurement of the cabinet's height. The majority of wine fridges have handles that extend 2 to 3 centimeters from the edge.
Energy Efficiency
An under the cabinet wine fridge can ensure that your valuable wine is stored properly, so it retains its flavor and quality over time. A high-quality unit will also be built to be energy efficient, using only a fraction the amount of electricity that a typical refrigerator in the home consumes. There are units that have digital displays, adjustable temperatures, and other features to meet your needs.
The size and location of the wine fridge can impact its energy efficiency. The energy consumption of larger wine refrigerators is greater than smaller models. A higher ambient temperature could also result in a higher electricity consumption. You should also consider whether the fridge is built-in or freestanding model and any space requirements for ventilation for certain models, as they require an amount of space on all sides to allow for ventilation properly.
Remember that wine fridges contribute significantly to household energy bills. Therefore, it is best to choose a model with a strong environmental conscience. Wine refrigerators that have been certified by ENERGY STAR (r) must be able to meet the strict requirements for energy efficiency. Other features that can save energy include LED lighting, UV protection and a strong door seal that reduces leaks and condensation.
You can also reduce your electricity bill by cleaning and maintaining your wine refrigerator. Be sure to monitor the temperature frequently and clean the condenser coils frequently to ensure that your refrigerator is cooling efficiently. You can restrict the number of closings and openings to stop the compressor from working constantly. Keep the refrigerator away from direct sunlight or heat sources as well as other bright lights. Light can cause wine to degrade over time.
Warranty
You want to make sure that the wine fridge you purchase will last. This is especially applicable to undercounter units that are built into cabinets that require complex electrical connections. You should therefore consider hiring an expert to install the unit. They are certified to install your unit in a safe manner and ensure the best performance.
Sub-Zero Designer Series wine storage has a consistent 1/8" reveal and sleek lines that let your cabinetry blend seamlessly with your refrigerator. These units come with dark opaque glass doors for UV protection and Touch Display lighting and an inverter linear compressor that can protect against vibrations and three temperature zones to help keep wines at their ideal temperatures. They also include an industry-leading two-year warranty on appliances and a limited 12-year sealed system warranty.
Reputable Brands
It's logical to purchase a wine refrigerator from a reputable brand if you are planning to spend money. Choose refrigerators that have high customer ratings as well as a quiet compressor and excellent insulation. Certain models have tinted glass or coated glass to shield the bottles from UV radiation. Many wine refrigerators come with additional features like reversible door, different rack types as well as temperature zones, LED displays, carbon filters, alarms, and locks. Certain refrigerators can be incorporated into cabinets or freestanding and can be put under your counter or in place of old appliances, like trash compactors.
This Kalamera 46-bottle Wine Refrigerator is packed with features including dual zone cooling which allows you to store wine and reds at the optimal temperature. The digital display and simple-to-use controls make it easy to read and control. The glass door that can be reversible and sliding wooden racks are able to hold standard-sized as well as magnum-sized bottles.
The Black+Decker wine cooler is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable model that will stand up to the test. The model has a staggering 4.6 rating on Amazon with more than 400 reviews (most of them five-star). While it won't hold a large collection without having to purchase multiple units, it's suitable for smaller collections and can be integrated into existing cabinets or under the counter. Its shelves are adjustable to a level that is comfortable to make it easy to retrieve them and sit on smooth bearings, making it easy to access bottles. They're sized to fit most Bordeaux-style bottles, with some slight tightness in the case of larger, wider bottles like the chardonnay. The refrigerator is equipped with a quiet compressor and an alarm sound if the door is left open or opened too long.