A Peek At The Secrets Of Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
Undercounter wine refrigerators offer a sleeker alternative to an open-air wine cooler. These units are placed under counters in kitchens and at home bars to make it easy to access a glass of Pinot Noir while entertaining.
Take note of the cabinet space before purchasing an undercounter refrigerator. Also, make sure you account for the airspace to efficiently disperse heat. Look into a dual-zone model that lets you store white and red wine at the right temperature.
Size
This single-zone Thor Kitchen wine refrigerator offers all the benefits and design of an undercounter unit however it's in a size that fits well into smaller homes. It can accommodate up to 40 bottles, but this capacity can be altered according to the size of your wine collection. It is available in stainless steel or black to match your style. It can also be a freestanding unit or integrated into the cabinetry in your kitchen which makes it flexible when it comes to placement.
If you are planning to store both white and red wine, you might think about a dual-zone refrigerator such as the KitchenAid model, which comes with an adjustable layout. The lower section can be used to store and mature wines between 42 and 64degF. The upper section is perfect for craft brews and sodas.
There are plenty of models with a big capacity, like this one from Sub-Zero, that can accommodate an impressive wine collection. It's perfect for serious collectors who love a wide selection of wines and drinks. Its generously sized shelves can accommodate 33 standard Bordeaux-style wine bottles. It also has the ability to control temperature in two zones, so you can store white and red wine at the right temperature.
Some of these undercounter wine refrigerators come with a beverage center in addition to wine cellars, which can be handy for those who prefer to serve cocktails and other mixed drinks. The units can be seamlessly integrated into your counter or cabinets for an elegant, seamless appearance and are often equipped with hidden hinges that allow for an even surface. Some, like this model from KitchenAid provide a flush installation to give a built-in appearance.
Capacity
A wine refrigerator under counter will help you safeguard your wine collection by keeping the same temperature and humidity. It's designed to hold bottles of wine for optimal aging and to minimize fluctuations that can affect the flavor and degrade the cork. It also has the benefit of a glass front that blocks UV light which helps preserve the wine. The dampening technology reduces vibration.
Think about models with dual zones of temperature to keep your red and white wine at the perfect temperature. You can also find wine fridges with a Temperature Monitoring System that informs you when the internal temperature of the unit falls out of range.
There are undercounter wine refrigerators that have multiple racks that can accommodate bottles of different sizes and shapes. This will allow you to serve any wine you want at your next dinner or party. Some models also have separate storage compartments for cans and bottles to ensure you are stocked up on your most-loved beverages.
A wine refrigerator under the counter can be an attractive element to any kitchen. It's sleek and compact and the stainless steel design is compatible with a variety of kitchen styles. You can pick between freestanding and built-in models, which allow you to be more flexible in terms of installation and placement. However, prior to purchasing one, be sure to carefully measure your designated space and account for ventilation. To ensure efficient heat dissipation the fridge should have at least a few inch clearance on all four sides. You do not want to end up with a wine cooler that isn't positioned well and could damage your wine bottles or suffocate your collection.
Control of Temperature
Whether you want to store some of your favorite wines for parties or prefer the taste of chilled drinks, an undercounter wine refrigerator is the perfect appliance to ensure your most loved drinks are kept at the perfect temperature. Some models have two zones which allows you to create separate areas for whites or reds. Other models have a greater capacity that can hold large collections of wine. These features make a wine cooler under counter an excellent choice for serious collectors.
A built-in wine fridge is seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design to create a seamless look. You can choose from a range of door styles and finishes that complement your space such as stainless steel or black Stainless Steel with PrintShield finish. Many KitchenAid brand wine refrigerators are Panel Ready that means you can build a custom front and handle on the door to match your kitchen cabinetry.
Wine that is kept at a constant, optimal temperature will last longer and tastes better. Sub-Zero's undercounter wine storage comes with dark opaque glass that blocks harmful UV rays, dampening technology to reduce vibration, and dual evaporators that help maintain an even, moderate humidity.
Some wine refrigerators use traditional compressor technology, while others are thermoelectric. The traditional compressor is the most popular, and it gets colder. However it can also generate heat and cause vibrations in the wine cellar. A thermoelectric wine refrigerator is quiet, does not produce vibrations, and requires only a little energy to operate. Some models include additional features, such as adjustable lighting in the interior and wine racks of different sizes. Some can even be used as a beverage center which is ideal for storing craft seltzer and brews.
Design
You want your wine refrigerator to blend seamlessly into the decor of your home. Look for features like LED lighting, which provides a soft, energy-efficient light to show off your collection, and also avoid heating the area. Many models also have front-facing vents that allow for installation into countertops and cabinets. Some models are freestanding and allow for flexible placement. If you opt for a built-in model, carefully determine the space you will need to ensure that there is enough clearance across all sides of the appliance for proper ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can result in overheating or other issues.
A wine fridge should maintain your bottles in a cool, dark environment with constant temperatures and humidity control. Look for features such as dark opaque glass that blocks UV rays; dampening technology that protects against vibration and dual evaporators which provide steady moderate humidity. Keeping your wines in these conditions will help minimize variations in temperature that can affect the quality of the corks and degrade the wine's contents.
Wine lovers typically consume various beverages, so it's important to locate an under-counter wine fridge that can accommodate your beverage needs. Certain wine refrigerators have multiple temperature zones that permit you to keep red and white wines at the ideal temperature while keeping other drinks such as craft brews and seltzers cold. This flexibility can make these units an ideal option for families that enjoy the variety of drinks.
Installation
If you choose to install a built-in wine cooler that can be integrated into cabinets, be sure to follow the installation instructions given by the manufacturer. Be sure to leave enough space to allow for ventilation. Ideally, there should be at least an inch of space around the sides and back of the unit to allow airflow. Avoid placing the wine refrigerator in direct sunlight, or too close to heat-emitting appliances. This can cause damage to the cooling system and spoil the wine.
Freestanding wine refrigerators come with front vents and can be placed in a wide range of places, such as the kitchen, living room, or dining area. They can be used as a center for drinks that allows easy access to small food items as well as drinks such as martinis, cheeses, lemons, limes, etc. Some models feature a dual zone design which allows you to keep wine at the ideal serving temperature and also keep other drinks cool, like waters and sodas. This is perfect for your next family meal or gathering.
It's a good idea to test the seal of the door by closing it on a piece of white paper. If the paper pulls easily out, the seal might require replacement. Test the temperature control and door alignment. After cleaning the interior, put together your wine bottles so that they are ready to drink.
Undercounter wine coolers are a stylish and practical method of storing your favorite wines. The KitchenAid line offers a wide range of these units. These units are designed to seamlessly blend into your existing decor. They have an elegant stainless-steel finish, and a variety of features, including LED interior lighting which illuminates the interior of the cooler.