Buying the right built-in refrigerator for your home can be a daunting task because of the many types available on the market today. Nonetheless, before buying a built-in wine refrigerator you need to know how it works, the difference between built-in fridges and freestanding wine coolers and why you should consider storing your wine in a built-in cooler?
The difference between built-in wine fridges and freestanding coolers
A built-in wine refrigerator commonly known as under-counter wine cooler is designed to be placed into existing counters and cabinets. They feature a front vent that is located under the cooler’s door that channels heat away from the unit. A freestanding wine cooler on the other hand is designed to stand alone. This wine cooler is made in such a way that it releases heat from the back. In most cases, this heat does not escape from the heat and it might overheat the cooler. Too much heat will decrease the unit’s ability to maintain optimum internal temperature and it will not cool your wine.
How built-in wine refrigerator works?
Wine coolers use two different refrigerating systems. The normal refrigerator or freestanding cooler uses a compressor based cooling system. They have a compressor to cool the unit. This therefore means that there are moving parts in the refrigerator. Moving parts in general are vulnerable to wear and tear. This means that after sometime you will be required to repair or replace the compressor. Additionally fridges that use compressors are not environmentally friendly due to the fact that they contain a refrigerant liquid and they have high maintenance costs. With all these issues, a fridge that uses compressor cooling system might not be appropriate for long term storage of your wine.
Thermoelectric wine fridges are the best when it comes to cooling your wine and storage. They produce no vibrations or noise when in operation and they are environmentally friendly. They are ideal for storing wine, especially if you want your wine to age properly. Therefore, when buying a built-in fridge understand the different types of cooling systems and make the right choice.
Why you should buy a built-in wine refrigerator?
Although some people might argue that a fridge is just a fridge and they serve the same purpose, a built-in fridge is not your ordinary cooler. The following are some reasons why you should store your wine in a specialized wine cooler:
Recommended temperature.
You should not store your wine in your ordinary fridge. A typical refrigerator is designed to keep and maintain low temperatures. This low temperature is not ideal for wine, especially white wine. Low temperatures will alter the quality of your wine. Therefore, if you want to maintain the quality of your wine, consider investing in a built-in wine cooler that offers you a range of temperatures that are ideal for your wine. Maintaining a stable temperature is a requirement in the long term storage of wine.
The taste quality and flavor of your wine is maintained.
If you want to preserve and maintain the rich flavor and taste of your wine, you should consider buying a built-in wine cooler. Most built-in refrigerators allow you to change the unit’s temperature depending on how you want your wine to be preserved. Extreme temperatures alter the taste, aroma and flavor of quality wine. Therefore, if you are a lover of quality wine, go for the best wine fridge that allows you to maintain the rich flavor of your wine.
Features of the best wine refrigerator?
Temperature range
The main purpose of a wine cooler is to chill wine to the recommended serving temperature. The best wine cooler should have a decent temperature range of at least 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the wine’s quality, flavor and aroma are maintained during the storage process.
Wine protection
This is a very important feature that the best wine fridge should have. The fridge should be able to protect your wine from UV radiation and damage. It should also protect the corks from drying as a result of lack of humidity. If you want to enjoy the quality and taste of a well matured wine, consider investing in the best wine cooler.
Easy to clean and maintain
You should go for wine coolers that are easy to maintain and clean. Refrigerators that use compressors tend to use a lot of power. Thermoelectric are easy to maintain and do not use a lot of energy when in operation. Freestanding fridges tend to have multiple storage areas and it might take you quite some time to thoroughly clean all those areas. Built-in fridges are easy to clean and do not have hidden areas to clean. Therefore, depending on your budget, you should buy a wine cooler that is easy to clean and maintain.
In summary, when buying the best wine fridge ensure that you know the different types available, their features, how they work and the advantages one has over the other.