How to Choose a Wine Rack Fridge
You need the right tools for storing your collection regardless of whether you serve wine at dinner parties or consume it on weeknights. We searched for an item that was simple to build, held standard bottles, and sufficient space to hold the decanter as well as other accessories.
We also gave importance to the size of the space, its clearance from the ground, and energy efficiency. Check out how our top selections stack up!
Temperature Control
When you are storing wine, it's crucial to take into consideration the temperature of the surrounding environment. Too much humidity can cause bottles to rust and cause mold. A wine rack fridge comes with a temperature control feature to help keep your bottles at the ideal level of humidity and temperature to suit the type of wine. Make sure your wine is protected from extreme sunlight and vibrations since they can alter the quality of your wine.
A wine fridge is designed with a double-paned glass door that blocks UV rays and helps to insulate. It also comes with an automatic lock which prevents accidental opening of the doors, which can alter the temperature inside. It usually comes with a humidifier that keeps the air inside fresh, and also protects your wine from premature oxidation.
Another benefit of a wine fridge is the fact that it has separate temperature zones. This lets you store various types of wine at the ideal temperatures, and will help enhance the overall quality of your collection. For instance lighter reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay work best in cooler temperatures, while bolder reds like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah/Shiraz benefit from storage at a temperature that is slightly warmer.
Both wine rack refrigerators and regular refrigerators can be used to store your bottles of wine however a wine refrigerator is specifically made for this purpose and has an optimal storage temperature of 45 to 65degF. Many regular refrigerators run with temperatures that are too cold for wine storage and can adversely affect the bottles by breaking or exploding the corks.
Wood is commonly used in wine refrigerators due to its ability to give them a traditional and elegant appearance. However, some woods can alter the flavor of your wines. You should also avoid storing your wine in wooden racks stained because the odors from the stain may seep into the cork, and cause a stain to your wine. Other materials, like stainless steel or wrought iron, are often used to build wine racks in wine refrigerators because they are durable and can repel staining.
Control of Humidity
Many wine cellars have an active humidity control system. This means that a sensor detects the amount of moisture in the air and then uses an air blower to push cool humid air into the refrigerator increasing the humidity to an optimal range. This will ensure that the corks are flexible and the bottles are sealed properly to shield the wine from burning. This also helps keep the labels legible, and prevents the growth of mold.
This is particularly important for wines that require long-term storage, since oxidation will change the flavor and color of the wine. Controlling humidity can prevent these effects from happening and ensures the wines stay in good condition for a longer time.
A standard fridge is not ideal for storing wine because it doesn't provide enough humidity control or could be too cold. Temperatures that are too cold can cause the liquid in the bottle to freeze, which could crack or pop the cork and destroy the contents. A wine rack refrigerator will not expose the bottles to such extreme temperatures, thus ensuring that they remain in good condition and don't freeze.
The exposure to odors is a different issue that can occur in refrigerators that are regularly used. Food leftovers and other foods could be transferred to the wine, affecting its flavor and taste. A wine fridge can help avoid this issue by removing other items from the storage space and ensuring it is devoted to wines.
Anyone who would like to age and store their wine collection in a secure and controlled environment will find wine rack refrigerators extremely useful. It can be used to store wine for a short period of time in high-traffic areas and also help preserve wine for a longer period of time by limiting their exposure light. Some models even have UV-resistant glass to protect the wine from damage caused by light. There are many sizes and styles of wine racks that are available. You can choose from a variety of materials from wood to metal and more, so you can choose the ideal suitable for your home.
Adjustable Shelves
A wall-mounted rack can be a great option for a wine fridge if you have a modest collection of wines. These units resemble an image or clock on the wall, and tend to look more appealing than freestanding wine cabinets. In addition, they generally come with a lower cost than a large wine refrigerator.
A wine fridge with shelves that can be adjusted is a better choice to store a larger collection of wine. These models allow you to customize the amount of space you have for your bottles by sliding the dividers up and down, which gives you more flexibility in how many bottles you can put in. These models also help maintain a consistent temperature in your bottles, which is essential to age wine.
A wine refrigerator with adjustable shelves is the wood-metal combination. These shelves are made of solid metal bases that will not warp. The top is made of perfectly carved wooden cradles which hug bottles of any size and shape. The cradles reduce the movement and vibrations that could harm wine that is old and can help to keep your bottles upright. This helps you avoid the need to stack your bottles, which reduces the capacity of each shelf.
This kind of wine storage also protects your bottles from UV rays which can prematurely age your wine and alter the flavor. Some models include an hygrometer that monitors the humidity inside the cabinet. This informs you when the humidity is too low or high, so you can adjust your wine fridge accordingly.
Certain wines have certain wines have a "sweet spot" when it comes to temperature, and this is where they taste their best. It's important to choose a wine refrigerator with dual zones of cooling in case you have multiple types. This way, you can store each type of wine at the ideal serving temperature.
Another feature that many wine refrigerators that have adjustable shelves have is a built-in security cage. This helps to prevent the wine from being stolen, and can be locked so that anyone who is not your guest cannot get into the fridge when you aren't there.
Dual Zone Cooling
A dual zone refrigerator is a great option for wine lovers who love various varieties. They include cooling technology that allows you to set two different temperature profiles. For instance, you could, store white wines at a cooler, crisper 46-56 degrees Fahrenheit, and reds at a warm, more cellar-like temperature between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows you to enjoy a variety of your favorite wines at the same time, while ensuring each is at the ideal serving temperature.
These units can also hold magnum-sized bottles. They typically come with extra space for large wine bottles, so you can store and serve more labels you love. Many models also have removable shelves, which makes it easy to adjust the racks to accommodate different bottle sizes.
In addition to the ability to regulate temperature, these wine refrigerators are also designed to safeguard the quality of your collection. They are insulated to stop heat transfer and block harmful UV rays which can affect the quality of wine. Frydge are often double-paned to improve insulation. Some even have locks that stop accidental openings.
Certain models come with a drip pan to protect the interior from spilled wine. This prevents it from staining. They are designed to hold wine bottles horizontally, so that the cork remains wet, protecting the wine against drying.
A wine rack refrigerator is the ideal solution for any wine storage space, whether it's in your kitchen, home bar or dedicated wine area. These coolers are functional and have an elegant design, and can be customized to fit the style of any room. The advanced cooling systems and insulation these models utilize make them more energy-efficient compared to single-zone wine refrigerators, helping you save money on your electricity bills. They're also a reasonable option for those looking to add an element of luxury to their collection. What are you waiting for then? Find the perfect unit for you by starting your search today.