Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
If you're hosting guests or enjoying a quiet glass of wine with a meal This dual-zone refrigerator is the ideal way to store and chill both wines and beers. It can be built-in or freestanding, with a sleek seamless door that looks stunning in any space.
Although vibrations are generally innocuous, they can disturb the sediment inside a bottle, and trigger chemical reactions that might not be apparent. In time, this can reduce esters and produce dull flavors.
Control of Humidity
Humidity is the quantity of water vapor that is present in the air. It fluctuates throughout the day based on a variety of factors. Temperature, precipitation, and winds can all have a dramatic impact on humidity levels. It is important to maintain humidity at an optimal level for a variety of reasons. Humidity plays a role in the weather patterns, indoor air quality and even storage of wine. Many aromatic compounds in wine are affected by changes in humidity. A wine's taste can be altered by excessive humidity. It can alter the balance of these aromatic compounds. A wine fridge can help keep humidity levels at the optimal level to safeguard the wine's flavor.
A wine refrigerator can aid in preventing the deterioration of corks, and ensure that the seal is intact. When humidity is too low, corks will dry out and allow oxygen to enter the bottle, which can accelerate the aging process and tainting the wine's taste. A wine refrigerator can help keep a humidity level of 55%-75 percent to stop this from happening.
Wine coolers are also a great option to store beer and wine. A wine cellar is primarily designed for long-term storage. These units often have dedicated spaces for beer bottles so you can keep your favorite craft beers or lagers right next to your favorite wines. They also have effective designs that regulate the humidity and temperature to avoid condensation that can damage labels or packaging.
Most models come with an hygrometer that allows you to check the humidity level in your wine cooler and adjust it accordingly. You can also utilize a humidifier to boost the humidity inside your wine refrigerator.
If you choose to use a dehumidifier, make sure it's set up in a separate room from the wine fridge. This will stop the dehumidifier from absorbing any beer or wine that you store in the refrigerator. Humidity control is particularly important if you plan to keep your wine for lengthy periods of time. In a short period of time, you may not notice any changes in your wine, but over the course of months or years, a lack of humidity can drastically alter the taste of your favorite wines.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations that occur inside the wine fridge could hinder the natural aging of the stored wines. Even minor vibrations can cause sediment to move inside the bottle, triggering complex chemical reactions that can reduce esters and dull the wine's taste in time. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that reduces noise and tremors and allows your wine to age quietly and in a proper way.
Aside from the fact that wine coolers usually emit less sound than standard refrigerators, they are susceptible to noise issues because of the system of refrigerant circuits and fans that are found in the majority of units. For this reason, it is important to follow all clearance guidelines when installing your wine cooler, and to put the unit in a quiet area away from other sources of disturbance.
It is also recommended that you clean your wine cooler website on a regular basis with a nonabrasive cleaner. let it "air out" for a few minutes before loading it up with bottles. This will decrease the amount of dust or dirt that can build up in the air vents.
If you notice that your wine fridge is making loud noises it could be caused by a malfunctioning compressor or electric fan. The compressor is typically located at the back of the wine fridge. If it is placed in an unbalanced position or is struck by something behind it, it could shake itself loose from its rubber mounts which will create loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler functions like a standard fridge by compressing air molecules electronically, which lowers their temperature. Then, they are blown through the interior of your fridge. This kind of cooling is more energy efficient than other cooling methods, such as evaporator or frost-free refrigerators. Wine coolers with compressors are noisy and require regular maintenance. Because of this, many people opt to purchase thermoelectric wine coolers which don't utilize a compressor system.
Temperature Control
Like wine, beer has distinct temperature requirements to help it maintain optimal flavor. This makes it important to choose the right wine fridge and beverage refrigerator that offers adjustable temperature controls to ensure that you keep your beverages at the ideal temperature for serving and storage for each style. You can also find dual zone models that offer an additional temperature zone for wine bottles, and separate temperature zones for beer or other beverages.
In general, most beer types are served cooler than wines. The ideal temperature to serve a particular style will depend on the type and the method of making it. For example, wheat beers and pilsners should be enjoyed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while IPAs, sours and barleywines as well as stronger ales should be served between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The beer that is left to warm too long will create an unpleasant "skunk" smell that takes away from the overall drinking experience.
You'll want a wine refrigerator with a temperature range suitable to your favorite reds and whites. Some wine fridges have humidity-control features to keep the wine from oxidation and to keep the corks in good shape. Some are even equipped with UV glass to block out sunlight, which helps to preserve the wine's hue and protect it from premature ageing.
A refrigerator's temperature control system can be powered by thermoelectric cooling or compressor technology. Compressor units use vapor compressors to reduce temperatures in the wine refrigerator, while thermoelectric models use electronic convection fans to circulate cool air around the refrigerator. Most refrigerators employ both of these techniques to achieve the best results.
If you're looking to purchase an appliance for wine and beverages that utilizes compressor technology, look for one with vibration-absorbing shock pads. The vibrations caused by compressor-based processes can disrupt the wine's maturation process and can accelerate oxidation.
While you can buy a fridge that's designed specifically for wine, you might find it more cost-effective to buy a conventional refrigerator or a regular refrigerator that has a spacious interior that has movable shelves and plenty of storage in the door. You can modify the space so that it can fit a variety of bottles and cans, such as wine, beer and other drinks.
Storage Options
Consider a beverage cooler if you like to host events. These refrigerators can store bottles and cans of wine and beer along with other ice cold beverages like water and soda. These fridges are available in both built-in and freestanding models. Built-in models can be integrated under counters or into cabinets in kitchens that have little space.
Refrigerators of both types come in different styles and sizes which makes them suitable for the majority of homes. Make sure you choose models with sliding shelves that make it easier to locate your preferred beverages and wines. Some refrigerators have soft LED lighting to showcase your collection with a soft, gentle glow. Some refrigerators even have the option of controlling humidity. This feature can prevent frost from forming in your wine and beer bottles, allowing you to enjoy them without worrying about it.
A refrigerator that features dual zones can accommodate your favorite wines at their ideal serving temperatures. You can also store craft beer in the separate zones, because it is able to maintain similar temperatures to the wine bottle. A dual zone beer and wine refrigerator can also store larger bottles of beer or spirits than a standard fridge.
Keep your wine and beer in an area with adequate light protection. The proper conditions will extend their life. The refrigerator should also be free of odors, dust and other debris that can affect the taste of your beverages over time.
You should consider a cellar fridge if you want to store an extensive collection and preserve its worth. This kind of fridge is designed for long-term storage and serves at a slightly warmer temperature than a wine refrigerator, allowing your bottles to develop their best flavor. A cellar refrigerator is also equipped with an humidifier to ensure the proper humidity level. This ensures that the cork stays moist and impermeable, preventing outside air and food items from getting into the wine bottle and degrading its quality over time.