Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
Whether you're hosting guests or sipping a glass of wine during an evening meal, this dual-zone fridge is the ideal solution to store and chill both wines and beers. It can be freestanding or built-in and has a sleek seamless door that looks amazing in any space.
Although vibration is generally non-harmful, it can disturb a bottle's sediment and cause complex chemical reactions that are less apparent. This can dull the flavor and decrease esters over time.
Humidity Control
Humidity is the amount water vapor present in the air. It varies throughout the day because of many factors. Temperature or precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions can drastically affect humidity levels. It is crucial to keep humidity at an optimal level for a variety of reasons. Humidity can affect the weather patterns, indoor air and even wine storage. Many aromatic compounds in a wine are affected by humidity changes. If humidity is too high, it can affect the balance of these compounds and alter the taste of a wine. A wine refrigerator can help keep the right level of humidity to preserve a bottle's taste.
A wine refrigerator can help prevent the deterioration of corks as well as ensure a proper seal. Corks may dry out when the humidity is low. This allows oxygen to enter the bottle, which accelerates the process of aging. A wine refrigerator can be used to maintain an amount of humidity that is between 55%-75%.
Wine coolers are also a great way to store beer and wine. A wine cellar is primarily designed for long-term storage. Many of these units have a dedicated space for beer bottles, so you can easily keep your beer and craft beers in the same spot as your most cherished wines. These units are designed to regulate the humidity and temperature in order to prevent condensation, which could damage labels and packaging.
Most models have an hygrometer which allows you to regulate and monitor the levels of humidity in your wine cooler. You can also use a humidifier in your wine refrigerator to boost the humidity.
If you decide to use a wine fridge, place the dehumidifier in a room separate from it. This will ensure that the dehumidifier will not absorb any of the wines or beers that you are storing in the fridge. Humidity control is particularly important if you plan to keep your wine for lengthy durations of time. In a short period of time, you may not notice any changes in your wine, however over months or years, a lack of humidity can significantly alter the taste of your preferred wines.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations inside the wine refrigerator can disrupt the natural aging process of the wines stored in it. Even small vibrations can trigger agitation in the sediment in the bottle and trigger complex chemical processes that can reduce esters and alter the wine's flavor with time. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that minimizes the sound and tremors and allows your wine to age quietly and in a proper way.
Despite the fact that wine refrigerators emit less noise than normal fridges, the fan and refrigerant circuits that are found in a lot of units are still prone to making noise. It is crucial to adhere to the guidelines for clearance and put your wine cooler in a quiet location away from any other sources of noise.
In addition, it is recommended to clean your wine cooler with an agent that is non-abrasive and allow the unit to "air out" prior to loading it with bottles. This will lessen the amount of dust or dirt that can accumulate 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 behind the wine refrigerator. If it is not placed properly or bumps against something behind it, the rubber mounts can be shaken loose, which can cause loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler functions similar to a conventional refrigerator by under cabinet wine refrigerator electronically compressing air molecules that decreases their temperature and then blowing them through the interior of the refrigerator. This kind of cooling is significantly more energy-efficient than other cooling methods like evaporator or frost-free refrigerators. Wine coolers with compressors are noisy and require regular maintenance. Many consumers opt for thermoelectric wine chillers that don't make use of compressors.
Control of Temperature
Like wine, beer also has its own temperature requirements to help it maintain optimal flavor. This is why it is essential to select the right wine fridge and beverage refrigerator that offers adjustable temperature controls to ensure that you keep your drinks at the perfect temperature for serving and storage for each style. You can also find dual zone models that provide separate temperature zones for wine bottles, and a separate temperature zone for other beverages, such as beer.
In general, the majority of beer types prefer to be served cooler than wine. However, the ideal serving temperature for a particular style is dependent on the kind and the method of production. For example wheat beers and pilsners are best enjoyed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and IPAs, sours barleywines, and more robust ales should be served at 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you let a drink warm too much, it will develop an unpleasant "skunky" smell that can affect the enjoyment.
You'll need a wine refrigerator with a temperature range suitable to your favorite reds and whites. Certain wine refrigerators come with humidity-control features to prevent oxidation, and keep the corks in good shape. Some are even equipped with UV glass to block sunlight, which helps preserve the wine's color and protect it from premature aging.
A refrigerator's temperature control system can be powered by compressor technology or thermoelectric cooling. Compressor-powered models use vapor compression to lower temperatures inside the wine refrigerator and thermoelectric models depend on electronic convection fan that circulate cool air throughout the refrigerator. For the best results, most refrigerators incorporate these two technologies.
If you're considering buying a wine and beverage fridge that utilizes compressor technology, you should look for one with vibration-absorbing shock pads. The vibrations generated by compressor-related operations could disrupt the maturation process of wine, and accelerate the process of oxidation.
While you can purchase a fridge that's designed specifically for wine, you might prefer to purchase a standard refrigerator or even a regular refrigerator that has a spacious interior with movable shelves and ample storage on the doors. You can alter the space so that it can fit a variety of bottles and cans, such as wine, beer and other beverages.
Storage Options
Think about a cooler for drinks if you like to host events. These refrigerators can be used to store cans and bottles of wine, beer and other drinks that are ice-cold like soda and water. These fridges are available as both freestanding and built-in models. Built-in models can be integrated into cabinets or under counters in kitchens that have little space.
Both types of fridges are available in a broad range of sizes and designs, making them suitable for most homes. Choose models with sliding shelves that allow you to quickly locate your most loved vinos and brews. Some refrigerators feature soft LED lighting that highlights your selection in a subtle, soft glow. Some models even come with the option of controlling humidity. This feature can prevent the formation of frost inside your beer and wine bottles so that you can enjoy them without worrying about it.
A refrigerator that features dual zones can store your preferred wines at their ideal serving temperatures. You can also store craft beers in the separate zones, as it has similar ideal temperatures to bottles of wine. A dual zone wine-beer refrigerator can hold larger bottles of spirits or beer than a typical refrigerator.
The proper storage conditions can extend the shelf life of your wine and wine, so make sure you keep them in a room that is well-ventilated and has adequate light protection. Keep the refrigerator free of dust and odors that could affect the taste of your beverages.
You should consider a cellar fridge for storage if you wish to keep a large collection and preserve its worth. This kind of refrigerator is intended for long-term storage and operates at a slightly warmer temperature than a wine refrigerator, permitting your bottles to develop their best flavor. A cellar refrigerator also has a humidifier to keep the appropriate humidity level. This helps to ensure that the cork is kept dry and inert, preventing external air and notes from refrigerator food from entering the wine bottle and degrading its quality over time.