Wine Coolers Buying Guide - 3 Key Facts To Know Before You Buy

Friday, May 25, 2012
Shopping for winecoolers? Wine refrigerators or coolers are specialized fridges that can store your wine properly and protect it from light, air and too little humidity.
There's nothing worse than investing in some good bottles of wine - only to store them improperly and ruin the taste! That's why many people choose to invest in a wine cooler.
You have a number of options when it comes to coolers. And some people get confused when they go shopping, wondering which one is right for them.
So which is the best choice for you? Here are 3 things you need to consider when buying a wine cooler to make sure you get the best bang for your buck:

#1 Built-In or Freestanding?
You can get units that can be built-in under your kitchen counter. There are also freestanding coolers that can be placed anywhere (near a plug outlet).
Many people who are short on space find that a built-in unit for their kitchen is a nice addition. If you have a lot of wines to store and decide to get a very large cooler, you may decide to go with a freestanding unit. Also, freestanding units can be moved around much easier so you have a little more flexibility.
Note however that you shouldn't buy a freestanding unit and try to install it under your kitchen counter as it will not have the proper ventilation design - and could become a fire hazard.
If you look around, you can find some coolers that are designed as both a freestanding unit or a built-in. So you can make the choice after you get your cooler as to which is the better option for you.
#2 What Size Do You Need?
Wine refrigerator coolers come in everything from 12 bottles units up to monster 166 bottle units (anything bigger and you'll probably need to consider a wine cellar).
This really depends on how many wines you currently store - and if you're planning on building to your collection in the future.
A safe rule of thumb is to take the number of bottles you currently own and double it. That gives you room to grow and add to your collection over time.
There's nothing worse than putting money out for a cooler - only to find you need another one as your wine collection grows.
#3 Dual Zone or Single Zone?
While most wine coolers are offer single zone temperature control, there are some units that offer you dual zone temperature storage. This way you can store your reds at one temperature and your whites at another, cooler temperature.
Some people prefer a dual zone because different types of wine store best at different temperatures. You can even get triple temperature zone coolers - although these tend to be much pricier.
You can also find dual zone fridges that are made for both wine and other beverages like pop. So you can keep your pop very cold while your reds are slightly chilled and ready to go.
So those are 3 things to consider when shopping for wine coolers. You have some great options that will protect your wine and keep it properly chilled. If you take your time and look around, chances are that you'll find a great unit that will have you enjoying perfectly chilled wine for years to come!

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