Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
Whether you're hosting guests or enjoying a quiet glass of wine with a meal, this dual-zone fridge is the perfect solution to keep and chill both wine and beers. It can be either freestanding or built-in, and comes with an aesthetically seamless door that fits in any space.
Although vibration is generally harmless, it can disturb a bottle's sediment and cause complex chemical reactions that aren't evident. In time, this may reduce esters and produce dull flavors.
Control of Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air. It varies throughout the day based on a variety of factors. Temperature, precipitation, and wind can all have an enormous impact on the humidity levels. Keeping humidity at optimal levels is essential for a variety of reasons. Humidity is a factor in the weather patterns, indoor air quality and even storage of wine. Many aromatic compounds in a wine are sensitive to variations in humidity. If humidity is too high, it may alter the balance of these compounds and alter the taste of a wine. A wine refrigerator can help maintain the right level of humidity to preserve a bottle's taste.
A wine fridge can also aid in preventing the deterioration of corks and ensure that the seal is in good condition. If humidity is too low, corks will dry out and allow oxygen into the bottle, which can accelerate the aging process and tainting the wine's taste. A wine refrigerator can help keep a level of humidity between 55% and 75 percent.
While a wine cellar is designed for aging over time wine coolers can provide excellent storing conditions for wines and beer. They usually have designated spaces for beer bottles so you can keep your favorite craft beers and lagers right alongside your favorite wines. These units are designed to regulate temperatures and humidity to prevent condensation, which can cause damage to labels and packaging.
The majority of models come with an hygrometer which lets you control and adjust the humidity levels in your wine cooler. You can also use a humidifier to increase the humidity in your wine fridge.
If you choose to use a wine fridge, place the dehumidifier in a room separate from it. This will prevent the dehumidifier from absorbing any of the wine or beer you store in the refrigerator. If you intend to store your wine for a long time, humidity control is vital. For a brief period of time, you may not notice any changes in your wine, however over time the absence of humidity can dramatically alter the taste of your preferred wines.
Vibration Absorption
Vibrations in the wine refrigerator could alter the natural aging process of wines stored in it. Even minor vibrations can cause sediment to move inside the bottle, triggering complex chemical reactions that will reduce esters and dull the wine's taste as time passes. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that helps reduce vibrations and noise which allows your wine to age peacefully and efficiently.
Despite the fact that wine refrigerators generate less sound than standard fridges, the fans and circuits for refrigerant found in many units are still capable of making noise. It is crucial to follow the guidelines for clearance and put your wine cooler in a quiet area far from other sources of noise.
It is also recommended to clean your wine cooler periodically with a nonabrasive cleaner and let it "air out" for about a minute before filling it up with bottles. This will decrease the amount of dust or dirt that can build up in the air vents.
If you find that your wine fridge produces excessive noise, it may be because of an electric fan that is not working properly or the compressor. The compressor is typically located in the back of the wine fridge and if it is placed in an unbalanced position or bumps into something behind it, it may shake itself free from its rubber mounts and cause loud humming noises.
The compressor wine cooler operates as a normal refrigerator, electronically compressing air molecules that reduces their temperature before blowing them throughout the interior of the fridge. This kind of cooling is more energy-efficient than other cooling methods such as evaporator or frost-free refrigerators. The drawback to compressor wine coolers is that they require more frequent repairs and tend to generate more noise than other kinds of refrigerators. Many people check here opt for thermoelectric wine chillers that don't use a compressor.
Temperature Control
Wine, as well as beer, requires specific temperatures to maintain its optimal flavor. This makes it important to choose a wine and beverage fridge that offers adjustable temperature controls to ensure that you keep your drinks at the ideal temperature for storage and serving for each type. Dual-zone models are available with separate temperature zones for beer and wine bottles.
Generally speaking, most beer types prefer to be served cooler than wine. The ideal temperature for serving a particular style will depend on the type and the method used to make it. For example, wheat beers and pilsners can be enjoyed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit and IPAs, sours and barleywines as well as stronger ales should be served around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you let a beer get too warm it will begin to develop a unpleasant "skunky" smell that will ruin the drinking experience.
You'll need a wine fridge that can provide the right temperature range to your favorite reds and whites. Some wine refrigerators have humidity-control features that help prevent the cork from becoming oxidized and keep it in good condition. Some even feature specialized UV glass that blocks out sunlight, which helps maintain the wine's color and protect it from premature aging.
The temperature control system of refrigerators can be powered either by compressor or thermoelectric cooling. Compressors use vapor compressors to lower temperatures in the wine refrigerator, and thermoelectric models make use of electronic convection fans to circulate cool air around the refrigerator. For the best results, most refrigerators incorporate these technologies.
If you're planning to buy an appliance for wine and beverages that uses compressor technology, look for one with shock pads that are vibration-resistant. This is due to the fact that the vibration generated by compressors can alter the normal process of maturing wine and accelerate the process of oxidation.
While you can purchase an appliance that is specifically designed for wine, you may 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 then modify the space to accommodate a wide variety of wine, beer as well as other bottles and cans.
Storage Options
If you love to host events and have a range of drinks to serve, consider a beverage cooler. These fridges are designed to store bottles and cans of wine and beer with other ice cold beverages like soda and water. They are available in both built-in and freestanding models. Built-in models can be integrated into cabinets or under counters in kitchens that have little space.
Both kinds of fridges are available in a broad variety of sizes and designs that make them ideal for most homes. Look for models that have sliding shelves that let you easily access your most loved vinos and brews. Some refrigerators have soft LED lighting that showcases your collection in a gentle light. Some refrigerators even include a humidity control function. This can help to stop the growth of frost on your wine and beer bottles, so you can enjoy your favorites without worrying about the build-up of frost.
A refrigerator with dual zones will allow you to store your favorite wines at the ideal serving temperatures. You can also store craft beer in the separate zones, since it's at similar temperatures to the wine bottle. A dual zone wine and beer refrigerator can also accommodate larger bottles of spirits or beer than a regular household fridge.
Keep your wine and beer in a place that has adequate lighting protection. The right conditions will extend their lifespan. The refrigerator must also be free of odors, dust and other particles that could impact the flavor of your beverages as time passes.
Consider a cellar fridge if you want to store an extensive collection and preserve its value. This kind of refrigerator is made to be used for long-term storage. It operates at a higher temperature than a wine refrigerator, which lets your bottles age with their best flavor. A cellar refrigerator is also equipped with a humidifier to maintain the proper humidity levels. This makes sure that the cork remains moist and impermeable. It also prevents outside air and notes of food from your refrigerator from getting into the bottle and degrading it over time.