Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
If you're hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing glass of wine after dinner the dual-zone fridge is the ideal way to store and chill both wines and beers. It can be a freestanding unit or built-in, and has an aesthetically seamless door that can be placed in any space.
Although vibrations are generally not harmful however, they can cause disturbance to the sediment inside a bottle, and trigger chemical reactions that might not be visible. In time, this can reduce esters and produce dull flavors.
Control of Humidity
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air. It varies throughout the day based on many factors. Temperature as well as precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions can dramatically influence the humidity levels. It is crucial to keep the humidity level at a certain level for a variety of reasons. Humidity plays a role in the weather patterns as well as indoor air quality and even wine storage. The aromatic compounds that are present in wine are affected by humidity changes. If the humidity is too high, it may alter the balance of these substances and alter the taste of the wine. A wine refrigerator can help keep the right level of humidity to preserve the wine's flavor.
A wine refrigerator can also prevent cork deterioration and ensure an adequate seal. If humidity is too low, corks will dry out and let oxygen enter the bottle, accelerating the aging process and tainting the wine's taste. A wine refrigerator can be used to maintain an amount of humidity that is between 55% and 75%.
Wine coolers are also a great option to store wine and beer. A wine cellar is primarily designed for long-term storage. They usually have designated spaces for beer bottles so you can store your favourite craft beers or lagers next to your favorite wines. They also come with efficient 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 monitor the humidity levels in your wine cooler and adjust it accordingly. You can also utilize a humidifier to increase the humidity inside your wine fridge.
If you choose to use a wine refrigerator, place the dehumidifier in a room that is separate from it. This will prevent the dehumidifier from absorbing any wine or beer you store in the refrigerator. The control of humidity is especially important if you intend to store your wine for long periods of time. It is possible that you will not notice any change in the wine's flavor for a short period of time, however, a lack of humidity could be a major influence on the flavor of your favourite wines over months and years.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations in the wine fridge can interfere with the natural aging of the stored wines. Even small vibrations can trigger an agitation of the sediment inside the bottle, which triggers intricate chemical processes that can reduce esters and dull the wine's taste over time. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that minimizes the sound and tremors which allows your wine to age in peace and in a proper way.
Aside from the fact that wine coolers generally emit less sound than standard refrigerators, they are still susceptible to noise issues due to the arrangement of refrigerant circuits and fan systems that are found in the majority of units. This is why it is important to follow the guidelines for clearance when installing your wine cooler and to place it in a quiet area away from any other sources of noise.
It is also recommended that you clean your wine cooler regularly with a nonabrasive cleaner. let it "air out" for a few minutes before loading it with bottles. This sources will reduce dust and dirt that can accumulate in the air vents.
If you notice that your wine fridge is making loud noises, it could be due to a problem with the compressor or electric fan. The compressor is usually located at the back of the wine fridge. If it is not properly positioned or hits something behind it, it can shake itself loose from its rubber mounts which will produce loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler functions similar to a regular fridge by compressing air molecules electronically, which lowers their temperature. They then blow across the interior of your fridge. This type of cooling is more efficient in energy use than other kinds of cooling like frost-free and evaporator refrigerators. Wine coolers with compressors are noisy and require more frequent maintenance. For this reason, many people opt to purchase thermoelectric wine coolers that do not make use of compressors.
Temperature Control
Like wine, beer requires specific temperatures to ensure that it has the best flavor. It is essential to choose a beverage and wine refrigerator that has adjustable temperature controls. This allows you to keep your beverages at the perfect temperature for serving and storage for each style. You can also find dual-zone models that provide an additional temperature zone for wine bottles, and separate temperature zones for other beverages or beer.
Generally speaking, the majority of beer styles prefer to be served colder than wine. The ideal temperature to serve a particular type of beer will depend on the style and how it was made. For instance, wheat beers and pilsners are best consumed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while sours, IPAs barleywines, and more robust ales should be served between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Warming a beer too much will give it an unpleasant "skunk" smell that takes away from the overall drinking experience.
You'll need a wine refrigerator that has the right temperature range to your favorite reds and whites. Certain wine refrigerators come with humidity-control features that help to prevent oxidation, and keep the corks in good shape. Some wine refrigerators even contain a special UV-blocking glass that helps keep sunlight from damaging the wine and making it age prematurely.
The temperature control system in refrigerators is powered by compressor technology or thermoelectric cooling. Compressor units use vapor compressors to lower temperatures in the wine refrigerator, while thermoelectric models use electronic convection fan technology to circulate cool air through the refrigerator. Most fridges use the combination of these technologies to achieve the most efficient results.
If you're planning to buy a beverage and wine fridge that uses compressor technology, look for one with vibration-absorbing shock pads. This is because the rumble caused by compressor-based operation could alter the normal maturing process of wine and speed up the process of oxidation.
Although you can purchase a fridge that's designed specifically for wine, you may prefer to shop for a standard refrigerator or a regular refrigerator with a large interior with movable shelves and plenty of storage in the door. You can alter the space so that it can fit a variety of bottles and cans, such as beer, wine and other drinks.
Storage Options
If you love hosting parties and have a wide range of drinks to serve think about a beverage cooler. These refrigerators can hold bottles and cans of wine, beer and other beverages that are ice cold, such as soda and water. They are available in both freestanding and built-in models. Built-in models can be integrated under counters or into cabinets in kitchens that have little space.
Both types of refrigerators come in various styles and sizes, making them ideal for most homes. Look for models that have sliding shelves to make it easier to find your favorite wines and brews. Some refrigerators come with soft LED lighting that showcases your collection with a soft, gentle glow. Some refrigerators include a humidity control function. This feature can stop the formation of frost inside the wine and beer bottles, allowing you to enjoy them without worry.
A refrigerator that features dual zones can store your preferred wines at their ideal serving temperatures. You can also store craft beer in the two separate zones because it is able to maintain similar temperatures to a wine bottle. A dual zone beer and wine refrigerator can also store larger bottles of spirits or beer than a regular household fridge.
Keep your wine and beer in an area with adequate lighting protection. The right conditions will extend their lifespan. The refrigerator should be kept free of odors, dust and other debris that can affect the taste of your drinks as time passes.
You should consider a cellar fridge for storage if you wish to keep an extensive collection and preserve its quality. This kind of refrigerator is specifically designed for long-term storage. It serves at a slightly warmer temperature than a wine refrigerator, allowing your bottles to develop their best taste. A cellar fridge also has a humidifier that maintains the right humidity level. This ensures that the cork stays humid and inert. It also stops external air and notes of food that are in your refrigerator from entering the bottle and deteriorating it over time.