There is nothing more heavenly than having a bottle of wine after a long tiring day of work. But having a space for your fancy wines to be kept cool until they are sipped is even more extraordinary. And yes, under-counter wine coolers exist when you need something to keep your wine served cool every time you need it!
Under-counter wine coolers are intended to be installed in a base cabinet beneath the work surface. They are the standard wine cooler typically seen in pubs and restaurants since it conceals the wine from the customers’ view.
But who says that you can’t have them at home? Knowing about under-counter wine coolers and their benefits will become handy when you are planning to buy one. Read on to learn more about under-counter wine coolers!
What Are Under-Counter Wine Coolers?
An under-counter wine cooler is an appliance installed permanently in a kitchen, usually beneath a counter. However, most under-counter wine coolers may also be utilized independently, expanding their usefulness.
Given the adaptability of its construction, an under-counter wine cooler may be placed practically anywhere. For example, suppose you need to clear out some cabinetry in the kitchen but still have extra floor space. In that case, you can position your under-counter wine cooler as a standalone unit.
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Thermoelectric Under-Counter Wine Coolers
Because of their ability to operate far more quietly than compressor refrigerators, thermoelectric wine coolers have become more popular. The fact that they use less energy to work is an added bonus. They can spare you the hassle of yet another loud item if you have a full house.
The problem is that they aren’t as strong as compressor wine coolers when cooling wines. An under-counter wine cooler powered by thermoelectricity will struggle to chill a large number of bottles or to function in a hot environment.
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Compressor Under-Counter Wine Coolers
The technology in a compressor under-counter wine cooler is the same as in your home fridge. That usually indicates they’re really energetically draining, loud, and vibrating a bit. In their favor, they pack quite a punch. They won’t be confused by a hot day and cause the cooler to warm up.
Compared to their thermoelectric counterpart, they function more reliably and can deal with more demanding cooling tasks. If you value efficiency more than quiet operation, an under-counter wine cooler with a compressor is your best choice.
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Other Types of Wine Coolers
Wine coolers come in different styles and designs that suit every preference of wine lovers. They may all be different, but they all serve a similar purpose: keeping your wines cool. While under-counter wine coolers exist, wine coolers can also be designed as freestanding and fully integrated.
Freestanding Wine Coolers
To avoid being integrated into a kitchen or other structure, freestanding wine coolers are freestanding by design. This type of wine cooler is often utilized in a cellar-like setting for long-term storage and maturation of wines.
They are unsuitable for use as an under-counter wine cooler since the cooler air is sucked in from the rear of the device, where the heat is dispersed. The warm air will continue to build up if there is nowhere to go.
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Integrated Wine Coolers
The shelves, cupboards, or walls of your kitchen are perfect places to put an integrated wine cooler. Finally, unlike the usual under-counter wine cooler, the integrated variety allows for a clean and subtle appearance in any dining area or kitchen.
An under-counter and completely integrated wine cooler have many similar features. However, the former is distinguished by its prominent profile, while the latter blends in with its surroundings. This makes it crucial to have a professional install your integrated wine fridge, as there are precise criteria for doing so.
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Benefits of Under-Counter Wine Coolers
Storing wine in an under-counter wine cooler is the best option. It’s a device that keeps your wine at the optimal temperature and humidity for its length of storage. Suppose you want to keep your wine in the finest condition possible. A wine cooler is a must-have for any serious collector, investor, or wine enthusiast.
Wine Coolers Maintain Wines at Optimal Temperature
There are optimal conditions for storing wine. The danger of improper aging of wine increases if it is kept at temperatures above recommended levels. A wine heated to high temperatures sometimes takes on a bitter, scorched flavor.
On the other hand, your wine might freeze if it is stored in freezing temperatures. In some instances, the wine’s inherent flavors might be ruined or lost if it freezes. Your wine can quickly go wrong if the air is allowed to enter the bottle because the cork might freeze and pop out of the bottle.
A wine cooler’s primary use is maintaining a cool temperature for your wine. Red and white wines can be kept at various temperatures in the same wine cooler, thanks to the multiple temperature zones available on some models. With dual-zone wine coolers, there is no need to disturb your wine while it is aging or while you are preparing it for your wine nights!
Under-Counter Wine Coolers Are Not Only for Wines
Just because it is called a wine cooler doesn’t mean it can be only used for cooling wines. A wine cooler may be used to store a wide variety of items. Many various foods and drinks benefit from being stored in wine coolers, from cheeses to chocolates. For example, the humidity levels in regular refrigerators tend to dry cheese out. But wine coolers produce humidity levels that keep your cheese fresh and moist.
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Under-Counter Wine Coolers Can Also Maintain Humidity
Humidity levels between 55% and 75% are ideal for preserving the bottle and the wine inside, and wine coolers may provide these circumstances. All good wine coolers will include humidity controls, an essential feature for storing wine.
A wine’s value is diminished if the label is damaged because of prolonged exposure to high humidity during storage. Mold thrives in humid conditions. Thus a wine fridge is recommended for long-term storage.
Things to Consider Before Buying an Under-Counter Wine Cooler
You have much more to think about in your quest than just choosing between thermoelectric and compressor types. You should know what you want from an under-counter wine cooler to narrow your search for the best one. You should consider the following things before buying an under-counter wine cooler:
- The capacity of the under-counter wine cooler. When shopping for an under-counter wine cooler, capacity is a crucial feature to look for. Because of space constraints, many homes only have room for compact appliances. Suppose you don’t have to worry about limitations on square footage. In that case, you may prioritize the number of bottles you wish to have on hand.
- The number of zones present in the under-counter wine cooler. Single zone, as seen in many under-counter wine coolers, ensures that all your wine bottles are maintained at roughly the same temperature. Larger wine coolers often have separate cooling and storage areas, known as “dual zones.” This allows you to keep your red and white wines at distinct temperatures. Having an under-counter cooler with two separate cooling areas eliminates the need to purchase a second cooler only to store a different kind of wine.
- The durability of the under-counter wine cooler. Nobody really likes to waste money on a short-lived wine cooler, especially if they’ve had one installed in their house. Read up on the manufacturer’s reliability and the specific type of wine cooler you’re considering to understand how long it will last.
- The noise of the under-counter wine cooler. A primary selling point of thermoelectric wine coolers is their lower operating noise levels. It may be simple to forego the benefits of a more consistent temperature in your wine cooler if you live in a house with a cooler environment or are not too concerned about the noise level of your wine cooler.
- The cost of the under-counter wine cooler. The cost of an under-counter wine cooler will depend on factors including its size, design, and functionality. It’s important to remember that the total up-front charges will often include some additional fees to cover installation. In general, wine coolers with a larger capacity and/or more advanced amenities, such as a security lock or touchscreen, will be more expensive.
- Plan before setting up your under-counter wine cooler. Double-check the under-counter wine cooler’s measurements, the cabinet’s ability to accommodate the unit, and the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning the installation process. Like integrated wine coolers, under-counter wine coolers also come with detailed instructions for properly setting up the appliance.
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The dedicated wine enthusiast and the casual homeowner alike may both benefit from the convenience of an under-counter wine refrigerator. You may get an under-counter wine cooler that meets your needs. You need just venture forth and discover it.