Wine coolers, also referred to as wine refrigerators, come in many different shapes and sizes. From large units that can hold hundreds of bottles to smaller under-cabinet models, deciding which wine cooler to buy can be a daunting task. As with any big purchase you’re faced with, an informed decision is likely the best decision. So, grab a glass of wine and learn the basics of choosing a wine cooler for your Fort Lauderdale luxury home!
1. Size – Whether you’re an avid wine collector or you’re just starting your wine appreciation journey, deciding how many bottles you need to store is important. On the small end of the spectrum are 6 to 25 bottle wine coolers, which provide the casual drinker about 1 to 2 weeks of storage. On the other end of the spectrum are the 53 bottle and higher wine coolers. These larger units are ideal for serious collectors and frequent entertainers.
Maria Gabriela, a lifestyle and wine collection specialist, recommends selecting a 40-bottle wine cooler if you’re not sure how large your collection might become. “It’s small enough to fit any home without compromising too much space and it will also fulfill the goal of keeping a collection that is big enough to be enjoyed by the collector or to be used for purposes of entertaining,” says Gabriela.
2. Quality and Features – Some wine drinkers stick with one color — red or white. In that case, a single-zone cooler should be sufficient. If you or your guests enjoy both red and white wines, then a dual-zone cooler would be more ideal.
A standard wine cooler should store your wine at the proper temperature and relative humidity. Higher quality units offer separate cooling zones for storing and tempering white and red wines. Other features that are available, include pull-out shelving for various sized bottles, digital temperature control panels, locks, alarms and UV-protected glass.
3. Placement – There are two types of wine coolers, built-in and freestanding. A built-in, or under counter wine cooler, vents from the front of the unit. As a result, the unit can fit in tight spaces. In contrast, a freestanding unit vents from the rear of the unit and requires about 2 to 4 inches of clearance on each side. Without the proper clearance, the warm air could become trapped and cause the wine cooler to overwork itself.
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a wine cooler for your home. If you focus on these three aspects, it should make the process easier. From everyone at Luxury Living Fort Lauderdale, cheers to your new wine cooler!
Image via Sub-Zero-Wolf.com
