Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
This dual-zone refrigerator is ideal to store and cool both wine and beer. It can be built-in or freestanding and has a sleek seamless door that looks stunning in any space.
While vibration is generally safe but it can disrupt the sediment in a bottle and trigger complex chemical reactions that are less evident. This can alter the taste and decrease esters over time.
Humidity Control
Humidity refers to the amount of water vapor in the air, and it fluctuates throughout the day due to a number of factors. Temperature, precipitation, wind and other environmental conditions can dramatically affect humidity levels. Keeping humidity at optimal levels is crucial for a variety of reasons. Humidity affects the weather patterns and indoor air, as well as wine storage. The aromatic compounds that are present in wine are affected by variations in humidity. If the humidity is too high, it can alter the balance of these substances and alter the taste of the wine. A wine refrigerator can help maintain the proper humidity level to preserve a bottle's taste.
A wine refrigerator can also prevent cork deterioration and ensure an adequate seal. Corks may dry out when the humidity is too low. This allows oxygen to enter the bottle and accelerates the process of aging. A wine fridge can help to maintain an average humidity of 55% to 75 percent to stop this from occurring.
While wine cellars are designed for aging over time, wine coolers can also provide ideal storage conditions for wines and beer. They usually have designated spaces for beer bottles so you can store your favorite craft beers or lagers right alongside your favorite wines. These units are designed to balance the humidity and temperature in order to prevent condensation, which can damage labels and packaging.
Most models include the hygrometer, which lets you regulate and monitor the levels of humidity in your wine cooler. You can install a humidifier in your wine refrigerator to increase the humidity.
If you opt to use a wine fridge, place the dehumidifier in a space apart from it. This will ensure that the dehumidifier does not absorb any of the wines or beers you're storing in your fridge. Controlling humidity is especially crucial if you plan to keep your wine for lengthy durations of time. For a brief period of time, you might not notice any changes in your wine. However, over the course of months or years, a lack of humidity can significantly alter the flavor profile of your favorite wines.
Vibration Absorption
Vibrations in the wine refrigerator can interfere with the natural aging process for the wines that are stored there. Even minor vibrations can cause sediment to move into the bottle, triggering complex chemical reactions that can reduce esters and dull the wine's flavor as time passes. In order to protect your precious wine collection, all La Sommeliere units are equipped with a specific vibration absorption system which significantly lessens the impact of tremors and noise and ensures that your wines age properly and quietly.
Despite the fact that wine refrigerators produce less noise than normal fridges, the fan and refrigerant circuits that are found in many units are still susceptible to creating noise. It is for this reason that it is important to follow the clearance guidelines when installing your wine cooler, and to place it in a quiet area away from other sources of disturbance.
In addition, it is recommended to regularly clean your wine cooler with an agent that is non-abrasive and allow the unit to "air out" before loading it with bottles. This will help reduce dust and dirt that can build up in the air vents.
If you notice that your wine fridge is making loud noises it could be due to a malfunctioning compressor or electric fan. The compressor is usually located behind the wine fridge. If it is placed in an unbalanced position or bumps into something behind it, it may shake itself loose from its rubber mounts and create loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler works as a normal refrigerator, electronically compressing air molecules, which decreases their temperature and then blowing them throughout the interior of the fridge. This kind of cooling is much more energy efficient than other cooling methods, like frost-free or evaporator refrigerators. Compressor wine coolers are noisy and require regular maintenance. This is why many people opt to purchase thermoelectric wine coolers that do not utilize compressors.
Temperature Control
Like wine, beer has specific temperature requirements that help it maintain optimal flavor. It is essential to choose a beverage and wine refrigerator with adjustable temperature controls. This allows you to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature for storage see page and serving for each type. Dual-zone models are available, which have separate temperature zones for wine and beer bottles.
Generally speaking, most beer styles prefer to be served colder than wine. The ideal temperature to serve a particular style will depend on the type and the method of making it. For instance wheat beers and pilsners can be enjoyed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit while IPAs, sours and barleywines as well as stronger ales should be served at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The beer that is left to warm too long will create an unpleasant "skunk" smell that takes away from the overall drinking experience.
When it comes to wine, you'll need to choose a refrigerator with the right temperature range to accommodate your favorite reds, whites, and sparkling wines. Some wine refrigerators have humidity control features to help prevent oxidation, and keep the corks in good condition. Some even feature specialized UV glass to block sunlight, which helps maintain the wine's color and shield it from premature ageing.
A refrigerator's temperature control system can be powered by compressor technology or thermoelectric cooling. Compressor-powered units use the compression of vapors to reduce temperatures within the wine fridge and thermoelectric models depend on electronic convection fans that circulate cool air throughout the refrigerator. For the best results, most refrigerators use both of these technologies.
If you're considering buying an appliance for wine and beverages that uses compressor technology, you should look for one with shock pads that absorb vibration. The vibrations triggered by compressor-based operations can disrupt the maturation process of wine and speed up oxidation.
While you can buy an appliance that is specifically designed for wine, you might prefer to purchase a standard refrigerator, or even a standard refrigerator that has a large interior with adjustable shelves and ample storage on the doors. You can customize the space so that it can fit a variety of bottles and cans, including beer, wine and other drinks.
Storage Options
Think about a cooler for drinks If you love hosting events. These fridges are designed to store bottles and cans of beer and wine along with other cold drinks like water and soda. These fridges are available as both freestanding and built-in models. Built-in models can be integrated into cabinets or under counters in kitchens with small space.
Both types of refrigerators come in a variety of sizes and styles which makes them suitable for the majority of homes. Make sure you choose models with sliding shelves, which makes it easier to locate your most loved beverages and wines. Some refrigerators come with soft LED lighting that highlights your collection in a gentle, soft glow. Some refrigerators also include a humidity control function. This feature can prevent the formation of frost in the wine and beer bottles, allowing you to enjoy them without worry.
Dual-zone refrigerators can keep your wine at the optimal temperature to serve. You can also use the two zones to store your craft beer since it typically has the same ideal temperature ranges as an wine bottle. A dual zone wine-beer refrigerator can hold larger bottles of spirits or beer than a typical refrigerator.
Keep your beer and wine in an area that offers light protection. The right conditions will extend their lifespan. Keep the refrigerator free of odors and dust which can alter the taste of your beverages.
If you're planning to store a huge collection of wines and want to preserve their quality, consider the cellar refrigerator. This type of fridge is designed for long-term storage and is able to operate at a slightly higher temperature than a wine refrigerator, allowing your bottles to develop their best taste. A cellar fridge also comes with an humidifier that keeps the right level of humidity. This ensures that the cork remains dry and impermeable. It also keeps the outside air and the food items that are in your refrigerator from entering the bottle and deteriorating it over time.