3 Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wine Cooler
If there’s one thing everyone knows about wine, it’s that a well-aged red is among the finer things in life.
You may think that wine can age and stay drinkable forever, but the truth is that wine can go bad as well. Some more affluent people invest in wine cellars to store their bottles and keep them fresh and delicious. If you don’t have a cool ten thousand dollars (and often more) to drop on a wine cellar though, a good alternative is a wine cooler.
Wine coolers aren’t meant to store your bottles long-term. If you’re simply looking for a short- to medium-term storage solution that will keep your drinks in good condition, though, then a wine cooler could be perfect.
With so many wine coolers out there, how do you know which one is best? Well, here are a few factors you’ll definitely need to consider:
1. Energy Efficiency
Whenever you are out there looking for wine coolers, always pay attention to its energy efficiency. After all, just like a normal fridge, it is going to be switched on all day. You’ll want to search for something that’s as energy-efficient as possible. Other variables such as how often you open the cooler and the temperature of the room the cooler is in will have a hand in how much power it uses. Yet, it does not change the fact that you should always choose energy-efficient coolers.
While many of these coolers will not indicate their energy consumption (displayed as kWh/year), some manufacturers will state it on their website. You should be looking for a cooler that is at or below 400 kWh/year, as these are the most energy-efficient.
2. Temperature Range
How cold should a wine cooler be? While there is no fixed number, the answer will depend on what kind of wine you are storing in the first place. For example, if you are storing red wine, those can range from 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 Celsius).
If you have specific wines you want to store, then this is an excellent way to figure out which one cooler is good for the wines you want to store. If you will be storing different wines together, then a wine cooler with a range of 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 18 Celsius) is good. That way, rosés that require that low temperature and red wines can go with the higher temp can all be stored without a problem.
3. Usability
How usable should the wine coolers be? This will include the shelving, the door, and even the controls. Put simply, usability focuses on how easy it is for you to use the wine coolers. Again, to know how usable your cooler will be, consider what wines you want to store.
For instance, if you are storing only one type of wine, a single-zone cooler will suffice. However, if you are storing two or more, a dual-zone cooler might be what you need.
Another thing to consider is the shelves. You should make sure that there is enough space (of the right size) to the bottles of the wine you are storing. Added features like removable shelves can be handy as well.
At the end of the day, the usability of your wine cooler will depend on what you want and what type of wine you are working with.
Conclusion
If you are out looking for a wine cooler, consider its temperature range, energy efficiency, and usability. With these three factors combined, you will be able to end up with the perfect wine cooler for your needs. As a final factor to consider, look at how the wine cooler looks aesthetically! If you have it in the open, look for something visually appealing. Not only will your cooler add to the room it’s in, but it will also be a great talking point for visitors.
Do you have more questions about wine coolers or minifridges? We have articles addressing all kinds of questions, such as how much minifridge costs over at Pixel Fridge. Check out our informational posts today!