How a Wine Cooler and Fridge Can Help Preserve Your Cabernet Sauvignon and White Zinfandel

Keep your Cabernet Sauvignon and White Zinfandel at their ideal serving temperatures with wine refrigerators. Some, like the KitchenAid(r) Undercounter Wine Cellar also regulate the humidity levels to help protect the wine and labels from mould.

Traditional refrigerators have plenty of hazards that can deteriorate your wine's rich flavours. This is why wine fridges are readily available.

Temperature Optimal

A wine fridge is an excellent method to keep your collection of wines at a perfect serving temperature. This makes it simple to serve them. To keep the aroma and taste of the wine and to slow down the process of aging, temperature must be consistent and stable. The temperature of the wine should be a bit cooler than room temperature to avoid the wine from getting too cold and losing its flavors.

The best wine coolers are designed to keep the temperature between 54 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit (11 and 14 Celsius). This temperature range is ideal for storage over a long period as it slows down the ageing process and stops the wine from drying. However it is important that the temperature not be too low since this could lead to the wine becoming oxidized and cause other issues.

You can either choose a single zone wine refrigerator to store all your wine, or purchase a dual zone wine fridge that allows you to divide your wine into two zones in order to better manage the temperature. You can keep red wines in one zone and whites in a different and serve each wine at the ideal temperature. This will enhance the drinking experience and make it easier to prepare a cocktail party or dinner, as you can simply shift the bottles into the appropriate zone the night prior to.

Some models of wine refrigerators come with a user's manual that contains information on the specific temperature settings. This manual is crucial to know the temperature control features on your wine cooler. It is also a good idea to check regularly the wine refrigerator temperature, as fluctuations can occur. Keep the Display4top 18-Bottle Wine Fridge with Touch Screen refrigerator away from direct sunlight and heat sources to prevent it from overheating. It is best to avoid opening the wine refrigerator often because this can cause the temperature to fluctuate.

Control of Humidity

Humidity plays an important role in the storage of wine. Low levels of humidity can cause seals and corks to dry out. This compromises the seal which allows oxygen to enter the bottle. This can affect the taste of the wine and cause off-flavors. High humidity promotes the development of mildew and mold, which can affect the labels on wine bottles. A wine cooler with integrated humidity control can help you achieve optimal conditions for the aging of your collection of wines.

The ideal range for humidity is between 50% and the 80% mark. Certain wine refrigerators have a dehumidifying function which aids in controlling humidity by removing excess moisture. This is important because high levels of humidity can damage the quality and legibility of wine labels. The consistent humidity levels also aid in even aging and the development of complex flavors over time.

Simple and easy-to-implement humidification methods are available for your wine refrigerator. Most commonly, a small tray filled with water is set in the bottom of the refrigerator. In time, the water will evaporate and raise the humidity inside your wine refrigerator. You can also install a humidifier specifically made for small spaces. Many are energy efficient and have an adjustable humidity setting.

Another alternative is to make use of baking soda, which is a natural moisture-absorbing properties. Simply open the baking soda container and place it in your refrigerator to reduce excess moisture. You can also use silica gel packs, which are commonly used in packaging of products like food and electronics to absorb moisture. Be certain to replace them regularly.

Some wine refrigerators have humidity control systems that regulate the level of moisture in accordance to pre-set parameters. These systems are more precise than passive methods, and can be especially useful when you have a large wine storage area with different requirements for humidity for different types of wine. Professional custom wine cellars also include cooling units that provide a controlled atmosphere to age your collection. These are usually best for wines with high value that require a stable environment to age.

Noise Reduction

Wine coolers and fridges are a great investment for those who want to preserve the quality of their wines. These appliances can produce noise during operation, which can be disruptive or distracting. There are fortunately various ways to reduce the level of noise generated by these devices.

Compressor cycling is the primary source of noise in wine refrigerators. This process involves circulating the refrigerant to cool the refrigerator's interior, which can cause noises of groaning and buzzing. It is therefore crucial to put the refrigerator on a flat, level surface to avoid vibrations and noise.

Internal Vibrations

Another source of noise from the wine fridge is the rattling or scraping sound caused by bottles moving against one another and the shelves. To lessen the sound, Frydge make sure that the bottles are packed tightly and stored securely to reduce movement. To minimize the sound, it is recommended to make use of wooden shelves or racks instead of metal.

The volume of sound that emanates from a wine refrigerator can be reduced by ensuring adequate ventilation. Regularly cleaning the refrigerator is crucial to remove dirt and debris that can accumulate and interfere the flow of air. It is also recommended to place an isolation pad made of rubber beneath the fridge. This will help to separate it from the hard flooring and minimise any vibrations that could create noise.

Typically, wine refrigerators generate 35 to 45 decibels in normal operation. This is comparable to background noise heard in a suburban home or library, and is considered an acceptable level of noise for a device.

If your wine refrigerator is making louder sounds than usual, it's often recommended to consult the manufacturer's troubleshooting manual, or request an expert to visit and repair it. This will determine whether the appliance is functioning in the way it should or if a more serious issue is present. The technician will be able to identify the issue and correct it as needed.

Versatility

While a fridge is ideal for keeping drinks cold but if you want to store and mature your wine the standard refrigerator won't provide the ideal environment to do this. A wine cooler will keep your bottles at the optimal temperature and also shield them from damaging vibrations. It also maintains a high humidity level for optimal storage.

Standard fridges are usually open several times per day, which allows moisture to get into the refrigerator, causing the temperature to fluctuate. This can harm your wine, as it takes time for the temperature level to return to a normal. A wine refrigerator however, typically has a lock as well as less openings, which reduces the temperature and exposure to air. In addition, wine refrigerators usually include a vibration absorption device which helps to ensure that your wine is not damaged caused by compressor vibration.

A wine fridge can help prevent the unwanted smells from other food items in the refrigerator from getting into your wine bottle. This could negatively affect the taste of your wine, and create a strong odor on the cork that can be absorbed into your wine.

A wine fridge will be able to store both red and white wine and include shelves that keep bottles upright to display their gorgeous design on their labels. Some wine refrigerators have dual zone settings to allow you to store, chill and age wines at their own unique temperature. If you're a serious collector or simply enjoy sharing wine to your friends, a wine fridge is essential for any home. They come in a wide range of sizes and styles including freestanding wine chiller units, built-in and undercounter options to fit into any space of your home. Find the perfect wine refrigerator.