If you’re serious about wine, you know that it requires the proper conditions to be at its best. Although putting a few bottles in the fridge next to leftovers and milk jugs might be fine for most people, serious connoisseurs want a dedicated solution that provides them with the optimal storage environment. Because most of us aren’t fortunate enough to have a wine cellar in our basements, the answer is a wine fridge.
A wine fridge or cooler is a refrigeration unit designed and built specifically for storing wine. They ensure that your bottles will be kept at the ideal temperature so you can enjoy a perfectly chilled glass whenever the mood strikes. Your average kitchen refrigerator might feature adjustable temperatures, but setting it for wine might not be good enough for keeping everything else inside of it fresh. A wine fridge is an essential for anyone who wants to experience wine the way it was meant to be enjoyed.
What are the best wine refrigerators? The answer will depend on your preferences and circumstances, but there are a few ways you can select one that’s right for you. Iron Mountain Refrigeration & Equipment supplies our customers with units from two of the leading brands in the industry — Procool and Summit. These models come equipped with all the latest features, including dual temperature zones, UV-resistant door glass and advanced cooling systems.
Shopping for a wine fridge with us means you can be sure of receiving the highest quality no matter which brand you choose. Outside of your brand preference, however, there are certain factors that you will need to consider. Keep reading to learn more about how to select the model that’s right for your needs.
Beyond the Brand
Just as wine enthusiasts have different preferences based on their palates and pairings, what makes a wine fridge right for you is subjective. You need to think carefully about what you want your cooler to do before you purchase one. This means considering factors such as:
- Temperature ranges — If you’re a red wine drinker primarily, it’s recommended that you keep your favorites between 65 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. For whites, the ideal temperature range is generally accepted to be between 55 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Most coolers are more than capable of hitting these ranges. Though if your collection is a bit more varied, you should look into a unit with dual temperature zones. This means you can have two sections at different temperatures.
- Capacity — The size of your perfect wine fridge will depend on how many bottles you need to keep chilled and ready. For example, a small undercounter option may be suitable for use at home, but not if you run a restaurant. On the other hand, a large freestanding unit works for a retailer, but would be overkill for a homeowner who only has a few friends over at a time. Wine fridges can range from holding six bottles up to more than 100, so be sure you know what your needs are.
- Cooling technology — Some units use traditional compressors like those found in kitchen refrigerators, which can be noisy enough to ruin the ambiance in a cozy restaurant setting. Thermoelectric wine coolers can be more energy-efficient but can struggle in warmer climates.
- Style — Do you want your collection to be on display, or would you rather keep your wine out of the way until you need it? You can choose from countertop, freestanding or built-in models to suit your preferences.
- Additional features — Other conveniences available in wine fridges include UV protection, humidity control and display shelving. Be aware of the conditions where your fridge will be as well as what you’ll use it for when selecting a model.
Iron Mountain has a wide range of wine coolers, and our experts can help you find the model that works best for your needs. Follow the link to shop wine fridges or get in touch with us today to learn more.