Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
This dual-zone refrigerator is perfect to store and cool both beer and wine. It can be freestanding or built-in and has a sleek seamless door that looks amazing in any space.
Although vibration is generally harmless, it can disturb the sediment in a bottle and trigger complex chemical reactions that are less apparent. This can dull the flavor and reduce esters over time.
Control of Humidity
Humidity is the quantity of water vapor present in the air. It fluctuates throughout the day based on many factors. Temperature, precipitation, and winds can all have an enormous impact on humidity levels. Achieving the right level of humidity is important for a number of reasons. Humidity can affect weather patterns as well as indoor air quality and wine storage. Many aromatic compounds in a wine are affected by humidity changes. If humidity is too high, it can alter the balance of these compounds and alter the taste of the wine. A wine refrigerator can help keep the right level of humidity to preserve a bottle's taste.
A wine refrigerator can help prevent cork deterioration, and ensure that the seal is intact. When humidity is too low, corks may dry out and allow oxygen to enter the bottle, accelerating the process of aging and tainting the wine's taste. A wine refrigerator can help keep the humidity between 55% and 75% to prevent this from happening.
While wine cellars are designed to last a long time, wine coolers can also provide excellent storing conditions for beer and wines. A lot of these units have a dedicated space for beer bottles, so you can store your favourite lagers and craft beers in the same place as your most cherished wines. They also have effective designs that regulate the humidity and temperature to avoid condensation that could damage labels or packaging.
Most models have a hygrometer that allows you to regulate and monitor the levels of humidity in your wine cooler. You can also use a humidifier in your wine refrigerator to boost the humidity.
If you choose to use a wine fridge, place the dehumidifier in a room separate from it. This will stop the dehumidifier from absorbing any of the wine or beer you store in the refrigerator. Humidity control is particularly important if you intend to store your wine for long periods of time. In a short period of time, you might not notice any changes in your wine, but over time the absence of humidity can dramatically alter the flavor profile of your favorite wines.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations inside the wine refrigerator could interfere with the natural aging process of wines that are stored there. Even small vibrations can trigger disturbance in the sediment inside the bottle, which triggers intricate chemical processes that will diminish esters and alter the wine's flavor with time. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that reduces vibrations and noise and allows your wine to age peacefully and properly.
In addition to the fact that wine coolers usually emit less sound than conventional refrigerators, they are predisposed to noise issues due to the system of fans and refrigerant circuits used in the majority of units. It is crucial to follow the clearance guidelines and place your wine cooler in a quiet location away from other sources of noise.
It is also recommended that you clean your wine cooler on a regular basis using a nonabrasive cleaning product and let it "air out" for several minutes prior to filling it up with bottles. This will reduce the amount of dust or dirt that can small wine fridge build up in the air vents.
If you notice that the wine fridge is making loud noises, it could be due to a malfunctioning compressor or electric fan. The compressor is usually situated at the rear of the wine refrigerator. If it is not placed properly or bumps into something behind it the rubber mounts could be shook loose, causing loud humming noises.
The compressor wine cooler operates as a normal refrigerator, electronically compressing air molecules which lowers their temperature, and then blowing them through the interior of the fridge. This type of cooling is much more energy efficient than other cooling methods like evaporator or frost-free refrigerators. The drawback of compressor wine coolers is that they require more frequent repairs and tend to produce more noise than other kinds of refrigerators. Many consumers opt for thermoelectric wine chillers that do not use a compressor.
Temperature Control
Like wine, beer has specific temperature requirements to help it keep its flavor at its peak. This is why it is essential to select the right wine fridge and beverage refrigerator with adjustable temperature controls to ensure that you keep your beverages at the ideal temperature for storage and serving for each style. Dual-zone models are available with separate temperature zones for wine and beer bottles.
In general, the majority of beer types are served colder than wines. However, the ideal serving temperature for any given style is determined by its kind and the method of production. Wheat beers and Pilsners should be served between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas beer brewed with barleywines, IPAs and stronger ales should be served between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you let your beer warm too long it will create a sour "skunky" smell that will ruin the drinking experience.
When it is about wine, it is important to select a refrigerator that has a temperature range that can accommodate your preferred whites, reds, and sparkling wines. Certain wine refrigerators come with humidity-control features to help keep the wine from oxidation and to keep the corks in good condition. Some are even equipped with UV glass to block sunlight, which helps preserve the wine's hue and protect it from premature ageing.
The temperature control system in a refrigerator can be powered either by thermoelectric cooling or compressor technology. Compressors use the vapor compressor to lower temperatures in the wine refrigerator, and thermoelectric models make use of electronic convection fans to circulate cool air around the refrigerator. Most refrigerators employ a combination of these technologies to get the best results.
If you're planning to buy an appliance for wine and beverages that utilizes compressor technology, you should look for one with vibration-absorbing shock pads. This is because the rumble generated by compressors can alter the normal maturing process of wine and accelerate the process of oxidation.
While you can purchase an appliance that is specifically designed for wine, you might find it more cost-effective to shop for a standard refrigerator or even a regular refrigerator that has a spacious interior with movable shelves and ample storage on the doors. You can then customize the space to accommodate an array of wine, beer, and other cans and bottles.
Storage Options
Consider a beverage cooler If you love hosting events. These refrigerators can store bottles and cans of wine, beer and other ice-cold beverages like water and soda. These fridges are available as both built-in and freestanding models. Built-in models can be fitted into cabinets or under counters in kitchens that have limited space.
Refrigerators of both types come in various sizes and styles which makes them suitable for homes with a variety of. Look for models that have sliding shelves that make it easier to locate your most loved beverages and wines. Some refrigerators come with soft LED lighting that reveals your selection in a subtle glowing, soft glow. Some refrigerators even come with a humidity control feature. This feature can prevent frost from forming in your wine and beer bottles, allowing you to enjoy them without worry.
A refrigerator with dual zones can accommodate your favorite wines at their ideal serving temperatures. You can also store craft beer in the separate zones, since it's at similar temperatures to the wine bottle. A dual zone wine and beer refrigerator can also hold larger bottles of spirits or beer than a standard fridge.
Keep your wine and beer in an area that offers lighting protection. The proper conditions will extend their lifespan. The refrigerator should be kept free of odors, dust and other debris that could alter the taste of your beverages over time.
Consider a cellar fridge for storage if you wish to keep an extensive collection and preserve its value. This kind of refrigerator is intended for long-term storage and operates at a slightly warmer temperature than a wine fridge, which allows your wine to maintain their optimal taste. A cellar fridge also has an humidifier that keeps the proper humidity level. This ensures that the cork remains humid and inert. It also prevents external air and notes of food that are in your refrigerator from entering the bottle and degrading it over time.