Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
When you're hosting guests, or just enjoying a relaxing glass of wine after an evening meal, this dual-zone fridge is the ideal solution to store and chill both wines and beers. It can be freestanding or built-in and has a sleek seamless door that looks stunning in any space.
Although vibrations are generally not harmful however, they can cause disturbance to the sediment inside a bottle, and trigger chemical reactions that might not be obvious. In time, this can reduce esters and produce dull flavors.
Humidity Control
Humidity is the quantity of water vapor in the air, and it fluctuates throughout the day based on a variety of factors. Temperature or precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions can significantly affect humidity levels. It is crucial to keep humidity at an optimal level for a variety of reasons. Humidity affects the weather patterns as well as indoor air quality and wine storage. Many aromatic compounds in wine are affected by variations in humidity. The taste of a wine can be altered by excessive humidity. It can alter the balance of these aromatic compounds. A wine refrigerator can help keep humidity levels at the ideal level to protect the flavor of a bottle.
A wine refrigerator can help prevent the deterioration of corks as well as ensure the proper seal. If humidity is too low, corks will dry out and allow oxygen to enter the bottle, speeding up the aging process and tainting the wine's flavor. A wine refrigerator can help to maintain a humidity level of 55%-75 percent to prevent this from happening.
Wine coolers are also a great option to store wine and beer. A wine cellar is primarily designed for long-term storage. Many of them contain a space specifically for beer bottles, which means you can easily store your beer and craft beers in the same place as your preferred wines. These units are designed to balance temperature and humidity in order to avoid condensation, which could damage labels and packaging.
Most models have an hygrometer which allows you to monitor and adjust humidity levels in your wine cooler. You can also use an humidifier to increase the humidity in your wine refrigerator.
If you decide to use a dehumidifier, make sure it's in a separate area from the wine fridge. This will ensure that the dehumidifier does not absorb any of the wines or beers that you are storing in the fridge. If you intend to store your wine for a long period of time, controlling the humidity is vital. In a short amount of time, you may not notice any changes in your wine, however over months or years the absence of humidity can significantly alter the taste of your favorite wines.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations inside the wine refrigerator could disrupt the natural aging process of the wines that are stored there. Even small vibrations can cause sediment to move in the bottle, triggering complex chemical reactions that will decrease esters and dull wine's flavor over time. To protect your precious wine collection, all La Sommeliere units are equipped with a unique vibration absorption system which significantly lessens the impact of tremors and noise, and helps ensure that your wines age in a safe manner and quietly.
Apart from the fact that wine coolers generally emit less sound than conventional refrigerators, they're susceptible to noise problems due to the system of fans and refrigerant circuits that are found in the majority of units. This is why it is important to follow all clearance guidelines when installing your wine cooler and to place it in a quiet area away from other sources of disturbance.
Additionally, it is also recommended to regularly clean your wine cooler with an agent that is non-abrasive and to allow the unit to "air out" before loading it with bottles. This will minimize 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 typically situated in the back of the wine refrigerator. If it is placed in an unbalanced position or is struck by something behind it, it may shake itself free from its rubber mounts and cause loud humming noises.
The compressor wine cooler functions similar to a regular fridge by compressing air molecules electronically, which lowers their temperature. They are then blown through the interior of your fridge. This kind of cooling is more efficient in energy use than other kinds of cooling like evaporator and frost-free refrigerators. Wine coolers that use compressors are loud and require more frequent maintenance. For this reason, many consumers choose to purchase thermoelectric wine coolers that do not make use of a compressor system.
Temperature Control
Like wine, beer has specific temperature requirements to help it keep its optimal flavor. It is crucial to choose the right wine and beverage refrigerator with adjustable temperature controls. This allows you to keep your drinks at the ideal temperature for storage and serving for each style. There are dual-zone models that have a separate temperature zone for wine bottles as well as a separate temperature zone for other beverages or beer.
In general, the majority of beer styles are served cooler than wines. The ideal temperature to serve a particular style will depend on the kind and how it was made. For instance wheat beers and pilsners can be enjoyed between 40 and 50°F while sours, IPAs and barleywines as well as stronger ales should be served between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. The beer that is left to warm too long will create an unpleasant "skunk" smell that can detract from the overall enjoyment.
You'll want a wine refrigerator with an appropriate temperature range for your favorite whites and reds. Some wine refrigerators have humidity control features that can help stop the cork from oxidation and keep it in good condition. Some wine refrigerators even come with a UV-blocking glass specifically designed to keep sunlight from damaging the wine and causing it to age prematurely.
A refrigerator's temperature control system can be powered by either thermoelectric cooling or compressor technology. Compressor units utilize vapor compressors to lower temperatures in the wine refrigerator, and thermoelectric models utilize electronic convection fan technology to circulate cool air through the refrigerator. compact wine fridge employ both of these techniques to get the most efficient results.
If you're planning to buy an appliance for wine and beverages that uses compressor technology, you should look for one that has shock pads that are vibration-resistant. The vibrations generated by compressor-related operations could disrupt the wine's maturation process and speed up the process of oxidation.
While you can purchase a fridge that's designed specifically for wine, you might find it more cost-effective to purchase a standard refrigerator or a regular refrigerator that has a large interior that has movable shelves and plenty of door storage. You can then modify the space to accommodate an array of beer, wine, as well as other bottles and cans.
Storage Options
Consider a cooler for your drinks if you like to host parties. These refrigerators can store bottles and cans of beer and wine along with other beverages that are ice cold such as water and soda. They are available in both freestanding and built-in models. Built-in models can be installed under counters or in cabinets in kitchens with a small space.
The two types of refrigerators are available in a broad range of sizes and styles which makes them suitable for homes with a variety of. Find models with sliding shelves to make it easier to locate your preferred beverages and wines. Some refrigerators feature soft LED lighting that can show off your collection with soft, gentle light. Some refrigerators include a humidity control function. This feature can stop the growth of frost in your wine and beer bottles, so you can enjoy your favorites without worrying about the build-up of frost.
A refrigerator that features dual zones can accommodate your favorite wines at their optimal serving temperatures. You can also use the two zones to store your craft beer as it typically has the same ideal temperature ranges to an wine bottle. A dual zone wine and beer refrigerator can also hold larger bottles of spirits or beer than a regular household fridge.
Keep your wine and beer in an area that offers lighting protection. The right conditions will extend their life. Keep your refrigerator free of odors and dust that can affect the taste of your beverages.
You should consider a cellar fridge for storage if you wish to keep your entire collection and preserve its value. This type of refrigerator is designed to be used for long-term storage. It operates at a slightly higher temperature than a wine fridge which lets your bottles age with their best flavor. A cellar refrigerator also has humidifiers that keep the proper humidity level. This helps ensure that the cork remains dry and inert, preventing outside air and notes from refrigerator food from entering the wine bottle and degrading its quality over time.