Having a good storage method helps maximize the enjoyment of your wine. Whether you're a casual wine drinker or an expert with an ever-growing wine collection, a wine cooler can really help you enjoy the flavors and aromas of your favorite wine. Nevertheless, the widest variety of wine cooler options on the market also makes selecting the best wine cooler for you a difficult task. You can get a standard size wine fridge or a dual zone cooler, and much more. In this blog, we aim to make your decision easier based on what works best for you and your kitchen's configurations.
Buying A Wine Cooler: A Guide
1. Consider the Wine Cooler Types
Wine coolers come in a wide range of types, each built to meet the different storage needs. Before deciding on a cooler, it’s important to understand the several wine cooler types available.
Freestanding Wine Coolers
These wine coolers are the best and are ideal if you have extra space in your kitchen or living room. They are portable and easy to set up! There is no installation.
Built-In Wine Coolers
If you like a more integrated look, panel ready refrigerator is built to blend smoothly with your cabinetry. These coolers are created to fit into standard kitchen spaces and offer a stylish and perfect finish.
Dual Zone Wine Coolers
For those who like red and white wines, a dual-zone wine cooler is the best option. These coolers help you to store various types of wines at the optimal temperatures. The ZLINE 24” Monument Dual Zone 44-Bottle Wine Cooler in Stainless Steel (RWV-UD-24) is the best example of a top-quality dual-zone wine cooler. It ensures both red and white wines are kept at the best temperature, making it a must-have for wine lovers.
2. Size Matters: Finding the Right Fit
Before deciding on a wine cooler, size is likely one of the important factors. You want to find a cooler that fits nicely into your existing space and holds the number of bottles you are looking for in your collection. Typically, a standard-size wine fridge holds 18 to 50 bottles, but if you are a serious collector, you may consider going bigger.
If you are working with limited space, the ZLINE 24 in. Monument 154 Can Beverage Fridge in Stainless Steel (RBV-US-24) is the best option. This cooler is small enough to fit in tighter kitchens or wet bars and will hold a considerable amount of cans and bottles without taking up too much space.
3. Know the Temperature Range and Features
Wine coolers are usually designed to store wine between 40°F and 65°F, which covers the proper storage temperature for both red and white wines. That said, you’ll want to ensure that you check the specifications of each cooler and make sure you are matching your wine cooler needs! If you are one that drinks red, for instance, you might want a cooler with a little warmer range.
The Thor Kitchen 24-Inch Independent Dual Zone Wine Cooler and Beverage Center is another best option to consider. This model includes independent zones for wine and beverages, allowing for more flexibility with drink storage. It has enough capacity to store up to 46 bottles of wine, making this model a wonderful option for all wine enthusiasts who appreciate various types of wine.
4. Aesthetic Appeal: Blending with Your Kitchen
In addition to functionality, the appearance of your wine cooler is crucial to consider as well. Although wine coolers are built to chill, they can also serve as conversation pieces in your kitchen or for your dining area. If you want your wine cooler to fit in with the rest of your kitchen, the most suitable choice would be a panel-ready refrigerator that can integrate cabinetry panels on either side or on the door, possibly providing a hidden, cool, and compact look.
5. How Long Are Wine Coolers Good For?
Purchasing a wine cooler can be a beneficial investment, especially when you consider how long you expect it to last. Most wine coolers are built to last between 7 and 15 years; it depends on the type of materials used in addition to the level of maintenance conducted.
Proper service and cleaning of wine coolers will extend their longevity for many years past the point of purchase, and when you select a quality cooler like ZLINE wine coolers, you will have reliable cold storage for years to come.
6. Noise and Vibration Levels
For many wine enthusiasts, the best kitchen appliances don't just work well; they also work quietly. Some wine coolers, especially older models, can be noisy. If you want to place your cooler in a quieter area or right next to your dining area, you will want to choose a cooler that runs at a very low noise level. Also, look for wine coolers with vibration-reduction technologies, since vibrations can harm wine as it matures.
7. Budget-Friendly Options vs. Premium Units
Wine coolers vary in price points. Basic wine coolers can give you basic features at a budget purchase, while higher-priced coolers come with higher-level features like touchscreens, digital temperature controls, and finishes. If you're on a budget, search for must-have kitchen appliances to ensure that you're getting the most sought-after features within your purchasing range.
10. Review the Warranty and Customer Support
When buying a wine cooler, always check the warranty provided by the manufacturer. Many wine coolers will offer a 1- to 2-year warranty, but higher-end models may offer extended warranty plans. Choosing a product from a respected brand like ZLINE ensures that you will receive excellent customer support in case any issue occurs.
Conclusion
Any wine lover can change the game by using the right wine cooler and starting. From wine coolers the size of a fridge to dual-zone wine coolers, there is an endless variety of wine coolers that suit every purpose and kitchen footprint. There are products available, including the ZLINE 24-inch model.
The Monument 154 Can Beverage Fridge and the ZLINE 24" Monument Dual Zone 44-Bottle Wine Cooler offer a perfect blend of features, along with a panel-ready refrigerator that creates a seamless look in your kitchen. The right wine cooler will allow you to experience your wine collection as intended.
