Choosing a Beverage and Wine Refrigerator
If you're hosting guests or just enjoying a relaxing glass of wine during an evening meal, this dual-zone fridge is the ideal way to store and chill both wines and beers. It can be either freestanding or built-in, and features a seamless, seamless door that is able to fit into any space.
While vibrations are generally harmless but they can disrupt the sediment in a bottle and cause chemical reactions that may not be visible. In time, this may reduce esters and produce dull flavors.
Humidity Control
Humidity is the amount water vapor that is present in the air. It fluctuates throughout the day based on various factors. Temperature or precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions can dramatically influence the humidity levels. Maintaining a healthy level of humidity is crucial for a variety of reasons. The humidity affects weather patterns as well as indoor air quality and wine storage. The delicate composition of a wine contains numerous aromatic compounds that are sensitive to changes in humidity. A wine's taste can be affected by excessive humidity. It can alter the balance of these aromatic compounds. A wine refrigerator can help maintain the proper humidity level to preserve the taste of a bottle.
A wine fridge can also prevent cork deterioration and ensure a proper seal. Corks can dry out if the humidity is too low. This allows oxygen to get into the bottle and accelerates the aging process. A wine refrigerator can be used to maintain the humidity level between 55%-75 percent.
Wine coolers are also a great way to store wine and beer. A wine cellar is primarily designed to be used for long-term storage. Many of these units contain a space specifically for beer bottles, meaning you can easily store your favorite craft beers and lagers in the same place as your most cherished wines. They also have effective designs that balance temperature and humidity to prevent condensation that can damage labels or packaging.
Most models include an hygrometer which lets you control and adjust the humidity levels in your wine cooler. You can also use a humidifier to boost the humidity of your wine fridge.
If you decide to utilize a dehumidifier make sure it is set up in a separate area from the wine fridge. This will prevent the dehumidifier from absorbing any wine or beer you store in the refrigerator. The control of humidity is especially important if you plan to keep your wine for long durations of time. In a short period of time, you might not notice any changes in your wine, but over time an absence of humidity can drastically alter the taste of your favorite wines.
Vibration Absorption
Vibrations in the wine refrigerator could interfere with the natural aging process for the wines stored inside. Even minor vibrations can cause sediment to move inside the bottle, triggering complex chemical reactions that will decrease esters and dull wine's flavor over time. All La Sommeliere units have a vibration absorption system that reduces the sound and tremors which allows your wine to age in peace and in a proper way.
Despite the fact that wine refrigerators emit less noise than conventional refrigerators, the fans and circuits for refrigerant used in a variety of units are still susceptible to producing noise. For this reason, it is important to follow the clearance guidelines when installing your wine cooler, and to place the unit in a quiet spot far from any other sources of disturbance.
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 with bottles. This will decrease the amount of dust or dirt that may build up in the air vents.
If you notice that your wine fridge is making a lot of noises, it could be caused by a malfunctioning compressor or electric fan. The compressor is usually located behind the wine refrigerator. If it is positioned unevenly or is struck by something behind it, it can shake itself free of its rubber mounts, which can create loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler operates similar to a conventional refrigerator by electronically compressing air molecules, which reduces their temperature before blowing them throughout the interior of the fridge. This type of cooling is more efficient in energy use than other kinds of cooling like evaporator and frost-free refrigerators. The downside to compressor wine coolers is that they require frequent repairs and tend to generate more noise than other kinds of refrigerators. Because of this, many people opt to purchase thermoelectric wine coolers that don't utilize compressor systems.
Control of Temperature
Beer, like wine, has specific temperature requirements to ensure its flavor is maintained. It is essential to choose a beverage and wine refrigerator that has adjustable temperature controls. This will allow you to store your beverages at the perfect temperature for storage and serving for each type. There are dual-zone models that provide a separate temperature zone for wine bottles, and separate temperature zones for other beverages or beer.
Generally speaking, most beer types prefer to be served colder than wine. The ideal temperature to serve a particular style will depend on the kind and the method of making it. For example wheat beers and pilsners can be consumed between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, while sours, IPAs barleywines, and more robust ales should be served between 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you let your beer warm too much it will begin to develop an unpleasant "skunky" smell that can make drinking unpleasant.
You'll need a wine fridge that has an appropriate temperature range for your favorite whites and reds. Some wine refrigerators have humidity control features to help stop oxidation and keep the corks in good order. Some wine refrigerators also have specialized UV-blocking glass to stop sunlight from damaging the wine and causing it to age prematurely.
The temperature control system in refrigerators is powered by compressor technology or thermoelectric cooling. 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 fridges use a combination of these technologies for the best results.
If you're planning to buy a wine and beverage fridge that utilizes compressor technology, you should consider buying one with shock pads that absorb vibration. The vibrations caused by compressor-based operations could disrupt the process of maturation of wine, and accelerate the process of oxidation.
Although you can purchase refrigerators that are specifically designed for wine, you might prefer to buy a conventional refrigerator or a regular refrigerator that has a spacious interior with movable shelves and plenty of door storage. You can alter the space to accommodate a variety bottles and cans, such as beer, wine and other drinks.
Storage Options
If you love hosting parties and have a wide range of drinks to serve think about a beverage cooler. These fridges store bottles and cans of beer and wine along with other cold drinks such as water and soda. They're available in freestanding and built-in models. Built-in models can be fitted into cabinets or under counters in kitchens with limited space.
Both types of fridges are available in a wide range of sizes and designs which makes them suitable for most homes. Make sure you choose models with sliding shelves, which makes it easier to find your favorite wines and brews. Some refrigerators feature soft LED lighting that showcases you can find out more your collection in soft, gentle light. Some refrigerators also come with a humidity control feature. This feature can stop the formation of frost inside the wine and beer bottles, allowing you to enjoy them without worrying about it.
Dual-zone refrigerators can keep your wine at the ideal temperature for serving. You can also use the separate zones to keep your craft beer in storage as it typically has the same ideal temperature ranges to a wine bottle. A dual zone beer and wine refrigerator can also hold larger bottles of beer or spirits than a typical fridge for home use.
The proper storage conditions can prolong the life of your beer and wine, so be sure you keep them in a well-ventilated area that provides adequate light protection. Keep the refrigerator free of dust and odors that can affect the flavor of your drinks.
If you're storing a large collection of wine and wish to preserve their quality, consider a cellar refrigerator. This kind of refrigerator is designed for long-term storage and is able to operate at a slightly higher temperature than a wine fridge, permitting your bottles to maintain their optimal taste. A cellar fridge also comes with an humidifier that keeps the right humidity level. This helps to ensure that the cork remains dry and inert, preventing external air and the traces of food stored in refrigerators from entering your wine bottle and deteriorating its quality over time.