Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
Undercounter wine refrigerators are a more stylish alternative to a freestanding wine cooler. They are positioned under counters in kitchens and at home bars to make it easy to access the glass of Pinot Noir while entertaining.
Before purchasing an undercounter wine refrigerator, carefully measure your designated cabinet space and consider airspace for efficient heat dissipation. Look into a dual-zone model that allows you to store white and red wine at the ideal temperature.
Size
The single-zone wine refrigerator made by Thor Kitchen offers all the benefits of a sleek undercounter unit in a dimension that is perfect for smaller spaces. It can hold 40 bottles, which can increase or decrease depending on your collection of wines, and is available in stainless steel or black to complement your home decor. It can be freestanding or integrated into the cabinetry in your kitchen and is therefore an option for positioning.
If you're planning on storing both red and white wines, you might consider a dual-zone wine fridge like this one from KitchenAid which has a versatile layout. The lower section can be used to store and aging wines at temperatures of 42 to 64degF, while the upper section is ideal for keeping craft brews or sodas, as well as other beverages chilled.
There are numerous models with a huge capacity, like this one from Sub-Zero, that can accommodate a sizable wine collection. It's ideal for serious collectors who love a wide range of drinks and wines. Its generously sized shelves can hold 33 standard Bordeaux-style wine bottles. It also comes with the ability to control temperature in two zones which allows you to store red and white wine at the perfect temperature.
Some of these wine refrigerators under counter feature an integrated beverage center in addition to wine cellars, which can be handy for those who prefer serving cocktails or other mixed drinks. These units can be seamlessly integrated into your cabinets or counters to create a seamless and streamlined look. They often have hidden hinges that maintain a flush surface. Some, like this model from KitchenAid have flush installations to create an integrated appearance.
Capacity
A wine refrigerator undercounter can help protect your wine collection by keeping an even temperature and humidity. It's designed to hold bottles of wine to ensure optimal aging and to minimize fluctuations that could impact the flavor and degrade the cork. It also has the benefit of a glass front that blocks UV light, which helps keep the wine fresh. The dampening engineering reduces vibration.
If you're looking to store a larger collection of wine, think about models with dual temperature zones that let you to keep red and white wines at the ideal temperature. You can also find wine refrigerators that have a temperature monitoring system that will notify you when the unit's internal temperature falls outside of its range.
There are also undercounter wine fridges that have multiple racks that can be used to accommodate a wide variety of bottles in different sizes and shapes so you'll be able to serve any wine at your next dinner party or get-together. Some models also have separate storage compartments for beer and cans to keep you well-stocked with your favourite drinks.
A wine refrigerator under the counter can be a stylish feature to any kitchen design. It's sleek and compact and the stainless steel design is compatible with a variety of kitchen styles. You can pick from freestanding and built-in models, which give you more flexibility in terms of installation and placement. Before you buy one, make sure to assess the space and take ventilation into account. Ensure the fridge has at least a few inches of clearance on all sides to allow efficient heat dissipation. You don't need a wine fridge that is too small, and could cause damage to the bottles or choke the collection.
Temperature Control
Undercounter wine refrigerators are a great appliance for keeping your favourite drinks at the right temperature. Some models have a dual zone design, allowing you to create separate areas for reds or whites. Some models have a bigger capacity that can hold large collection of wine. These features make a wine cooler under counter a good option for serious collectors.
A fridge with a built-in refrigerator will seamlessly blend into your kitchen, creating an elegant look. You can choose between different door designs and finishes that complement your space. For example, you can choose black Stainless Steel or stainless steel with PrintShield. Many KitchenAid wine refrigerators from the brand are Panel Ready that means you can build a custom front and handle on the door to match the cabinetry in your kitchen.
Wine stored at a steady, optimal temperature lasts longer and tastes better. Sub-Zero's undercounter wine storage provides this and more dark opaque glass that blocks harmful UV rays; dampening engineering to reduce vibrations; and dual Evaporators for a steady moderate humidity.
Certain wine refrigerators utilize traditional compressor technology, whereas others use thermoelectric. Traditional compressors are more common and gets colder, however it can also generate heat and cause vibrations within the wine cellar. A thermoelectric wine refrigerator is quiet, does not produce vibrations, and requires only a little energy to operate. Some models have additional features such as customizable LED interior lighting as well as wine racks of different sizes. Some models can be used as beverage centers, which are ideal to store craft beers and seltzer.
Design
If you decide to purchase a wine refrigerator you would like it to blend seamlessly with the decor of your home. Consider features such as LED lighting, which gives an energy-efficient, soft light to showcase your collection, and also avoid heating up the space. Many models feature front-facing vents that permit easy installation into countertops and cabinets. Some models are freestanding and allow for a variety of placements. If you opt for a built-in appliance, be sure to determine the available space and ensure that there is enough clearance around the appliance's perimeter for proper ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can result in malfunctions or overheating.
A wine refrigerator should preserve your bottles in the cool, dark space with constant temperatures and humidity control. Look for features such as dark opaque glass to block UV radiation, dampening technology that protects against vibration and dual evaporators which ensure a constant moderate humidity. Keeping your wines in these conditions will reduce fluctuations in temperature that can reduce the quality of the corks as well as degrade the contents.
Wine lovers typically consume many different drinks, so it's crucial to find an under-counter wine refrigerator that can accommodate your beverage needs. Certain wine refrigerators have multiple temperature zones that allow you to keep white and red wines at the ideal temperature while keeping other drinks like craft brews and seltzers cool. This flexibility can make these units an ideal option for families who enjoy an array of drink choices.
Installation
Follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer if you opt for a wine cooler which is built-in and can be integrated into cabinetry. Make sure that you leave plenty of space to allow for air circulation. Ideally, there should be one inch of space between the sides and back of the unit to allow airflow. Also, do not place the wine fridge in direct sunlight or too close to a heat-emitting appliance, as this could affect the cooling mechanism and cause damage to your wines.
Freestanding wine fridges can be set up anywhere, be it in the kitchen, dining room, or living room. They have front ventilation. They can be used for entertaining as a center for drinks with easy access to food items and drinks like martinis, cheeses or limes, lemons and so on. The dual zone design of a few models lets you store wines at the ideal serving temperature, while keeping other drinks such as sodas and water chilled, which is ideal for your next event or family meal.
It's a good idea to test the seal of the door by closing it on a piece of white paper. If under counter wine cooler pulls out, the seal may need to be replaced. Also, make sure to test the temperature control settings and door alignment. After that, you can simply clean the interior and arrange your wine so they're ready for consumption.
If you're looking for a stylish flexible way to keep your favourite wines in your fridge look into the range of wine coolers that are undercounter from the KitchenAid brand. Designed to blend seamlessly with your existing décor, these versatile units offer a sleek stainless steel finish and numerous features, such as LED interior lighting that illuminates the inside of the cooler to facilitate storage and retrieval.