Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
A wine fridge that is located under the counter is a stylish alternative to a large freestanding wine cooler. These units are placed under counters in kitchens as well as home bars to allow easy access to glasses of Pinot Noir while entertaining.
Before purchasing an undercounter wine fridge, carefully measure your designated cabinet space and allow for airspace to ensure efficient heat dissipation. Consider a dual-zone model that lets you store white and red wine at the optimal temperature.
Size
This single-zone Thor Kitchen wine refrigerator offers all the benefits and style of an undercounter model, however, it's a size that fits well into smaller spaces. It can hold 40 bottles, which can increase or decrease depending on your wine collection and is available in stainless steel or black to complement your home decor. It can be integrated in your cabinetry or freestanding and allows you to choose its location.
If you intend to keep both white and red wine, you may want to consider a dual-zone refrigerator like the KitchenAid model, which features an adaptable layout. The lower section can be used to store and age wines that range between 42 and 64 degrees. The upper section is ideal for sodas and craft brews.
You'll find plenty of models with a huge capacity, like this one from Sub-Zero, that can accommodate a sizable wine collection. It's perfect for serious collectors who love a wide variety of wines and drinks. The shelves are large enough to hold 33 standard Bordeaux-style bottles and it comes with two-zone temperature control so that you can store your red and white wines at their ideal temperatures.
Some of these undercounter wine refrigerators feature an integrated beverage center in addition to a wine cellar which is useful for those who like to serve cocktails and other mixed drinks. The units can be seamlessly installed into your counters or cabinets for sleek, seamless design and are often equipped with hidden hinges to maintain a smooth surface. Some, like this model from KitchenAid have an installation that is flush to give a built-in appearance.
Capacity
A wine refrigerator under counter can help protect your wine collection by keeping the same temperature and humidity. It's designed to store bottles of wine to ensure optimal aging while minimizing fluctuations that could affect the taste and deteriorate the cork. It also has the benefit of a glass front that blocks UV light, which helps preserve the wine. The dampening technology reduces vibration.
Look into models that have two zones of temperature to keep your red and white wine at the right temperature. There are also wine refrigerators that have the ability to monitor temperature and will notify you when the unit's internal temperature falls outside of its range.
There are undercounter wine refrigerators that have multiple racks that can accommodate bottles of all shapes and sizes. This allows you to serve any wine you want at your next dinner party or gathering. Some models have separate compartments for beer and cans to ensure you have enough of your most loved beverages.
A stylish wine fridge that is under counter can be a stunning addition to any kitchen. It's sleek and compact, and the stainless steel design fits with a variety of kitchen designs. You can also pick between built-in or freestanding models that offer flexibility in the installation and placement. Before purchasing one, make sure to determine the size of the room and consider the ventilation. To ensure that heat is dissipated efficiently the fridge should have at a minimum of a few inches clearance on all four sides. You do not want to end up with an unsuitable wine cooler that's not sized properly and could potentially damage your bottles of wine or suffocate your collection.
Control of Temperature
Undercounter wine refrigerators are the perfect appliance for keeping your favorite drinks at the ideal temperature. Certain models have a dual zone design which allows you to create separate areas for reds and whites. Certain models have a huge capacity to hold large wine collections. These features make an undercounter wine cooler a good option for serious collectors.
A fridge with a built-in refrigerator will seamlessly blend into your kitchen, creating seamless appearance. You can choose from a range of door styles and finishes that complement your space, such as stainless steel or black Stainless Steel with PrintShield finish. A large number of KitchenAid wine refrigerators of the brand are Panel Ready, which means you can build a custom front and handle that you can place over the door to match your kitchen cabinetry.
Wine that is kept at a constant, optimal temperature will last longer and tastes better. Sub-Zero's undercounter wine storage features dark opaque glass that blocks harmful UV rays, absorbing technology to reduce vibration, and dual evaporators to maintain an even, moderate humidity.
Some wine refrigerators use traditional compressor technology, whereas others use thermoelectric. The traditional compressor is the most popular one, and it becomes colder. However it also produces heat and cause vibrations within the wine cellar. A thermoelectric wine fridge is quiet, doesn't vibrate, and requires very less energy. Some models include additional features, such as adjustable lighting in the interior and wine racks of different sizes. Some can even be used as a beverage center which is great for storing craft seltzer and brews.
Design
You want your wine refrigerator to blend seamlessly into the interior decor of your home. Look for features such as LED lighting that provides soft, energy-efficient illumination to showcase your collection without heating up the area. A lot of models have front-facing vents that allow for installation into countertops and cabinets. Some models are freestanding and allow for the flexibility of placement. If you choose a built-in appliance, make sure to measure the space available and ensure that there's enough space around the appliance from all sides to allow adequate ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can cause excessive heat and other problems.
A wine fridge should maintain your bottles in a cool, dark environment that has constant temperatures and humidity control. Look for features like dark opaque glass that blocks UV rays, dampening technology that helps to reduce vibration, and dual evaporators that provide a steady moderate humidity. Making sure your wine is kept in these conditions will reduce variations in temperature that can degrade the quality of the corks as well as degrade the contents.
Wine drinkers typically enjoy a wide variety of drinks, so it's crucial to locate an under-counter wine fridge that is able to accommodate your beverage needs. Some wine refrigerators come with multiple temperature zones that allow you to store red and white wines at their optimal temperatures while keeping other drinks such as craft brews and seltzers cold. This flexibility can make these units a great choice for families that enjoy a diverse selection of drink choices.
Installation
If you choose to install a built-in wine cooler which can be recessed into cabinets, be sure to follow the specific installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. Be sure to leave enough space to allow for ventilation. Idealy the unit should have at least an inch of clearance on the sides and back to allow for adequate airflow. Also, do not place the wine fridge in direct sunlight or too close to a heating appliance, as this could damage the cooling mechanism and cause damage to your wines.
Freestanding wine refrigerators have front ventilation and can be put in a wide range of places, including the kitchen, living room or dining space. They can also function as a beverage center for entertaining, providing easy access to beverages as well as small food items such as cheeses, limes and lemons, martini olives, etc. The dual zone design of some models lets you store wines at the ideal serving temperature and also keep other drinks such as sodas and water chilled, ideal for your next event or family dinner.
After the unit has been put installed it's recommended to test the door seal by closing it onto a piece paper. If the paper pulls easily out, the seal may require replacement. Check the temperature control and door alignment. After that, simply wipe down the interior and arrange your wine so they're ready to drink.
Undercounter wine coolers are stylish and flexible option to store your most loved wines. The KitchenAid line comes with a broad selection of these units. They are designed to seamlessly blend into your existing decor. They feature an elegant stainless-steel finish, and a variety of features, including LED interior lighting that illuminates the interior of the cooler.