Why are Wine Fridges so Expensive? Please read below
In recent years, wine refrigerators have been one of the most popular kitchen appliances on the market. Wine fridges are usually very expensive and can easily cost a couple thousand dollars. But there is a way to get a cheaper version of this appliance for your home without compromising quality.
Why are Wine Fridges so Expensive?
If you’re interested in buying a new wine fridge but don’t want to spend an arm and leg, you should check out our guide below!
Why are Wine Fridges so Expensive?
Wine fridges are so expensive because they do so much. They keep the temperature perfect, limit wine bottle vibration, control UV light and humidity and can be built in.
Keep The Temperature Perfect
Reason 1: They Keep The Temperature Perfect. Wine fridges are designed to keep the temperature between 36°F and 64°F, depending on the type of wine you have. This ensures it’s at its best tasting while still keeping it safe to drink.
They Limit Wine Bottle Vibration
Reason 2: They Limit Wine Bottle Vibration. Wine bottles need to be stored at a 45-degree angle and kept away from walls or vibrations. Most wine fridges automatically adjust themselves to comply with this, although some may need an adjustment period during which they’ll stay more upright for a few days before switching to its natural position.
Wine Coolers Control UV Light And Humidity
Wine coolers control UV light and humidity by trapping them in their chambers. They also release them at a controlled rate and avoid too much humidity, which can damage wine labels and ruin its taste.
Reason 3: They Control UV Light And Humidity. Most wine fridges control UV light and humidity by trapping it in their chambers. Wine coolers release this at a controlled rate to avoid the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria as well as not having too much humidity which can damage wine labels and ruin its taste.
Wine Coolers Can Be Built In
Build-in wine cabinets allow you to save space by installing your appliances vertically rather than horizontally, making the most of every square inch of floor space. Since they’re built into the cabinetry, no one knows they exist until they open the doors.
Reason 4: Wine coolers can be built in. Build-in wine cabinets allow you to save space by installing your appliances vertically rather than horizontally, making the most of every square inch of floor space. Since they’re built into the cabinetry, no one knows they exist until they open the doors
Are Wine Fridges Worth It?
Wine fridges are awesome. But are they really worth it? You probably know someone who is already knee deep into wine, or you may even be that person yourself. Either way, if you’re interested in adding a wine fridge to your collection, then it’s important to know whether or not they’re actually worth the money. As with anything else, there are both pros and cons to consider before buying one of these cool machines, so let’s take an objective look at them now!
What Is A Wine Fridge?
A wine fridge is simply a refrigerator which is designed for storing and chilling bottles of wine. They can come in all kinds of sizes and shapes, but typically they’ll have some kind of built-in cooling mechanism to keep the temperature consistent. This will often allow you to adjust the settings, sometimes even by half degrees, which is very important when storing your wine collection (more on this later).
Why Would I Want A Wine Fridge?
There are two main reasons why someone would want a wine fridge: for convenience and for quality. Convenience is straightforward; you can rest assured that your wines won’t go bad while hidden away in a dark corner of your kitchen (and let’s be honest – who wants to take up valuable counter space like that?). As far as quality goes, it’s no secret that wine tastes better at the proper serving temperature. While most people don’t mind their red wines served slightly chilled or even room temperature, it’s fairly well known that white wines are best at around 50-55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, let’s talk numbers for a minute. Economically speaking, the average wine fridge is somewhere between medium and large sized refrigerator you can buy at your local appliance store, so they typically range from about $1,000 to upwards of $4,000 depending on the type of wine cellar you’re looking for. The price will also depend on additional features like touchscreen controls or internal lighting. That said, if there was ever an item worth spending money on then this would probably be it!
What Are Some Of The Drawbacks?
There are actually very few drawbacks when it comes to getting a wine fridge . However, let’s be objective here – nothing is absolutely perfect, and this is simply a matter of fact when it comes to these appliances. The main issue that people have with wine fridges is space constraints. If you can’t find a large enough spot in your home for your fridge then you may not be able to install it (or at least not without sacrificing some valuable countertop real estate).
Another minor inconvenience is the temperature range . It’s true! You’ll need to make sure that you’re buying the appropriate type of cooling unit for storing both red and white wines. The vast majority of wine fridges will handle this easily, but if you buy one specifically labeled as “red only” or “white only,” then be aware that won’t do much good when it comes time to chill your Pinot Grigio.
Protect Your Investment! The best way to protect yourself from having to readjust your temperature settings is by insulating the wine bottles before you place them inside the fridge. While this may be a minor inconvenience in itself, it’s really no different than how you would store these wines normally (i.e. placing them in an enclosed area with nice temperature control).
What Types Are Available?
If you’re interested in finding out more about what types of wine fridges are available for purchase, then take a look at some of our recommended products on Amazon by following this link. You can choose the size and style that fits your needs, but make sure to keep in mind any space restraints when making your purchase.
Conclusion
It is not surprising that wine fridges are expensive. The cost of a large, high-quality fridge can range from $1,000 to at least $4,000 in some cases. However, there are other ways for you to get your wine chilled without investing so much money in an appliance.
If you have the space and budget for it, consider purchasing a smaller refrigerator or freezer with adjustable shelves to store your wines separately according to type or style. You may also want to look into buying one of the many portable mini refrigerators available on the market today which will allow you easy access while entertaining guests outside near grills and pools!
Thank you read this article “Why are Wine Fridges so Expensive?”
The type of wine cooler that you choose should be determined by your needs. If you are a casual drinker or just want to have a few glasses with dinner, then the best option would be wine coolers from the grocery store.
Types of Wine Coolers
These wines will not have as high quality as those from higher-end brands but they will still taste fine and it’s easier on your wallet. On the other hand, if you plan on hosting a party or drinking more than one glass at once, there are many types of wine coolers available in liquor stores including ciders, champagnes and ports.
These wines are also perfect for when entertaining guests because they come in different sizes which means that everyone can find their preferred level of alcohol intake.
Types of Wine Coolers on the market
There are three main types of wine coolers: counter-top, built-in and freestanding.
Counter-Top Wine Coolers:
Counter top wine coolers, sometimes referred to as “wine cabinets,” can be placed on a kitchen counter or in a dining room and look like furniture. However, unlike other furniture in the house the temperature is regulated with a thermostat. These units typically will fit around six bottles of wine and can be found in both single zone and dual zone models; the latter allows you to store different types of wines at different temperatures.
Built-In Wine Coolers:
Built-in wine coolers blend into cabinetry for an attractive finish that matches your kitchen decor. While the units are affixed to your home, like a counter-top model they can be set to one temperature and feature either single zone or dual zone capability. Built-in wine coolers typically hold more than 30 bottles of wine and some might even include a hideaway section for extra storage.
Freestanding Wine Coolers:
Freestanding wine coolers resemble mini refrigerators but allow you to keep up to 90 bottles at the proper temperatures. They also feature adjustable shelving so you can customize the unit based on your collection’s needs. Some models have self-closing doors that help retain the desired temperature even longer after opening, which is a useful function if you often forget to shut the door quickly enough after retrieving your favorite wines.
Single Zone:
A single zone wine cellar is a unit that is cooled to an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit and can hold up 16 bottles of wine at a time in one unites area or shelf compartment.
Dual Zone:
A dual zone wine cellar is a unit that is cooled to an average temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and can hold up 16 bottles of wine at a time in one unites area or shelf compartment, but has another compartment that is maintained at an average temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to choose the best wine cooler for your needs
There are several factors to consider when choosing the type of wine cooler that meets your needs.
First, consider how much space you have available in your kitchen, dining room or other location where you plan to place the wine cooler. If possible, take measurements before making a purchase to ensure that it will fit into your desired area.
Next, what types of wines do you wish to store? Will you need one zone for reds and another for whites in order to store different vintages in their ideal conditions? Or does one size simply suffice for both reds and whites?
Also keep in mind what features are important for you like self-closing doors, adjustable shelving or dual zone capability; these can all make life easier for you.
Finally, consider your budget and how much wine will be stored in the cooler at one time.
Conclusion
The type of wine cooler you choose will depend on the needs and wants of your customers. If your customer is looking for a more atmospheric experience, then they may want to purchase an electric or gas-powered wine cooler that brings about better quality wines with lower alcohol content
If their goal is to bring out specific flavors in their wine while keeping it at cellar temperature, then they would be interested in purchasing a thermoelectric cooling system.
However, what’s most important is not which type of wine cooler you use but how well it fits into the lives of your clients. We can help you pinpoint the perfect one by asking questions like “What are my client’s favorite types of wines?”
Do you identify yourself as a wine lover? If the answer is “yes”, this article is meant for you. When it comes to wine, one of the things that often frustrate people is how susceptible it is to environmental factors – including light and heat. Even a minor change may completely ruin its taste. For this reason, a wine cooler is always recommended to preserve the wine’s flavor for long.
Here, we have compiled a list of the best small wine coolers – each of which is analyzed in detail to make you better understand if they are a good fit for you. We hope that after reading through the article, you should be able to figure out at least one satisfactory option.
How do I choose a Small/ Mini Wine Cooler?
Now that we have known some of the best small wine coolers, it’s time for us to understand a few important criteria to consider – before making a purchase.
Wine Cooler Types
When it comes to type, there are a lot of options out there: countertop, freestanding, etc. For those who prefer some kind of versatility, the popular freestanding type is possibly worth the investment. However, if space saving is one of your concerns, an under-the-counter cooler is probably the better choice. And if you don’t need to store too many bottles (i.e: only 4-20), then a small countertop model is the way to go.
Cooling Zones
For those who only need to store some specific types of wine (white, red), you’d better stick to a single-zone model. That being said, if you identify yourself as a hardcore wine enthusiast, a dual-zone model that enable separate temperature settings is better recommended for you.
Cooling Technology
This is meant to be a consideration for those who care about quiet operation. Below is a breakdown of a few technologies available now:
– Compressor: As the most popular cooling technology now, compressor is generally the way to go – that is, if you don’t care about weight and noise.
-Thermoelectric: The selling points of this technology are its energy efficiency and vibration-free operation. However, keep in mind that thermoelectric coolers only work well if the ambient temperature is neither too low or high.
-Hybrid: As the name might have suggested, coolers using this technology boast the selling points of the two former options – at the cost of a generally high price.
Reviews Of The Best Small/ Mini Wine Cooler on the market
As a high-quality mini wine chiller, Nutrichef PKCWC120 is the perfect “container” for both white and red wine – hence, if you are a wine enthusiast, good news for you! Not to mention, it is capable of storing up to 12 bottles of wine at the same time.
Nutrichef PKCWC120 is designed using advanced compressor cooling technologies. Thanks to the featured adjustable temperature setting, you are able to choose the exact heat range necessary to store your favorite beverages. Inside, there are numerous built-in LED lights, circulation fan, as well as ventilation grill – all of these help to make operation much simpler for users.
The product’s sleek and modern design makes it a welcoming addition to any room in any house. And don’t forget, Nutrichef offers a full 1-year warranty, so don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Pros
Compact, contemporary design.
Can store up to 12 bottles.
Temperature control that allows users to switch between 41 – 64°.
Automatic lock feature to ensure child safety.
Quiet operation.
Cons
Some customers have supported that it may not work properly some time.
Ivation’s small wine fridge is designed using up-to-date compressor technologies, which help preserve the wine’s temperature against all environmental factors. It is capable of maintaining the temperature from 41-64° F – that should be enough for you to keep your favorite bottle of white wine for long.
Operation with this wine cooler is pretty simple – just pick the temperature you desire, and let it take care of everything else. Inside, there is a built-in fan that helps ensure unobstructed air circulation – this, in turn, should provide the perfect condition for wine storage. On top of that, the thermopane door is there to protect the wine from UV lights.
With numerous LED lights to light up all labels, Ivation’s wine cooler is the perfect choice even for newbies. Not to mention, an LCD display is featured for simpler operation, and the racks are detachable for easy cleanup.
Pros
Touch controls.
Unobstructed air circulation.
Thermopane glass door that completely repels UV lights.
Removable racks for easy cleanup and storage of differently sized bottles.
Energy-efficient LED lighting
Cons
The fridge may break down after a few years of constant usage.
3. 20L Compact Cooler/Warmer Mini Fridge/Wine Cooler
Compact Cooler/Warmer Mini Fridge/Wine Cooler www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0851C2Z8M
With a storage capacity of 20L, this wine cooler is spacious enough for you to store a bunch of stuffs in case you are about to set off for a long journey. Despite being spacious, it is still compact enough to fit into most car trunks/seats easily.
As you may have seen from the name, this is a dual-purpose cooler – which means it is suitable for both cooling and warming beverages. For the latter purpose, you can use it to keep things warm up to 65 degrees C. Thanks to the featured LCD display and easy-to-use control setting, adjusting the temperature to the proper range should be simple – and possible with just a few button touches.
The wine cooler can be placed in a variety of places – in your dorm room, in the office, or even in your car. Not to mention, its efficient energy consumption and 1-year warranty policy mean your investment should pay off eventually.
Pros
Perfect air circulation.
Quiet operation.
Simple, easy-to-use buttons.
Dual-purpose wine cooler that is capable of storing other types of drinks.
Cons
Some customers report that it is not cold enough.
4. Antarctic Star Wine Cooler
Antarctic Star Wine Cooler is the perfect companion for those who wish to protect their wine from the damaging effects of heat – with a temperature range from 40-60 degrees F, it will surely provide an “antarctic” environment for your beverages! What’s more, the wine cooler comes with an airtight seal glass door, which helps to maintain humidity at the perfect level.
Antarctic Star’s compact, modern design makes it a beautiful addition to your living room. Its 1.6 cubic feet storage space allows it to store a bunch of beverages. Not to mention, there are a few horizontal racks for you to store your drinks much more safely.
Pros
Soft LED lighting.
Dual-pane glass door.
Detachable stainless steel shelves for easy cleanup.
Energy efficient.
Intuitive controls
Quiet operation.
1-year warranty.
Cons
No thermometer.
Not good for storing standard-sized bottles of wine.
5. NutriChef PKCWC12 Wine Cooler
As one of the best small wine coolers available now, Nutrichef PKCWC12 is capable of storing up to 12 bottles of wine at the same time. Designed using advanced compressor cooling technologies, it is the perfect way to keep your favorite red/white wine chilled for long. What’s more, the product comes with a built-in fan and ventilation grill, which help ensure unobstructed air circulation. This, in turn, makes sure that the storage condition is always at its finest.
One thing that is super convenient about Nutrichef PKCWC12 is its touch-button display, which is available in both Celsius and Fahrenheit metrics. The product’s compact and stylish design makes it a perfect addition to one’s kitchen or living room. And don’t be worried about potential noise – for it operates pretty quietly!
Pros
12-bottle storage capacity.
Advanced compressor cooling technologies.
Adjustable temperature control from 41 – 64° F.
Soft-touch control.
Good circulation.
1-year warranty.
Cons
More suitable for small and medium-sized bottles.
Some customers report that the interior LED lights do not work properly.
6. Kalamera 15 Inch Wine Cooler
Kalamera 15 Inch Wine Cooler surely packs a punch in terms of storage capacity – it is capable of storing up to 30 bottles (wow, that’s a big deal!). Its spacious space allows you to store larger-sized bottles such as Pinot and Champagne quite effortlessly. For wine enthusiasts, this should be pure good news!
In terms of convenience, the wine cooler is designed with a temperature memory feature – unlike other models that require users to set the temperature again after a power loss, this one will automatically take care of that, thereby saving you lots of time and preventing wine from getting damaged! Thanks to the one-touch button control, operation is pretty simple.
Pros
Double-layered glass door.
Stainless steel frame.
Detachable wooden shelves.
Safety lock.
Cons
A little bit pricey.
There have been customer reports about faulty models.
7. Phiestina 46 Bottle Wine Cooler
This 46-bottle model from Phiestina is truly one of the best small wine coolers – it features a modern compressor cooling and air duct system, which ensures the perfect storage condition for your wine without producing too much noise. Thanks to the dual-zone design, users are capable of setting 2 separate temperature ranges for the lower and upper zones (50-60 F and 40-50 F, respectively).
One more feature that is worth mentioning is the front-vent-from-kick-plate design, which surely adds a nice, elegant touch to one’s room. With 5 detachable shelves, users are given a lot of freedom in terms of customizing the wine cooler’s structure. No matter what type of drink you want to preserve – water, red, white wine, cocktail, etc. – let Phiestina do the job for you!
Pros
Front-vent-from-kick-plate design
Dual-zone design.
Removable shelves.
Durable.
Energy efficient.
Quite operation.
Cons
Some customers report about faulty models that malfunction after 2 weeks.
8. Colzer Upgrade 15 Inch Wine Cooler
Colzer 15-inch wine cooler is designed to provide you with a perfect method to store your favorite wine – specifically, in terms of temperature and humidity control, it will surely not disappoint you! Unlike cheaper models, this one makes sure that all settings will remain stable always.
The wine cooler is spacious enough to store up to 30 standard-sized bottles, which should be more than enough for most wine enthusiasts. But don’t worry if your bottles are bigger-sized – there’s an approximate 3.5-inch space between each shelf for you to slot your bigger bottles in. The product’s removable shelves not only allow for easy cleanup, but also mean that you can customize its layout in whatever way you find appropriate.
Pros
International up-to-date cooling technologies.
Vibration absorption to better preserve wine for long.
Compact, stylish design.
Convenient temperature memory feature.
8 to 10-year service life.
Cons
Sometimes it does produce a little noise.
9. BODEGA 15 Inch Wine Cooler
Don’t let its size deceive you – in fact, BODEGA wine cooler is capable of storing up 31 bottles at the same time! Whether you need to store wine shortly or for long doesn’t matter – this one makes sure that your favorite beverage will always retain its flavor and taste. Just set the product’s temperature to be within the range of 41-68 degrees F, and it will take care of the job for you!
Designed using state-of-the-art compressor cooling technologies, BODEGA wine cooler provides an ideal storage condition that will remain stable always. Its vibration absorption gear means that users should not be worried too much about annoying noises while it is operating. Thanks to the featured LCD display and intuitive touch controls, you should be able to change its setting effortlessly.
Pros
Double-layered glass door.
Carbon filter system.
Smart sensor.
Adjustable feet.
Digital control.
Safety lock.
Compact design.
Can be placed under the counter or used as a freestanding fridge.
Cons
Durability is an issue that some customers have reported.
10. Whynter 20 Bottle Thermoelectric Wine Cooler
Let’s move on to the last – but not least – pick in our best small wine cooler review. Whynter WC-201TD is spacious enough to hold up to 20 standard-sized bottles. Thanks to the thermoelectric cooling function, not only does the fridge consume energy efficiently, but it also operates pretty quietly.
In terms of aesthetics, Whynter WC-201TD will not disappoint you either – its sleek, stylish design makes it the perfect addition to one’s room. With this cooler, you are ensured that your favorite beverages will be preserved in the finest condition possible. In case you need to change the temperature setting, take advantage of the LCD display and soft-touch control panel for maximum convenience.
Pros
Modern thermoelectric cooling technologies.
Compact, stylish design.
20-bottle storage capacity.
Quiet operation
Precise temperature control.
Cons
There have been reports about potential water leakage.
FAQs about Small Wine Cooler
Why use a small wine cooler instead of a large one?
Obviously, a small wine cooler is recommended for those who are concerned about space saving. Not to mention, such coolers can be placed in a variety of places in your house. And remember, small wine coolers are capable of maintaining the temperature range and humidity level much more consistently than larger models.
That said, a smaller size means less space to store bottles. If you want to store a variety of wine, a larger-sized model is worth the consideration.
Are small wine coolers available in different sizes?
Yes. From 10-48 inches, and from 4-30 bottle storage capacity, you have a lot of options to choose from.
Conclusion
As long as you identify yourself as a wine enthusiast, there’s no reason not to have a wine cooler in your house/office. Not only does it help preserve your favorite beverage and protect it from environmental changes, but it also allows you to enjoy your drinks chilled (or warm in some cases). With the availability of several models nowadays, picking one that suits your needs (and budget) may prove to be troublesome for newbies – that’s why we have compiled this best small wine cooler review for you. Hopefully, among the 10 options listed above, at least one will definitely capture your attention.
With summer here, it is great to have a few effortless cocktails to add into the rotation. This particular cocktail spotlights chai concentrate as the inspiration point, using just a few other simple ingredients to highlight the gorgeous spices in the chai and really let them shine through. The rye whiskey marries so well with the chai—think about the refreshing summer version of a hot toddy—with a bit of maple syrup for sweetness and added body and the tart brightness of cherry juice. There is just enough acidity from the cherry juice and plenty of complexity from the whiskey and chai to keep the cocktail lively and playful. As you sip, let the caramelized orange garnish infuse into the drink to bring in even more layers of flavor. Grilling? Skip the skillet and throw a few orange slices on the grill for garnish instead.
2 ounces rye whiskey; I used Templeton Rye
1 ounce chai concentrate; I used Dona Chai
1 ounce cherry juice; I used Santa Cruz Organic
1/2 ounce maple syrup
half a slice of an orange, cut 1/4″ thick, for garnish
1 tablespoon cane sugar
Heat a skillet on medium high heat. Coat one side of the orange slice in sugar. When the skillet is hot, place the orange on it, sugar side down, and let caramelize for about 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on the orange as it caramelizes, careful not to let it burn. Remove the orange from the skillet and let it cool on a cutting board.
Combine rye whiskey, chai concentrate, cherry juice, and maple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of ice, return the lid to the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously until the side of the shaker begins to frost. Strain the cocktail into a coupe glass and garnish with the caramelized orange slice.
1/4 cup crumbled bacon (or pomegranate for a meatless version)
Toss the shredded brussels sprouts with lemon bacon vinaigrette and transfer to a serving dish. Top with fresh thyme leaves, apple slices, toasted pecan, and crumbled bacon. Save any leftovers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 2-3 days.
Lemon Vinaigrette
makes about 1/3 cup vinaigrette
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 teaspoons stoneground mustard
2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon minced shallot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons bacon fat, warmed to liquid form (substitute olive oil if preferred)
In a medium-sized mixing bowl whisk together lemon juice, mustard, vinegar, honey, minced shallot, salt, and black pepper. Stream in warmed bacon fat while whisking until the vinaigrette is well-integrated and creamy. You can also accomplish this by shaking the vinaigrette in a sealed jar, rather than whisking it. Store any leftover vinaigrette in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use within a week.
