How a Wine Cooler and Fridge Can Help Preserve Your Cabernet Sauvignon and White Zinfandel
Wine refrigerators keep your White Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon at the perfect serving temperature. Some, like the KitchenAid(r) Undercounter Wine Cellar also regulate the humidity levels to protect labels and wine from mould.
Traditional refrigerators have plenty of hazards that can deteriorate your wine's rich flavours. This is why wine refrigerators are available.
The Ideal Temperature
A wine fridge is a great way to keep your collection of wines at the perfect serving temperature. This makes it simple to serve them. The temperature of the wine needs to be maintained at a consistent and stable temperature to help preserve the flavour and aroma of the wine, while also slowing the process of aging. The temperature of the wine should be slightly cooler than room temperature to prevent the wine from becoming too cold and losing its taste.
The most efficient wine coolers are designed to keep the temperature between 54 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit (11 and 14 Celsius). This temperature range is ideal for long-term storage as it slows down the aging and prevents the wine from drying. The temperature shouldn't be too high, since this could cause oxidation or other issues.
You can use a single-zone wine fridge to keep all your wine collection or purchase a dual-zone wine fridge which allows you to divide the wine into two different zones to better control the temperature. For instance, you can keep your red wines in one area and your whites in the other in order to easily serve them at the ideal temperature for each type of wine. This will enhance the drinking experience and help you to prepare a cocktail party or dinner, as you can simply shift the bottles into the proper zone prior to the night before.
Some models of wine fridges will have a user manual that contains specific information about temperature settings. It is important to read this document carefully to familiarize yourself with the specific temperature control features of your wine cooler. It is also a good idea to check regularly the temperature of your wine fridge since fluctuations can occur. It is recommended to keep the wine refrigerator far from sunlight and heat sources which will help to keep the interior of the fridge from overheating. It is also a good idea to not open the wine fridge, because this can cause the internal temperature to fluctuate.
Humidity Control
Humidity plays a crucial part in wine storage. Low humidity levels cause corks to dry out, which compromises the seal and allowing oxygen to infiltrate the bottle. This can alter the taste of the wine, and can cause off-flavors. The high humidity encourages the growth of mold and mildew which can alter the labels on wine bottles. A wine cooler that has integrated humidity control will help you to achieve optimal conditions for the aging of your wine collection.
The ideal humidity range is between 50% and 80%. Some wine refrigerators have a dehumidifying function that helps to regulate humidity. It helps remove excess moisture. It is important to remember that high humidity levels could impact the quality and legibility on labels for wine. Additionally regular humidity levels can encourage even the aging process of your wine collection and encourage the development of complex flavors over time.
Simple and simple methods for humidification are available for your wine refrigerator. Most often, a small tray with water is placed at the base of the refrigerator. Over time the water will evaporate and increase the humidity of your wine refrigerator. You can also use a humidifier specifically designed for smaller spaces. Many are energy-efficient and offer an adjustable humidity setting.
Baking soda is an alternative. It has natural moisture-absorbing properties. Simply open the baking soda container and place it strategically in your refrigerator to reduce moisture. You can also make use of silica gel bags, which are commonly used to package electronic items as well as food items. Be sure to replace them periodically.
Certain wine refrigerators have humidity control website systems built-in which automatically regulate humidity levels in accordance to pre-set parameters. These systems are more precise than passive methods, and they can be especially useful in the case of an extensive wine storage area with different requirements for humidity for different types of wine. Additionally, professional custom wine cellars have built-in cooling systems that provide a controlled environment to age your wine collection. These are best for wines that are expensive and require an environment that is stable to age.
Noise Reduction
Wine refrigerators and coolers are great investments for those who wish to maintain the quality their wines. When in operation, these appliances can create some noise which could be distracting or disruptive. There are a variety of steps that can reduce the amount of noise that these appliances produce.
One of the major sources of noise that comes from wine refrigerators is the wine chiller compressor cycling. This process involves the circulation of refrigerant to cool the interior of the fridge, and could result in groaning and buzzing sounds. It is therefore important to place the refrigerator here on a flat, stable surface in order to prevent noise and vibrations.
Internal Vibrations
The sound of scraping and rattling that are caused by bottles colliding against one another or against the shelves is another common source of noise in the wine refrigerator. To lessen the sound ensure that the bottles are securely packed and secured to limit movement. It is also beneficial to utilize wooden shelves or racks rather than metal to reduce some of the sound.
The level of noise emitted from a wine fridge could be reduced by ensuring the proper airflow. Cleaning the fridge regularly is essential to get rid of dust and debris which can be a source of obstruction to with the flow of air. It is also recommended to install an isolation pad made of rubber underneath the fridge. This will help separate it from the hard flooring and minimise any vibrations that can cause noise.
Typically, wine refrigerators produce 35 to 45 decibel levels during regular operation. This is similar to the background sound heard in a quiet suburban residence or library and is considered an appliance that has the lowest noise level.
If your wine refrigerator is making louder sounds than usual, it's often helpful to consult a manufacturer's troubleshooting manual or call an expert to visit and repair it. This will help determine whether the appliance is functioning in the way it should or if there's a more serious problem that needs to be addressed. The technician can identify the problem and repair it as needed.
Versatility
While fridges are ideal for keeping drinks cold however, if you're looking for a place to preserve and mature your wine, the standard refrigerator won't provide the ideal conditions to do so. A wine cooler keeps your bottles at a perfect temperature and also shield them from damaging vibrations. It also maintains the level of humidity to ensure optimal storage.
The standard fridge is usually opened multiple times a day. This allows moist air to enter the refrigerator which causes the temperature to fluctuate. This can cause damage to the wine as it takes time for the temperature to return to ideal. A wine refrigerator, on the other hand is smaller in openings and a cheap wine coolers refrigerators lock to limit the risk of temperature fluctuations and exposure to air. In addition, wine refrigerators usually include a vibration absorption device that can help protect your wine from damage caused by compressor vibration.
A wine refrigerator can also aid in preventing the unpleasant smells from other food items in the refrigerator from entering your wine bottle. This can affect the flavor of the wine and narrow wine refrigerator leave an unpleasant odor on the cork.
A wine fridge will be able to store both white and red wines and include shelves that keep bottles upright so you can display their gorgeous label art. Some wine refrigerators come with dual zones that allow you to chill wine, age it and store it at different temperatures. Whether you're an avid collector or simply enjoy sharing wine to your friends, wine fridges are a must for any home. They are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, including freestanding units, built-in and undercounter options to fit into any space of your home. Find the ideal wine fridge here.