How to Select a Wine Cooler

Storing your wine in the right environment and serving it at the correct temperature is essential to getting the most out of every bottle. Wine coolers are specifically designed to hold bottles at the ideal serving temperature. They have horizontal shelves so the liquid flows towards the neck so that the cork won’t dry out and crack; this prevents air from getting into the bottle. Learn how to select a wine cooler for your wine collection in this Build.com video:

When choosing a wine cooler, you’ll need to consider placement, capacity, temperature settings and features.

Placement

Decide where you’re going to put your wine fridge. That will determine if you need a freestanding or under-counter model. Built-in wine coolers are vented at the front, so they can be installed within cabinetry. They come in a variety of widths to fit existing spaces. There are even slim 15-inch designs, perfect for replacing an outdated trash compactor. Freestanding wine coolers are vented on the side or the back. so they’re not suited for cabinet installation. These models have finished sides, which means they look great standing on their own.

If your wine cooler will be in the kitchen, consider placing it outside of the regular traffic pattern so you can grab a bottle without interrupting the cook. There are even wine coolers approved for outdoor use which are great for party decks, outdoor kitchens and poolside entertaining.

Capacity and Temperature Settings

You need to consider how big your wine collection is and what varietals you will be storing. Wine coolers come in designs that hold as few as seven bottles to more than 100. Some have special shelves designed to hold larger bottles like burgundies.

Unlike standard beverage centers which keep beer and soft drinks ice-cold, wine coolers are designed to hold your collection at the perfect serving temperature. Red wine is typically served between 60-70 F and white wine between 50-60 F. Sparkling wines are best chilled to 40-50 F. If you’ll be storing more than one type of wine in the same cooler, consider a dual zone model so you can have perfectly chilled wine on hand, no matter what’s on the menu.

Special Features

If you need to keep your collection secure, you can get a model with a locking door or door alarm. Choose a wine cooler with a display shelf to keep special bottles front and center. Glass doors with UV protection filter out light that can damage your wine.