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With a wine cooler, you may exhibit your extensive wine collection for all to see. It is also great for storing wine. If you don’t own one but are contemplating getting one, consider storage. Wine coolers come in different shapes and forms, and finding the ideal space for it might be difficult. Because of their intricate functions, wine coolers have some specific installation requirements. These requirements ensure that all parts of the cooler are working optimally and your wine is in a ventilated part.
As wine can only age in certain conditions, getting your wine cooler to match those conditions is crucial. It may sound like a challenging part of the process, but it is a necessary step for a wine connoisseur. In the next paragraphs, we have revealed more about wine coolers, explaining the best tips to place them around the house.
Defining a Wine Cooler
The taste of wine is special. However, there is a particular taste experience for different wines. You decide how your wine tastes based on storage humidity, temperature, light, and vibrations. Placing wine where the temperature is right should be your goal because the wine will store and age perfectly. Wine is quite delicate and needs specific conditions to thrive. Enter wine coolers. A wine cooler is a unit designed to keep your wine in perfect condition for either storage or serving. In addition, they also reduce vibrations that can affect the taste of wine.
A wine cooler is the next best storage option if you cannot afford a wine cellar. Not only are they sleek and cutting-edge, but most wine coolers also come with a dual temperature zone. This means that a single unit can keep wine at long-term storage temperature and short-term serving temperature. The best storage temperature for most wines is 11 – 14℃ or around 55℉ for long-term storage.
A wine cooler comes in three basic designs; built-in, integrated, and freestanding. They vary in size and may hold from ten to a hundred bottles. A freestanding unit is considered the easiest to install. It stands freely and typically does not need to be recessed into a space. A freestanding cooler can stand by your standard fridge or on a kitchen countertop. However, the placement of a freestanding unit is crucial because overheating can occur if wrongly placed. A freestanding cooler exhausts at the rear, so it needs 3-5 inches of space behind and 10 – 12 inches on either side. In addition, keep the top clear and do not place anything on it.
Where to Put a Freestanding Wine Cooler
This particular cooler has some specific placement needs. As such, finding the perfect spot for it requires some thought.
Kitchen
If your unit is compact enough, the kitchen countertop may be an excellent option to put it. However, if your countertop cannot accommodate it, place it by the side of your standard fridge. Having your wine cooler in the kitchen is a great idea if your friends often come visiting. However, keep your wine cooler close to other appliances that generate heat. Ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines can make the inner parts of the wine cooler warmer. If this happens often, the wine cooler will struggle to keep cool, and your electricity bill might increase.
Home Bar
A home bar is another popular and suitable space to place a freestanding wine cooler. For someone who hosts often, a wine cooler in your home bar can make it a center of attraction. Your wine will be cool and ready for serving, and you can showcase your collection. The design of a wine cooler is great for holding bottles at the perfect angle and temperature and keeping vibrations to a minimum. When installing your cooler, ensure you’re allowing enough space for frequent opening and closing of the door.
Dining Room
A freestanding wine cooler can add a touch of class to the dining room. However, some people prefer having a built-in unit in the dining area. A credenza-style cooler can elevate the feel of your dining area. In addition, a freestanding wine cooler tends to make less noise than the other designs. A freestanding cooler makes use of a thermoelectric system that makes it run silently. Thus, you don’t have to bother with a loud hum over dinner conversations.
Where Not to Put a Freestanding Wine Cooler
A wine cooler will work optimally in almost any location, depending on the design. A freestanding unit has its vent behind it where heat escapes. Placing it in a cabinet, under the counter, or against a wall is a bad idea. This is because the heat will be unable to escape, and with time, it builds up. A buildup of heat can eventually cause the internal temperature of the cooler to rise, thus ruining your wine.
The garage is another location that may not be suitable for a wine cooler. Temperature fluctuations may occur there that can affect the cooler’s performance. Conversely, a garage may be ideal in some ways, as no intense lighting can affect the bottles.
A freestanding unit may emit a hum that can interfere with sleep. Although patios are great for hosting, the area is always lit.
Final Thoughts
A wine cooler is a classy and professional way to display your wine collection. You should choose an appropriate position when installing a wine cooler. Ease of access and optimal working locations will ensure that your cooler runs perfectly.
The kitchen, dining room, or home bar are the best options if you need them primarily for hosting and cooking. If you spend more time in the den or entertainment area, having your cooler nearby is a good idea. Also, a cellar might be best if you’re storing your wine more than serving it. Whichever location you choose, having a wine cooler gives any space an air of prestige and class.
