Searching For Inspiration? Check Out Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
Undercounter Wine Refrigerator
Undercounter wine refrigerators are a sleeker alternative to a wine cooler that is freestanding. They are positioned under counters in the kitchen or home bars to make it easier to get glasses of Pinot Noir when you're entertaining.
Before purchasing an undercounter wine refrigerator, carefully measure your designated cabinet space and consider airspace for efficient heat dissipation. Think about a dual zone model that lets you store white and red wine at the ideal temperature.
Size
This single-zone Thor Kitchen wine refrigerator offers all the benefits and design of an undercounter unit however it's in a size that fits well into smaller spaces. It can accommodate up to 40 bottles, but the capacity can be increased or decreased depending on the size of your wine collection. It is available in black or stainless steel to match your style. It can also be a freestanding unit or integrated into your kitchen cabinetry, making it flexible when it comes to positioning.
If wine fridge integrated planning to store white and red wines, you may want to look at a dual-zone wine fridge, like this one from KitchenAid, that has an incredibly flexible layout. The lower zone can be used for storing and aging wine at a temperature between 42 and 64 degF, while the upper section is perfect to keep craft brews or sodas, as well as other beverages chilled.
There are many models that have a large capacity. For instance, this Sub-Zero model can house an enormous wine collection. It's ideal for serious collectors who appreciate a wide variety of wines and drinks. The shelves are spacious enough to hold 33 standard Bordeaux-style bottles. It also comes with the ability to control temperature in two zones, so you can keep white and red wine at the perfect temperature.
A few of these wine refrigerators under counter feature an integrated beverage center as well as wine cellars, which can be handy for those who prefer serving cocktails or other mixed drinks. They can be installed into your counters or cabinets for a seamless, streamlined appearance and are often equipped with hidden hinges to ensure a flush surface. Some, such as this model from KitchenAid, offer a fully flush installation to give a totally integrated look.
Capacity
An undercounter wine refrigerator will protect your wine collection by providing steady temperature and humidity control. It is designed to ensure that wine bottles age properly while minimizing fluctuations that could affect the taste or deteriorate cork. It also has an opaque glass front that blocks UV light, which helps preserve the wine. The dampening mechanism reduces vibration.
Consider models with dual zones of temperature to keep your red and white wine at the right temperature. There are also wine refrigerators that have a temperature monitoring system that alerts you when the temperature of the unit falls outside of its range.
There are also undercounter wine refrigerators with multiple racks, which can accommodate bottles of all shapes and sizes. This will allow you to serve any wine at your next dinner party or gathering. Certain models have separate compartments for beer and cans to keep you stocked with your favorite beverages.
An undercounter wine refrigerator can be an attractive feature to any kitchen design. It's compact and sleek, and the stainless steel design is compatible with a variety of kitchen designs. You can also pick between freestanding or built-in models that give you flexibility in the installation and placement. Before you buy one, make sure to measure the space and take ventilation into account. To ensure efficient heat dissipation the fridge should have at a minimum of a few inches clearance on all four sides. It is not necessary to have an appliance that isn't big enough and could cause damage to your bottles or suffocate the collection.
Temperature Control
If you're looking to keep some of your favorite wines for entertaining or you prefer the taste of chilled drinks under counter, a wine refrigerator is the ideal appliance to make sure your most loved drinks are kept at the perfect temperature. Some models come with a dual zone design, allowing you to separate zones for whites and reds. Some models have a large capacity to hold large wine collections. These features make an undercounter wine cooler an excellent choice for serious collectors.
A built-in wine fridge is seamlessly integrated into your kitchen design to create a seamless design. You can choose from a variety of door styles and finishes that enhance your space, such as stainless steel or black Stainless Steel with PrintShield finish. Many KitchenAid wine refrigerators come with Panel Ready. This means that you can create a custom front to the door and handle that matches your cabinetry.
Wine that is kept at a constant, optimal temperature will last longer and taste better. Sub-Zero's undercounter wine storage has this and more dark opaque glass to block harmful UV rays, dampening engineering to reduce vibration; and two evaporators for steady moderate humidity.
Some wine refrigerators use traditional compressor technology, whereas others are thermoelectric. The traditional compressor is the most popular and gets colder. However, it can also produce heat and create vibrations within the wine cellar. A thermoelectric wine refrigerator is quiet, has no vibrations, and needs only minimal energy to operate. Certain models come with additional features such as customizable LED interior lighting as well as wine racks in various sizes. Some models can be used as beverage centers, which are ideal to store craft beer and seltzer.
Design
You want your wine refrigerator to blend seamlessly into the decor of your home. Consider features such as LED lighting, which offers a soft, energy-efficient light to showcase your collection, and also avoid heating the space. A lot of models have front-facing vents that allow for installation into countertops and cabinets. Other models are freestanding and offer flexible installation options. If you opt for an integrated model, be sure to take measurements of the space you have chosen to ensure that there is enough clearance across both sides of the appliance for proper ventilation. Insufficient ventilation can lead to overheating and other malfunctions.
A wine fridge should keep your bottles in a cool, dark conditions with constant temperatures and humidity control. Look for features such as dark opaque glass to block UV radiation, dampening technology which shields your wine from vibration, and dual evaporators which provide a steady moderate humidity. Making sure your wine is kept in these conditions will help minimize fluctuations in temperature that could reduce the quality of the corks and deteriorate the wine's contents.
Wine drinkers typically enjoy various beverages, so it's important to find an under-counter wine refrigerator that is able to accommodate your needs for beverages. Some wine refrigerators feature multiple temperature zones, which allow you to store red and white wines at the right temperature while keeping other drinks such as craft brews and seltzers cold. This flexibility can make these units a great choice for families who enjoy a diverse selection of drink choices.
Installation
If you choose to install a built-in wine cooler that can be concealed into cabinets, follow the installation guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Make sure you leave enough space to allow for air circulation. Ideally, there should be an inch of clearance around the sides and back of the unit to allow airflow. Also, avoid placing the wine fridge in direct sunlight or too close to a heating appliance, as this can cause damage to the cooling mechanism and ruin your wine.
Freestanding wine refrigerators come with front ventilation and can be set up in a range of places, including the kitchen, living room, or dining space. They are ideal for hosting as a beverage centre with easy access to small food items and beverages like cheeses, martini and limes, lemons, etc. Some models feature a dual zone design that allows you to keep wine at the right temperature for serving and also keep other drinks chilled, such as waters and sodas. This is perfect for your next family meal or a party.
Once the unit is in place, it's a good idea to test the door seal by closing it on a piece of paper. If the paper pulls easily out, the seal might need to be replaced. Check the temperature control and door alignment. After that, you can simply clean the interior and arrange your wine so they're all set to be consumed.
Undercounter wine coolers are stylish and flexible option to store your most loved wines. The KitchenAid line offers a wide assortment of these units. They are designed to seamlessly blend into your existing decor. They have an elegant stainless-steel finish, and numerous features like LED interior lighting which illuminates the interior of the cooler.