Are You Getting The Most From Your Beer And Wine Refrigerator?
Choosing a Beverage and Wine RefrigeratorIf you're hosting guests or enjoying a quiet glass of wine with a meal, this dual-zone fridge is the ideal way to keep and chill both wine and beers. It can be built-in or freestanding and has a sleek seamless door that looks stunning in any space.
Although vibrations are generally innocuous, they can disturb the sediment inside a bottle, and trigger chemical reactions that may not be obvious. In time, this may reduce esters and produce dull flavors.
Control of Humidity
Humidity is the quantity of water vapor in air. It varies throughout the day based on various factors. Temperature or precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions can drastically impact the level of humidity. It is crucial to keep the humidity level at a certain level for many reasons. The humidity affects weather patterns as well as indoor air quality and wine storage. The delicate wine's composition is made up of many aromatic compounds that are sensitive to changes in humidity. The taste of a wine can be affected by excessive humidity. It can alter the balance of these aromatic compounds. A wine fridge can to keep humidity levels at an ideal level to protect the wine's flavor.
A wine fridge can aid in preventing the deterioration of corks and ensure that the seal is secure. If humidity is too low, corks will dry out and let oxygen enter the bottle, which can accelerate the aging process and altering the wine's flavor. A wine refrigerator can help maintain an amount of humidity that is between 55% and 65 percent.
While a wine cellar is intended for aging over time wine coolers also provide excellent storing conditions for wines and beer. They usually have designated areas for beer bottles, so you can store your favorite craft beers and lagers right alongside your favorite wines. They also have effective designs that balance temperatures and humidity to avoid condensation that could damage labels or packaging.
Most models come with a hygrometer, which lets you monitor the humidity levels in your wine cooler and adjust it accordingly. You can use an air humidifier inside your wine refrigerator to increase humidity.
If you decide to utilize a dehumidifier, make sure it is set up in a separate room from the wine fridge. This will ensure that the dehumidifier does not absorb any of the wines or beers you're storing in your fridge. Controlling humidity is especially important if you intend to store your wine for long durations of time. In a short period of time, you may not notice any changes in your wine, however over the course of months or years an absence of humidity can dramatically alter the taste of your wine.
Vibration Absorption
The vibrations that occur inside the wine fridge can interfere with the natural aging of the stored wines. Even small vibrations can trigger an agitation of the sediment inside the bottle and trigger complex chemical reactions that reduce esters and alter the wine's flavor with time. In order to protect your precious wine collection, all La Sommeliere units are equipped with a unique vibration absorption system that significantly lessens the impact of tremors and noise and ensures that your wines age properly and quietly.
Despite the fact that wine refrigerators generate less sound than conventional refrigerators, the fans and refrigerant circuits that are found in many units are still capable of making noise. It is important to follow the clearance guidelines and place your wine cooler in a quiet area far from other sources of noise.
It is also recommended that you clean your wine cooler on a regular basis using a nonabrasive cleaning product and let it "air out" for a few minutes before loading it with bottles. This will reduce the amount of dust and dirt that may build up in the air vents.
If you notice that your wine fridge is making a lot of noises it could be caused by a malfunctioning compressor or electric fan. The compressor is typically located behind the wine refrigerator. If it is placed unevenly or bumps into something behind it the rubber mounts may be shook loose, causing loud humming sounds.
The compressor wine cooler operates like a standard fridge by compressing air molecules electronically, which lowers their temperature. They then blow across the interior of your refrigerator. This type of cooling is more energy efficient than other types of cooling like evaporator and frost-free refrigerators. The drawback of compressor wine coolers is that they require frequent repairs and tend to produce more noise than other types of refrigerators. Because of this, many consumers choose to purchase thermoelectric wine coolers that don't use compressor systems.
Control of Temperature
Beer, like wine, requires specific temperatures to ensure that it has the best flavor. This is why it's crucial to select a wine and beverage fridge with adjustable temperature controls to allow you to store your drinks at the ideal temperature for storage and serving for each style. Dual-zone models are available that have separate temperature zones for wine and beer bottles.
In general, beer types are served colder than wines. However, the ideal serving temperature for any given style is determined by its type and how it's made. Wheat beers and pilsners should be served between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. IPAs, barleywines and stronger ales should be served at 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. The beer that is left to warm too much will give it an unpleasant "skunk" smell that can detract from the overall drinking experience.
When it is about wine, you'll want to select a refrigerator that has the right temperature range to accommodate your preferred whites, reds and sparkling wines. Some wine refrigerators come with humidity-control features that help prevent the cork from oxidation and keep it in good shape. Some models even have specialized UV glass to block sunlight, which helps maintain the wine's color and protect it from premature aging.
The temperature control system in refrigerators is powered by compressor technology or thermoelectric cooling. Compressor-powered models use the compression of vapors to reduce temperatures inside the wine refrigerator while thermoelectric models depend on electronic convection fan that circulate cool air through the refrigerator. For the best results, many refrigerators incorporate these technologies.
If you're planning to purchase a wine fridge or beverage refrigerator that utilizes compressor technology, look for one that has vibration-absorbing shockpads. This is because the vibration generated by compressor-based operations could disrupt the normal maturing process of wine and accelerate the process of oxidation.
While you can buy a fridge that's designed specifically for wine, you may find it more cost-effective to buy a conventional refrigerator, or even a standard refrigerator that has a spacious interior with adjustable shelves and ample storage on the doors. You can customize the space to fit a variety of bottles and cans, which include beer, wine and other beverages.
Storage Options
If you are a fan of hosting parties and have a wide range of drinks to serve you should consider a cooler for your drinks. These refrigerators can hold bottles and cans of beer, wine and other beverages that are ice cold, like soda and water. They are available as freestanding or built-in models. A built-in model can be installed under counters or in cabinets in kitchens that have little space.
The two types of refrigerators are available in different sizes and styles, making them ideal for most homes. Choose models that have sliding shelves that allow you to easily locate your favorite brews and vinos. Some refrigerators feature soft LED lighting that showcases your collection in a gentle, soft glow. Some models even come with an option to control humidity. This feature can prevent frost from forming in your beer and wine bottles so that you can enjoy them without worrying about it.
A refrigerator website link with dual zones can accommodate your favorite wines at their optimal serving temperatures. You can also use the two zones to store your craft beer since it often has similar ideal temperature ranges as an wine bottle. A dual zone wine and beer refrigerator can also accommodate larger bottles of beer or spirits than a typical fridge for home use.
The proper storage conditions can prolong the life of your beer and wine, so be sure to keep them in a room that is well-ventilated and is protected from light. Keep your refrigerator free of odors and dust that could affect the taste of your beverages.
If you're keeping a large collection of wines and you want to keep their quality, you should consider the cellar refrigerator. This kind of refrigerator is made for long-term storage. It operates at a higher temperature than a wine fridge which lets your wine bottles age with their best flavor. A cellar refrigerator also has a humidifier to keep the appropriate humidity level. This helps ensure that the cork is kept moist and impermeable, preventing outside air and food items from entering the wine bottle and degrading its quality over time.