Wine coolers: TOP-5 wine coolers, brand review + tips on choosing

Recently, in addition to the usual types of household appliances have gained popularity and specialized options, which include, for example, a refrigerator for wine.

A compact unit that can be installed in a pantry, storage room or kitchen can simulate conditions wine cellars, which allows you to fully enjoy the taste and aroma of noble drink.

Appointment and use of wine cabinets

Refrigerators of this type simultaneously perform a number of functions necessary for the proper storage of bottles. First of all, they are used to cool drinks.

The mode of operation may be different: for long-term storage of containers in the chamber, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 10-12 ° C. If the wine is planned to be served, it is kept in the range of 8 to 16 ° C, depending on the brand.

In the refrigerator, the conditions for horizontal storage. This is especially important when using wooden caps: when wet, they become airtight and do not allow air, which spoils the contents.

Vessels with plastic stoppers are not so demanding: they can be placed vertically.

An important function - protection against UV radiation, which accelerates chemical processes, causing damage to wine. To prevent ingress of aggressive rays in wine cabinets, opaque doors or ultraviolet-proof tinted glass windows are usually provided.

The design features of the equipment also make it possible to protect the bottles from vibration, due to which they may precipitate precipitation. This option is especially relevant if the drinks are planned to be stored for a long period.

When choosing a refrigerator take into account a number of factors, including technical characteristics, installation features, dimensions and other criteria.

Classification by installation type

All household appliances for storing wine can be divided into three groups that characterize the installation option.

Freestanding refrigeration units

Models are located autonomously at some distance from other furniture and appliances. The cooling system in this case may be located on the side surfaces or at the rear wall.

In the first case, the device looks more advantageous, but a possible leakage can hopelessly spoil it, since repairs in such a situation are difficult and sometimes impossible.

A simple and less expensive solution is a device with a radiator at the rear panel. Since this site is quite vulnerable, special care must be taken when transporting.

Embedded equipment models

Embedded modifications are in high demand, despite the higher cost. Among the range are presented as compact products that can be placed under the countertop, and overall, allowing you to store hundreds of bottles.

As a rule, cabinets of this type are equipped with grilles at the bottom, behind which there are cooling radiators and fans for even distribution of air flow. The most expensive options also have a system for heat dissipation.

Bottle storage cabinets

Compact fixtures designed to be placed on the walls. Due to the minimum depth and small parameters of the mounting plate, they can be conveniently arranged even in confined spaces.

There are two types of windows:

• neutral - the design does not provide for nodes responsible for lowering the temperature;
• cooled - equipped with a silent ventilated freezing system, as well as the option of automatic defrosting.

The first option is used for decorative and presentation purposes, the second is perfect even for long-term storage of a small collection of bottles.

Used cooling technology

Various methods of lowering the temperature can be used to cool drinks, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Absorption system

It is based on chemical reactions, accompanied by the release / absorption of heat energy.

Since in this case moving mechanical parts are not involved, the device operates without noise and vibration. If necessary, it can be installed even in the bedroom.

The disadvantages of these models include significant power consumption and high cost. In addition, due to the use of ammonia and other unsafe elements in the system, the technique requires increased attention.

Compressor technology

To date, the most common system used in wine cabinets.

The operation of the devices is carried out similarly to traditional refrigerators. The gas is compressed by the compressor with the release of heat, and then expands again, absorbing thermal energy.

Compressors can be used both in built-in and in stand-alone equipment. Despite the economical use of energy consumption, they perfectly maintain the set temperature.

Among the minuses can be noted some noise, the level of which is indicated in the instructions attached to the model. Before buying, you should carefully check the tightness of the device and the quality of the compressor, since these factors directly affect the service life.

Thermoelectric or electronic system

Devices using this technology belong to the most budgetary group of goods. To lower the temperature, they use Peltier elements — plates that, when energized, voltage is heated on one side and cooled on the other.

Refrigerators of this type have a number of valuable advantages: small size, lack of vibration, democratic cost.

The main drawback of such models is the impossibility of embedding. In addition, the design of technology, as a rule, implies the presence of a fan, the operation of which is associated with a certain noise. Its level is especially high in low-cost modifications, while the work of elite variants proceeds almost silently.

Dimensions, design and additional features

Additional equipment and / or functions may be provided in various models of wine coolers, namely:

• display;
• remote control;
• air circulation system;
• management of cooling zones;
• heating option;
• humidity control;
• locks and accessories.

A digital screen is often installed on the front wall of the cabinet, informing about the temperature and humidity of the chamber. Usually here are mechanical or touch buttons for setting.

Some modifications provide remote control. In this case, the kit includes a remote control, with the help of the regulation of the operation of the device.

Specialized refrigerators may have a different number of temperature zones. Dual-zone devices are in particular demand because they support ideal conditions for storing two types of beverages.

They provide a plot for white wines and champagne with a temperature of 6 ° C, as well as a compartment for saturated red wines at 16-18 ° C. It is important to take into account that the presence of an additional cooling section reduces the internal space and significantly increases the cost of the model.

A simpler design have multizone fixtures. They are characterized by a single space in which a vertical change in temperature is provided: at the bottom it is lower than at the top. The variation of indicators in such cases is usually 3-6 ° C.

For faster and more uniform cooling, a fan is sometimes installed in the working chamber. By definition, it is absent in multi-zone refrigerators, where temperature difference is important.

Most wine cabinets are designed for cooling only. However, there are modifications equipped with a heating function - “winter mode”. Such devices can be left without fear in unheated rooms, for example, at the cottage or in the closet.

In budget versions, the constant content of water vapor is automatically maintained, which varies in the range of 50-80%. Costly units are usually equipped with special systems that allow you to independently determine the degree of humidity.

In addition to the above factors, additional devices and accessories may be provided in wine coolers. as, for example, locks, warning unauthorized access, protection-screen from UV, carbon filters, lava stones

As for the dimensions, manufacturers here offer a variety of options. Accessories for private owners, designed to store a few dozen bottles, usually have a rather modest size.

Industrial units for bars and other establishments have impressive dimensions that allows you to store in them lots of various drinks.

Since wine storage units are luxury goods, manufacturers pay special attention to the design of models.

For their manufacture uses metal, wood, tinted and mirror glass. Often, devices are decorated with carvings, forged elements, leather, mosaics, which gives them a luxurious appearance.

Overview of the best manufacturers

Among the largest companies that produce refrigeration equipment for storing wine, we should highlight the top five clear favorites.

Wine cabinets EuroCave

The famous French company, the founder of which Renée Martin proposed the concept of special devices that imitate the conditions of wine cellars, and adjusted their release.

At present, more than five hundred models of household appliances are presented in the EuroCave catalog, which is assembled in the town of Furmi, the brand's historic homeland, located in northern France.

Most of the proposed options apply to multizone cabinets, the temperature of which is uniform varies in height from 7 to 20 ° C, which allows you to simultaneously store on the shelves of champagne, white, pink, red wines.

The collections offer freestanding and built-in appliances, made mainly in classic design.

Wine Storage Systems from Dometic

The Swedish company is a well-known manufacturer of wine cabinets. The company has developed and patented absorption cooling technology.

Due to the lack of noise and vibration, it is widely used for long-term storage of various brands of noble drinks.

Domestic appliances from Domestic are of high quality. It is characterized by effective protection against UV radiation, excellent air circulation, and reliable maintenance of temperature and humidity.

Democratic equipment from Caso

Instruments manufactured by Caso (Germany) have been recognized by various user categories. The range of the company provides models at affordable cost, which are quite accessible to the middle class.

All Caso rulers are characterized by traditional German quality, ease of operation, long service life. Excellent design in a classic style makes it easy to enter equipment in any interior, and a variety of dimensions make it possible to use it both in everyday life and in bars, cafes and restaurants.

Dunavox Wine Cabinets

Despite the relative youth, the Hungarian company Dunavox managed to attract attention Connoisseurs and collectors of branded drinks thanks to a wide range of conventional and embedded models.

The company's products are notable for the perfect combination of budget price and excellent technical characteristics. The high quality of refrigerators is also confirmed by the three-year warranty period provided by the company.

Design Technology Ip Industrie

Since the choice of wine storage devices plays an important role in the appearance of the product, it is necessary to mention the Italian company Ip Industrie. Its original and beautiful products are in great demand in different countries of the world.

In the production of luxury models are used exclusively natural materials, such as leather and wood of various breeds. Designers offer bright, bold solutions, so that the Ip Industie appliances become the center of the interior.

Refined design is combined with excellent performance: in the manufacture of products are widely used modern technology and scientific research scientists.

Excellent quality is also distinguished by the options from the well-known German manufacturers Libherr and Miele, the French professional line La Sommeliere, products from the Chinese manufacturer Cold Vine.

Ranking of the best wine racks on the market

Experts advise to pay attention to the best models from famous manufacturers in the field of cooling equipment.

Place # 1: Liebherr UWKes1752

Refrigeration equipment of the German company is known for its durability, reliability, comfort in operation. All these properties are typical for the wine cabinet UWKes1752GrandCru, which is mounted under the table top.

The total volume of the Liebherr UWKes1752 device is 110 liters. In the inner compartment are four shelves; three of them are put forward on telescopic rods. All metal made covered with a special composition SmartSteel. It contributes to increasing the resistance of the surface to mechanical damage and facilitates cleaning.

Setting the temperature parameters is made on the control panel, equipped with a MagicEye display. Intelligent regulation allows you to save selected indicators, regardless of the ambient temperature. For optimum air quality, an activated carbon filter is used.

The compartment is illuminated by means of LEDs with minimal heating, so that the included lamps can be left for a long time without causing the slightest harm to drinks.

Place # 2: Climadiff Dopiovino / 1

Compact model for different types of wine. It provides two zones with autonomous cooling, where you can simultaneously store 21 bottles.

Work is carried out on the basis of the Peltier principle, which guarantees silent operation and reliable temperature setting. Each branch of Climadiff Dopiovino / 1 has autonomous control with touch buttons. They respond easily to touch and do not lose their sensitivity with time.

The device differs in graceful appearance: the metal case is added with a door from the tempered glass with a mirror effect that provides reliable protection against an ultraviolet. In the upper compartment of the refrigerator there are two, and in the lower compartment there are four shelves made of natural wood. If necessary, they can be easily removed for cleaning and washing.

The product is equipped with four adjustable legs, which allows you to install it even on an uneven surface. The kit includes removable handles, which are optionally connected to the facade.

Place # 3: Caso WineDuett 12

This spectacular compact model, made of metal, there is always a place in the kitchen, in the dining room or another room. Dark sidewalls and a glass door add special elegance to the closet.

The refrigerator has one compartment, divided into two working areas, each of which has its own specific temperature range. Settings are carried out using mechanical buttons installed on the panel. The capacity of the chamber divided by four strong wooden shelves is 12 standard bottles.

The thermoelectric unit Caso WineDuett 12 belongs to the climate class SN, which allows it to be installed in rooms where the temperature varies from 10 to 31 ° C.

Place # 4: Dunavox DAT-6.16C

There is a place for this miniature device even in the smallest apartment - in a niche or on a worktop. Made in noble black color, it strikes with a stylish design: the glass facade is enclosed in a plastic frame with a comfortable handle.

The principle of operation is based on the Peltier board: a fan is provided for uniform air distribution throughout the compartment.

A small display is used for control, which allows you to control the operation and set the settings. Inside the compartment are placed slightly curved chrome shelves where you can put both standard Bordeaux bottles and large champagne containers.

Place # 5: Cold Vine C16-TBF1

Single-chamber compact mini-bar is made of ferrous metal. Designed for cooling and storage of wine bottles in the amount of 16 pieces. The total volume of the wine cooler is 46 liters, the dimensions for width / depth / height are 43 × 51 × 50 in cm. Model weighs only 15 kg.

Miniature wine cooler is equipped with electronic control, there is a panel with indicators of operating parameters. Inside the working chamber, the temperature background is maintained at a uniform level.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Video presentation of models of household wine refrigerators and options for their placement in kitchens and canteens:

Specialized wine cabinets can be a great addition to a typical set of home appliances. Such devices, combining functionality with a spectacular appearance, are a real decoration of the interior. Depending on their size, they can be used as a bar, for displaying collections or for placing bulk batches of bottles.