For a wine enthusiast, a wine chiller is a solid investment. Essentially, they are small refrigerators designed to keep your wine collection at a constant temperature, which helps to preserve taste and freshness. Yet, there are many types of wine refrigerators available these days, and for buyers, it can be a daunting task to decide which type is right for your kitchen, restaurant or bar.

So what should you keep in mind as you start shopping? For one, you’ll want to consider sizes. These coolers are designed to hold a certain amount of bottles – from about 20 up to 50 or more in standard set-ups. Wine collectors, though, will likely prefer a cooler with more space, and for them, there are coolers available that can hold 150 bottles or more. You’ll also want to consider:

Temperature Uniformity:

A constant temperature is essential for preserving the wine’s quality, because wide fluctuations in temperature can degrade the wine. That’s why you need a unit that’s capable of delivering a range of temperatures and that can prevent wide swings in temperature. In general, sparkling wines, reds and whites are stored best from about 5º C to about 15º C, so you should look for a cooler that can handle that range.

In addition, some coolers are built with multiple compartments, which enable different temperatures to be set in each. This is a useful option for someone who will be storing a greater variety of wines, as whites can generally be stored at lower temperatures, while reds are better suited for slightly warmer temperatures.

Type of Shelving:

You’ll also want to consider the flexibility of the shelving. Some wine chillers, for instance, have fixed shelving that cannot be removed. This can be problematic, as it’s difficult to accommodate larger bottles and retrieved stored bottles. Many coolers, though, are equipped with sliding shelving, whether wooden or coated-wire racks, which can be removed or pulled out to easily access your wines.

Thermoelectric vs Compression Power:

Thermoelectric wine chillers generate temperature using only electricity, and thus, they’re more efficient and quieter than compression wine coolers. Yet, thermoelectric units don’t necessarily create cold air; instead they push warm air out. For this reason, thermoelectric units aren’t always as reliable when it comes to temperature uniformity.

Conversely, compression coolers use refrigerant, similar to traditional kitchen refrigerators, and thus, they actually create cool air. That’s why this type of cooler does a better job at generating cooler air and keeping temperatures more constant. They are also a bit more durable than thermoelectric units.

Locking System:

If you want to restrict access to your wine collection, you should consider a unit with a built-in locking system. In general, these aren’t standard features, but locks are available on some units. In some cases, aftermarket locks can be applied, but that’s not always an option. Thus, if you would like a lock, you should shop for a unit that equipped with one.

Standalone vs. Under-counter Units:

You’ll also want to consider the style of the unit. Some are designed to fit functionally under your existing counter system. These are ideal for kitchen islands, and they’re sleek and stylish. Standalone units are more common, and they are like miniature refrigerators.  Yet, there are a range of customization options for both under-counter and standalone coolers. For instance, some coolers have wooden shelves that can be stained to match your existing cabinetry, while others are designed to accommodate molding to match your kitchen’s palette.

Tinted and/or Tempered Glass:

In general, the majority of wine chillers are built with a tempered glass window. Tempered glass is sturdier than standard glass. This is important, as your wine cooler may be in a highly trafficked area like a kitchen or restaurant. Thus, the glass is better equipped to withstand bumps. Additionally, you may want to consider an option with tinted glass. This is especially important for areas with lots of natural light. UV rays can degrade the quality of the wine, and tinted glass helps to diminish this effect.

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