25 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Fridges
Wine lovers know the importance of proper storage in preserving the quality and taste of their wine collection. Whether you're a casual wine enthusiast or a dedicated connoisseur, investing in a wine fridge can make a significant difference. But with so many options on the market and a myriad of considerations to keep in mind, choosing the right wine fridge can seem overwhelming. This post aims to answer the 25 most frequently asked questions about wine fridges, offering clarity on everything from temperature settings to maintenance tips.
1. What Is a Wine Fridge, and Why Do I Need One?
A wine fridge is a specialised appliance designed to store wine at optimal temperatures and humidity levels. Unlike a regular fridge, which is too cold and dries out the air, a wine fridge keeps your wine in perfect condition for aging or immediate consumption. It ensures that your wine stays flavorful and fresh over time.
2. What Temperature Should a Wine Fridge Be Set At?
The ideal temperature for wine service varies by colour and even within this individual wine lovers will prefer their Sauvignon Blanc's from Marlborough colder than their Puligny Montrachet (or not), however a quick rule of thumb for wine service would be:
- Red wine: 12-18°C
- White wine: 6-10°C
- Sparkling wine: 4-10°C
However for storage purposes, all reds, white, sparkling and fortified wines should be stored at 12°C.
3. What’s the Difference Between a Wine Fridge and a Regular Fridge?
Wine fridges are designed to maintain a more stable, moderate temperature, as well as higher humidity levels, which prevents the cork from drying out. Regular fridges are too cold (usually around 2°C), which can lead to loss of flavour and aroma. They also lack proper humidity control, which can cause the cork to shrink and let air into the bottle. Actual fridges do not have carbon filters or anti-vibration shelving either. You can keep white wine in the fridge once opened for around a week with a vac-u-vin or similar wine preservation method.
4. Can I Store Red and White Wines in the Same Fridge?
Yes, you can store both types in a single wine fridge, and if you have a dual-zone wine fridge you can store both at service temperature, which allows you to set different temperatures in separate compartments. However, if you're only using the fridge for storage, you only need a single zone wine fridge.
5. What Is a Single-Zone vs. Dual-Zone Wine Fridge?
- Single-zone wine fridges maintain one consistent temperature throughout the fridge, suitable for storing either red or white wines at one service temperature, or all wines at storage temperature.
- Dual-zone wine fridges have two compartments with independent temperature controls, ideal for storing or serving red and white wines at their respective optimal conditions.
6. How Many Bottles Can a Wine Fridge Hold?
Wine fridges vary in size, from small units that store 6-12 bottles to large ones that can accommodate over 300 bottles. Choose a capacity that matches your current collection with some room for growth. Also remember, every manufacturer from EuroCave to Swisscave, Liebherr to La Sommeliere all quote their wine fridge capacities using a Bordeaux shaped bottle. If your collection is full of Champagne or Burgundy you can easily reduce the stated capacity by 25%.
7. Are Wine Fridges Energy Efficient?
Most modern wine fridges are energy-efficient, especially those with a rating above G. Larger, compressor-based models may consume more energy, but thermoelectric models are generally more eco-friendly and quieter however struggle to maintain steady temperatures, for this reason we only offer compressor driven wine fridges.
8. Do Wine Fridges Have UV Protection?
Most wine fridges feature UV-protected glass doors to shield wine from harmful sunlight, which can degrade the wine's quality over time. If your fridge is placed in a well-lit room or near windows, UV protection is a vital feature to look for. Otherwise, if you are placing your wine fridge in direct sunlight consider a solid door.
9. Where Should I Place My Wine Fridge?
Wine fridges can be placed in kitchens, dining rooms, basements, garages, or even living rooms, depending on your space. However, be mindful of extreme temperatures. If placed in a garage or basement, ensure the area is climate-controlled to avoid affecting the fridge's performance or choose a wine fridge with a winter system.
10. Can I Store Other Beverages in My Wine Fridge?
Yes, you can store beer, soft drinks, or other drinks in a wine fridge, but remember that the optimal temperature for wine is not ideal for all beverages. For example, beer is typically best served colder than wine. Also remember to try to keep the capacity of the fridge at least 70% full, if the fridge has to cool lots of empty space it will overwork.
11. What Humidity Level Should My Wine Fridge Maintain?
The ideal humidity level for wine storage is around 50-80%. Too much humidity can encourage mold, while too little can dry out the cork, allowing air into the bottle and spoiling the wine. All our wine fridges offer humidity control, mostly automatic but something it can also be individually set by the operator.
12. How Long Can I Store Wine in a Wine Fridge?
Wine can be stored in a wine fridge for anywhere from a few months to decades. The fridge helps maintain the right environment for aging, but not all wines benefit from long-term aging. Research the ideal aging period for each wine in your collection.
13. Is a Freestanding or Built-in Wine Fridge Better?
Freestanding wine fridges offer flexibility in placement, while built-in wine fridges can be integrated under countertops for a sleek, permanent look. Choose based on your available space and design preferences.
14. Do Wine Fridges Make Noise?
Compressor-based fridges tend to be noisier due to the motor, while thermoelectric fridges operate more quietly. However, compressor models perform better in warmer environments, so noise levels are a trade-off for temperature stability.
15. Can I Lay Wine Bottles on Their Side in a Wine Fridge?
Yes, and it's recommended! Laying bottles horizontally keeps the cork moist, preventing it from drying out and allowing oxygen to enter the bottle, which could spoil the wine.
16. What Happens if My Wine Fridge Temperature Fluctuates?
Minor fluctuations won’t harm your wine, but large, frequent temperature changes can negatively affect its flavour and aging process. Ensure your wine fridge maintains a consistent temperature to avoid such issues.
17. How Do I Prevent My Wine Fridge from Being Too Noisy?
There are several things to do to help your fridge run as quietly as possible, the first is choosing a fridge that is under 40dB if you're sensitive to noise. However, wine fridges will make less noise if;
- They're level - check this with a spirit level
- They're 70-100% capacity - over full or under stocked wine fridges work harder
- The placement is not against two walls or in an alcove, this will radiate the noise around the room
- The wine fridge has adequate ventilation and isn't placed on a carpet.
- The wine fridge isn't constantly battling extreme external temperatures
18. Can I Store Opened Wine in a Wine Fridge?
Yes, you can store opened wine in a wine fridge, but it’s best to reseal the bottle with a vacuum stopper or specialised wine sealer to minimise oxidation. Opened wine should be consumed within a few days to maintain its quality.
19. Do Wine Fridges Need Ventilation?
Yes, wine fridges need proper ventilation, especially built-in models. Without sufficient airflow, the fridge can overheat, leading to decreased efficiency or even malfunction.
20. How Do I Clean My Wine Fridge?
Clean the interior regularly with a mild detergent and water to prevent mold or odor buildup. Dust the condenser coils and check the seals on the door to ensure they are clean and functioning properly for energy efficiency.
21. Can I Use a Wine Fridge for Long-Term Aging?
Yes, wine fridges are great for long-term storage, especially for aging wine. However, make sure the fridge is set to the right temperature, and that there are minimal fluctuations to allow proper aging. Also ensure your fridge has a carbon filter.
22. What Is the Lifespan of a Wine Fridge?
Most wine fridges last between 8-15 years with proper care and maintenance. High-end models may last longer, while cheaper units may have a shorter lifespan.
23. Does the shelving inside a Wine Fridge matter?
The shelving is one of the most important and expensive components in a wine fridge. Wooden fronted wire shelves are often used to minimise the cost of the fridge due to the expense of beech and mahogany wood.
If you're looking for a wine fridge for service, wire shelves are fine. However, if you want to mature fine wines, we recommend opting for beech, and if affordable mahogany for those with extra special bottles as these limit vibration the most.
24. Why are built in wine fridges much more expensive than freestanding?
Built-in wine fridges require the hot air that is produced in the act of cooling to be channeled specifically through a front panel at the bottom of the fridge. There is extra technology considerations for this use and as such these fridges are more expensive to manufacture.
25. Can Wine Fridges Be Used Outdoors?
Only certain wine fridges are designed for outdoor use. If you’re planning to keep one outside, look for an outdoor-rated model that can handle temperature extremes and protect the wine from environmental factors.
If you have any other wine fridge related question then feel free to ask one of our experts via live chat or pop in to our London store.