When it comes to high capacity wine storage cabinets the models on the market are often limited by the realities of the space a wine lover has in their home or garage.
Wine lovers looking to store thousands of bottles in one place may want to consider a spiral cellar or a specialist wine room. However, those who really only have space for one large cabinet (or two pushed together) will want to consider the following high capacity wine fridges.
What is a wine storage cabinet?
Essentially these are refrigerated wine fridge cabinets for those who want to mature wine over the longer term, typically single zone wine fridges rather than dual zone wine fridges, most are large freestanding wine fridges that can be placed in any room including less temperate rooms like garages or cellars IF they have a winter system.
What to consider before purchasing a large wine storage cabinet?
Wine collecting has evolved from a mere hobby to a sophisticated pursuit for many enthusiasts. Whether you're an avid collector or a casual connoisseur, the importance of proper wine storage cannot be overstated. Investing in a large wine storage cabinet is a significant decision that warrants careful consideration. With an array of options available in the market, it's crucial to assess various factors to ensure you make an informed choice. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the key considerations before purchasing a large wine storage cabinet.
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Capacity and Space Requirements: The first consideration when purchasing a large wine storage cabinet is determining your storage needs. Evaluate your current wine collection size and consider your future expansion plans. Opt for a cabinet that offers ample storage capacity to accommodate your collection's growth over time. Additionally, assess the available space in your home to ensure the cabinet fits comfortably without overcrowding the room.
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Temperature and Humidity Control: Maintaining optimal storage conditions is paramount for preserving the flavour and quality of your wines. Look for a wine storage cabinet equipped with precise temperature and humidity control features. Ideally, the temperature should hold temperatures very accurately around 12c, with humidity levels around 50-70%. Consistent temperature and humidity levels protect your wines from premature aging, oxidation, and microbial spoilage.
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Insulation and UV Protection: Effective insulation is essential for regulating temperature fluctuations and preventing heat transfer from the environment. Choose a wine storage cabinet constructed with high-quality insulation materials to ensure stable internal conditions. Additionally, consider UV protection features such as tinted glass doors or UV-resistant coatings. Exposure to ultraviolet light can degrade wine quality by causing chemical reactions that result in off-flavours and aromas.
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Ventilation and Air Circulation: Proper ventilation and air circulation are vital for preventing mold growth and maintaining air quality within the storage cabinet. Select a model with integrated ventilation systems or fans that facilitate airflow throughout the cabinet. This helps eliminate stagnant air pockets and minimises the risk of musty odors or bacterial contamination. Additionally, ensure the cabinet's design allows for sufficient air circulation around the bottles to facilitate even aging and maturation.
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Shelving Configuration and Accessibility: Consider the shelving configuration and layout of the wine storage cabinet to ensure it accommodates various bottle sizes and shapes. Adjustable or removable shelves offer flexibility to accommodate larger bottles or magnums. Opt for sturdy and secure shelving systems that can support the weight of your wine collection without sagging or buckling. Furthermore, prioritise accessibility to easily retrieve and organise your wines, especially if you frequently rotate or access different bottles.
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Noise Level and Energy Efficiency: When selecting a wine storage cabinet, pay attention to its noise level and energy efficiency ratings. Quiet operation is crucial, especially if you plan to place the cabinet in a living area or entertainment space. Energy-efficient models help reduce electricity consumption and minimise operating costs over time. Look for cabinets with energy-saving features such as LED lighting, insulated doors, and low-power cooling systems.
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Aesthetics and Design: While functionality is paramount, the aesthetic appeal of the wine storage cabinet should also complement your home decor. Choose a design that harmonises with your interior style, whether it's modern, traditional, or rustic. Consider features like decorative door handles, sleek finishes, or customisable options to personalise the cabinet to your taste. Additionally, assess the cabinet's footprint and visual presence to ensure it enhances the overall ambiance of the room.
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Budget and Long-Term Investment: Finally, establish a realistic budget based on your storage needs and desired features. Large wine storage cabinets vary in price based on factors such as capacity, construction quality, and additional features. While it's tempting to opt for the most affordable option, prioritise quality and reliability to safeguard your valuable wine collection. View the purchase as a long-term investment in preserving and showcasing your wines, and allocate your budget accordingly.
Which brands offer large wine storage cabinets?
In the world of wine storage cabinets, EuroCave stands out as a beacon of excellence and innovation. Renowned for its unparalleled quality, craftsmanship, and commitment to preserving the integrity of fine wines, EuroCave has become synonymous with luxury and sophistication in wine storage and produce the best wine storage cabinets in the world gracing private homes and Michelin star restaurants the world over.
At the heart of EuroCave's success lies its relentless pursuit of technological innovation. The company's state-of-the-art wine cabinets are equipped with advanced features designed to replicate the ideal conditions found in a natural wine cellar. From precise temperature and humidity control to UV protection and vibration reduction, EuroCave cabinets are engineered to safeguard the flavour, aroma, and integrity of every bottle stored within.
Most EuroCave wine cabinets with the ability to configure their internal shelving system for either display or optimal bottle capacity storage.
Swisscave are a more affordable alternative to EuroCave offering attractive wine storage cabinets at around half the price of their esteemed competitor. The Premium and Classic range of wine cabinets allow for around 180 bottles of storage per cabinet (which reduces as you add more shelves).
Liebherr have long been renowned in the world of refrigeration and are a frequent choice for kitchen win fridges. However, their new GrandCru range offer very large wine storage capacities for a favourable price considering all the wine-tech included such as carbon filters and humidity management.
Finally, mQuvee offer the largest single purchase wine cabinet on the market and their winestore range comes in a range of sizes especially designed for long term wine maturation. The velvet range is also an attractive option for long term storage.
Best large wine storage cabinets UK
mQuvee WineStore 1200 - At an impressive 474 bottles, the largest capacity wine storage solution on the market at the moment is the WineStore 1200 from mQuvee. Essentially two large units with a door reversal, the WineStore 1200 at £3599 offers a lot of storage for your wine working out at just £7.59 per bottle!
Eurocave - V-LAPREMIERE-L - With the ability to cellar 230 bottles, the V-LAPREMIERE-L has half the footprint of the WineStore and buying two would equal a capacity of 460 bottles making this unit actually largest per cubic footprint on the floor. From the world's foremost name in wine storage, the EuroCave benefits from a long warranty too. At £2785 the EuroCave works out at £12.10 per bottle.
La Sommeliere - Prestige 329 Bottle Three Zone Wine Cooler - VIP330V - The popular VIP330V can be found throughout France gracing wine themed restaurants everywhere. Reliable, attractive and with the ability to act as a multi zone or single zone wine cabinet, the La Sommeliere is currently £2749 and works out at £8.35 per bottle.
Liebherr - GrandCru 324 Bottle Single Zone Wine Cabinet - WSbli 7731 - The all new GradCru range offers a lot of technology for the money and is from one of the world's most reliable refrigerator brands; Liebherr. At £3849, this wine cabinet works out at £11.88 per bottle. With humidity management and cellar management this is a wine cabinet for the serious collector.
Climadiff RESERVE300 XL - At £1825 and the ability to hold 294 bottles this wine cabinet, from respected Climadiff offers the best value capacity to price ratio at £6.20 per bottle. Unfortunately the door can't be reversed on this unit.
Those looking for a large wine storage cabinet are welcome to visit our London showroom where we have units from EuroCave and Swisscave on view or speak to us via live chat.