Are wine fridges a standard size?
One of the most frequently asked questions at our store and in live chat are requests for wine fridges of uncommon shapes and sizes. Wine fridges do come in standard sizes both in terms of height and width with only depth offering some variability and so if your kitchen gap or proposed space for your wine fridge does not match this size, it can be hard to source the right wine fridge for your gap.
What are the standard widths of wine fridges?
Freestanding wine fridges can come in a range of widths, usually from around 45-68cm but built in wine fridges have very specific sizing requirements that mimic other kitchen appliances. Those gap sizes are 15cm, 30cm, 40cm, 50cm and 60cm wide wine fridges with 15, 30 and 60cm, the most common.
Integrated wine fridges are typically 55-58cm wide by their carcass and then 59.5cm wide across their door frame, again, this is to offer standard sizing Vs other kitchen appliances.
What are the standard heights of wine fridges?
Freestanding wine fridges can be of almost any height from under a meter to over two meters tall.
Undercounter wine fridges are typically either 82cm tall or 88cm tall and often come with adjustable feet to raise themselves up to the height of your particular kitchen counter. Undercounter wine fridges are this height to do the same size as other items that go undercounter like fridges, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines.
Built in wine fridges can be as tall as kitchen cabinets up to 2 meters tall.
Integrated wine fridges can be as small in height as an integrated microwave (455mm) or take up the full height of a kitchen cupboard up to 1786mm tall. Integrated appliances also follow the same principle in that they are frequently the same height as other appliances you may integrate into a kitchen like microwaves or ovens or fridge freezers.
What are the standard depths of wine fridges?
Wine fridge depths range from 43cm to over 77cm deep. These depths are due to two restraints, one, classical depths of kitchens but more so, the length of a wine bottle. A wine bottle itself is 30cm 'deep', add the door and the compressor and wine fridges can not be any shallower in depth than 43cm. However, wine fridges come in a range of depths depending if they are single or double stacked in their shelving and where the cooling technology lies within the fridge.
What to do if your aperture and wine fridge size dont match?
The only option here is to opt for a wine fridge with its ventilation needs that is smaller than your gap and if you wish to make the appearance of the wine fridge seamless then you'd need a joiner or carpenter to build the unit into the gap with supporting wood or decorative features. As long as the wine fridge can vent, this is the most common solution for building a wine fridge into a uncommon size gap.
How to choose the right size wine fridge for you
1. Assess Your Collection Size and Growth Potential:
Begin by taking stock of your current wine collection. How many bottles do you currently have, and how rapidly do you anticipate your collection growing? Having a clear understanding of your current needs and potential future additions will guide you in selecting a wine fridge that can accommodate your collection size over time.
2. Available Space:
Consider the physical space where you plan to install the wine fridge. Measure the height, width, and depth of the allocated space to ensure a proper fit. Remember to account for proper ventilation around the unit, as most wine fridges require adequate airflow to operate efficiently. If you're tight on space, there are compact and built-in options available that can seamlessly integrate into your kitchen or living area.
3. Single Zone vs. Dual Zone:
Wine fridges are available in both single-zone and dual-zone wine fridge configurations. Single-zone wine fridges have a consistent temperature throughout the entire unit, making them suitable for storing one type of wine. On the other hand, dual-zone coolers offer separate temperature zones, allowing you to store red and white wines at their respective optimal temperatures. Consider your wine preferences and whether you plan to store both reds and whites before deciding on the zone configuration.
4. Type of Bottles:
Take into account the types of wine bottles in your collection. Standard Bordeaux bottles are the most common, but if you have larger bottles like Champagne or Burgundy, you may need a wine fridge with adjustable shelves to accommodate these varying sizes. Some wine fridges come with removable or adjustable shelves, providing flexibility to store different bottle shapes and sizes.
5. Cooling Capacity:
The cooling capacity of a wine fridge is measured in terms of the number of standard Bordeaux bottles it can hold. However, keep in mind that the actual capacity may vary depending on the size and arrangement of the bottles. Factor in some extra capacity to ensure that your collection has room to expand.
6. Noise Level:
Consider the noise level of the wine fridge, especially if you plan to place it in a shared living space or near areas where low noise is essential. Some wine fridges are designed with noise reduction features to operate quietly, while others may produce more noticeable sound. Check product specifications and customer reviews to gauge the noise level of a particular model.
7. Energy Efficiency:
An energy-efficient wine fridge not only helps reduce your carbon footprint but also saves on electricity costs in the long run. Look for models with high energy efficiency ratings and features like LED lighting, which consumes less power compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.
8. Brand Reputation and Reviews:
Research and consider the reputation of different wine fridge brands. Read customer reviews to gain insights into the performance, durability, and overall satisfaction of users. A reputable brand is more likely to provide a reliable and long-lasting appliance for your wine storage needs.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right size wine fridge involves a thoughtful evaluation of your current collection, future growth, available space, bottle types, cooling capacity, noise level, and energy efficiency. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision that not only preserves the integrity of your wine but also enhances your overall enjoyment of the collection. Whether you're a casual wine enthusiast or a seasoned connoisseur, finding the perfect size wine fridge is a key step in elevating your wine storage experience.