If you are a wine enthusiast or wine collector, then it’s not surprising to you how sensitive wine can be to the temperature changes. For this reason, it is very important to store wine at the optimal temperature to preserve and allow it to age properly. By ensuring a stable temperature zone, you will be bringing out the right flavor of your wine even after storing it for some time.Wine coolers are also designed to protect the wine bottles from the elements that they would face when stored elsewhere. Wine bottles usually have corks which are supposed to remain moist at all times. For this reason, wine bottles should be placed horizontally to help keep the cork moist. Storing wine bottles on their side also helps to save space. Beverage coolers are also essential for people who enjoy chilled drinks like soda and beer. They especially come handy in bars as they allow patrons to serve chilled beverages for the enjoyment of customers. Beverage coolers can be used both indoors and outdoors and are mostly used in game rooms, home bars, and grilling areas. Unlike wine bottles, beverages, champagne, and whiskey should be stored in an upright position. This reduces oxidation as the yeast settles at the bottom and as a result, your beverages will retain their best flavor.If you are after versatility, you can opt for coolers that can accommodate both wine and beverages. Apart from chilling your favorite wine and beverages, wine and beverage coolers are also a great addition to any home. Because of their compact size, they can be placed anywhere including a dining room, living room, personal bars, living room, and any entertainment space. Whether you want to entertain your family with soft drinks or your friends with beer and wine, our cooler combos will help you take the entertainment to another level. Most of the wine and beverage coolers that we have reviewed feature 2 to 3 separate storage zones to keep your wine collection and beverages at the ideal temperature. Because there are numerous models of wine and beverage coolers in the market to choose from, even the most experienced wine enthusiasts may find it hard to choose the right cooler for their needs. In this guide, we will review some of the best wine and beverage coolers in the market. We will also talk about the factors that you should consider when making your buying decision.
The 9 Best Wine and Beverage Cooler
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1. hOmeLabs Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler –Our Pick
Things We Like
- Large wine and beer capacity
- Easy to use and adjustable temperature control system
- Decorative LED lights
- Energy efficient
- Automatically restores set temperatures
- Auto-defrost function
- Quiet operation
Things We Dislike
- Issues with rack spacing
- Shelves are flimsy
2. NutriChef PKTEWBC240 Wine Cooler and Mini Fridge –Budget Pick
Things We Like
- Sleek design
- Energy-efficient thermoelectric technology
- User-friendly touch controls
- Versatile free-standing design
- Quiet motor
Things We Dislike
- The temperature fluctuates and is difficult to control
3. EdgeStar CWB1760FD 24 Inch Built-In Wine and Beverage Cooler – Upgrade Pick
Things We Like
- Intuitive digital controls and display
- Quiet operation
- Adjustable shelves to accommodate drinks of all sizes
- Stylish French door design
- Features two modes of operation; normal and quiet
Things We Dislike
- Noisy for some people
4. Lanbo Wine and Beverage Refrigerator
Things We Like
- Safety locks included to protect the machine and your drinks
- Removable shelves
- Impressive LED lighting
- Easy to use digital controls
- Dual-zone operation
Things We Dislike
- Noisy when the compressor is working
5. Antarctic Star 26 Bottle Wine Cooler and Beverage Refrigerator
Things We Like
- Quiet operation with no vibration
- Reinforced glass door offers UV protection
- Adjustable shelves
- Soft LED lighting
- Accommodates 26 wine bottles
- Easy to setup
Things We Dislike
- A bit warmer than other models
6. Kalamera Beverage Refrigerator
Things We Like
- Great storage capacity
- Sliding shelves
- Smart digital control
- Safety lock included
- Quiet and no vibration
- Flexible design
Things We Dislike
- Racks are not adjustable
7. Lanbo 30-Inch Built-In Dual-Zone Wine & Beverage Cooler
Things We Like
- Large capacity for wine and beverages
- 2 digital control panels
- Removable shelves for customization
- Adjustable feet
- Attractive design
- 2 safety locks
Things We Dislike
- Shelves can be difficult to pull out
8. BOSSIN Beverage Refrigerator and Cooler
Things We Like
- High storage capacity
- Large digital display
- Low noise and vibration
- The cooling system is energy-efficient
- Adequate UV protection
Things We Dislike
- Works well as a cooler and not a refrigerator
9. The New InnoChiller Cooler
Things We Like
- Cools down drinks and beverages in no time
- Very easy to use
- Portable design
- Built-in timer
- Makes ice cubes
- Fits well in the freezer or fridge
Things We Dislike
- Small storage capacity
Wine and Beverage Cooler Buying’s Guide
While wine and beverage coolers are a great addition to any space, the daunting task of finding the most suitable one from the choice available can be overwhelming for anyone. Below is a buying guide to help you find the perfect cooler for your needs.
1. Type of Cooler
There being a wide range of wine and beverage coolers, there is a need to determine which type of cooler will match your living and entertainment needs. There are different types of beverage coolers to choose from including freestanding, built-in and outdoor coolers. Built-in or under-counter wine and beverage coolers are units that are built into cabinetry or existing cabinets. These units suffice well in rooms that have limited space. On the other hand, freestanding are versatile and can be placed anywhere near an electrical outlet. Freestanding units require adequate space to breath; hence, they should not be placed under cabinets as hot air from compressor could overheat the cooler.
2. Size
The sizing of the wine and beverage cooler is an important consideration since not all models are designed the same. Some coolers particularly built-in models are compact while others are large in size and are more suitable for floor space. Be sure to select a size unit that will be able to fit in the available space.Before shopping for a beverage and wine cooler, take some time to determine the wine and beverage capacity you will need. The right models should be able to accommodate your current wine collection and offer enough room for your collection to grow. You don’t want to choose a cooler that is too small to accommodate your wine collection or one that is too large for your needs as this will make the cooler work harder.
3. Shelving
When looking for a combo cooler to store your wine and beverages, see to it that it has the right shelving for proper storage. Basically, wine coolers should be designed to keep the wine bottles on their side in order to keep the cork in contact with the wine and prevent them from drying out. Also, racks that hold bottles on their side helps the wine to oxidize as it increases its surface area.On the other hand, the rack for beverages and soft drinks should be designed in an upright position. This helps the yeast to settle in the bottom so as to reduce oxidation. The material of the shelving also differs with some glass while others are made of metal or wood. You should also look for models that have adjustable pull out shelves for easy storage and removal of the wine and beverages.
4.Temperature Zones
You can chill one type or various types of wine and beverages depending on the temperature zone available. If your collection consists of only one type of wine or beverage, a single-zone cooler would be most appropriate for you. However, if your collection consists of both red and white wines and other variation of drinks, look for a cooler with dual or triple zone so that you can set different temperatures for the zones. Dual- or triple-zone coolers come with fans and robust compressors to distribute cool air and maintain the right consistency and taste.
5. Style
Apart from serving the function of keeping your wine and beverages at the right temperature, a beautiful cooler can make a statement in your home. As you shop for a wine and beverage cooler, pay attention to its overall appearance and choose one that complements your home’s décor. A stylish and sleek cooler will be a great addition to your kitchen and can even increase the value of your home.
6. Energy Efficiency
Of course, the wine cooler needs to stay on most of the times so as to maintain the wine and beverages at the right serving temperature. The energy usage for different models varies depending on how many hours the unit operates per day. Look for coolers that are Energy Star certified as this shows that they are designed to conserve more energy since they use between 20-30% less energy. Lower your energy bill by looking for energy-efficient design elements like thermo electric cooling and LED lighting. Also, choose units with triple-pane glass for effective insulation and energy efficiency.
7. Door Option
When buying coolers, it is always a good idea to choose a door option that is most convenient for you. There are numerous door options to choose from including; reversible, sliding, right swing, left swing, and French door options. If you have limited space, you can opt for sliding doors which are easier to use and makes it possible for you to see the available stock. A reversible door is also very convenient as it can swing open depending on the space provided. Self-closing doors are also a great choice if energy efficiency is an important factor for you.
8. Child Lock
If you have small children, the child lock feature would be very useful especially if you have very valuable collections. Coolers with safety lock can only be opened with a key and this will protect the temperature settings and give you peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between wine coolers and beverage coolers?
A: The main difference between wine and beverage coolers is the temperature range. The temperature range for wine is usually higher and it ranges from 40 to 64 degrees F while the temperature range from beverages is between 30 to 40 degrees F. The other difference is the shelves used to accommodate the wine and beverages. For wine coolers, the shelves are designed with a metal or wood racks and are designed to hold the wine bottles horizontally. They also feature stoppers to prevent the bottles from falling outside.
Q: What are the tips to maintain my wine and beverage cooler?
A: Proper care and maintenance of your wine and beverage cooler will prolong its years and ensure that it serves you for years to come. Some maintenance and cleaning tips for your cooler include;
- Check the drip tray on a regular basis and remove any excess water as it can cause a musty smell.
- Always turn off and unplug the wine cooler before cleaning the unit to avoid electrical shock.
- Place silica beads or baking soda inside the cooler to absorb excess moisture and solve condensation issues.
- Carefully remove the shelves and racks and use a damp cloth to wipe them down.
- For proper cleaning, use a homemade detergent that is mild and non-toxic.
- Use a vacuum cleaner or crevice tool to remove dust and debris from the vents and compressor coils.
- Replace the wiring and internal lights over time.
- Do not load the unit with wine until it has dried out well.
- Do thorough cleaning for your appliance at least once or twice a year.
Q: What should I consider before setting and installing my cooler?
A: Make sure that you set your cooler in a flat and level location far from direct heat and sunlight. You should also avoid placing your cooler under a carpet as this is likely to cause molds and odors in the event of leaks. Instead, opt to use a plastic mat for easy maintenance.
Q: What are the ideal locations for placing a wine and beverage cooler?
A: Well, there are several places where a wine cooler can be installed including; under the counter, freestanding and outdoors. They can be used in kitchens, personal bars, offices, boats, RVs, restaurants and wineries.
Q: What is the difference between built-in and freestanding coolers?
A: Built-in wine and beverage cooler are models installed in existing kitchen appliances or cabinetry. On the other hand, freestanding are versatile models that can be placed anywhere. They are especially great to use in kitchens, entertainment rooms, waiting rooms, game rooms, etc.
Conclusion
Apart from having a stylish appearance, the right wine and beverage cooler helps to store your beverages and wine collection at a steady temperature in order to maintain the flavor and texture. However, with an extensive range of wine and beverage coolers in the market, finding the most suitable for your wine and beer collection can be daunting. We hope that this review guide helps you make an informed decision if you are uncertain about which wine and beverage cooler to get for your home or office. Whether you are looking for the ideal storage for your collection of wine and beverages or for a unit that adds to your homes curb appeal, these 9 coolers will meet your needs and requirements. When making your selection, be sure to factor in important elements such as intuitive temperature control, energy efficiency, capacity, construction, style, as well as the temperature range. Lastly, decide for yourself which model suits you best and gives you worth for your money.
Short Summary
Certain type so wine and beverages are required to be cooled at specific temperature ranges. There is, therefore, a need to keep in mind the temperature ranges for wine, beer and soft drinks so that you can achieve the right flavor and consistency.
Below is a summary table of the temperate ranges and storage time for different types of wine and beverages.
| Name of Beer, Wine or Soft Drink Suitable | Temperature | Storage Time |
|
Beer |
From 39oF to 50oF | Do not open the lid: 9 months
Opened lid: 1 day |
| Champagne | From 42oF to 46oF | Do not open the lid: 1 year
Opened lid: 1 day |
| Red Wine and White Wine | Red wine: From 50oF to 64oF
White Wine: From 39oF to 50oF |
Do not open the lid: 1 year
Opened lid: 3 days |
| Soda, mineral water | From 38oF to 42oF | Do not open the lid: 6 months
Opened lid: 2 days |
| Whiskey | Not exceed 75oF | Do not open the lid: indefinitely
Opened lid: close the lid |
| Freshwater | From 38oF to 42oF | Do not open the lid: 6-9 months
Opened lid: 1 day Particularly Pepsi water can go from 2-5 days |
Sources:
- https://www.lanboappliances.com/about_us
- https://secure.img1-ag.wfcdn.com/docresources/0/167/1678764.pdf
- https://secure.img1-fg.wfcdn.com/docresources/0/181/1816211.pdf