How to Install an Undercounter Wine Cooler Fridge
Built-in or freestanding, undercounter wine cooler fridges can transform your bar in your home or entertainment area. Look for additional features such as reversible doors, wavy chrome shelving, interior LED lighting and more to ensure your bottles are at their ideal serving temperature and storage temperature.
If you have a small or moderate collection, consider one-zone models. They have the ability to keep reds at lower temperatures than whites, however they reduce the total bottle capacity.
Capacity
Keep the bottles chilled for guests by using wine coolers made by the KitchenAid brand. Select from models that are designed to fit under a countertop or into existing cabinetry with capacities that range from a few bottles up to ones that can accommodate a huge collection. Many wine refrigerators feature dual temperature-controlled zones so you can store red and white wines at their optimal serving temperatures. Some have doors that can be reversible to allow for flexible installation options and LED interior lighting that helps you find what you're looking to find.
Other features to consider are locks for doors and an optional stainless steel backsplash that will aid in creating a unique professional appearance. Our selection of built-in wine refrigerators comes in many different finishes, including panel-ready and black, to fit in with any space. You'll also find wine cellars and beverage centers which provide additional storage space for drinks, snacks and meal prep ingredients.
It is crucial to review your wine collection if you are a wine lover before you choose the capacity of your undercounter wine refrigerator. You can choose a model with enough space to meet your requirements by determining the number of bottles you own and how often you entertain. We have a selection of wine refrigerators with single and double zones that can accommodate white and red wine at the perfect serving temperature.
Our ENERGY STAR certified wine storage appliances utilize energy efficient technology to maintain precise temperature and minimize vibration. They utilize a dual-evaporator system to ensure a constant moderate humidity and their dark glass doors are triple-paned to provide UV protection. Some models have a carbon filter built in to eliminate smells.
Our beverage centers undercounter are designed to store various beverages, such as beer and sodas as well as fresh food items. We offer models with fully extended drawers that open to make it easier to access your most loved snacks. Our wine and beverage centers as well as fridges come with reversible door options that allow you to place them anywhere. They all have adjustable shelves that allow for maximum flexibility. There are also ADA-compliant options to fit the needs of all people in your home.
Temperature
The temperature of the wine refrigerator is important to consider as it can alter the flavor of stored wines. Experts recommend storing your wine at a temperature of 55 degrees. This is the temperature at which earth stores its soil. It will keep your wine secure without compromising flavor or texture.
The ideal temperature for red and white wines differs slightly, depending on the type of wine you want to keep or serve. Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon, which are full-bodied red wines, are best when they're between 63oF and 64oF (17oC to 18oC) and lighter white wines, such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have a better taste at 52oF to 55oF (10oC-14oC).
No matter what kind of wine you're storing it's a good wine fridge idea to monitor the temperature frequently using an external thermometer to ensure consistency. Do not open the wine refrigerator frequently to avoid changes in temperature that could alter the taste and smell of your bottles.
Dual zone and single zone models are available. Single zones are the most affordable and ideal for storing all types of wines over a long period of time. Dual-zone wine coolers allow you to keep different kinds of slim wine refrigerator in separate zones, at the optimal temperature. This is perfect when you have a variety of distinctive wines.
Look for wine and beverage refrigerators that have UV-protected glass doors, which help to remove harmful UV rays that can damage your wine over time. Refrigerators are also available with a variety of finishes, including stainless steel, which will seamlessly integrate into your kitchen and complement other appliances with its modern, sleek design.
Design
A wine fridge can be freestanding or built-in. Built-in wine fridges fit underneath the counter or within existing cabinetry, and come in a variety of finishes including black, stainless steel and smoked black. They come in a variety of bottle capacities and can have multiple temperature zones. This lets you store red wine at the ideal temperature, and serve white wine at lower temperatures.
Built-in wine refrigerators can be an elegant feature in any kitchen or can be used as the home office, bar area, or in a den. The cabinets are usually large enough to hold larger bottles, and allow you to keep your preferred wines available to enjoy your evening or just for everyday enjoyment.
Sub-Zero wine storage refrigerators have been designed to shield wine from the most frequent threats to its quality: vibration fluctuation in temperature and humidity and temperature fluctuations. They have dark opaque glass that minimizes UV exposure; dampening engineering wards off vibration and double evaporators guarantee consistent moderate humidity. The refrigeration system is energy efficient and offers two temperature-controlled zones, ensuring your wines are precisely preserved.
Beverage centers and coolers are also an excellent choice to store wine and other drinks. They are a great storage solution for water, beer or other beverages, while keeping them chilled and ready for serving. These models are available as single or dual drawers, and are integrated or concealed under your counter.
You can easily alter the temperature using a beverage center/wine cellar that has doors that can be reversible. Some units also come with a memory function which will return the temperature set after power loss, helping to prevent potential wine spoilage. A lot of wine cellars and refrigerators under counters have shelves that are removable that allow you to access your preferred bottles. They also have stoppers to stop bottles from falling out when taken away. A stainless steel frame and double-layer glass door complements any design and provides a luxurious feel to your space.
Installation
Installing your new wine refrigerator is easy once you've found a suitable location and determined its power requirements. Before starting, you must remove any objects in the cabinet that could obstruct your refrigerator or interfere with its performance. This will allow you to determine the area precisely and ensure that the wine rack fridge cooler fits in the right place. This procedure requires essential tools, like a screwdriver and measuring tape. You will also need shanks, a drill or a jigsaw for drilling holes if needed.
Make sure the location you're putting your fridge in has enough ventilation. This will allow the cool air to circulate and maintain a constant temperature throughout your cabinet. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or near heat sources, such as radiators, as they could raise the interior temperature and cause damage to your wines. Keep your wine cooler out of humid areas as this can cause mildew or mold to grow and affect the quality of your wine.
Built-in wine coolers have their vents in the front, making them a popular option to be incorporated into cabinets. However, if you're using an outdoor wine cooler, it's important to remember that the vent will be at the back, and will require space to function properly. If the vent is blocked, it will need to work twice as hard to regulate its internal temperature and require more energy than it should.
To avoid this, ensure that any plinths or skirting boards surrounding your unit aren't blocking the grille on the front. Also be aware of any gaps on the sides and bottom since warm air could escape through these tiny openings. If you are planning to install a skirting on the front of your wine cooler, make sure it has a grille, so that the fridge will be able to draw cool air into.