FAQ's

The ideal place to put a wine cooler depends on several factors, including your home's layout, available space, and the frequency of wine consumption. Here are some common locations that are often considered suitable for placing a wine cooler:

Kitchen: Many people choose to install their wine coolers in the kitchen since it's a central and easily accessible area. Under-counter or built-in wine coolers can be seamlessly integrated into kitchen cabinetry, providing a sophisticated look and convenient access to your wine collection while preparing meals or entertaining guests.

Dining Room: Placing the wine cooler in or near the dining room allows for easy access during meals or gatherings, enhancing the overall dining experience. You can consider freestanding or countertop wine coolers that complement the dining room decor.

Living Room or Bar Area: If you have a living room or a dedicated bar area, placing a wine cooler there can create an inviting ambiance for guests and a convenient spot for wine storage while socializing.

Basement or Wine Cellar: For serious wine enthusiasts or collectors, a basement or a designated wine cellar is an excellent location. These spaces offer a controlled environment with stable temperatures, humidity levels, and minimal exposure to sunlight, ideal for aging and storing wine long-term.

Home Office or Study: If you prefer having your wine collection close at hand while working or relaxing in your home office or study, you can consider placing a compact wine cooler nearby.

Utility Room or Laundry Room: In some cases, the utility room or laundry room can be a suitable place for a wine cooler, especially if space is limited in other areas of the house. Ensure proper ventilation and temperature control if choosing this location.

When selecting the ideal place for your wine cooler, consider factors such as ambient temperature, humidity, and accessibility. Avoid placing the cooler in direct sunlight or near heat sources, as this can affect the wine's quality and aging process. Additionally, ensure the chosen location allows for proper ventilation and ease of maintenance.

You should place your wine cooler in a room where the ambient temperature is above 15°C and does not fluctuate too dramatically, this will ensure that it can function correctly. Most wine coolers are now fitted with winter safety systems which allows them to be placed in garages or cellars if the temperature does not drop below 0°C.

The two main types of cooling technology used in wine fridges are: compressor cooling and thermoelectric cooling.

Compressor Cooling: Compressor cooling is the most common and traditional cooling technology used in wine fridges. It functions similarly to a standard refrigerator, where a compressor compresses refrigerant gas, causing it to release heat and cool down. The cooled refrigerant then circulates through the wine fridge, absorbing heat and maintaining a consistent temperature inside the unit.

Pros: Compressor cooling provides efficient and reliable cooling, allowing wine fridges to achieve and maintain precise temperatures. It is ideal for larger wine fridges and long-term wine storage.

Cons: Compressor cooling systems can be noisier compared to other cooling technologies, and they may experience slight temperature fluctuations during the cooling cycle.

Thermoelectric Cooling: Thermoelectric cooling is a newer and more environmentally-friendly cooling technology. It uses the Peltier effect, where an electric current passes through a junction of two different conductive materials, creating a heat transfer. One side of the junction becomes cooler, and the other side becomes warmer.

Pros: Thermoelectric cooling operates silently, making it ideal for quieter environments or living spaces. It also has fewer moving parts, resulting in less vibration, which can benefit wine aging and preservation.

Cons: Thermoelectric cooling is best suited for smaller wine fridges and short-term wine storage. It may not be as effective in extreme temperature conditions or for large wine collections.

Some wine fridges also combine both cooling technologies to provide the benefits of both systems. For example, they may use a combination of compressor cooling and thermoelectric cooling in dual-zone wine fridges to achieve precise temperature control for different types of wines stored within the same unit.

A normal noise level for wine coolers is around 40dB. You will hear the compressor working occasionally to keep the unit cool and the unit will never be completely silent so you should consider this, in particularly, if you are placing your wine cooler in a room where you spend lots of time.

The number of temperature zones you need in a wine fridge depends on the types of wines you plan to store and serve. Generally, there are three main types of temperature zones in wine fridges:

Single-Zone Wine Fridges: These fridges have one temperature zone throughout the entire unit. They are suitable for storing one type of wine at a consistent temperature, making them ideal for enthusiasts who primarily collect and enjoy one type of wine, such as all reds or all whites.

Dual-Zone Wine Fridges: Dual-zone fridges offer two separate temperature zones within the same unit. This allows you to store different types of wines, like reds and whites, at their respective ideal serving temperatures. Dual-zone fridges are popular among wine enthusiasts who enjoy a variety of wines and want to preserve their distinct flavours.

Multi-Zone Wine Fridges: Multi-zone fridges have three or more separate temperature zones. These fridges are ideal for serious collectors or professionals who store a wide range of wine types, such as reds, whites, and sparkling wines. Each zone can be set to a specific temperature to accommodate the unique needs of different wine varieties.

In summary, if you primarily drink one type of wine, a single-zone fridge may suffice. If you enjoy both reds and whites, a dual-zone fridge offers more flexibility. For an extensive wine collection with diverse varieties, a multi-zone fridge provides the most tailored storage solution. Consider your wine preferences and collection size to determine the number of temperature zones that best suit your needs.

Freestanding Wine Coolers: Freestanding wine coolers are standalone units designed to be placed anywhere in your home without specific ventilation needs. They are self-contained and have vents at the rear of the unit. As long as you leave some space around the sides and back for air circulation, they can operate efficiently.

Built-In Wine Coolers: Built-in wine coolers are designed to be installed into existing cabinetry or under countertops. They require proper ventilation to dissipate heat generated by the cooling system. Most built-in models have front-facing vents, which allow them to function optimally when surrounded by cabinetry. Adequate space around the sides and top is essential for efficient ventilation.

Integrated Wine Coolers: Integrated wine coolers are similar to built-in units, but they are specifically designed to be fully integrated into kitchen cabinetry. These coolers can have either rear venting or front-facing vents, and some may even have a combination of both. They require proper ventilation to prevent overheating. The surrounding cabinets must be designed to allow for adequate airflow to the cooler's vents.

Visit our Knowledge Centre for more information: Built-In vs. Integrated vs. Freestanding - A Comprehensive Guide explores the pro's and cons for each type of unit.

Yes, however be sure to leave around 2-3 inches of space around all sides including the roof to avoid overheating and reducing the effectiveness and lifespan of your cooler.