Built-in Wine coolers are the perfect solution and an ideal option for wine lovers. Without breaking the home decor continuity, you can safely store the wine bottles.
The entire range of units will fulfill the wine storage requirements from a serious collector to the casual drinker. With numerous options, it could be a long process for settling down the right product. It is extremely important about the wine collection for everyone.
Most of them have financial investments to ride with the wine coolers performance. Based on your requirements, you can select the right product to use. Before taking the decision, you must understand the best built-in wine cooler for your home purpose.
Table of Contents
Built-in Wine Coolers Types
Compressor Wine Coolers
When compared to a regular refrigerator, the compressor wine coolers will utilize similar cooling equipment. It includes an HFC-134a (Tetrafluoroethene), an evaporator, condenser coils, and a compressor. The compressor motor will start kicking and also pressurizes the refrigerant for liquid transformation and raise the temperature. The condenser coils are then moved by the refrigerant for releasing the excess heat. Before reaching the expansive value, it should release the heat outside air.
The condenser has a small hole of expansion value for coiling the refrigerant for reaching the compressor. The values’ small diameter will create the imbalance pressure for causing the refrigerant to vaporize or boil over the passes through. The condenser coils pass through the refrigerant to connect the available wine cooler. The interior will pull out the refrigerant and pull back the compressor for starting again the cycle.
Environmental Stress Adaption – Compressor wine cooler will adapt better with extra heat loads and varying temperatures. Apart from environmental conditions, it can stabilize the internal temperature. You may consider this feature for storing the wine bottles within the uninsulated area or your basement.
High Capacity Handling – Due to the powerful cooling, they can easily handle the large wine bottle capacity within the cooler. It is an ideal option for full wine cellars or large wine collections.
Powerful Operation – When compared to thermoelectric wine coolers, this one is more powerful with its cooling capacity. For this reason, the built-in wine coolers will utilize a compressor. Most of the large-capacity wine coolers will always come with a compressor cooling function.
Thermoelectric Wine Coolers
Thermoelectric wine coolers will utilize the Peltier Effect for cooling the wine bottles. The electric current will run within the junctions of each semiconductor plate that are created using the dissimilar metals. Panel’s one side will turn the electricity into heat and the other-end will turn heat to electricity. The imbalance is created using thermal energy using the plate’s two sides.
One side will get cold and the other-side with heat. The Heat pump is attached to the Peltier plate from the thermoelectric wine cooler. Warm air is pulled out from the wine cooler and utilizes the heat from the aluminum fins. Heat is absorbed by the fins and radiate out across the surrounding air.
Vibration-Free – Similar to a traditional wine cooler it will slightly vibrate and hums. However, the thermoelectric wine cooler will never vibrate at all and sort of bad jostling for your wine. A favorable environment is created by the thermoelectric wine cooler for your wine bottle. It will help to store or age the wine bottle for a large amount of time.
Quiet Operation – The internal parts will require very little movement to offer the best result. These thermoelectric cooler will make a little bit noise during its operation. If prone to any distraction with this desirable feature from its various noises made by the other kitchen appliances.
Energy-Efficient – This unit will operate with the requirements of less power and less moving parts. When compared to the compressor wine cooler, this thermoelectric wine cooler will utilize less energy. This feature is beneficial for both the environment and as well as the customer.
Preliminary Considerations for Built-in Wine Coolers
Before purchasing the built-in wine coolers, you need to consider the preliminary conditions:
Measuring the coolers’ designated space – First of all, check the required power source clearance and the built-in dimensions specifications. Ensure the model should fit with your under-counter kitchen space.
Depth handling for accountability – This specification was included by numerous manufacturers across the online marketplace. However, it is advisable to check the in-store or owner’s online manual for your further assistance.
Door Capability – While installing the built-in wine cooler then ensure the best door to placement. A reversible swing door or a left-swing to appear a wine cooler, or an impractical right-swing door is acceptable. Maximum depth should be double-checked to ensure whether the door is accessible or open. You must access the door without any interference from walls or adjacent cabinets. A Panel-ready door can be utilized for matching the available existing cabinetry in your home kitchen.
Additional Considerations
Find below the list of some additional considerations to install the built-in wine cooler units:
Placement – A few conditions for the best placement are listed below:
- Locate the built-in wine coolers away from dampness and heat sources.
- Not approved or rated cooler is meant for outdoor use and never install the unit outside using an uncovered location.
- The wine cooler must not place directly to the sunlight. The less restricted placement with UV resistant glass or tinted door.
- Ensure that you install the unit away from the sunlight to utilize the non-UV glass & transparent door.
Reversible Door Capability – The door swing must be reversed based on your requirement for placing the wine cooler.
Flush-mount Door Hinges – If it is not available then while measuring you should take into consideration for access.
Flooring – Make use of the hard floor surface for installing the wine cooler. For carpet flooring space, it is important to utilize the plastic sheeting or heavy-duty plastic tray or a metal. These materials are placed beneath the under-counter or kitchen countertop.
Power Supply – Before installing the built-in wine cooler, it is handy to have enough space and a dedicated power outlet to use. In case, if it is not available then install a new power outlet by hiring an electrician.
Installation Process – Built-in Wine Cooler
As a wine lover, it is essential to utilize the best wine cooler. This kitchen appliance will assist the users to maintain their wine bottles for preserving its flavors with their desired temperature. Wine coolers or fridges are installed in two different types: Built-in and Freestanding. You can install the built-in wine coolers beneath the kitchen counter and an ideal choice for any limited floor space.
It will not require more carpentry skills or daunting task to install the built-in wine fridge or cooler. Make use of the right equipment and tools to install the unit. Find below the list of the procedure to install the best built-in wine cooler for your reference:
1. Checking the required Specifications
Before purchasing the built-in wine cooler, ensure that you can install within the tight space or cabinet. Built-in wine coolers will come with a front ventilation system and fit within the kitchen cabinet. Never block the available side ventilation from preventing overheat. For effective operation, you must ensure the best ventilation from the front-side ventilation system.
Integrated wine cooler with the vent is located at the rear side of the unit. It must require adequate space within the vent and the wall. Ensure that your location should block the proper ventilation system and also have sufficient space. Ventilation will assist you to place the built-in wine cooler in the appropriate place with enough space.
2. Checking the Power Supply
Before installing the built-in wine cooler, you should check the entire power source and choose a location to plug-in. Wine coolers will provide the best power cable with a measurement of around 1.8 meters. It is important to use a dedicated power outlet for connecting the built-in wine cooler. Most of the manufacturers will never encourage utilizing extension cords or lead.
If you are using extension cords or lead then the warranty might be disqualified by some appliance manufacturers. Wine coolers will commonly utilize the 110-volt power outlet and the large wine coolers may require a 220-volt power outlet. In case if it is not available then install a new one by hiring an electrician. Utilize the ground protector for safety measures and connect the cord from preventing trip over.
3. Choosing the Best Location
Your built-in wine cooler should be placed in an appropriate location to perform efficiently and effectively. It is possible to face various factors like airflow, temperature, light, and many more. Wine coolers are easily placed anywhere in your house like beneath the existing counter-top, home bar, or cabinet. If space is limited then some of them may prefer to place it beneath the stairs. You can also maintain the built-in wine coolers from the direct sunlight which may affect the wine taste and quality.
A few wine coolers will offer UV-protective glass and most vital to maintain away from the sunlight areas. Moreover, direct sunlight is the cause of keeping the cooler to work harder and refrigerate the wine bottles. Over time, it will render and inefficient the wine cooler. Ensure that you are placing the wine cooler with adequate space for accommodating with proper ventilation. Your wine refrigerator should get enough airflow in its location from the top, on the side, and behind. It is recommended to have at least back-space with 2-inches, both sides with 1-inch, and top with 4-inches.
4. Take the accurate Measurements
Taking accurate measurements is another important consideration to know the space for placing the wine cooler. Make use of the measurement tape to know the area measurements. Ensure the doors are fully opened and the room has proper ventilation for access. Often assumed, this is another important and vital issue in terms of usability. If the door is not entirely opened then it is not possible to reach certain areas or more refreshing.
While measuring the area, you should also consider the built-in dimensions in control. A few of them like handle depth, door depth, and as well as the wine cooler height. Ensure that you are leaving the appropriate space to fully swing or open the door. It is also important to check and ensure the clearance requirements of the power source.
5. Collecting the required Supplies
Before installing the built-in wine cooler, ensure that you are having the essential tools and supplies at hand. Make use of the right techniques and tools to process the installation effortless and smooth. Find below the list of materials and tools required for the installation process:
- Shims such as scrap woof for placing the wine cooler on uneven floor
- Head screw
- Level
- Saw
- Measurement tap
- Built-in wine cooler instruction manual
6. Preparing the available Cabinet Space
Before installing the wine cooler, you should get ready to prepare the available cabinet space. As per the manufacturer’s dimensions and based on your cut-out, you should cut the cabinet and also removing the cabinet door. Before cutting the door, you must take the appropriate measurements. After making changes, just place the wine cooler to check if it fits properly and make necessary adjustments if required.
Apart from taking the space measurements, it is also important to prepare or measure the available floor space. Placing the wine cooler within the right flooring is another hard floor surface. If you are using a carpeted floor then you must install the metal tray or heavy-duty plastic. Carpet flooring will generate heat during condensation and grow mold beneath the wine cooler. It is also recommended to utilize the plastic sheeting below the wine cooler.
7. Never Plug the Built-in Wine Cooler Immediately
After leveling the wine cooler, you have to wait for 2 hours at least before connecting the wine refrigerator. It will assist to settle down the gases & cooler during the transportation process. Connecting the wine cooler immediately may cause various problems with its working process or operation.
8. Connecting the Built-in Wine Cooler
Just connect the built-in wine cooler to a plug and choose the appropriate temperature for cooling the unit. Start enjoying by loading your favorite beverages or wine bottles.