The Ultimate Guide to Buying a Fridge for Wine in 2023

Wine enthusiasts! 2023 calls for upgrading your space and having the proper place to store and preserve your collections. A fridge for wine, also known as a wine cooler, is specifically designed to provide the optimal conditions for storing and ageing wine. 

Wine coolers are typically larger and more expensive than standard refrigerators, and are designed to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level that is optimal for storing wine. They also often have features such as adjustable temperature zones, so you can store different types of wine at different temperatures, and UV-resistant doors to protect the wine from damaging light. Some wine coolers are built into kitchen cabinets or countertops, while others are freestanding units that can be placed anywhere in the home.

It is important to have a fridge for wine because wine is best stored at a cool and constant temperature, especially in Australia due to its high temperatures during the Summer. A fridge can help to maintain the quality and flavour of the wine by preventing it from being exposed to heat and light, which can cause it to spoil or become degraded. In addition, a fridge can help to prevent the cork from drying out, which can allow air to enter the bottle and cause the wine to become oxidised.

​​There are several reasons why it is important to store wine bottles in a fridge for wine:

• Proper storage helps to preserve the wine's quality and taste.
• If a wine is stored at an incorrect temperature or in an environment with too much light or vibration, it can age poorly and become spoiled.
• Wine bottles should be stored on their side so that the cork stays moist. If the cork dries out, it can shrink and allow air to enter the bottle, which can spoil the wine.

Overall, proper storage is important because it can help to ensure that the wine retains its intended flavour and aroma, and that it is enjoyable to drink.

Here are 13 reasons why you should invest in a fridge for wine:

1. Temperature control: One of the main reasons to invest in a fridge for wine is to ensure that your bottles are stored at the right temperature. Red and white wine should generally be stored at slightly different temperatures, so it can be beneficial to store them in separate fridges. Red wine is typically served at a slightly warmer temperature than white wine, so it should be stored at a slightly higher temperature. Red wines, for example, should be stored at around 13-18 °C, while white wines are best kept at a slightly cooler temperature of 7-11°C. By storing red and white wine in separate fridges, you can ensure that each type of wine is stored at the optimal temperature for its intended serving temperature. This can help to preserve the quality and flavour of the wine and ensure that it tastes its best when it is served.
   A fridge for wine allows you to set and maintain the perfect temperature for your collection, ensuring that your wine is preserved in the best possible condition. Different types of wine should be stored at different temperatures, so look for a wine fridge with adjustable temperature zones that allow you to store different types of wine at their optimal temperatures. In general, it is best to store wine in a fridge that is dedicated specifically for wine storage, as this will help to maintain a consistent and appropriate temperature for the wine.
   
   
2. Humidity control: In addition to temperature, humidity is also an important factor in the proper storage of wine. Wines stored in an environment that is too dry can become brittle and lose their flavour, while wines stored in an environment that is too humid can become musty and spoil. A fridge for wine with a built-in humidifier can help you maintain the right humidity level for your wine, ensuring that it stays fresh and flavourful.
   
   
3. Light control: Light is another factor that can have a negative impact on the quality of your wine. Exposure to light, particularly sunlight, can cause wine to fade and become less flavourful. A fridge for wine with tinted windows or a light-blocking interior can help protect your wine from light damage, preserving its quality and flavour. Some wine fridges have interior lighting, which can be helpful if you plan to display your wine collection. However, be aware that too much light can be damaging to wine, so choose a fridge with UV-resistant doors or an interior light that can be turned off.
   
   
4. Convenience: Another reason to invest in a fridge for wine is the convenience it offers. With a dedicated wine fridge, you can easily store and access your wine collection without having to rummage through your main kitchen refrigerator. This is particularly useful if you have a large collection or if you entertain frequently and want to have a variety of wine options on hand.
   
   
5. Preservation: A fridge for wine can also help preserve the quality and flavour of your wine by reducing the number of times the wine is disturbed or moved. When wine is repeatedly moved or jostled, it can cause the sediment in the bottle to become agitated, affecting the wine's flavour and aroma. By storing your wine in a dedicated wine fridge, you can help ensure that it is handled as little as possible, preserving its quality for longer.
   
   
6. Aesthetics: For some wine enthusiasts, the aesthetics of a fridge for wine can also be an important consideration. Wine fridges come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can choose one that fits your decor and fits seamlessly into your home. Some wine fridges even have glass doors, allowing you to display your collection as part of your home decor.
   
   
7. Space-saving: If you live in a small apartment or have limited space in your kitchen, a fridge for wine can be a great way to store your wine collection without taking up valuable space in your main refrigerator.
   
   
8. Value: While investing in a fridge for wine may seem like a luxury, it can actually be a cost-effective way to store and preserve your wine collection. By keeping your wine at the optimal temperature and humidity levels, you can help extend its shelf life and prevent it from going bad. This can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to constantly replace spoiled or damaged bottles.
   
   
9. Collection organisation: A fridge for wine can also help you organise and keep track of your wine collection. Many wine fridges come with features like built-in wine racks or shelves  to allow you to store the bottles at different heights, depending on the size of the bottles and the amount of space you have available. Some wine fridges even have features like touchscreen displays or Bluetooth. Some wine fridges also have special compartments or areas for storing different types of wine, such as red, white, and sparkling, at the appropriate temperature and humidity levels. Overall, the organisation of a wine fridge will depend on the specific features and design of the fridge, as well as your own preferences and needs for storing wine.
   
   
10. Size: Make sure to choose a wine fridge that is the right size for your needs. Consider how many bottles you need to store and how much space you have available in your home or restaurant. These include:
    - Small wine fridges: These can hold anywhere from 6 to 18 bottles of wine and are typically used for personal or home use. They are compact and can be placed on a countertop or in a small space.
    - Medium wine fridges: These can hold 18 to 50 bottles of wine and are suitable for home or commercial use. They are larger than small wine fridges and may need to be built into a counter or stand alone.
    - Large wine fridges: These can hold 50 or more bottles of wine and are often used in restaurants or commercial settings. They can be built into a wall or stand alone and may have multiple temperature zones for storing different types of wine.
    - Walk-in wine fridges: These are large, commercial-grade fridges that are designed to hold hundreds or even thousands of bottles of wine. They are usually found in restaurants, wine shops, and other commercial settings.
    
    
11. Noise: Some wine fridges can be quite loud, so consider the noise level if you plan to store the fridge in a living area or bedroom. The optimal noise level for a wine fridge will depend on where the fridge is located and how it will be used. In general, a wine fridge should be as quiet as possible to minimise any potential disturbance to the surrounding environment. If the fridge for wine is located in a living area, such as a kitchen or dining room, a lower noise level will be more desirable. On the other hand, if the wine cooler is located in a commercial setting, such as a restaurant or wine shop, it may be able to operate at a slightly higher noise level without causing any disruption. As a general rule, a wine fridge should operate at a noise level of no more than 45 decibels. This is roughly equivalent to the sound of a normal conversation or a quiet office environment.
    
    
12. Price: The price of a wine fridge can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, including the size, capacity, and features of the fridge. In general, a wine fridge can cost anywhere from around $100 to several thousand dollars.
    Smaller, basic wine fridges that hold around a dozen bottles and have simple temperature control features can be found for as little as $100 to $200. Mid-range wine fridges that hold between 70-150 bottles and have more advanced temperature and humidity control features can cost between $500 and $1,000. High-end wine fridges that hold over 100 bottles and have a wide range of features, such as UV protection and vibration reduction, can cost upwards of $1,000. It is worth noting that the price of a wine fridge is not necessarily an indication of its quality or performance. It is important to consider the specific needs and requirements you have for storing wine when choosing a wine fridge, and to look for a fridge that meets those needs within your budget.
    
    
13. Brand and reputation: Consider the reputation and reliability of the brand when purchasing a wine fridge. It's worth investing in a well-known and trusted brand to ensure that your wine fridge will last and properly store your wine collection.

To summarise, when buying a fridge for wine, consider the following: size and capacity, temperature control, humidity control, lighting, noise level, price, and brand reputation. Determine your budget and look for a fridge that offers the features you need within your price range. Make sure to choose a fridge that is the right size for your needs and has adjustable temperature zones for storing different types of wine at their optimal temperatures. Look for a wine fridge with a built-in humidifier to maintain the ideal humidity level for storing wine, and consider the lighting and noise level of the fridge. Research the reputation and reliability of the brand to ensure that you are purchasing a high-quality wine fridge that will properly store your wine collection.