Frequently Asked Questions About Wine Refrigerators & Wine Coolers

What will I find here?

This page contains the answers to some questions relevant to your visit. If you do not find the question you have, use Contact Us to send us a message.

We add more questions and answers as we receive comments from visitors. We are constantly improving the usability of the site. Please tell us your suggestions for additons to this page or any other area of the site. We want your investigating and buying experience to be the best you have experienced on the internet.

The question categories follow. Please click on the link to quickly get to the category.

How do I navigate the site?
How do I use the product categories?
What are the best temperatures for storing and drinking wines?
Why should I buy a wine cooler?
Can you help me choose a wine cooler?
What is the difference between the cooling methods?
What is the difference between a wine cooler, wine refrigerator, wine cabinet and wine chiller?
How will my order be shipped, and how much will it cost?
How do I check out?
How do I navigate the blog?
Terms & Conditions
Warranty
Can I build in my wine cooler?
Can I build in my thermoelectric wine cooler?
Can I place other electrical items on top of my wine cooler?
What is a cooling zone?
Does my wine cooler qualify for ENERGY STAR?
Is a wine cooler eco-friendly?
Why does UPS make me think that WineCooler4U is charging extra for UPS shipping?

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

Rather than use the index above, you can scroll down the FAQ items below.

1.	How Do I Navigate the Store?? Their are multiple methods you can use to find your way around the WineCooler4U website. 1. In the left column are a variety of categories of wine coolers. Click one to go to a sub-category of wine cooler or to a list of wine coolers in the category. 2. In the right column is a list of the companies whose products we offer. Choosing one of the companies takes you to wine cooler categories. 3. Acorss the top of the page are categories of information on the website. 4. Also, in the left column, at the top, you can search for a product or product characteristic.

2.	How do I use the product categories? All of the products are categorized according to capacity, price, design and type. Each of the categories is defined in the following paragraphs. Show All Products -- All products are presented in order by product name, price or SKU. Type -- Chillers are typically one or two bottle appliances intended for cooling the wine you are going to drink tonight. Counter top appliances are somewhat larger, such as 6 bottles for short term needs and tight spaces. Freestanding coolers vary from small (6-12 bottles) up to storage for hundreds of bottles. The built-in wine coolers are intended for mounting under a kitchen cabinet with a capacity of 20 or so bottles – compact and convenient. Larger capacity coolers are meant for storing more wine, frequently for longer periods, or for much longer periods for collector status wines. Capacity-- The wine cooler capacity you need is dependent on the variety of wines you want to keep on hand and multiple bottles of the same wine. One very important bit of advice - you will likely be happier in the long term buying more capacity than you first think. Once you can actually store some wine, it is often the case that you want to store more. Price -- Everything affects price, with most wine coolers and wine refrigerators costing between $150 and $1,000, depending on capacity. Brand & Product Line -- Manufacturers frequently offer multiple product lines, varying in the materials used and the price. This category separates the wine coolers of each manufacturer by their designated product lines. Design -- Wine coolers and wine refrigerators use one of two technologies to provide the cooling. Most wine coolers use the same technology as used in your kitchen refrigerator. The primary difference between a wine cooler and kitchen refrigerator is the temperature range maintained (40 – 65 degrees compared with 37 degrees for a refrigerator). Some designs offer two temperature controlled zones (one for whites and champagnes and one for reds). Brand -- The product manufacturer.

3.	Why should I buy a wine cooler So, I enjoy my wine a lot. I want it at the correct temperature, so I can have a good taste experience. What am I to do, short of cooling/warming the wine a bit, measuring temperature, cooling/warming a bit more, measuring temperature. Wait a minute. I want to enjoy drinking it, not fooling with it! What’s the answer? Take a look at the temperature chart in the prior question. Notice that the recommended storage temperature for all wines is 55° F (13° C). If you are serious about your wines, whether that seriousness is just for the drinking enjoyment, or leans toward the avid collector, a wine cooler is a must.

4.	Can you help me choose a wine cooler? Yes. Information is critical to a good wine cooler buying decision. Our goal is to make our buying guide, “Wine Cooler Guide 4U”, the only source of information you need to make an informed wine cooler appliance buying decision. Take your time. In the final analysis, your most important decisions relate to quality, appearance, capacity and price. The appearance and capacity variations give you many options. Click here to obtain our "Wine Cooler Guide 4U".

5.	What is the difference between a wine cooler, wine refrigerator, wine cabinet and wine chiller? All of these terms refer to a storage device that produces a cooled environment to store wine. The term used depends on the manufacturer’s preference. For example, the device may look similar to a refrigerator, so the manufacturer has chosen to label it a wine refrigerator. But, no matter what other distinctions may be made you can assume that there is no difference between a wine cooler and a wine refrigerator. A beautiful, designer wooden cabinet may look like a credenza, so the manufacturer has chosen to label it a wine credenza. Wine chillers are generally small countertop units. The term "wine cellar" is loosely used to designate all kinds of units. It is primarily a marketing word.

6.	Navigating the Blog The blog uses several buttons to add new blog topics, reply to existing topics and peruse existing replies. They are described here. Add Button - at bottom of blog page - The Add Button is used to begin a new topic. Reply Button - at the bottom of each entry - The Reply Button allows you to comment on the main topic or on a previous reply. If you Reply to a Reply then you add successivey deeper levels of information. To reply to the original entry, use the Reply button at the end of the entry. Comments Button - at the bottom of each blog entry - The Comments Button is used to display all Replies to the posting. You can then click on a reply to view it. To return to the page you were on when you read a comment, just use the Go Back One Page arrow.

7.	Can I build in my wine cooler? The answer is a MAYBE. Do not plan to build in a thermodynamically cooled wine cooler without talking to the manufacturer. Unless strict requirements are adhered to the warranty for thermodynamic wine coolers will be voided. The reason for this is that thermodynamic wine coolers vent hot air to the rear of the unit. To be sure your selection can be built-in look for the vents at the bottom front of the cooler images. If you not sure, contact us.

8.	How do I checkout? The checkout process begins when you click the Checkout button on the Shopping Cart window. The progress bar at the top of the Checkout area indicates which pages in the checkout process are completed and which are yet to be completed. This bar also provides an easy way to return to completed pages to edit the information therein. The progress bar is very helpful to customers needing to change/edit information on a prior page, or to customers wanting to see how much longer it will take to finish the ordering process. If you have a Coupon Code, it will be entered on the first Checkout window.

9.	I just got my wine cooler home; can I plug it in right away?? No, for compressor unit we advise that you let the unit stand for a minimum 2 hour period before plugging it in. There is oil in the compressor that may have moved up into the sealed system while being transported. Letting the unit stand allows the oil time to settle back to its original place. Plugging it in immediately could result in damage to the unit and negate the warranty. If it is a thermoelectric unit you may plug it in immediately.

10.	Can I place other electrical items on top of my wine cooler?? We recommend you do not operate any appliance on top of the wine cooler or run any appliance from the same circuit as the cooler.

11.	What is a cooling zone?? A cooling zone is a compartment in a wine cooler that has its temperature by a thermostat. In the single zone wine cooler the air is cooled by a cooling device (compressor or thermoelectric). Air circulation can be by convection or by a fan. Multi-zone wine coolers, not surprisingly, have two or more separate spaces. Some wine coolers create the space by putting a divider in the cooler. In some cases the cooling of the individual spaces is done by a single cooling unit with one or more fans that move air into the spaces. Usually, each space will have a separate thermostat. In other cases the air movement creates natural differences in space temperatures using a single thermostat. In our experience, the temperature of the spaces within the units of this last design will differ by about 10º. The idea of it all is to keep your white and red wines at a temperatures best suited to them. Some wine coolers include one cooling unit per space. The Vinotemp VT-48-TEDS-2Z is a 2-zone wine cooler with French doors. Each side of this cooler has its own cooling unit. The Vinotemp Rioja comes in a single zone and two multi-zone versions. The VT-RIOJA1 is a single zone version, the VT-RIOJA2 is a 2-zone version and the VT-RIOJA4 is a 4-zone version. The 2-zone model is, essentially, two single zone units stacked - 2 cooling units. The 4-zone unit can be thought of as two 2-zone side-by-side - 4 cooling units. The most important consideration in the selection of a wine cooler having one or more zones is that they all do the job of providing one, two or more cooled areas. If you are interested in the details of how a wine cooler you are considering works, please contact us.

12.	How will my order be shipped, and how much will it cost? Shipping -- Vinotemp generally ships its metal and pre-built wooden wine cabinets within 3 days from the time the order is received. Small units will generally ship via UPS or FEDEX. Larger units by a freight carrier. Once shipped, it will take 7-10 working days for your cabinet to be delivered. When a freight-shipped wine cabinet arrives in your local market, the local delivery agent will call you at least 24 hours in advance to schedule your delivery. Vinotemp wine cabinets are delivered preassembled, minimizing the setup effort and expertise necessary on your part. You are only responsible for ensuring that sufficient access exists for the cabinet to reach its final location. Shipping Cost -- There are no shipping costs for Vinotemp products. Shipping is FREE with Vinotemp. Shipping of wine refrigerators is also free for Danby Silhouette units. For other products the shipping cost is specific to the product ordered and is indicated in the product description. The shipping cost will appear in the chargable items during the check-out process.

13.	Does my wine cooler quality for ENERGY STAR?? Wine cooler refrigerators do not qualify for ENERGY STAR. The ENERGY STAR program only qualifies residential refrigeration products that are included in the Department of Energy's appliance efficiency standards program. There are 18 product classes that are included but wine coolers don’t meet the technical definitions for any of them.

14.	What is the difference between the cooling methods? Let's start with the standard, or compressor, technology. This is the cooling technology used by kitchen refrigerators. This technology in wine coolers is getting more energy efficient as the underlying technology evolves. This technology uses chemicals such as CFC or HCFC. CFC is an abbreviation for clorofluorocarbons, a fluorocarbon with chlorine used as a refrigerant and as a propellant in aerosol cans. HCFC is an abbreviation for hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a fluorocarbon that is replacing CFC as a refrigerant. We do not have specific information regarding energy consumption. The other cooling technology, frequently found in wine coolers under 50 bottles, is called thermoelectric (See FAQ: Thermoelectric cooling). This technology does not use ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFCs or HCFCs and they consume less energy as the only moving parts are one or a few fans. In the Vinotemp VT-CHILLER-SLVR, one 3" fan/motor combination, the same as those found in desk top computers is the only moving part. Less energy use means, of course, lower operating cost. For those who want a little information about the thermoelectric read the next paragraph. This technology uses a process of heating and cooling based upon the passage of elecricity through two connected metals. It is commonly referred to as a solid-state process. As the electricity passes through the metals the heat from one of them passes to the other The side the heat is passing from gets cool, the other side gets hot. The hot side has air passed over it ,by a fan, and is vented outside of the unit, thus allowing it to continue to absorb more heat. The cold side has cabinet interior air passed over it and is vented to the inside of the cabinet. As the air passes over the cool side, heat is removed from the air and passes to the hot side. To get an explanation more exacting than this, requires that you be prepared to deal with technical topics that don't contribute to your needs. If you want to know more search on "thermoelectric cooling" on the internet. An additional aspect of the thermoelectric cooling is a reduction in vibration in the cabinet. This is not an issue for most people as they do not expect to strore their wines for many years. Lastly is the issue of noise, not an environmental issue, but relevant in context. Thermoelectric cooling is enherently quiet. So, relative to the compressor technology, the thermoelectric wine cooler has a lower operating cost, is more friendly to the environment, and is quieter. Note. There are thermoelectric wine coolers with greater than 50 bottles. Looking closely, you will find that they are mult-zone units, meaning multiple enclosed spaced within the cabinet, with a separate cooler for each zone.

15.	Terms & Conditions Please click on this link

16.	Warranty Please click on this link

17.	What temperature should I store my wines? When you think of wine bottle refrigerators, chances are, you think of storing white wine there. In North America, most people are accustomed to serving red wine at room temperature and white wine chilled. This is actually not necessarily the best way to go. You see, red wine is meant to be served at room temperature . . . but not the room temperature that we are accustomed to. Consider that for centuries, wine was stored in wine cellars, which were almost always underground. If they were not built below the earth, then they were in heavily walled rooms without windows, providing a cooler "room temperature". These days, our homes are fairly warm and not really suitable for wine storage. Since the vast majority of people don't own a wine cellar, we need to improvise. Wine bottle refrigerators offer a carefully controlled climate that you decide. It will help the wine mature correctly and provide better flavor, since the temperature is just right and these refrigerators are built to eliminate the harmful vibrations that most kitchen fridges have. Not everyone will need a wine refrigerator, of course. If you are someone who rarely drinks wine, then it probably isn't necessary. However, if you drink or serve wine on a regular basis, at least twice a month, you should definitely consider investing in one. Your red wine will have a fuller body to it, better flavor and more complex components when stored at the correct temperature. Every wine expert knows that your red wine should not be kept at the average room temp, but at around 55-60°F / 12.7-15.5°C. This mimics the coolness of a wine cellar where your wine would be allowed to mature at a gentle rate. Most people don't realize just how bad it is for their wine to be kept in the kitchen fridge or pantry. If you plan to use it for cooking, go ahead and do that, but if you want to really get the most out of your evening cup, then you need to take a little better care. Whether your wine is the finest Italy has to offer, a Chilean brand or something you whipped up yourself, it is vital that it be stored correctly. There's no reason to ruin a great bottle of red wine. If you don't have an adequate place to store your wine, it is time to consider investing in a wine bottle refrigerator that will allow you to maintain those bottles at the proper temperature in a cool, dark environment. Red wine can be drastically improved by storing it at the right temperature. Choosing a Wine Bottle Refrigerator is a site that offers plenty more information on these handy coolers . . . perfect if you don't own a wine cellar. Source: Genesis Davies

18.	Is the wine cooler I'm interested in eco-friendly?? Most wine coolers have dual-paned, dark glass doors. This makes the door insulated and reduces the amount of heat and light that can get into the cabinet. The other aspect of the subject is the cooling method. Let's start with the standard, or compressor, technology. This is the cooling technology used by kitchen refrigerators. This technology in wine coolers is getting more energy efficient as the underlying technology evolves. This technology uses chemicals such as CFC or HCFC. We do not have specific information regarding energy consumption. The other cooling technology, frequently found in wine coolers under 50 bottles, is called thermoelectric (See FAQ: Thermoelectric cooling). This technology does not use ozone-depleting chemicals such as CFCs or HCFCs and they consume less energy as the only moving parts are one or a few fans. In the Vinotemp VT-CHILLER-SLVR, one 3" fan/motor combination, the same as those found in desk top computers is the only moving part. Less energy use means, of course, lower operating cost. An additional aspect of the thermoelectric cooling is a reduction in vibration in the cabinet. This is not an issue for most people as they do not expect to strore their wines for many years. Lastly is the issue of noise, not an environmental issue, but relevant in context. Thermoelectric cooling is enherently quiet. So, relative to the compressor technology, the thermoelectric wine cooler has a lower operating cost, is more friendly to the environment, and is quieter. On the left column of all pages click on the "Eco-friendly Wine Coolers" link. Note. There are thermoelectric wine coolers with greater than 50 bottles. Looking closely, you will find that they are mult-zone units, meaning multiple enclosed spaced within the cabinet, with a separate cooler for each zone.

19.	Why does UPS make it look like WineCooler4U is charging extra for shipping?? The Check out processing for the UPS shipping method include the words "Shipping fees do not necessarily represent UPS published rates and may include charges levied by the Merchant". WINECOOLER4U DOES NOT ADD ANY EXTRA AMOUNT TO THE UPS SHIPPING AMOUNT SHOWING ON THE CHECK OUT SCREEN. These words have been forced upon us by UPS.

What's Hot with Wine Refrigerators?

Press Ctrl + d to bookmark this page

Search the store using any words

Find a Wine Cooler

6 Reasons to Have Your Own Wine Cooler

How Do I Navigate the Store??

How do I use the product categories?

Why should I buy a wine cooler

Can you help me choose a wine cooler?

What is the difference between a wine cooler, wine refrigerator, wine cabinet and wine chiller?

Navigating the Blog

Can I build in my wine cooler?

How do I checkout?

I just got my wine cooler home; can I plug it in right away??

Can I place other electrical items on top of my wine cooler??

What is a cooling zone??

How will my order be shipped, and how much will it cost?

Does my wine cooler quality for ENERGY STAR??

What is the difference between the cooling methods?

Terms & Conditions

Warranty

What temperature should I store my wines?

Is the wine cooler I'm interested in eco-friendly??

Why does UPS make it look like WineCooler4U is charging extra for shipping??

Shopping Cart

Find Products Made by: