Choosing between a wine cooler, a beverage cooler, beverage fridges, and a standard refrigerator for your drinks can be a bit overwhelming. If you’re new to this, you’re likely wondering what the differences between the three are.
The only thing they have in common is that they keep their contents cool. Nonetheless, the way they look and operate differs in terms of temperature, humidity, and vibration. They are developed and constructed to serve a variety of purposes. First, let’s discuss their differences and understand what they’re designed for.
What Distinguishes a Cooler from a Refrigerator?
When it comes to keeping your drinks cold, understanding the differences between a cooler and a refrigerator is crucial. While both appliances serve the primary function of cooling, they are designed with different purposes and features in mind.
A standard refrigerator is a versatile appliance meant to store a variety of perishables, including food and beverages. It operates at an average temperature of around 40°F, with compartments and shelves designed to accommodate everything from fruits and vegetables to dairy and meats. Refrigerators often come with additional features like crisper drawers, freezer compartments, and adjustable shelves, making them ideal for general household use.
On the other hand, a beverage cooler, also known as a beverage refrigerator or beverage center, is specifically designed to store drinks. Beverage coolers typically have a temperature range between 39°F and 65°F, which is perfect for keeping your drinks at the optimal serving temperature. Unlike standard refrigerators, beverage coolers often feature glass doors, allowing you to easily see and access your drinks. They also come with LED lighting that stays on, illuminating the contents for a visually appealing display.
In summary, while a refrigerator is a multi-purpose appliance suitable for a wide range of perishables, a beverage cooler is specialized for storing drinks, offering features like glass doors and consistent temperature control to keep your beverages perfectly chilled.
Wine Coolers vs. Refrigerators vs. Beverage Coolers
Wine coolers
An example of Wine Cooler is the Allavino FlexCount II Tru-Vino 349 Bottle Three Zone Stainless Steel Wine Refrigerator 3Z-VSWR7772-S20
Wine coolers keep red wines, white wines, and other bottles of wine chilled at their optimal serving temperatures. The temperature range of a wine cooler is higher than that of a refrigerator or beverage cooler. The temperature of a wine cooler, in general, does not fall below 46°F. Therefore, wines should not be stored as cold as other beverages in a beverage cooler or drinks refrigerator if you don’t want to ruin their flavor.
There are so many varieties of wine coolers out there.
Types of Wine Coolers
- Built-in Wine Coolers - These wine coolers are installed into cabinets or under counter, designed to guarantee optimal ventilation.
- Freestanding Wine Coolers - In contrast to the built-in ones, free standing wine coolers must not be recessed into any cabinetry.
- Side by Side Wine Coolers - Lastly, side by side wine coolers, often have multiple temperature zones and have double doors.
Types of Wine Coolers by Zones
- Single Zone Wine Coolers - This type of wine cooler contains only one temperature zone. If you exclusively store one type of wine, then a single zone wine cooler is perfect for you.
- Dual Zone Wine Coolers - This wine cooler is divided into two compartments, each with its own set of temperature controls. This design allows you to store both red and white wines without needing to purchase two separate wine coolers.
- Multi Zone Wine Coolers - This is the best option for wine enthusiasts who want to experience a variety of wines. Wine fridges with multiple temperature zones allow you to chill, store, and age different varietals.
Here's an example of a Dual and Triple Zone Wine Cooler. The products featured in the video are from the stunning and stylish line of Summit Appliances Wine Coolers
Some Dual Zone and Multi Zone Wine Coolers function as a refrigerator and wine cooler combination -- sometimes known as a beer and wine fridge. Wine, cans, and bottled beverages can all be stored in a wine beer fridge combo. So, if you want to keep different kinds of drinks on hand, a wine and beer cooler fridge is the cooler fridge for you.
Wine Cooler Brands
If you love to entertain your guests with the perfect bottle of wine, you might consider investing in high-end wine cooler. Refer to these articles:
Refrigerators
Product in the photo: Summit 24" Wide Built-In All-Refrigerator - FF64B
A standard refrigerator or fridge is designed to keep food and drinks cold and dry with an average temperature of 40°F. They have various compartments, glass shelves, and bulky trays to store a variety of perishables such as salads, fruits, milk, and meat. A top freezer or bottom freezer can also be found in refrigerators.
Refrigerators are available in a range of styles. You can choose from the top and bottom mount refrigerators to french door refrigerators, side-by-side refrigerators, compact refrigerators, glass door refrigerators, and more. They have interior lights inside, similar to the beverage cooler, but it goes off when the door is shut.
Refrigerator Brands
Beverage coolers
Product in the photo: Allavino FlexCount II Tru-Vino 30 Bottle/88 Can Dual Zone Stainless Steel Beverage/Wine Fridge 3Z-VSWB15-2S20
Beverage fridges are specifically designed to store drinks, including wine, and often feature dual-paned glass doors for an aesthetic advantage.
How Does a Beverage Cooler Work?
A Beverage Cooler, also called a beverage center or beverage refrigerator, is designed to store beverages of all kinds. Beverage fridges are designed to maintain a consistent temperature range, making them ideal for storing a variety of drinks. They also come in different compartments to accommodate different types of beverages.
Unlike a regular fridge, the LED lights inside are always on, illuminating the beverages, and have a transparent door making it visible from the outside.
Types of Beverage Coolers
Beverage coolers come in various types, each designed to cater to specific needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common types of beverage coolers:
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Freestanding Beverage Coolers: These standalone units can be placed almost anywhere in your home or office, as long as they are near an electrical outlet. They offer flexibility in placement and are perfect for those who need a dedicated space for their drinks.
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Built-in Beverage Coolers: Designed to be integrated into cabinetry, built-in beverage coolers are ideal for home improvement and remodeling projects. They provide a seamless look and are perfect for modern kitchens and bars.
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Under-Counter Beverage Coolers: These compact units are designed to fit under countertops, making them ideal for small kitchens or bars. They offer the convenience of having your favorite drinks within easy reach without taking up valuable counter space.
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Side-by-Side Beverage Coolers: Featuring double-pane glass doors, side-by-side beverage coolers often come with dual or multiple temperature zones. This allows you to store different types of beverages at their optimal temperatures, making them perfect for those who enjoy a variety of drinks.
Each type of beverage cooler offers unique advantages, so consider your specific needs and space constraints when choosing the right one for you.
How Cold does a Beverage Cooler Get?
A beverage cooler temperature range is between 39°F and 65°F, and you can adjust and set the temperature to suit your needs.
Beverage Center Brands
When it comes to beverage coolers, several reputable brands stand out for their quality and advanced features. Here are some of the top brands to consider:
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Forno: Known for their sleek designs and reliable performance, Forno beverage coolers often come equipped with adjustable shelves and an advanced cooling system. They are perfect for those who value both style and functionality in their beverage storage solutions.
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Cavavin: Cavavin offers a range of beverage coolers that cater to different needs, from compact models suitable for small spaces to larger units ideal for avid beverage enthusiasts. Their coolers are designed with energy efficiency in mind, ensuring your drinks are kept at the perfect temperature without excessive energy consumption.
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Lanbo: Lanbo focuses on innovation and quality, providing beverage coolers with features like dual-zone temperature control and touch screen interfaces. These coolers are ideal for those who want precise control over their beverage storage environment.
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Perlick: Perlick is renowned for its commercial-grade beverage coolers that bring professional-level performance to the home. Their coolers are built with high-quality materials and offer excellent durability, making them a long-term investment for serious beverage collectors.
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U-Line: U-Line offers versatile beverage coolers that are perfect for both home and office use. With options ranging from under-counter models to freestanding units, U-Line coolers are designed to fit seamlessly into any space while providing reliable cooling performance.
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Vitara: Vitara is known for its stylish and modern beverage coolers that add a touch of elegance to any room. Their coolers often feature glass doors and LED lighting, making them not only functional but also a visually appealing addition to your home or office.
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Allavino: Allavino offers a wide range of beverage coolers, from compact under-counter units to large freestanding models. Their coolers come with advanced features like dual-zone temperature control and glass doors, making them a popular choice for beverage enthusiasts.
- Smith & Hanks: Smith & Hanks focuses on style and functionality, offering a variety of beverage coolers, including freestanding and built-in models. Their coolers are designed to blend seamlessly with your home decor while providing efficient cooling.
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Summit: Summit offers a range of beverage coolers, including compact under-counter units and large freestanding models. Their coolers feature advanced temperature control and glass doors, ensuring your drinks are always at the perfect temperature and easily accessible.
Does a Wine Cooler Get as Cold as a Refrigerator?
The temperature range is what differentiates a wine cooler refrigerator from a standard refrigerator. Wine should be chilled between 45°F to 65°F. Most wine coolers do not provide temperatures below 46°F. A refrigerator's temperature range is 35°F to 42°F, which is considered too cold for wine.
Can You Use a Regular Refrigerator or Beverage Cooler to Store Wines?
A beverage cooler and refrigerator are similar to each other, but beverage coolers frequently do not offer the adjustable shelves or door storage that a refrigerator often does, and they often have glass doors to display the contents. Beverage fridges, while excellent for storing drinks, often lack the adjustable shelves and door storage found in regular refrigerators.
A wine and beverage refrigerator can be adjusted to a wide range of temperatures so it may be used for either, but keep in mind if you want to store both at the same time you will either have too-cold wine or too-warm drinks depending on how you choose to set the internal thermostat.
A regular fridge is designed to escalate temperatures quickly and dry out humidity. It may seem logical to store wine in the refrigerator, but the quick answer is an emphatic “No.”
Many hazards are lurking about your traditional fridge that can adversely affect your wine’s quality. If left in the same space too long, it’s possible to get a hint of General White or Red meat in your Pinot Noir. Why does this happen?
If the cork in a wine bottle shrinks and becomes overly porous due to insufficient humidity levels, the odors from the bread, bologna, beer, and whatever else you're storing can seep inside and contaminate your wine. Remember, regular refrigerators are engineered to suppress humidity, not sustain it.
Wine coolers are crafted to maintain an ideal humidity level so that your wine cork stays impermeable and moist, not allowing outside air to intrude the bottle and spoil your wine. You also won't be as tempted to store your leftovers in your dedicated wine cooler, meaning there's even less of a chance of the two ever meeting outside of a meal.
The answer is simple: your wines should never be kept in a standard refrigerator or beverage cooler.
When Should You Use a Wine Cooler Instead of a Regular Refrigerator When Drinking White Wine?
If you are a wine lover, you may one day wish to convert your love for wine into a notable collection that reflects your personal tastes and passion for the hobby. However, even from that very first bottle in your collection, you want to make sure you're storing your wine properly.
For those not fortunate enough to have a wine cellar in which they can store their collection (at the proper humidity level and temperature, no less), the ideal way to keep your wine at the optimal 55°F is to purchase a high-grade wine cooler.
While many may be tempted by the size and space offered by your average fridge, a conventional refrigerator just won't cut it.
Choosing the Right Appliance
When deciding between a beverage cooler and a mini fridge, several factors should be considered to ensure you make the right choice for your needs:
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Consider Your Needs: If your primary goal is to chill and store a variety of beverages, a beverage cooler is likely the better choice. Beverage coolers are designed specifically for drinks and often come with features like dual-zone temperature control and glass doors. However, if you need to store both beverages and food, a mini fridge may be more suitable.
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Think About Space: Beverage coolers are often more compact than mini fridges, making them ideal for small kitchens, bars, or offices. If space is a constraint, a beverage cooler can fit neatly under a counter or in a small nook. On the other hand, if you have more space available, a mini fridge might offer the additional storage you need.
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Look at Features: Beverage coolers often come with advanced features such as dual-zone temperature control, which allows you to store different types of beverages at their optimal temperatures. They also frequently have glass doors, providing a clear view of the contents. Mini fridges, however, may offer more versatile storage options, including crisper drawers and freezer compartments.
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Check the Temperature Range: Beverage coolers typically have a narrower temperature range, which is ideal for keeping drinks at a consistent temperature. Mini fridges, however, offer a broader temperature range, making them suitable for storing both food and beverages.
Ultimately, the choice between a beverage cooler and a mini fridge will depend on your specific needs and preferences. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the right appliance for your needs.
Keeping Your Wine Cool
Aside from keeping your wine chilled to serve at the ideal temperature all year long, a wine cooler's purpose is to protect your collection from environmental changes, including fluctuations in humidity.
What is the best temperature for serving wine? Read on to these articles for the ultimate guide to the proper temperature for serving wine.
A wine cooler will gradually lower temperatures and maintain a high and effective humidity level at all times. The temperature in a traditional refrigerator and beverage cooler is inconsistent because it is being opened throughout the day. Whether you want to serve your wine at the perfect temperature with dinner or store it for a longer period, a wine cooler ensures an even temperature throughout, always.
Another enemy of your beloved wine is vibration. All-purpose refrigerators vibrate because they run on a compressor. This vibration can disrupt a wine's natural maturation process, causing it to age and degrade faster.
You don't want to disturb the sediment present in the bottle, but it also causes complex chemical reactions which are less visible. Vibration over time will agitate a wine causing a reduction in esters, which dulls flavors.
Although some wine fridges are also powered by compressors, they have a unique vibration absorption system that greatly reduces the impact of tremors and noise, allowing your wine to quietly and adequately mature.
There are also thermoelectric wine refrigerators that don't vibrate at all but are better suited for already cool environments.
Final Word
For wine lovers, the optimal way for wine storage is within a cellar or wine cooler, not in the fridge or a beverage center. With changing temperatures, noisy vibration, pesky odors, a lack of features, and bottle capacity, your wine will be much better off in a dedicated wine cooler.
When you have a wine collection or are planning to start one soon, you may want to build a proper wine cellar and it's crucial to store them in a location with the ideal conditions by installing a wine cellar cooling unit.