I am interested in small wine fridges - say around 40 bottles. Can anyone tell me anything about these? I realise that they suit low volume drinkers and/or those with no need to cellar for years on end (I'm thinking of storing for my $10-30 wines on a 1/2 to 2 years turn around). Does anyone have or able to refer me to any papers on cellaring wine that prove a relationship between specific storage conditions and the maturing and taste etc of wine.
This way I can find out what to look for in a wine fridge. For example, I hear that vibration can be an issue, but is this all circumspection and marketing?
As you might guess, I'm trying to discriminated between the bar talk and the hard science.
small wine fridge vs ideal cellar
First, second and third choices are essential. I have chosen temp fluctuations as most important factor. Humidity is also if stored for extra long periods.
Try "Dome" brand 24 btls at $150 when on special. All of the issues above covered.
Try "Dome" brand 24 btls at $150 when on special. All of the issues above covered.
Last edited by Partagas on Wed Aug 01, 2007 4:52 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I use an offsite facility for long term storage and use a small wine fridge for day-to-day consumption of "ready" bottles that I top off from storage on a regular basis.
I agree with Alex, energy efficiency is probably most important. While I check the internal temperature on a semi-regular basis, that is more just to make sure it is still working correctly... I figure most bottles in it get drunk within 3 months or so. Again short term storage.. humidity isn't too much of an issues.
The other factors I have taken care of in the set up of the unit rather than in the unit itself. Stable floor, blacked out door etc.
I agree with Alex, energy efficiency is probably most important. While I check the internal temperature on a semi-regular basis, that is more just to make sure it is still working correctly... I figure most bottles in it get drunk within 3 months or so. Again short term storage.. humidity isn't too much of an issues.
The other factors I have taken care of in the set up of the unit rather than in the unit itself. Stable floor, blacked out door etc.
David G
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
"I'm going to die with a twinkle in my eye cause I sung songs, spun stories, loved, laughed and drank wine"
Dome wine fridges
I agree with Partagas re the Dome wine fridges. I bought a 24 bottle DOME thermoelectric wine fridge from ' Target' in Brisbane several months ago for $149, reduced from $249. Basically the thermoelectric wine fridges are better than the compressor types as the unit doesn't shake and rattle each time the compressor kicks in, thus making sure the wine is not disturbed. They are also very quite and energy efficient.
Cheers
Leigh
Cheers
Leigh
WINE - NECTAR OF THE GODS!
davidg wrote:I use an offsite facility for long term storage and use a small wine fridge for day-to-day consumption of "ready" bottles that I top off from storage on a regular basis.
I agree with Alex, energy efficiency is probably most important. While I check the internal temperature on a semi-regular basis, that is more just to make sure it is still working correctly... I figure most bottles in it get drunk within 3 months or so. Again short term storage.. humidity isn't too much of an issues.
The other factors I have taken care of in the set up of the unit rather than in the unit itself. Stable floor, blacked out door etc.
Same, this is precisely what I do, or what I try to do anyway.
Re: Dome wine fridges
Leigh wrote:I agree with Partagas re the Dome wine fridges. I bought a 24 bottle DOME thermoelectric wine fridge from ' Target' in Brisbane several months ago for $149, reduced from $249. Basically the thermoelectric wine fridges are better than the compressor types as the unit doesn't shake and rattle each time the compressor kicks in, thus making sure the wine is not disturbed. They are also very quite and energy efficient.
Cheers
Leigh
Is the Target - Dome available in a larger size? Has anyone seen then in Sydney recently?
Surely they use more energy than a compressor type. Does it have a label stating kWh/year? I dont think energy will be a big factor for me but if it uses a factor of 2 or 10 more I'd like to know.
Leigh does your take ages to chill a few bottles of wine from say 25 to 15°C?
Re: Dome wine fridges
abc wrote:Leigh wrote:I agree with Partagas re the Dome wine fridges. I bought a 24 bottle DOME thermoelectric wine fridge from ' Target' in Brisbane several months ago for $149, reduced from $249. Basically the thermoelectric wine fridges are better than the compressor types as the unit doesn't shake and rattle each time the compressor kicks in, thus making sure the wine is not disturbed. They are also very quite and energy efficient.
Cheers
Leigh
Is the Target - Dome available in a larger size? Has anyone seen then in Sydney recently?
I have a 40 Bottle DOME and it works a treat. However, whether it actually stores 40 x 750ml bottles is another story
I paid $249 (down from $399 I think) - also at Target (in Adelaide)
I think from memory the 40 bottle Dome uses compressor type cooling though and without looking at specs would just about guarantee that it would take a lot more power than the thermo. In terms of fluctuation, I live in Perth and have had them through a couple of summers now and have not seen any major temp change (more than 2 degrees). I set mine to 14c and have just under $2k of wine in each. I only endorse it so much because I have used a couple of others before (budget range) and found major issues with them.