Whether you’re a wine collector or simply enjoy savoring a nice glass, you may be wondering if you should buy a wine fridge. But exactly what is a wine fridge, and what are the benefits are of owning one? We’ll explain how these underappreciated appliances work, show you the advantages of having a wine fridge, and give recommendations for determining which model is ideal for you.
Exactly What Is a Wine Fridge?
What is a wine storage refrigerator, you ask? A wine fridge is an appliance that is designed specifically to store wine bottles. You may have heard them referred to by many different names such as wine cooler, wine cellar, wine fridge, wine storage, and wine refrigerator.
What Is the Point of a Wine Fridge?
Wine fridges help to keep your wine at the optimal temperature and humidity level for storage. This means that your wine will stay fresh for longer and will be less likely to spoil. Additionally, wine fridges can help to prevent your wine from being exposed to too much light or heat, which can also cause it to spoil.
What Is the Difference Between a Wine Fridge and a Regular Fridge?
The main difference between a wine fridge and a regular fridge is that wine fridges are designed specifically for storing wine. This means that they usually have features like adjustable shelves and temperature control, which regular fridges don’t have.
Does Adding Wine Storage to Your Home Add Value?
According to a 2017 report from the National Association of Builders, home buyers were willing to pay an additional $15,000 – $60,000 more for a home with a wine cellar. Post-pandemic, the NAHB reports that 48% of homeowners listing wine cellars as a “do not want” feature due to the added cost. This makes the more practical and affordable option of a wine cooler even more appealing to most buyers.
Real estate professionals agree that wine storage adds an element of luxury to your home and can raise the buyer’s perceived value. And of course, the answer to whether a wine fridge will add value to your home will largely depend on the expectations of buyers in your area. Talk to your real estate agent for area-specific information.
Is a Wine Fridge Cold Enough for Beer?
Yes, a wine fridge can be cold enough for beer. Most wine fridges have adjustable temperature settings, so you can set it to the perfect temperature for storing both wine and beer.
How Much Does a Wine Fridge Cost?
Wine fridges can range in price from around $100 to $10,000, depending on the size and features. For example, a full-size Sub-Zero wine storage unit will be on the higher end of that price range, while a smaller undercounter model will be much more cost-effective.
Image from Sub-Zero
Buying Guide: Essential MUST-KNOWS About Buying a Wine Fridge
Now that we’ve gone over some of the reasons to own a wine fridge, let’s talk about how to choose the right model for you. When shopping for a wine fridge, there are a few factors you should keep in mind.
Capacity: How many wine bottles do you want to be able to store? This is the first and most important question to ask yourself, as it will determine the size of the fridge you need.
Size: What are the dimensions of the space you have for a wine fridge? You’ll want to make sure that the fridge you choose will fit in the space you have.
Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a wine fridge? It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and find the perfect fridge for your needs.
Brand: Some brands we’d recommend when shopping for a wine fridge include GE Monogram, LG, JennAir, and Sub-Zero.
Features: What features are you looking for in a wine fridge? Some common features include temperature control, adjustable shelves, and lockable doors.
Consider these factors as you examine each wine fridge to help you narrow down your choices and select the best one for you.
We hope you found this article helpful and that next time someone asks what is a wine fridge, you’ll have all the information you’ll need. And remember for any issues with your wine fridge our team at Cody’s Appliance Repair is ready to help!
