Wine Cellars vs. Wine Coolers: What’s the Difference?
Wine must be kept away from humidity and temperature fluctuations, as well as light and vibration to keep it from spoiling. Wine cellars and wine coolers are often discussed as the best ways to store wine. Though many use the two terms interchangeably, there are actually many differences between the two.
What Is a Wine Cellar?
A wine cellar is a room that’s been dedicated to the storage and preservation of wine. The wine cellar is temperature controlled, either with a cooling unit system made specifically for wine preservation (active), or located underground to cool wine naturally (passive). Barrels or bottles are the typical vessels used to store wine in a wine cellar.
This particular option for wine storage can be quite versatile; even a closet space can be turned into a wine cellar! A wine cellar can be anything from small and simple to elaborate and expansive.
What Is a Wine Cooler?
A wine cooler (also called a wine fridge) is a refrigerated unit that is designed to hold wine at a particular temperature. So what’s the difference between a wine fridge vs. a cellar? Simply put, a wine fridge is an appliance that helps wine maintain and keep the ideal temperature for serving, while a wine cellar does that as well but is also designed to take into account all climate control factors (temperature, humidity, light, etc.) for optimal storage conditions.
Typically, wine placed in a wine fridge is only there for a very short period of time, whereas a wine cellar with a cooling unit keeps collections at the ideal temperature for several years.
Why a Wine Cellar?
A wine cellar or wine room cooling unit system is ideal for those with any size wine collection. The wine cellar offers the climate control necessary for optimal wine quality as well as long-term storage. It also allows for the storage of wines with various temperature and humidity needs.
The wine cellar is also able to be completely customized, allowing you to create a space that’s an expression of your personality as well as a growing wine collection.
Should You Choose a Wine Cooling Unit or a Wine Cooler?
To the point, a wine cooling unit can do everything a wine cooler can—but also much more. A wine cooler serves a very narrow purpose—to store a small amount of wine for a short period of time (less than 5 years). A wine cooler also doesn’t account for the many temperature variations that a more varied collection would require.
Also, many wine coolers do not take into account omissions, vibrations, or sunlight that could adversely affect the wine. Additionally, malfunctions such as finding your cooler too warm can happen.
Something for Every Wine Enthusiast
Whether you’re a novice or professional wine collector, quality counts. Wine Racks America specializes in various options for wine cellar environmental control as well as signature wine racks, doors and more, made in our 50,000-square-foot facility.
We sell only the top wine cellar cooling unit brands. You’ll benefit from the advice of our staff, all of who are wine storage experts, and are happy to help you choose the right through-wall, split or ducted system for all your wine storage and preservation needs.
Have you always wanted a wine cellar but weren’t sure where to start? Wine Racks America also offers wine cellar design services; simply request your no obligation quick or detailed quote online.
If your goal is to showcase your wine collection but also maintain the needed temperature and humidity, consider a glass wine enclosure. All of our enclosures are made in the USA, and far outperform shower glass with weather stripping and beautiful bronze frames.
Wine Racks America is committed to service excellence, fair pricing and the creation of superior products. Discover why a growing number of customers are choosing us for their wine storage and showcasing needs; visit us online or call 1-888-373-6057.
