The debate involving wine coolers and mini fridges is difficult to resolve. Some believe a wine cooler would serve you better than a mini fridge if you are a wine enthusiast, while for others, the reverse is the case.
However, coming to such conclusions is not as simple, considering different factors. It is easy to say obtaining a mini wine cooler fridge is all you need, but let’s weigh the issue properly before concluding. This article will tell you all you need to know.
Differences Between Wine Coolers and Fridges
Price
When it comes to price, mini fridges are less expensive than wine coolers. If you check online, you will find out that a small wine cooler can cost as much as $3,500, which is quite huge. Even the cheapest wine cooler can still cost up to $300. But you can get a white wine fridge for as low as $160. Thus, it is easy to go for a mini fridge judging by price.
Temperature is the difference
The temperature is the major contrast between a mini fridge and a wine cooler. Wine coolers have a minimum temperature of 46°F, which is ideal for wine storage since wine is preferably stored between 45°F to 65°F.
However, a mini fridge typically falls between 35°F and 42°F. This is too cold and is not ideal for wine storage.
The temperature in a wine cooler drops gradually
The temperature in a wine cooler drops gradually. If there is a power outage, your wine cooler would considerably maintain its temperature. But in the case of a mini fridge, the temperature drops rapidly. And if it is frequently visited, your wine won’t have the right temperature to exist.
Mini fridges eliminate humidity
This means mini fridges are usually dry. This is an ideal condition for perishables. Mini fridges are designed to reduce moisture which can damage stored items. Thus, they are colder and dryer than wine coolers. This makes them not suitable for wine storage.
Such a dry environment will make it difficult to pull out the cork from a wine bottle. A dry cork also shrinks and becomes permeable. Thus, your wine can get damaged by the odor of other items stored in the fridge.
On the other hand, wine coolers are less dry since they are designed to maintain humidity and not eliminate it. This means they are less cold than mini fridges and are suitable for wine storage.
Mini fridges are prone to vibrations
Mini fridges are prone to vibrations since they rely on compressors to cool them. This is not ideal for wine storage. But wine coolers do not have this vibration issue because they are thermoelectric reliant. Vibrations are bad for wine preservation.
Conclusion
From what we have seen above, a wine cooler is better for wine storage than a mini fridge. However, this does not mean you can’t still store your bottles in a mini fridge. Each appliance has its strengths and weaknesses. If you have the finances, investing in a wine cooler is a great thing to do.