Wine refrigerators are quickly becoming a must have accessory for those who enjoy wine as a part of their lives. These units are available in a wide variety of price ranges, from bargain priced models to others running well into the thousands of dollars. If you're considering a wine refrigerator, here's five questions to ask before making a purchase.



Big, Small, Or In Between?

One thing to consider is how quickly you'll outgrow the storage capacity of a small unit. Our first wine refrigerator was a six bottle unit, which we still own. But, we quickly outgrew its storage capacity when we discovered a few great wine finds on our U.S. wine trail excursions. So our advice is, when in doubt, buy a unit that's a little bigger.

Are There Differences In Storing Red vs. White Wine?

There's absolutely no problem storing red and white wines together, as long as you're aware of temperature storage needs for each style. In general, reds should be stored at warmer temperatures than whites. So, if you enjoy red wine and white wine and plan to have both on hand, buy a wine refrigerator with dual or multiple zone temperature controls. Doing so allows you enjoy the very best flavor of all your wines.

What About Storage Features?

One feature we really enjoy in our wine refrigerator are the slide out shelves. Slide out shelving makes access and viewing much easier for us and our guests. Another factor are the size of wine bottles you'll store. Some wineries are bottling their wine in magnum style bottles, which are slightly larger than standard wine bottles. You'll want to make sure your refrigerator can handle both.

What About Temperature And Humidity?

Proper temperature and humidity levels are crucial in proper wine storage. The best universal temperature for wine storage is 55 degrees. Humidity levels are also important to prevent dried out corks. Remember, cooler temperatures reduce humidity, so keep your wine stored at humidity levels between 50 and 70 percent. Also, consider where you'll keep your wine refrigerator. If it's in an area with frequent temperature fluctuations, like a garage, make sure the unit you buy is well insulated to withstand these fluctuations.

What Else Do I Need To Know?

Expect to pay about $100 for a small six bottle model, and well over $1000 for a unit holding 50+ bottles. If you're storing your refrigerator in a secluded place in your home, choose function over style. Conversely, if your wine refrigerator will occupy a more prominent place, make sure the unit is quiet enough to live with. Finally, remember that proper wine storage is crucial to enjoying your wine to its fullest potential. Storage at proper temperature keeps a wine fresh, and allows you to enjoy the full bouquet of flavor.