Wine fridge recommendations

[dodgeyhack]

I was just beginning my research on wine fridges, and figured you guys would probably know a thing or two.
I understand what's important in a fridge, so looking for recommendations of brands and models really.
Looking for space for around 100 bottles. Ideally budget would be between 1000-2000.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

 

[sutho58]

Just a quick question to make things easier,,, red,, white or both?? Different cabinets based on usage,,

 

[dodgeyhack]

Both. But personally, I care about the red more

 

[craven morehead]

Vintec or Delonghi

 

[awilcockson]

I bought my 30 bottle Vintec here:

30 Btls Vintec Wine Storage Cabinet VIN30SGME | Appliances Online

Don't forget to go through the virgin shopping portal for bonus points

I'm very happy with the performance of the unit, although it does make quite a racket when the compressor kicks in.

 

[sutho58]

For a single zone,,, I have a transtherm which is a great cabinet,,

 

[dodgeyhack]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the tips.
I decided to go with a brand that wasn't mentioned here - Kitchener.
This model - Chatelet 108 - Kitchener Wine Cabinets
Happy with single zone since I don't need the bottles to come out at serving temperature.
They're an Australian brand and seem to get good reviews on wino forums.
Offer of a 17.5% discount sealed the deal.

 

[sutho58]

Looks nice,,, now just to fill it..

 

[dodgeyhack]

Looks nice,,, now just to fill it..

100 odd bottles all ready to go... and looking forward to getting that shelf back in the hallway cupboard!

 

[Major]

I bought a Vino Vault about 18 months ago and holds about 150 bottles. Never had a problem with it.

I have set the temp to 19° and store both red and white. If deciding to have white I just need to put the bottle in the fridge for a couple of hours

 

[Daver6]

Are you wanting the fridge to keep the wines at drinking temp or for long term storage?

If the latter, then all you need is a single zone fridge. Buy bigger than you need. Firstly, just because it says it holds 100 bottles, you will never achieve that unless all your bottles are standard Bordeaux bottles. Secondly, you always buy more

If you looks aren't that important you can save a lot of money. I managed to get a 320 bottle Liebherr for ~$3k. I believe Vintec is Chinese made.

Not sure the etiquette here, so apologies if it is frowned upon, but there is much discussion on The Auswine Forum • Index page on this topic. Worth a read.

 

[dodgeyhack]

Are you wanting the fridge to keep the wines at drinking temp or for long term storage?

If the latter, then all you need is a single zone fridge. Buy bigger than you need. Firstly, just because it says it holds 100 bottles, you will never achieve that unless all your bottles are standard Bordeaux bottles. Secondly, you always buy more

If you looks aren't that important you can save a lot of money. I managed to get a 320 bottle Liebherr for ~$3k. I believe Vintec is Chinese made.

Not sure the etiquette here, so apologies if it is frowned upon, but there is much discussion on The Auswine Forum • Index page on this topic. Worth a read.

Hey Dave,
Yeh I'm going for mid & long term storage, so did decide on a single zone.
Also did spend some time on that 'other' site, but was wondering about the etiquette myself so didn't mention it by name =)

The only bit of advice of yours I didn't take was to buy bigger than I need. Mainly because I don't have space for anything larger!
I noted that with some of the Kitchener models, the larger capacity versions were cheaper because they are the same fridge with less shelves so I figure I can be creative for a little while at least.

 

[TheInvisibleHand]

Hey guys,

Thanks for the tips.
I decided to go with a brand that wasn't mentioned here - Kitchener.
Happy with single zone since I don't need the bottles to come out at serving temperature.
They're an Australian brand and seem to get good reviews on wino forums.
Offer of a 17.5% discount sealed the deal.

Hi DH,

Could you share how you got the discount? I'm looking at the Chatelet 178 but not interested in paying full price. I'd PM you, but don't have the requisite posts.

 

[dodgeyhack]

Hi there,

Hi DH,

Could you share how you got the discount? I'm looking at the Chatelet 178 but not interested in paying full price. I'd PM you, but don't have the requisite posts.

I think it was advertised on the website although my memory is a bit hazy on this.

I notice the model I bought isn't available any more.
As a quick review, it's been pretty good.
The only thing is the temperature range between the top and the bottom is quite large - say 6 degrees?
I wonder if that's common or is it something about that particular brand/model?

I tend to the fridge at 9 degrees. This gives a good range across the fridge.
Whites go at the bottom. Good reds in the middle and the stuff that's not going to last long up the top.

Hope that helps!

 

[TheInvisibleHand]

Thanks DH.

The temperature variation is a bit of a concern as I'm looking at a larger model, but on the other hand my plan is to set it at ~15 degrees as I just want to use it for wine storage, not for taking wines out straight to the table. Hopefully I higher temperature will reduce the variance from the bottom to the top...