I&#;ve had cellars done in two different houses and used WRA for the racks both times (roughly bottles-in-racks capacity first and then roughly bottles-in-racks capacity the second time). Good experiences both times. I didn&#;t use design services, but instead measured myself and figured out what I would need give the space and layout (I&#;d suggest give some thought to half-bottle or magnum racks if you have different sized bottles, oversized bottles of Burg/Champs, etc.). The racks are designed to fit next to each other and be scalable. I found they work well and leave plenty of space on top to put OWCs or other random things. My first cellar was all double-deep racks and the second cellar was single-deep &#; I prefer the single for organizational purposes, but it depends on what works best for your space.

Candor Product Page

I&#;ve also used WhisperKool products in both cellars. The first had a through-the-wall unit that was like an A/C unit. I had it ducted out through the bathroom next to the cellar with the duct running out to an exterior wall. The only minor complaint was the need to have a bucket for the drip line and to dump the bucket out periodically. The unit was in the first-floor of a garage in SoCal and worked without any problems from until . My current cellar setup has two split-system Quantum FD units (we needed the larger size because the wall on each of the cellar sides is solid glass, which doesn&#;t hold the lower temperature as long). The units can be a bit noisy when running, but have worked well for several years.

I&#;d suggest hiring someone who has built a couple cellars or someone willing to research and learn about it to get things right in terms of the water vapor seals, insulation, door sealing, etc.

Wine Coolers - Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

Call us at 1.800.777.VINO.
*Please note our business hours: 
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.PST

Upon arrival, all coolers must stand upright for 24 hours before being plugged in. This will allow the coolant to settle.

Proper temperature for the storage of wine?

To preserve bottles for as long as possible wine should be stored at approximately 55° Fahrenheit/ 13° Celsius.

Why should I buy a wine cooler?

Wine coolers are a space saving storage solution. They create a perfect balance of temperature and humidity for the aging of wine. If you have limited space or have a small to medium sized collection, a wine cooler is a great option.

What is the difference between a free standing wine cooler and a built-in or under counter cooler?

Built-in coolers are designed to operate within a confined space due to their front exhaust. Since free standing coolers have rear exhaust, they require at least 6 inches of clearance at the back. Improper clearance means that the unit will build up heat within the cabinet which may damage its contents and cause the cooler to overheat.

Can I store other beverages in this cooler?

You may, however, since the temperature of this cooler is maintained at a constant 55° Fahrenheit/ 13° Celsius your beverage may not be cooled to your liking. Also, keep in mind that storing oddly shaped bottles may decrease the bottle capacity of your wine cooler.

What is the best way to clean my wine cooler?

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, make sure you unplug the unit before cleaning. Use only a mild, nonabrasive cleaner to clean the exterior of the cabinet. Always dry all parts with a clean dry cloth before returning the parts to the cooler or plugging it back in.

Can I use an extension cord?

We strongly recommend against the use of an extension cord. However, if you still select to use one, it is necessary that it is a UL Listed 3-wire grounding type appliance extension cord. The marked rating of the extension cord should be 115V, 15A, or equivalent and not greater than 15 ft. in length.

How should this unit be installed?

Make sure you are placing the unit on a solid, level surface. Places you should NOT install your Vinotemp wine cooler: in direct sunlight, moist areas, or anywhere its weight will not be supported. Please refer to the Owner&#;s Manual for detailed clearance guidelines for built-in and freestanding wine coolers.

Where should I install this wine cooler?

Some ideas: in the family room, living room, kitchen, home bar, dining room, luxury bedroom, or den. In addition to residential spaces, Vinotemp wine coolers make a great addition to any restaurant, bar, country club, or hotel.

How do I adjust the temperature of my wine cooler?

If you have just received your cooler you must unlock the control panel first. Please refer to the Owner&#;s Manual for detailed instructions on how to adjust the temperature of your cooler or turn on the light.

How can I store both red and white wines in this cooler?

Single zone wine coolers and do not have separate compartments for red and white. However, if you would like to store both varieties in your cooler, you may store white wine towards the bottom of the cooler where the temperature is cooler and red towards the top. Multi-zone coolers have independent temperature zones in which you may store red or white wine at their ideal temperatures.

What is the difference between direct cooling and air cooling?

In coolers with direct cooling (ex: freestanding units such as VT-28TS or VT-48TS), the evaporator is exposed inside the cabinet. The interior cold air is circulated through convection with no interior fan. The temperature difference of the upper and lower zones varies by 8 degrees. In coolers with air cooling (ex: built-in styles such as the VT-155SBB), a fan is located in front of the interior evaporator. A combinatin of convection and the fans circulates the cold air throughout the cabinet. The difference in temperature between the upper and lower zones varies by 3 degrees.

What is the difference between thermoelectric and compressor coolers?

The chart below shows a comparison of the 2 different kinds of coolers.  One kind is not necessarily better than the other. Your personal preference, budget, and the needs of your collection will be important factors that help you choose which kind of cooler is best for you.

-

Compressor

Thermoelectric

*Cost

Higher purchase cost, lower operation cost.

Lower purchase cost, higher operation cost.

Temperature

Able to reach colder temperatures and adapt to changes in ambient temperature.

Coldest temperature achievable is approximately 20 degrees cooler than ambient temperature.

Capacity

Able to cool a larger collection.

Perfect for smaller collections.

Noise

Sound comparable to standard food refrigerator (compressor cycles on and off to cool, more moving parts).

Whisper quiet (fewer moving parts).

Installation

Variety of installations. Units with front exhaust can be recessed into cabinetry. Units with rear exhaust are for freestanding installation.

Units have rear exhaust and are for freestanding installation only.

Ecological Impact

Are you interested in learning more about WINE COOLER customize? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

Contains refrigerant. Must be disposed of using proper precautions.

Contains no harmful substances or emissions. Proper precautions must still be taken when disposing of a thermoelectric appliance.

 

*Operation cost is largely dependent on the size of the cooler and number of bottles stored.
Download the Compressor vs. Thermoelectric analysis

*Operation cost is largely dependent on the size of the cooler and number of bottles stored.

 

What are the best wine refrigerators?

The best wine refrigerators will keep your wine in the ideal environment while meeting the needs of your unique wine collection. Read more

What is a wine refrigerator called?

Wine fridge, wine cooler, wine chiller; these are all interchangeable terms that apply to a wine refrigerator. A wine refrigerator can be defined as a temperature-controlled appliance designed for the storage of wine. Read more

How much does a wine fridge cost?

The first cost to consider when purchasing a wine fridge is the initial upfront cost. This can be anywhere from $200 to $9,000+ depending on the refrigerator&#;s bottle capacity and features. Read more

Should I buy a wine fridge?

You may be considering buying a wine fridge if you are starting to collect more bottles than you consume, feel a need to organize your collection, and would like to take your wine hobby more seriously. Read more

How Should Red Wine Be Stored?

Red wine is best stored in a space that mimics that of an underground cave; with a consistent temperature around 55&#;F and with relative humidity around 70 to 90%. Read more

What is the best temperature to store red wine?

On average, the best red wine storage temperature is around 55&#;F, with temperature fluctuations inside your storage area that do not fluctuate more than 5&#;F. You should store your wine in a spot where it will not be exposed to harmful UV rays, can lay horizontally, has proper humidity (ideally 70-90%), and is free from unwanted vibration. Ideally, the best place to store your wine is inside a wine cellar or cave. Read more

How many years can you keep a bottle of wine?

How long a bottle of wine will last depends on a few factors. First, is the bottle opened or unopened? If a bottle has been opened, it should be consumed right away. Second, how has the wine been stored? If wine has been stored improperly, it may have gone bad before you have even had a chance to pop the cork. Read more

Will my wine cooler accommodate all bottle sizes?

Vinotemp coolers are built to store standard 750ml Bordeaux wine bottles. Storing large or oddly shaped wine bottles such as magnums or champagne bottles will decrease the number of bottles you are able to store inside this unit. Some units are designed to store larger format bottles at the very bottom of the cooler.

What if I encounter a common problem on a Wine Cooler?

Note: This Troubleshooting Chart is not prepared to replace the training required for a professional refrigeration service person, not is it comprehensive.

We got you covered on any possible common problems that can be solved easily, saving you the cost of a possible service call. Try the following suggestions to see if you can solve the problem before contacting us at 1-800-777-VINO () or for assistance with your Wine Cooler.This Troubleshooting Chart is not prepared to replace the training required for a professional refrigeration service person, not is it comprehensive.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Problem

Possible Cause

Wine Cooler does not operate

&#; Ensure unit is plugged into an electrical outlet.
&#; Check if unit is turned off.
&#; Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.

Wine Cooler is not cold enough

&#; Check the temperature control setting.
&#; External environment or ambient temperature may require a higher setting.
&#; Check if door does not close completely or is open too often.
&#; Check if door gasket does not seal properly.

Wine Cooler turns on and off frequently

&#; The room temperature may be hotter than normal.
&#; Check if door does not close completely or is open too often.
&#; Check if door gasket does not seal properly.
&#; The temperature control is not set correctly.

Wine Cooler light does not work

&#; The coonection may be loose.
&#; Ensure unit is properly plugged in.
&#; Check for a tripped circuit breaker or blown fuse.
&#; Check if the light switch is OFF.

Wine Cooler makes too much noise or vibrates

&#; Check to ensure the unit is level.
&#; The noise may come from the compressor as it will stop and restart when the unit achieves its setting temperature. This is normal.
&#; The noise may come from the cooling fan. The cooling fan may be installed into a HIPS board or metal board. When the fan is working, it may shake together with the board, which may lead to the noise.
&#; The noise may come from the cooling system. The gas may be recycled between the pipes, which the noise will sound like water flowing.
&#; The rattling noise may come from the flow of refrigerant. This is normal.
&#; As each cycle ends, you may hear gurgling sounds caused by the flow of refrigerant in the unit. This is normal.
&#; Contraction and expansion of the inside walls may cause popping and crackling noises.

Wine Cooler door will not close properly

&#; Check to ensure the unit is level.
&#; The door was reversed and was not properly installed.
&#; The gasket is dirty.
&#; The shelves are out of position.

Wine Cooler sealed system not working properly

&#; No heat transfer through the drier spot means no gas in the system.
&#; Check the flow of refrigerant, surrounding temperature, gasket and door.

 

*For more troubleshooting solutions, please check our

*For more troubleshooting solutions, please check our Troubleshooting Solutions Guide for Wine Coolers.

Questions?

Please contact us at 1.800.777.VINO or

For more Commercial built-in wine cooler manufacturerinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.