Wine Refrigerator Reviews

N’FINITY 23 Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator Review

admin — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:39:14 +0000

A Nice Looking Wine Refrigerator, but can it Live Up to its Marketing?

The N’Finity 23 Dual Zone Wine Cellar is another manufacturer’s attempt to fill the space left by outdated trash compactors. It’s front venting and 15″ width allows it to be “built-in” or placed under the kitchen counter but it’s flexible enough to be used as a freestanding unit.

Note: It’s called a wine cellar but don’t confuse it with a long-term storage device, it is better described as a wine cooler or wine refrigerator.

The N’Finity 23 Dual Zone wine refrigerator stores 23 wine bottles on a set of 6 Smooth-Rolling Hardwood Shelves that glide smoothly on ball-bearing tracks for easy access. Getting a bottle of wine out of a wine refrigerator stuffed to capacity is a major pain in the neck making racks that pull out very convenient. In addition flat racks make the storage of non-standard wine bottles (like Champagne) less problematic.

However, the maximum capacity per shelf is 4 bottles or 22 lbs except for the bottom shelf which only holds 3. With regard to the bottom shelf, the N’Finity 23 Owner’s Manual) specifically states:

Note: when setting bottles on the floor of the unit, Bordeaux (regular) size bottles offer the best fit.

The N’Finity 23 Dual Zone wine refrigerator has a compressor-based cooling system just like a typical kitchen refrigerator used to store milk and eggs, but it’s not great for storing wine. A compressor-based cooling system creates temperature fluctuations especially during a defrost cycle (this is in addition to temperature fluctuations caused by opening the cooler door and turning interior LED lights off and on). Most modern refrigerators are frost free or have automatic defrost cycles and this wine cooler is no different, which means its temperature is constantly going up and down by several degrees (a wine storage no no).

The alternative to a compressor-based system is a thermoelectric cooling system which is a solid state electronic device without moving parts (except a fan) that does not cycle on and off and therefore produces a more even temperature. However, compressor-based systems are better at cooling in adverse conditions like a kitchen with lots of heat producing appliances (one of the worst places for wine storage by the way).

Unfortunately, the N’Finity 23 owner’s manual warns:

Locate the wine cellar away from direct sunlight and sources of heat (stove, heater, radiator, etc.).

Which is strange considering this wine refrigerator is marketed as an under the kitchen counter unit, and therefore would have to operate in the exact environment the owner’s manual warns against. Don’t think the warning can be ignored either since many buyers of this wine cooler who have used it as a replacement for a trash compactor have complained about its inability to maintain set temperature.

Temperature can be set in 1°F increments and dual digital displays show set temperature and actual cabinet temperature (after 5 seconds) in Upper and Lower Zones respectively. The Upper Zone can be set at 41-60°F and the Lower Zone at 45-64°F. If you set the upper or lower zone between 52 – 64°F, the LED light next to “RED” will light up, indicating that you are within the recommended range for serving Red Wine. If you set the upper or lower zone between 44 – 51°F, the LED light next to “WHITE” will light up, indicating that you are within the recommended range for serving White Wines. If you set the upper or lower zone between 41 – 43°F, the LED light next to “SPARKLING” will light up, indicating that you are within the recommended range for serving Sparkling Wines.

The advantage of a Dual Zone wine refrigerator over a Single Zone is the ability to store different types of wine (like Red, White and Sparkling) at their proper serving temperatures all within the same cabinet, thus eliminating the need and cost of having separate wine coolers for different wines. Wine Enthusiasts who don’t want to shell out the extra cash for separate wine coolers typically store their white and sparkling wines at the bottom of Single Zone wine refrigerators taking advantage of the natural temperature differential between the top and bottom of the cabinet. However, the temperature differential is only a few degrees, so if you want to serve your Merlot at 63°F and your Asti Spumante at 41°F, you’re out of luck. Plus with a single zone there’s no way to change the temperature at the bottom or top of the cooler, although you can of course measure the temperature with a thermometer.

However, that advantage is negated if your Dual Zone wine refrigerator can only maintain a temperature differential of a few degrees between the Upper and Lower Zones, and that seems to be the case with the N’Finity 23. In other words, the N’Finity 23 might as well be a Single Zone wine refrigerator. So, why pay a Dual Zone price for Single Zone wine refrigerator?

PROS

Front Venting and Unit Dimensions allow it to be “Built-In” – an Excellent Use of Space
Dual-Zone Temperature Control – Upper Zone: 41-60°F; Lower Zone: 45-64°F
Digital Temperature Display and Control
6 Flat, Slide-Out Wine Racks
UV-Protected Glass
Built-in Key Lock provides security
Nice Appearance – Stainless Steel Trim, 3 Blue LED Interior Lights, Wood Shelves
Reversible hinge for left or right hand opening
Warranty – 1 Year Limited Warranty

CONS

Compressor-Based Cooling System which causes,
Temperature Fluctuations, Very Bad for Wine Storage
Noise from Compressor Turning Off and On
Vibrations, Also Bad for Wine Storage
Inability to maintain Set Temperature
Inability to maintain Large Temperature Differential between Upper and Lower Zones
Not Cheap – Price per Bottle = $34.74, based on average price per unit of $799)

Who’s It For?

The best thing about the N’Finity 23 is its ability to fit under the kitchen counter. So, its for people who really want a wine refrigerator in the kitchen. But, since there are other products that can accomplish the same thing with more features and at a cheaper cost, it’s only worth buying if it’s really cheap. It just so happens that this unit is available as a “Scratch and Dent” for $499 (while supplies last, a $300 savings) i.e. like-new units that may have some cosmetic flaws, but are guaranteed to work perfectly and include full manufacturer’s warranty, not to mention, you get Free Shipping ($125 value).

Helpful Articles:

N’FINITY 23 Dual Zone Wine Refrigerator Review by Wine Refrigerator Reviews

Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS Wine Refrigerator Review

admin — Wed, 04 May 2011 17:41:05 +0000

A Flexible, Attractive Wine Refrigerator, but is it for the Serious Wine Drinker?

Attention! All you kitchen renovators looking to fill the 15″ space left by outdated trash compactors, the Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS Wine Cellar is designed for just that. Its front venting and dimensions allow it to be “built-in” to just such a space, although it’s flexible enough to be used as a freestanding unit if that’s what you desire.

Note: Although its called a wine cellar (and it is since you store wine in it), don’t confuse it with a long-term storage device, it is better described as a wine cooler or wine refrigerator.

The Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS wine refrigerator stores 34 standard bottles (bordeaux-style, 750 milliliter), so if you prefer wine that comes in wider bottles (burgundy-style) like Chardonnay, or large-format bottles like Magnums, expect it to be less. Unlike cheap wine coolers that come with wavy wire racks, this cooler’s racks (6) are flat and slide out and are accented with stainless steel facades.

Getting a bottle of wine out of a wine refrigerator stuffed to capacity is a major pain in the neck making racks that pull out extremely advantageous. In addition flat racks make the storage of non-standard wine bottles less problematic. However, buyers of this product seem to like using this unit as a second refrigerator or beverage center to store beer, soda, and (sacrilege!) milk and cheese.

Note: Just a general warning for those that simply want a second refrigerator - get a second refrigerator not a wine refrigerator. You don’t want to store your wine with food, especially food with strong odors (i.e. onions, garlic), because these odors can work their way into the wine through the cork changing its taste. You also don’t want to store your wine with fermented foods or foods likely to ferment (i.e. cheese, fruit, vegetables), anything with its own yeasts can wreak havoc with a wine’s chemistry.

The Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS wine refrigerator has a compressor-based cooling system just like a typical kitchen refrigerator used to store milk and eggs, and it works very well for that purpose, but not for storing wine. A compressor-based cooling system creates temperature fluctuations especially during a defrost cycle. Most modern refrigerators are frost free or have automatic defrost cycles and this wine cooler is no different, which means its temperature is constantly going up and down by several degrees (a wine storage no no). Danby, however, claims it has a unique defrost system that reduces temperature fluctuations (but does not eliminate them).

The alternative to a compressor-based system is a thermoelectric cooling system which can produce a steady temperature. However, it’s rare to find a thermoelectric system that can cool below 40°F. This wine refrigerator doesn’t have that problem, its temperature range is 39°F (4°C) to 64°F (8°C) which is great if you want to serve white wine and Champagne.

A great temperature range doesn’t matter if you don’t have precise temperature control. That’s not a problem with this unit, which has a digital display and controls. Temperature can be set in 1° degree increments (either °F or °C) and the electronic display shows current cabinet temperature and set temperature (see Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS Owner’s Manual).

PROS

Front Venting and Unit Dimensions allow it to be “Built-In” – an Excellent Use of Space
Temperature Range of 39°F (4°C) to 64°F (8°C)
Digital Temperature Display and Control
6 Flat, Slide-Out Wine Racks
Tempered Glass Door with Tinting for extra Ultra-Violet Light Protection
Magnetic Door Seals – Poor Door Seals are the Bane of Cheap Wine Refrigerators
Child-Proof Lock with Key
Nice Appearance – Stainless Steel Facades, Cool blue LED track lighting system to illuminate the interior
Reversible hinge for left or right hand opening
Warranty – 2 Year Parts and Labor

CONS

Compressor-Based Cooling System which causes,
Temperature Fluctuations, Very Bad for Wine Storage
Noise from Compressor Turning Off and On
Vibrations, Also Bad for Wine Storage
Not Cheap – Price per Bottle = $20.59, based on average price per unit of $700)

Who’s It For?

The Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS Wine Cellar is flexible so an outdated trash compactor is not necessary in order to purchase it. This unit has a nice set of features (if you like a variety of wines, a dual zone is always better), but forgets the basics and comes with a hefty price tag. If you’re willing to shell out more than $500 for a wine refrigerator, you’re either very serious about your wine or the look of your kitchen, or both.

If you’re serious about wine, most of your wine probably comes with a cork (as most valuable wine does). Cork seals do not like temperature fluctuations, and serious wine drinkers do not like oxidized wine. So if this unit goes perfectly with your kitchen, don’t keep expensive wine in it for more than a few weeks or simply stick to wine bottles with twist caps.

Helpful Articles:

Danby Silhouette DWC1534BLS Wine Refrigerator Review by Wine Refrigerator Reviews

Haier HVW18BSS Wine Refrigerator Review

admin — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:19:12 +0000

A Simple, Compact Wine Refrigerator. But Will it Last?

The Haier HVW18BSS wine refrigerator stores 18 standard or bordeaux-style bottles, but if you like Champagne, Pinot Noir or Chardonnay, expect it to be less, especially since the wine refrigerator is designed to be narrow and have a small footprint. In addition, the wine racks are wavy wire racks that can’t be adjusted (very common, but also the worst kind), once again fitted for standard bottles, so expect wine bottles with a wide base not to lay properly and hit the upper rack. The racks may even bend after a while.

Haier touts its thermoelectric cooling system because it creates less vibrations than compressor-based systems. While this is one of the advantages of a thermoelectric system, it is not the primary one. The primary advantage of a thermoelectric system (and therefore a favorable characteristic of this wine refrigerator) is a steady temperature or small fluctuations. Providing a steady temperature is the most important thing you can do for wine protection. Thermoelectric systems are also quieter and consume less energy.

The Haier HVW18BSS also provides a double-paned glass door which helps to maintain temperature through increased insulation and provides some protection against Ultra Violet light (tinting of the glass would be even better), but this is a standard wine refrigerator feature.

This wine cooler’s temperature range could be larger. At 50 - 64°F it does not provide adequate cooling for a whole range of white and sparkling wines that are best served at 40 - 50°F. Temperature control is provided by a simple mechanical dial marked red wine on one side and white wine on the other (see Haier HVW18BSS Owner’s Manual). As suggested above they could have omitted the side that says white wine. In addition, a simple dial does not provide accurate temperature control. You can’t serve wine at the proper temperature if you can’t dial in a precise temperature, although you could always buy a thermometer and experiment with the settings.

But, none of these features matter if the wine cooler stops working. Many buyers of this model have stated that it breaks down shortly after its one-year parts-and-labor warranty expires, and while wine refrigerators have never been known for their longevity one should expect to keep it for at least 5 years before replacement. On the plus side, Haiers tend to be cheap so the pain shouldn’t be too great.

PROS

Thermoelectric Cooling
Double-paned Glass Door
One-year parts-and-labor warranty
Compact – small footprint
Cheap (price per bottle = $8.33, based on average price per unit of $150)

CONS

Wavy wire racks designed for standard bottles
Small temperature range
Mechanical dial – poor temperature control
Likely to fail after 1 year

Who’ s It For?

If you regularly keep less than 20 bottles of red wine on hand that comes in bordeaux-style bottles like Cabernet Sauvignon, and that red wine is primarily the same type or served at the same temperature (because it’s a single zone wine cooler), and you don’t mind buying a new wine refrigerator every year, go ahead and pick one up. But remember, wine refrigerators are for short-term storage (less than a year) and should not be used to age wine.

Helpful Articles:

Haier HVW18BSS Wine Refrigerator Review by Wine Refrigerator Reviews