Ideal Wine Coolers receives many questions concerning our products and policies.  I wanted to share some of this Frequently Asked Questions with all by blog readers.  Remember, there are no stupid questions.  I only hope that my answers do not approach the stupid zone. 

1.  I am remodeling my kitchen.  What products are appropriate for under counter use?

Built-in wine coolers  are specifically designed to sit flush with the rest of your kitchen cabinetry.  These specific units are front-vented and are designed to allow the unit to be pushed flat against the wall and the surrounding cabinets without over heating.  Built-in wine coolers are slightly more expensive, but do have the advantage of saving floor space.  Built-in units can also be used in freestanding applications.  Freestanding wine coolers should never be used for an under counter application as the units will over heat and eventually fail.

2.  I live in an apartment and have limited space for a wine cooler.  What would you suggest?

Our counter-top wine coolers are designed to deal with limited space applications.  Measure the specific space dimensions that are available for a wine cooler.  Each of our counter-top models will have their respective dimensions clearly displayed.  Select a wine cooler that will fit your needs and space limitations.

3.  I just got my compressor-designed wine cooler; can I plug it in right away?

No, the new wine cooler should stand a minimum 2 hour period before plugging it in.  There is oil in the compressor that may have

moved up into the sealed system while being shipped.  Letting the unit stand allows the oil time to settle.  Plugging it in immediately could result in damage to the unit.  Consult your products factory supplied information package for more information.  If you purchased a thermoelectric type wine cooler, it can be used immediately.

4.  Can I run a small appliance on top of my wine cooler?

No, you should not operate any appliance from on top of your wine cooler, unless it has a designed in work top, or run any appliance from the same circuit as the cooler. 

 5.  Are there wine coolers that can accommodate cans and other beverages?

We have several products that store wine as well as canned beverages.  These products are in the Beverage Cooler category.  We alsocarry several products that will keep mini, pony and full-sized kegs of beer.

6.  Do you have any wine coolers that have locks?

Yes, we have several models that have locks.  Look at the specifications for each product under the “Features” text.  The Freestanding, Built-in and Beverage Cooler categories all show products with locks.  We have also set up a product category exclusively showing Locking Wine Coolers.

7.  What does “dual-zone” mean in some product descriptions?

Some wine coolers are designed with two separate compartments, each with their own temperature controls.  This dual-zone storage feature allows storage of your wine collection at different temperatures; for example, red as opposed to white wine.

 8.  What are the power requirements for my new wine cooler or beverage center?All of the products we sell require a standard 110 Volt, 15-amp outlet just like a standard refrigerator.  Some single bottle server and chillers may have AC adapters that allow them to run on a 12-volt current like in your car or recreational vehicle.

9.  I have a single zone wine cooler.  What is the best temperature for keeping red and white wines?

If one had to choose just one temperature to store both red and white wines, the temperature setting should be at 55 degrees F.  This temperature is slightly colder than the best one for reds and slightly warmer than the best one for whites.  You can compensate somewhat for this by storing your reds on the top shelves of your wine cooler and the whites on the bottom shelves.  Warmer air will rise to the top and colder air will settle to the bottom.

10. My thermoelectric wine cooler fan seems to run all of the time.  Is something wrong with it?The fan must run continuously to move the air within your wine cooler.  This enables the thermoelectric wine refrigerator to cool your stored wines  equally.   A compressor based wine cooler, which is designed similar to your basic refrigerator, will cycle on and off based on the inside temperature as it relates to your desired temperature setting.  Both of these operating conditions are considered normal.

11. My wine cooler is making weird noises.  What is wrong?

Expansion and contraction of the interior walls of your wine cooler may make a popping or cracking noise.  This is normal behavior.

 13. I bought a portable icemaker but I cannot find where to hook up a drain.  Can you help?

The portable icemakers we carry at Ideal Wine Coolers do not need a drain hook up.  Any ice you do not use melted and recycled into

more fresh ice.  It is important to keep the interior strainer clean because a clogged strainer will affect the efficient operation of the icemaker.

14. I know wine should be stored with relative humidity near 70 percent.  What can I get to monitor  humidity levels in my wine cooler?

Several portable devices are available that can monitor humidity and/or temperature in your wine cooler.  Ideal Wine Coolers has a temperature/humidity gauge available in our Wine Accessory Collection.

15. After I submit my order, how long does it take to get it delivered?

We ship products from warehouses in California, Arizona and Texas.  Order processing usually takes 1 to 2 days before the order is

shipped.  Products purchased that are more than 150 pounds must be shipped via freight carrier.  Depending on where you live, delivery time may approach a week.  Normally items will be shipped using standard UPS ground shipping that may take 3 to 5 days after your order is processed.  For wine accessory items, allow 5 to 7 days before shipping.  We normally notify everyone as soon as an item ships by e-mail with all pertinent delivery information.  See our website section on “Policies” for customer responsibilies.

 Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers

The bathroom and the kitchen in any house are critical to update if you are trying to sell your home or flip an investment house.  Of the bathroom or the kitchen, the kitchen upgrades are most likely to leave the best first impression when others are looking to buy your home.  Additionally when visiting, my family seems to gravitate to the kitchen as I imagine happens in most families.  The kitchen is where “it’s happening” and where enjoyment of your surroundings is most important.

In the kitchen, the obvious upgrades include new cabinets, countertops, flooring, paint and depending on the circumstances, maybe new appliances.  The traditional appliance approach would include refrigerator, dishwasher, stove/oven and built in microwave oven.  There are some important trends in society that may point to consideration of another class of under counter appliances, besides trash compactors and dishwashers, which will quickly present an air of sophistication to your remodel.

Consider the fact that wine is becoming an ever-increasing favorite of many people.  With over 1000 different wine varieties, the choices, which one has, seem nearly infinite. Many sources even tout the health benefits of drinking wine, in moderation of course.  It is time to ramp up and modernize our approach to the old-fashion kitchen remodel.

Today’s market place has a wide variety of quality products that will fit under counter remodel situations.  Three of those product categories focus on the current society trends in wine and beverage cooling needs.  Those categories include wine coolers, beverage coolers and icemakers.  Imagine a newly remodeled kitchen that can accommodate, in a standard 15 or 24-inch base cabinet space, a new wine or beverage cooler to fit your needs.  You should also be able to imagine never running out of ice again even if your refrigerators ice machine jams, as it always seems to do

Under counter appliances do cost slightly more that free standing ones, because they require front-vented cooling systems.  However, the efficient use of floor space more than compensates for the higher cost.  Generally, you will find quality under counter wine coolers, beverage centers and ice makers for approximately $350 to $1000 depending on what “bells and whistles” you want to incorporate.  Products are also available that are pantry size built in uprights that can accommodate over 160 bottles of wine or a combination of wine bottles and beverage cans.  These larger products will often cost from $1000 to $2000, also depending on the features you select.

Using a more up to date idea for kitchen remodeling will give your home a new and unique décor that you can be proud of and enjoy.  The sophisticated look to your new kitchen will make your home a showcase that will attract new buyers, because of your unique kitchen appliances.

For more information see:  http://www.idealwinecoolers.com

Author: Ronald Senn, VP Ideal Wine Coolers, October 2009