Wine and Beverage Storage Dilemma

Most often for me a great glass of wine hits the spot.  However, after working in the yard on some especially hot days, a cold beer is my preferred choice.  My grand children, when they visit, are always clamoring for a cold soda, mostly orange and root beer.  The dilemma is how to keep these various beverages cool, handy to retrieve and secure from access by the youngsters.  I have selected for my July Manager’s Pick a combination wine and can cooler that solved all my problems.  The Vinotemp Combination Wine and Beverage Center (VT-36) is a great solution.  I have enclosed a complete product description of the VT-36 so you can peruse the specifications.

Special Pricing 

Ideal Wine Coolers suggested retail price for the Vinotemp Wine and Beverage Cooler is $895.  We have priced this well-built combination wine and beverage center at the reduced price of $799., a  discount of $96.  This wine cellar and beverage cooler has all the “bells and whistles” that will make ownership of this product a real pleasure and it is also ADA compliant.  It’s versatile French Door and dual zone design will make this a great addition to any home.

VT-36 Specific Specifications

Our Vinotemp Combination Dual Zone Locking Wine And Beverage Cooler can be used in built-in or free standing installations. This beverage and wine cooler has dual zones that are have separate controls for keeping all your beverages at just the right temperature. Each compartment contains individual touch screen controls and digital read outs. This beverage center is ADA compliant. Features that will make owning this beverage cooler a real pleasure are double-paned glass doors, interior lights, locking doors, and stainless steel french door design. This cooling appliance comes with six wine storage racks and four canned beverage shelves. This is a great product to consider in an under counter application, especially if you are remodeling your kitchen. Look no further for superior beverage centers.

FEATURES:
* Black Cabinet and Stainless Steel Door Trim
* French Door Design
* Double-paned Glass Doors
* Separate Dual Zone Adjustable Temperature Controls
* Two Thin Bar Handles
* Interior Lights
* Lock and Key
* 6 Wine Storage Racks
* 4 Canned Beverage Storage Shelves
* ADA Compliant
* Front-vented Unit for Built-in or Freestanding Applications

CAPACITY:
* 58 12 oz. Beverage Cans
* 19 Wine Bottles

DIMENSIONS:
* Width 23.5 Inches x Depth 24.25 Inches x Height 32.25 Inches

SHIPPING & HANDLING:
* $149.00

MANUFACTURER’S LIMITED WARRANTY:
* 12 Months Parts and Labor

EXTENDED WARRANTIES:
* Available For Purchase On This Product
* For More Information Go To the “Warranty” Page Tab

Check out our selection of free-standing and undercounter wine coolers

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, July 2010

Most everyone is familar with the wine cooler, wine refrigerator and wine cellar construction materials of steel and glass.  There is no limit to the variety and design features that could compliment any home.  However, if you are looking for wine storage at its finest with the quality of fine furniture, there are several pleasing alternatives.

Ideal Wine Coolers is pleased to “bring on board” fine wine cooler technology housed in classic, wood finished cabinets.  We have accumulated a collection of credenza, up-right and bureau style fine wood cabinets that would make an elegant addition to any home.  A few of the wine furniture cabinets are showcased below.

Bleeker Bar Model with Extra Storage Compartment

This wine refrigerator furniture has the added feature of an upper storage area with a drop-down serving surface.  It will hold 21 bottles of wine.

Bordeaux Model Dual Zone Wine Cabinet

This classic wine refrigerator cabinet has dual zones to facilitate keeping both your red and wine wines.  It will hold 84 bottles.

Hamilton Model Two Door Wine Storage Cabinet

This wine refrigerator furniture cabinet has two doors and comes with a lustrous, black finish.  This model will hold 40 bottles of your best vintages.

Go check out our other exciting wine cellar furniture cabinet designs.

My Manager’s Pick for the month of May is the Danby 35 Bottle Free Standing Locking Wine Cooler.  This wine cooler is also unique in the fact that the top is designed to add to your existing counter space.  Most wine coolers do not have the option of using the top, because they lack the needed design features.  We have priced this wine cooler at $219.00 more than 22 percent off our regular price of $284.00.   We have plenty instock and can ship the day after your order is submitted.

Our Danby Black 35 Bottle Stainless Trim Worktop Locking Slim Wine Cooler is for serious collectors in freestanding applications when a locking glass door is needed. The temperature cooling range is from 42.8 degrees F. to 57.2 degrees F. The cabinet has a sleek black finish and stainless steel metal door trim with a recessed handle. This wine cooler is less than 20 inches wide making it slim enough to fit anywhere in your home. The tempered glass locking door on this wine cooler promotes better insulation and UV protection for your finest wines and has reversible hinges. The black interior features sturdy wire metal shelving that will tenderly cradle your best vintages. This wine cooler features a scratch resistant work top, an excellent place to store wine accessories. The interior light and quiet, operations make owning this wine cooler a pleasure and a pointed addition to your home decor. Look no further for superior wine storage.

FEATURES:
* Free-standing Design
* Programmable Temperature Range of 42.4 to 57.2 degrees F.
* External Digital Thermostat
* 6 Full Width Wire Shelves
* Tempered Glass Door w/Stainless Steel Trim
* Scratch Resistant Work Top
* Reversible door hinges
* Integrated Lock with Key
* Recessed Side Mount Door Handle

CAPACITY:
* 35 Wine Bottles

DIMENSIONS:
* Width 17 11/16 Inches x Depth 19 6/16 Inches x Height 33 6/16 Inches

SHIPPING UPS:
* Calculated Based on Weight & Zip Code

MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY:
* 24 months parts and labor

READY FOR IMMEDIATE SHIPMENT

EXTENDED WARRANTIES:
* Available For Purchase On This Product
* For More Information Go To the “Warranty” Page Tab

Check out our selection of free-standing and undercounter wine coolers

Author: Ronald Senn, VP Ideal Wine Coolers

Ideal Wine Coolers is pleased to provide two products with  customer appreciation, extra low pricing.  Both of these products are manufactured by one of our quality suppliers, the Danby Company.  You can also review our complete line of Danby Wine Coolers and Danby Kegerators and Beverage Coolers.

Our Danby Black 35 Bottle Stainless Trim Worktop Locking Slim Wine Cooler is for serious collectors in freestanding applications when a locking glass door is needed. The temperature cooling range is from 42.8 degrees F. to 57.2 degrees F. The cabinet has a sleek black finish and stainless steel metal door trim with a recessed handle. This wine cooler is less than 20 inches wide making it slim enough to fit anywhere in your home. The tempered glass locking door on this wine cooler promotes better insulation and UV protection for your finest wines and has reversible hinges. The black interior features sturdy wire metal shelving that will tenderly cradle your best vintages. This wine cooler features a scratch resistant work top, an excellent place to store wine accessories. The interior light and quiet, operations make owning this wine cooler a pleasure and a pointed addition to your home decor. Look no further for superior wine storage.

FEATURES:
* Free-standing Design
* Programmable Temperature Range of 42.4 to 57.2 degrees F.
* External Digital Thermostat
* 6 Full Width Wire Shelves
* Tempered Glass Door w/Stainless Steel Trim
* Scratch Resistant Work Top
* Reversible door hinges
* Integrated Lock with Key
* Recessed Side Mount Door Handle

CAPACITY:
* 35 Wine Bottles

DIMENSIONS:
* Width 17 11/16 Inches x Depth 19 6/16 Inches x Height 33 6/16 Inches

REGULAR PRICE:  $284.00       CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PRICE $219.00      SAVINGS OVER 22%

SKU # DWC3509BLS

Our Danby Black 4.4 Cu. Ft. Stainless Door Pony Keg Beer Cooler will cool your 1/4 beer keg with ease. The kegerator comes with a black cabinet with a stainless steel door. The molded worktop, black beer tower dispenser with chrome trim and the chrome guard rail give this keg cooler a professional look. Features that will add to the enjoyment of this beer keg cooler are 2 cantilever wire shelves, auto cycle defrost, reversible door hinges and included drip tray. This Danby Keg Cooler comes with a Co2 tank and all the necessary fittings to start serving cold draft beer immediately. The Co2 tank is shipped empty for safety reasons. You can fill your tanks locally at places like welding shops, fire extinguisher service centers, hospital gas suppliers and party stores. A full Co2 Tank will provide enough gas for about 5 to 7 kegs. You will be the envy of all your friends the first time they enjoy an ice cold draft beer at your home. Look no further for superior kegerators.

FEATURES:

* Pony Sized Kegs
* Black Cabinet with Stainless Steel Door
* Auto Cycle Defrost
* 5 Pound Co2 Tank with Hardware Included (tank needs charging)
* Scratch Resistant Top
* Reversible Door Hinge
* Chrome guard rail included
* Black/chrome Beer Tower Dispenser
* 2 Cantilever Wire Shelves
* Drip Tray included

CAPACITY:
* Pony Sized Kegs
* Co2 Tank: 5 Pounds under 1800 PSI

DIMENSIONS:
* Kegerator: Width 20 3/4 Inches x Depth 21 8/16 Inches x Height 33 Inches
* Co2 Tank: 5.5 Inches Diameter x 18.25 Inches Tall

REGULAR PRICE:  $637.00       CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PRICE $430.00      SAVINGS OVER 32%

SKU # DKC445BLS

We also have several Vinotemp Sale Items and are proud of the new products we have added.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, May 2010

The Manager’s Pick for February is Ideal Wine Coolers Danby 34 Bottle Stainless Trim Locking Wine Cooler.

This wine cooler has a classic black cabinet with stainless steel door trim.  This wine cooler regularily sells for $873.00 but is currently on SALE for more than 20 percent off at $679.00.   This wine refrigerator would be an excellent addition to anyone’s home decor either using it in a free standing or under counter application.   We currently have other Danby products on sale as well.  Check out the bargains!

Our Danby 34 Bottle Stainless Trim Locking Wine Cooler can be used for either freestanding or under counter applications. This built in locking wine chiller has a black cabinet and stainless steel door trim. This wine cooler is popular replacement for that old trash compactor, making it fit perfectly in nearly every kitchen. With stainless trimmed metal sliding shelves, digital controls, locking glass door, reversible door hinge, frost free mode and interior lighting, this wine refrigerator will operate hassle free. This compact wine cooler is wonderful for those who are beginning their wine collection. Make this appliance the focal point in your home’s decor. Look no further for superior wine storage.

FEATURES:
* Electronic Thermostat with LED Display
* Temperature Range from 39.2 Degrees F. and 64.4 Degrees F.
* Frost Free Operation
* Cool Blue LED Track Lighting System Illuminates Interior without the heat of an incandescent bulb
* Integrated Application (Intended for 15″ Cabinet openings)
* Stainless Steel Trimmed Shelves
* Elegant Tempered Glass Door with Stainless Steel Trim
* Reversible Hinge for Left or Right Hand opening
* Safety Lock with Key

CAPACITY:
* 34 Wine Bottles

DIMENSIONS:
* Width15 Inches x Depth 24 12/16 Inches x Height 34 1/16 Inches

SHIPPING UPS:
* Calculated Based on Weight & Zip Code

WARRANTY:
* 24 months parts and labor

Check out our selection of free-standing and undercounter wine coolers

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

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

This month Ideal Wine Coolers is pleased to be offering over 20% off of selected Danby Products.  We will offer these highly reduced prices throughout the month of February 2010.  Danby manufacturers a wine cooler that will have many highly sought after upgrades.  This is your chance to get a top quality wine cooler at reduced prices.  We are also offering one of the most popular beverage centers that can store cans as well as wine.  If you often wanted to serve your visitors a good cold draft, we also have placed one of Danby’s most popular kegcoolers on sale. See our “Monthly Sale Page” at the top of this Blog for more information and product pictures.

We also offer many quality wine cooler products from EdgeStar, Haier and Vinotemp.

Author: Ronald Senn, Vice-president, Ideal Wine Coolers, 2/1/2010

Let us say that you have finally decided to get serious about having and properly maintaining a wine collection.   However, when thinking about having several bottles of wine on hand for future use and aging them to perfection, you know your refrigerator is a poor choice for storing your wine.  An investment in a wine cooler is an investment in improving your enjoyment of wine by storing it properly.

In your decision making process, you decided on a size (e.g., 24 bottle capacity), a specific application (e.g., counter top, free standing or under counter wine cooler) and color scheme (e.g., black cabinet with stainless steel door trim).  Now all you have to do is to go buy one.  There are many other critical options that you should consider and at the same time recognize that they incrementally will add to the cost of your wine cooler.

A key consideration that should be a part of your final decision-making is the need to secure your wine collection.  If you have children, you do not want them opening and closing the wine cooler or messing with the bottles that are so tenderly cradled within it.  For that matter, you may be in a situation that your family or friends might have an uncontrolled need to investigate for themselves what you so carefully have stored away.  If security is an issue, you will need to purchase a locking wine cooler.  There is nothing like a locked door to maintain your collection in the undisturbed condition that good wine aging requires.

Wines should be stored away from light.  Ultraviolet light (UV), especially with clear bottled wines, will damage your wine.  Sparkling wines are even more sensitive to UV rays.  Exposure to light may give wine unpleasant aromas and eventually ruin it.  Wine coolers are made with a broad array of different interior lighting systems and glass door tints.  Look for lighting that stays away from incandescent bulbs and for darkly tinted glass doors.  It is pleasing to the eye to look at your wine collection through a tinted front door glass, especially if your collection is lit with a soft blue LED light. 

Finally, wine does not like a “shake, rattle and roll” existence.  If you are aging your wines carefully, you will want to maintain them in as undisturbed condition as possible.  Thermoelectric wine coolers operate on a cooling system that is vibration free and are eco-friendly.  Standard compressor models can operate better when indoor ambient temperature fluctuations are a concern.

Additional contributions to wine disturbance are a function of the wine shelving you select.  Many wine coolers come with racking systems that are made of metal, vinyl coated metal or wood.   Mostly, these racking systems can be removed for cleaning, but essentially are designed to be stationary in the wine cooler.  Some wine coolers now come with slide-out, glide-out or rollout shelving.  This type of shelving is designed to allow access to your wine collection by merely pulling the shelf out.  This allows you to easily and gently remove the bottle that you want without the potential to disturb other stored bottles.

Deciding to buy a wine cooler is a good first step in protecting and improving your overall enjoyment of your favorite vintage.  The ability to entertain your friends and family with wine at just the right temperature will make them envious.  However, do not slight that initial investment of a wine cooler by not investing in the additional features that will take your wine storage from the minimal to the ultimate.   You may not appreciate that investment now, but you will as time moves forward.

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

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