Choosing the right wine cooler for your home or business can be an overwhelming task due to the various options that are available to you.

At Chill Cooler, we have all the information you need to help pick out the best wine fridge for your needs so you and your guests can enjoy wine at it's very best. On this page, you will find our most common customer questions.

Can I just store my wine in a regular fridge?

Storing wine in a basic kitchen fridge can be disastrous for a number of reasons. First, the average temperature of a standard refrigerator is 0°C - 7°C. The ideal storage temperature for wine is between 7°C - 18°C. An average fridge is far too cold for wine and can dry out the cork and expose the wine to oxygen.

Temperature fluctuation can also be an issue as household members open and close the fridge throughout the day, and if you have chilled a red that must be brought back to room temperature to be consumed. In the case of sparkling wines, excess cold can degrade the quality of the bubbles.

Additionally, the smell of food in your refrigerator can seep into the cork and transmit unwanted aromas into the wine when it is stored in the fridge. Regular refrigerators are designed to maintain low humidity levels, which can also pose severe issues for wine. And for a final reason, there often just isn’t enough space for all your wine and food to coexist in one small space!

Do you supply models that are not listed on the website?

Yes. In some cases, not all units are listed on our website. If there is a particular model you require we can still provide this for you considering we have the brand listed on our website. Use our 'contact us' section or give us a call and we will do the rest.

How much should I spend on a wine cooler?

When purchasing a wine cooler, it is important to keep in mind that the cost of these units vary significantly. A low-cost wine cooler may seem like a bargain initially but will have a drastically shorter lifespan than a higher quality unit. A wine cooler made of high-quality components will last many years while a cheaper model may only last 2 - 4 years. 

It is also more environmentally friendly to purchase one wine fridge than a few cheaper models over a long period of time. It is more cost-efficient for the buyer, as cheaper units will have to be repaired a lot more than high-quality units meaning more engineer call out charges if these are not covered by your warranty.

Which wine fridge will suit me best?

View our Wine Cooler Buyers Guide.

What temperature should I store my wines at?

Temperature is a crucial storage condition that needs to be controlled. If temperatures are too warm or too cold your wine will spoil. A general ideal temperature would be around 13ºC for both short-term and long-term storage but this varies from wine to wine.

Wine should never be stored below -4ºC as wine will freeze, or over 20°C as the ageing process will speed up and volatile compounds will be destroyed. The temperature should be kept constant with no temperature fluctuations which will cause the cork to expand and contract allowing air to seep in and wine to seep out.

White wines:

7-8°C: Sparkling wine and simple champagnes, muscats & simple sweet wines.

9-10°C: Sweet wines, late harvest Alsace wines, acidic or light dry white wines.

11-12°C: Dry white wines, medium-dry white wines (Pinot Gris d'Alsace, Vouvray), Gewurztraminer, fine champagnes, fine sweet wines, noble grapes.

13-14°C: Best dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, vin jaune ("yellow wine") and other oxidative wines.

Rosé wines:

7-8°C: Simple rosé champagnes and other sparkling rosés. 

11-12°C: Classic rosé wines & fine rosé champagnes.

3-14°C: Structured rosé wines & Burgundy rosé wines.

Red wines:

11-12°C: Light & fruity red wines (Gamay).

13-14°C: Low-tannin wines, Beaujolais, Banyuls and other sweet wines.

15-16°C: Rhône, Burgundy & Loire valley wines, & red wines of medium structure.

17-18°C: Bordeaux wines & Port wines. Good structured wines.

19-20°C: Uncommon, developed wines.

Do I need a single or dual temperature zone wine cooler?

This will depend on your needs. A single zone wine cooler can only set to one temperature setting, so this will facilitate the storage of one wine type (e.g. red or white only). A dual-zone wine cooler can set two different temperatures which can accommodate two wine types (e.g. both red and white).

Why do I need a wine cooler?

Whether you’re ageing wine long-term or simply storing your collection for the right time, they must be kept in the perfect conditions. These conditions need to protect your wine since the slightest variation in temperature or light can permanently damage your wine.

These ideal conditions have always been found in underground cellars but isn’t always accessible to the average wine collector. Fortunately, with the aid of a modern wine cooler, storing and ageing wines has never been easier.

In order for wine to be stored correctly, four elements need to be controlled: temperature, humidity, light and vibration. These are natural enemies of wine that a wine cooler is designed to control.

What's the difference between a Freestanding, Built-in and Integrated wine cooler?

We can't tell you which model is right for you but with the information below you should be able to decide on what model suits your needs the best.

Freestanding

This type of unit will stand freely from other units and appliances. Freestanding units are more common in larger rooms with more space such as kitchens and basements.

These units have the potential to store large quantities of wine, especially taller models. They are commonly found with glass doors and internal shelving. Units with lots of shelves can hold wine bottles in a horizontal position which is ideal for wine quality, while other units with fewer shelves can hold units upright depending on preference. Freestanding units can be placed where you like which is a major benefit to freestanding models. 

Can I install a freestanding wine cooler under my counter?

As long as the units are provided with adequate ventilation on all sides the unit can work effectively in maintaining the perfect environment for your wines. Ensure a 2-3 inch space on every side including the roof of the unit to avoid overheating as a result of overcompensation by the compressor. Providing airflow in this way is very important and without it, your wine coolers lifespan will be shortened and your unit will not run as effectively.

Built-in

A built-in unit is similar in appearance to a freestanding unit. The major defining characteristic is that they can be built into existing kitchen cabinetry as front vents are provided which allows air to dissipate freely.

Integrated

These units can be discreetly built into existing kitchen counters and cabinets. It can be completely disguised behind a cabinet door that matches your kitchen colour scheme. The door may be either transparent allowing you to showcase your wine selection or opaque if you prefer to keep your bottles out of sight. The photo below shows the Caple WC1800, an integrated wine cooler.

Do wine coolers require maintenance?

Just like a regular fridge, they need to be kept clean and dry to work effectively. Ensure there is no build-up of water inside.

How do I clean my wine cooler?

1) Plug out your wine cooler

2) Remove all contents of the fridge

3) Clean the inside using a mild cleaner and a cloth/sponge

4) The outside surface can be cleaned the same way

5) Dry any wet areas with a cloth

How can I save energy in dual zone coolers?

When there is a large temperature difference between the upper and lower zones this requires more energy. Aim for a temperature difference below  5 ° to minimize energy consumption.

What is the product guarantee?

All our products come with a warranty. This warranty is specific to each brand and you will see the warranty duration on each product page on our website. If any part of the machine fails or a fault develops through normal use, we will either send you parts or repair if for you.

Customers must install the appliance as per manufacturers instructions. Accidental damages to parts are not covered. Service calls must be carried out by authorised engineers.

How can I buy the products?

- By using our site at www.chillcooler.ie

- Sending us an email at info@chillcooler.ie or by using our 'contact us' page.