Wine Writing Team on May 27, 2020 0 Comments If you love wine, you might be thinking about getting a built-in wine fridge. These are becoming incredibly popular, especially for people who might live in a small space. They are great for chilling wine to the right temperature and can fit nearly anywhere in your home. This means that great-tasting wine is always nearby. At the same time, is a built-in wine fridge right for you? There are a few benefits and drawbacks to note. Pro: Set the Ideal Temperature The temperature at which wine is served is incredibly important because it allows the taste and texture of the wine to rise to the surface. A built-in wine fridge allows you to easily control the temperature. There are also dual-zone models available that allow people to store wines together that are meant to be stored at different temperatures. Con: The Cost A built-in wine fridge will cost upwards of $1,000. If you’re on a budget, then an alternative is a freestanding wine fridge, which starts at a couple of hundred dollars. Whichever option you decide on, think of it as a new appliance you’re investing in for your home. You may have to compromise based on your wants and needs, but there are many options and price points to choose from. Pro: The Versatility of a Built-in Wine Fridge Another advantage of a built-in wine fridge is that it provides uses for items other than wine. For example, a built-in wine fridge can be used as a backup to store other foods and beverages. The temperature of a built-in wine fridge is usually under 40 degrees F, a great temperature for foods that complement your wine such as fruits, cheese, chocolate, and even olive oil. Con: A Lack of Mobility One of the issues that people might run into with a built-in wine fridge is that it isn’t mobile. A freestanding wine cooler can be moved relatively easily; however, a built-in wine fridge is anchored in place. This means that if you decide to move someday, the built-in wine fridge will stay and if you take on a home remodeling project, you may have to work around the wine fridge. Pro: The Sleek Appeal of a Built-In Wine Fridge There is something gorgeous about having a built-in wine fridge. They can be modified with sound effects, lights, and more that make the wine display incredibly sleek. With rolling tracks, motion sensor lights, and more, a built-in wine fridge is a great addition to nearly any kitchen or dining room. It will make an impression on everyone who comes to your home. Con: The Maintenance of a Built-In Wine Fridge All appliances require maintenance at some point. To keep your wine cooler running smoothly it needs to be cleaned now and then. In order to do this, the built-in wine fridge will have to be disconnected and the wine bottles removed and placed in a dark, cool space. The fridge should be inspected for frost or moisture building up and then wiped down. Once the fridge is connected again, it’s important to let it cool down to the right temperature before placing the wine bottles back inside. Since self-cleaning wine fridges have yet to be invented, this is a con you just have to live with. Try envisioning how classy your wine bottles will look in a freshly cleaned wine fridge. If you’re looking for a built-in wine fridge you have options among an amazing array of products that allow you to tailor your wine cooler experience to meet your individual needs.