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Wine Refrigerator and Wine Cabinet Reviews

By , About.com Guide

Wine refrigerators and wine cabinets are the cornerstone of wine storage systems that are in place to protect and preserve wines for both short-term needs as well as long-term aging.  Wine refrigerators, which tend to be cheaper than wine cabinets, are a solid option for consumers looking to store wine at ideal temperatures for more immediate (6-12 months) storage. While wine cabinets offer the dual settings of both temperature and humidity controls and make sense for the enthusiast that's looking for optimal storage conditions for aging.  Check out some of the industry's top sellers on the wine storage front below.

1. Wine Enthusiast Silent 18-bottle Wine Refrigerator, Suggested Price: $249

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This is a great introductory model for wine refrigeration with its compact size, decent price and sleek design.  Offering two different temperature zones and corresponding settings (to accomodate both reds and whites), Wine Enthusiast has put together an attractive unit, with adjustable shelving and quiet operation -  though you may find that your wine collection outgrows this unit's capacity rather quickly.

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2. EuroCave Chamber Wine Cellar, Suggested Price: $1699

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A very consistent, somewhat industrial-looking wine cabinet, that offers the full range of climate control with settings for both humidity and temperature - critical for long-term wine storage. While, the EuroCave lists a 150-bottle capacity, this does not take into consideration the odd-shaped Pinot or Syrah or extra large Cab bottles that we've all encountered. Realistically, I would put this wine cabinet's capacity to run along the lines of 120 bottles. If you are looking for a true climate-control wine cabinet that is on the lower-end of the pricing structure, then this one's got you covered.
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3. Vinotemp 2 Zone Thermoelectric Wine Cooler, Suggested Price: $370

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The Vinotemp, 21-bottle capacity wine refrigeration unit utilizes the energy-efficient thermoelectric cooling system, ideal for storing wines where room temps don't go above 75 degrees.  Slender profile, quiet operation, wooden shelves that pull-out along with teh ability to set two independent temperature zones make the Vinotemp a top pick wine refrigeration unit.

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4. Avanti 30-Bottle Built-in Digital Wine Cooler, Suggested Price: $525

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Avanti makes a very popular wine refrigeration unit. It's strengths include the sleek, modern design with tempered glass and a combination of attractive black cabinetry, stainless steel and wood pullout shelving, along with one touch digital temperature control displays and an optional locking mechanism. However, the Avanti has one consistent drawback, it's not overly accomodating for bottle sizes that fall outside of the typical Bordeaux-based size range, forcing the consumer to utilize additional bottle spaces to fit the odd sizing specs into the cooler.
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5. Vinotheque Wine Cabinet, Suggested Price: $3995

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Vinotheque is somewhat of an industry standard, used in restaurants and homes alike for very consistent cooling and humidity control. This set up is designed for wines that demand the best in climate control settings and comes with several options, ranging from exterior stain to interior layout.
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