You may have finally decided to invest in a wine cabinet to hold all of your luscious vintages. The question that remains is how to choose the right one for your needs.
Not all wine cabinets are created equally, and there are a few factors that you need to consider before deciding on a purchase. Check out some hints and tips below so that you can make the most informed decision.
Size Matters
Think about how many bottles you are going to need to store in your wine cabinet. Maybe you have a dozen wines or perhaps a couple hundred. Mini wine cabinets are great for having bottles at the ready while larger cabinets are ideal for those who make a hobby out of wine collecting.
When thinking about size, you will also want to consider where your wine cabinet is going to go. Some individuals have wine cellars where they can keep their vintages safe and secure. Others may prefer having a wine cabinet in their kitchens or dining rooms, in which case a furniture-style storage unit would be the ideal choice.
A simple, large cabinet would be great in a wine cellar or garage. On the other hand, smaller-sized cabinets can make quite a statement in a kitchen or dining room when they’re in an elegant style.
Types of Wine Cabinets
Some people might not realize this, but there are different types of wine cabinets, and they each have their specific function. A wine maturing cabinet stays at a temperature between 50 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit to allow the wines to chill and reach their prime. It’s necessary for storing wine in conditions that mimic a wine cellar to allow them to age properly.
A multi-functional wine cabinet typically includes two or three temperature settings, and it is best for maturing wines and chilling them before serving. Its multiple purposes make it great for wine aficionados who are collecting wines but also want to entertain with them.
These cabinets usually have a temperature range between 42 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit with several different compartments for storage and chilling.
Finally, a wine serving cabinet is a multi-temperature unit that is used for bringing different types of wines to the ideal serving temperature. It’s great for entertaining and can include separate compartments for different types of vintages, from reds and whites to champagne.
People use these cabinets for storing wines that they regularly drink as well as for maturing wines. They can range in temperature from 41 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additional Considerations
Different door designs & materials can keep wines well insulated while blocking out UV rays, so it’s mostly an aesthetic choice between glass, solid wood, and stainless steel.
Likewise, lighting options are mostly a matter of personal taste. You might prefer detachable lights or perhaps overhead lighting. Think about whether you’ll be using your cabinet primarily for display, storage, or serving. This will determine what kind of lighting and shelving you should choose.
