May 24, 2011. Paul Hixon
credit: aaron_andererFor the serious wine collector or wine connoisseur, a wine fridge is an indispensable appliance. It can be used to hasten the maturity of wines, to improve the flavor of those wines, and preserve them in the best condition possible.
However, with the advancement of technology, there now exist new and better features that further enhance the wine fridge. Here are some of them:
For one, there is the side-by-side arrangement, essentially two or even three refrigerators that have been combined into one. With this feature, you can now have a true multiple temperature settings, for the proper storage of different types of wines. For example, you can set one to 6 degrees Celsius and put the champagne that you intend for drinking, while you set the other one to 14 degrees Celsius and store the rest of your wines in that.
Another great feature is the wine humidifier. Traditionally, the humidity inside a wine fridge is preset to a certain level, but there are now wine fridges which are actually controlling that humidity actively. When moisture levels go down 60% for example, the humidifier produces more moisture, drawn from the outside air, in order to raise the level to about 60% to 70%.
There are also better shelving options for those who want to be a specialist. One such fridge features specialized racks for champagne bottles. These racks are extra long and wide, to accommodate the champagne and similarly-sized wines. There are also combinations of rack sizes and different mountings to accommodate multiple wine types.
So if you are looking to change your wine fridge, consider the following features above. But as a last note, do not forget to choose the most quiet fridge you can afford, especially if you are keeping your wines in the kitchen or dining room. That way, you not only get the best taste and longevity for your collection, but you also get to enjoy them in peace and comfort.
Updated May 24, 2011. Published May 4, 2011. Paul Hixon
