So, you’re in the market for a wine or beverage fridge? Great! You’ve come to the right place.
Before you go buying just any fridge, you probably have some questions about which model to choose. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of the most frequently asked questions we get from customers.
Once you’ve read through these, our hope is that you’ll feel confident taking the next step.
1. What’s the difference between a wine fridge and a beverage fridge?
While both types of fridges are designed to keep drinks cold, they serve different purposes and have distinct features:
- Wine Fridge: Wine fridges are specifically designed to store wine at optimal temperatures and conditions. They typically have a more precise temperature control range (usually between 45°F and 65°F) to preserve the quality of wine. Wine fridges also often feature UV-resistant glass doors and wooden shelves to reduce vibration, both of which help protect wine from light exposure and movement, which can affect the aging process. Many wine fridges also have single-zone or dual-zone options, allowing you to store red and white wines at different temperatures.
- Beverage Fridge: Beverage fridges are compact appliances designed to store drinks like beer, wine, soda, and water. They tend to have a broader temperature range (usually between 34°F and 50°F) to accommodate a wider variety of beverages. Beverage fridges typically feature adjustable shelves to hold cans, bottles, and sometimes even larger containers like pitchers or wine bottles.
In short, if you’re looking to store wine for aging or to keep it at the perfect temperature, a wine fridge is your best bet. If you need a versatile fridge for all types of drinks, a beverage fridge is the way to go.
2. What’s the difference between a built-in fridge and a freestanding fridge?
A built-in fridge is a permanent addition, much like a dishwasher, making it a great choice for homeowners upgrading their kitchens or bars. It offers a sleek, modern look by fitting seamlessly into the surrounding space.
A freestanding fridge is a better choice if you need flexibility. It’s ideal for:
- Home Gyms, Offices or Garages: Keep drinks and snacks within reach in your gym, office, or garage, and move the fridge as needed.
- Temporary Set-Ups: Renting or living in a dorm? Freestanding fridges are perfect for short-term spaces and easy to take with you.
- Budget-Friendly Convenience: Freestanding models tend to be more affordable than built-ins and don’t require installation.
- Easy Maintenance: No cabinetry modifications are needed, and moving the fridge for cleaning is simple.
3. How many cans can a beverage fridge hold, and how many bottles can a wine fridge hold?
When choosing the size of your wine or beverage fridge, consider how much you plan to store and the types of drinks or bottles you need to chill. If you entertain often or store multiple beverage types, a larger fridge with adjustable shelving might be the best option, as it can accommodate different sizes and shapes of bottles or cans.
- Wine Fridge: Wine fridges are often measured by bottle capacity. If you’re a casual wine drinker, a fridge that holds 12-20 bottles may be sufficient. For more serious collectors, you may want a fridge with a larger capacity, such as one that holds 50-150 bottles.
- Beverage Fridge: Beverage fridges are typically measured by the number of cans or bottles they can store. Smaller models can hold around 60-100 cans, while larger models can accommodate 150 or more cans, or even a mix of cans and bottles.
4. What size do I need?
When deciding on the size, start by measuring the space where you plan to place your fridge. Whether it's under a counter in your kitchen or standing freely in your garage, be sure to account for the fridge’s dimensions.
Next, think about how much you plan to store. If you entertain frequently or need to store a variety of beverages, you might need a larger fridge with more storage capacity. Consider the types of drinks you want to store, whether it’s wine, beer, or a mix of cans and bottles, and whether you need adjustable shelving to accommodate different sizes. For example, wine bottles often require more vertical space, while cans and bottles may need more horizontal room. By factoring in the quantity and variety of drinks, you’ll ensure you choose a fridge that fits both your space and storage needs.
5. What are the advantages of buying a dual-zone fridge?
Newair offers both beverage and wine fridges with dual zones. While a single-zone fridge maintains one consistent temperature throughout, a dual-zone fridge features separate compartments with independent temperature controls, allowing you to store different types of drinks at their ideal temperatures.
So, how do you choose between a dual-zone beverage fridge or a dual-zone wine fridge?
- Dual-Zone Beverage Fridge: Offers flexibility for storing a variety of drinks, from wine to beer, at the perfect temperatures.
- Dual-Zone Wine Fridge: Allows you to store reds and whites at their optimal temperatures or dedicate one side for everyday use and the other for aging.
Many of our customers appreciate the versatility and convenience that dual-zone fridges offer.
6. What features should I look for in a beverage or wine fridge?
Now that you’re familiar with the advantages of a dual-zone fridge, it’s important to consider other features. These include:
- Exterior Style: Choose between a sleek black or stainless steel finish to complement your appliances and home decor.
- User-Friendly Controls: Look for easy-to-read temperature displays and intuitive settings that make it simple to adjust and monitor the fridge’s performance.
- Quiet Operation: Select a fridge with quiet operation, ensuring it’s ideal for any room in the house, including your office!
- Adjustable Shelving: Smooth-rolling, adjustable shelves offer flexibility, allowing you to customize storage space for different bottle sizes and types.
- UV Protection: Opt for doors with UV protection to preserve the quality of your beverages by preventing damage from harmful sunlight.
- Fingerprint-Resistant Doors and Locks: Keep your fridge looking pristine with fingerprint-resistant doors, and ensure added security with built-in locks.
7. How much space do I need around my fridge for proper ventilation?
Many of Newair’s wine fridges feature front venting, which allows them to be installed under a counter or within cabinetry. The air is vented through the front of the unit, preventing overheating and allowing the fridge to operate efficiently without requiring additional space for ventilation at the back or sides.
8. Are there models designed for outdoor use?
Yes! Many of our customers choose outdoor beverage fridges for their backyard kitchens and patios. These models are made from 304 food-grade stainless steel to withstand intense heat, rain, ice, and snow while resisting rust and corrosion.
Choose from a single-door, or dual-drawer model, allowing you to set two different temperatures for separate cooling zones. Whether you’re keeping drinks chilled for guests or storing food near the barbecue to save time while grilling, an outdoor beverage fridge is a convenient and stylish addition to any outdoor space.
9. Are there models designed for commercial use?
Yes, you aren’t limited to home use with many beverage and wine fridges. There are models made for light commercial use that are perfect for small businesses. You’ll find these in coffee shops, salons, spas, and other places that serve cold beverages.
10. How do I clean my fridge?
When it comes to cleaning a beverage or wine fridge, simply unplug it, remove all bottles and shelves, wipe down the interior with a mild detergent, and dry thoroughly before replacing the shelves and bottles.
Shop Newair’s Selection of Beverage and Wine Fridges
Have more questions about our beverage or wine fridges? Our team at Newair is here to answer them for you.
Browse and shop online to find the best model for your needs, and enjoy fast shipping and easy returns. Once your fridge arrives, don’t forget to register it for your warranty!