skip to main content

Recommendations for built-in Wine Fridge

14 years ago

We are remodeling our kitchen and want to put a built-in wine fridge under the peninsula (facing the dining room). Our big concern is noise. We are looking at 15-24 inches. I'd prefer dual zone but primary concern is noise level. We don't want to hear a bunch of noise from it while we are eating since it will be in the dining room.

Thanks...Carrie

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (7)

PRO
puertasdesign
14 years ago
Carrie, sueb2009 asked a similar question on the kitchen forum and got a couple of responses... I've linked that thread below.

I have the exact same concerns and I've been eagerly awaiting a response to your question.

I can do a change to the design and go with a subzero or bosch integrated wine tower, but I'd rather go with the undercounter solution.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0417304013707.html?10
conshek
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the link. It looks like most people recommend the kitchen aide. I'll keep researching and see what else I can find. I'll post any info.
Related Discussions
Help me pick a full size built in wine fridge!
Q
Comments (5)
Summit is louder than Marvel IMO. Northland has the worst reputation when it comes to noise. It is also an energy hog. But they do keep rock solid temps and they tend to last forever.Well.... Vinotemp is the Vizio of wine refrigeration. It is more an assembler of different components from various manufactures than an actual manufacturer. When they say "made in the USA" it is the bare minimum US content to meet the legal requirements. Ditto for "assembled and designed in the USA." They have Made in the USA ,assembled and designed in the USA and Made in the PRC aka Peoples Republic of China products. Generally, the critical parts like compressors are made in China. I know there are quality items made in China like Apple Iphones and Nike Air Jordan sneakers. They are usually American/European/Japanese companies with long track records for quality. Vinotemp IMO does not fall into that category. Even if HQ'd in So California for almost 20 years. Not ideal to put wine fridge next to double ovens but I think most manufactures Ok as long as there is a heat shield between the two appliances. Cabinet guys/Contractors should be familiar with that stuff.
...See More
Recommend your dual zone wine cooler/fridge
Q
Comments (1)
I had a conversation with a sommelier once, the son of a good friend of mine who took classes to become certified. He told me that unless you are collecting estate bottled wines of the very highest quality ($50 per bottle or more), and planning to "keep" them for a few years until they are "ready to drink," an electric wine cellar is not necessary or worth the expense. If you are still interested in getting one of these devices, you need to make sure that the one you select is designed in such a way that it prevent any vibration from reaching the wine in storage, because that would be harmful to the wine. The best system for storing wine of very high quality is to have a room, about the size of a walk-in closet or larger, and to condition in air in the room with a special device that maintains the temperature and humidity at optimal levels. Such an arrangement would eliminate the concern about vibration. The other concern is noise. Some of these devices are noisy, and you do not want them in a dining room or family room for that reason, even if they are housed in a nice cabinet suitable for a formal or semi-formal setting. Aside from the question of storing very fine wines until it is ready to drink, another reason for electrified storage is so that wine is at the optimal temperature for drinking, which means old fashioned wine cellar temperature for red wine (I think, about 65 degrees Fahrenheit), and bit colder for white table wine, and very cold for bubbly. If you live in a private home, you can probably find storage that approximates optimal temperature somewhere in your house. So, unless your husband is a purist, my advice is to get him a case or two of his favorite wine. If he's a purist, you should let him select the storage system that he wants.
...See More
Built in fridge/freezer recommendation.
Q
Comments (1)
For size, look at Columns. SubZero makes some now, though I don't remember the sizes. The most popular columns are Thermador, which are right between mid and high range. The way columns work is you combine the size of the fridge box you want with the size of the freezer box. If you install them next to each other, you buy a thermal connector. Once they're trimmed out they look like one. Miele are the high end columns that use the same boxes as Thermador, but their own electronics and all. In the U.S. they're sometimes more expensive than SZ, but it might be different in Canada because SZ is made in the U.S. BSH is the German parent company of Bosch, Thermador and Gaggenau. They make Bosch and Gaggenau fridges at the same plant in Turkey (as well as the Miele boxes). I've heard that Bosch columns aren't sold anymore in the U.S., but you might have them there. They have a lower price point, so probably fewer features. Gaggenau have all stainless interiors and stainless shelves. If you want an industrial look, or you have a patient at home who makes sterilization of the fridge a priority, this could be an advantage. I think it's just expensive and grim looking. Anyway, for 48", you can pair a 30" fridge column, and 18" freezer. I wouldn't like a narrower fridge, but they also make a 24" if you really want the 42" total. Columns in general install fully integrated and flush. You can panel them in any way you like. Some also offer factory panels in stainless, or perhaps several finishes, if you'd rather.
...See More
Recommendation for built-in tall wine refrigerator
Q
Comments (8)
Thanks for posting the article. I've been saying this to anyone who asks for ages, but never had a handy reference. My cheapo 15 year old scratch and dent wine fridge (less than $200 at HD) still maintains 55 degrees like a rock star. We keep sparkling in the regular fridge. Always makes me shudder to see ppl keeping reds in those cabinet racks over the fridge! Ick!
...See More
emknc
14 years ago
Check out the Danby DWC518BLS. We purchased one off ebay for under $900 del'd and it's very solid. Very quiet, dual zone, holds ~50 bottles, quality built, and really highlights our new kitchen (meaning it blends perfectly w/all other ss appliances and accessories).
pirula
14 years ago
We've got the Sub Zero undercounter, integrated wine fridge and are very happy with it. It has two zones,and we don't hear it in the dining room. As you can see from the top picture below, it's basically IN the dining room, being at the end of the island, facing it.

Here is a link that might be useful: wine fridge
positano
14 years ago
I have the kitchen aid wine fridge and find it very loud. I posted on the thread above. Kitchenaid told me it's normal, but I can't imagine it is. There must be something wrong with it, but the service guy said no.

Loud ticking and humming. One of my regrets of the kitchen. I would try and listen to one before you buy it. Wait till the thermostat kicks in.

Anyone else have it and think its loud?
alku05
14 years ago
Positano, when ours was new, I could here the relay click (it was honestly more like a twang) when it cycled on, but it was quite quiet while on. The service guy guy came and checked it out because I was concerned the twang was some fan parcially stuck. He explained that it was the type of relay they used, and that after a while it would be quieter. He was right; know we don't ever notice the relay, except if I have my nose in the fridge looking for something when it kicks on.
rococogurl
14 years ago
I got the GE wine refrigerator and it's been great for 4 years. Very quiet, looks like the SZ and was hundreds less. It has a single zone so I keep temp in center. No issues at all. I'd happily buy it again.

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Get the Look of a Built-in Fridge for Less

By Kathryn Peltier Design

So you want a flush refrigerator but aren’t flush with funds. We’ve got just the workaround for you

KITCHEN DESIGN Fine Thing: A Wine Fridge Right Where You Want It

By Becky Harris

Chill your collection: No wine cellar or tasting room required

BATHROOM DESIGN Upload of the Day: A Mini Fridge in the Master Bathroom? Yes, Please!

By Mitchell Parker

Talk about convenience. Better yet, get it yourself after being inspired by this Texas bath

HOUSEKEEPING How to Clean Your Fridge, Inside and Out

By Bonnie McCarthy

Keep your refrigerator clean and fresh, while you gain storage space and lose those ‘UFOs’

KITCHEN DESIGN Small Luxuries: Wine Refrigerators Offer Handy Storage

By Sheridan Interiors, Kitchens and Baths

No more tossing whites in the freezer at the last minute. Get the facts on wine coolers so you can just chill before guests arrive

Help Me Design My Wine Cellar - Please!

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS Key Measurements for a Wine Cellar, Part 1

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Find out the best ways to store your stash and how much space you need for wine refrigerators, racks and other storage

TRAVEL BY DESIGN 7 Romantic Vacation Rentals Built of Stone

By Mitchell Parker

Tuscany is calling. Or maybe England or even Texas. See if one of these enchanting gems has your traveling spirit's number

KITCHEN DESIGN Stay Cool About Picking the Right Refrigerator

By KitchenLab Interiors

If all the options for refrigeration leave you hot under the collar, this guide to choosing a fridge and freezer will help you chill out

GREEN BUILDING The Big Freeze: Inventors Break New Ground to Keep Things Cool

By Olivia Strigari

Old-fashioned fridges can be energy guzzlers, but there are more eco-friendly ways of keeping food fresh, as these global innovations show

Sponsored

MAC Design + Build

17 Reviews

Loudon County Full-Service Design/Build Firm & Kitchen Remodeler

More Discussions

How to Add a Dishwasher to Pre-Existing Cabinet Space?

24

Microwave drawer for island size

3

Stacking 3 Gaggenau appliances

10

What brand of 36" liquid propane range is best for me?

0

Forno Microwave/ convection/broil Built in oven

0