Is there a difference between a $199 and a $3999 wine cellar and should you settle for the least expensive one?
Direct and indirect cooling system
You are spoilt for choices when choosing the ideal wine cellar for your home, browsing the almost endless range of wine cellars in the market. Unless you have a specific brand and budget in mind, it will be mind boggling to pick one to add to the cart. You will then be reaching for the un-chilled bottle of wine sitting on your kitchen top to clear your thoughts, wondering why did the taste differ from the one you had previously in a restaurant.
This article will clear some doubts on passing on the cheapest in the market. On the simplest of things, the number of wine bottles that you wish to have stored properly to preserve the aroma in your wine will add on to the cost. More number of bottles, higher priced.
The exquisiteness of the exterior design will be the next factor. Would you fancy a dull matte metal cube sitting in your living area or would you prefer a center piece that would be a talking point of your guests? Bodega’s EXPO collection allows you to customise the finishing so that it fits perfectly into the interior design of your home.
Now, for the technicalities of a wine cellar. Dual-zone chilling for real and white wines, constant temperature, the right amount of humidity, UV light prevention and having an odourless storage are what that contribute to a stellar wine cellar. We have elaborated on the above mentioned points In our other article: Is a Wine Cellar Necessary?
As technology catches up with our lives, wine cellars are without surprise. The new kid on the block is Direct and Indirect Cooling. This comes in the form of compressor-based systems which are more ideal for our tropical climate. Here is why.
In direct cooling, cool air is distributed throughout the entire cavity so that any difference in temperatures are evened out, allowing for a consistent temperature that is of utmost importance for maintaining the aromas of wine. Such direct distribution of cool air is achieved with a compressor, heat exchanger, fan coil, insulated piping system, and a thermostat. Think of how a regular food refrigerator works when you want to understand the concept of direct cooling. Refrigerant gas is pressurised by the compressor and pushed into the coils around the cellar to cool it down. Therefore with the use of a compressor, there is a possibility of vibrations although minimal.
On the flip side, indirect cooling operates with a fan coupled with a compressor to better disburse air through the insulated wine cellar as compared to traditional methods such as thermoelectric which is inexpensive.
So why not opt for thermoelectric? This said cooling option is quieter, free from vibrations as it does not utilise a compressor, is smaller and lighter. Whereas when it comes to durability, it is only meant for short term usage. It is constantly running so the motor is highly susceptible to more wear and tear. Furthermore, as the surrounding temperature affects the cooling capability, our tropical warm climate will cause the motor to work even harder to cool its insides, thereby working the motor harder and consuming more energy.
“THE PELTIER EFFECT
Thermoelectric coolers operate according to the Peltier effect. The effect creates a temperature difference by transferring heat between two electrical junctions. A voltage is applied across joined conductors to create an electric current. When the current flows through the junctions of the two conductors, heat is removed at one junction and cooling occurs. Heat is deposited at the other junction.
The main application of the Peltier effect is cooling. However the Peltier effect can also be used for heating or control of temperature. In every case, a DC voltage is required.” (Source: Marlow)
While these direct and indirect compressor wine cellars are more costly, they are not affected by ambient temperature, and is thus much more durable and easier to maintain so you do not have to worry about running more kilowatt-hours. There was much research and development dedicated to producing this expansive technology, adding to the higher figures on the price tag. But that said, it is a must-have long term investment, considering how much your bottles of wine cost, you would not want to risk ruining those sips of nirvana.
Pick a compressor fitted wine cellar from here!