Wine Cooler Vs Mini Fridge

What Is A Wine Cooler?

A wine cooler is designed to keep your wine at the ideal temperature. You can find them in various sizes, from the size of a mini-fridge to the size of a full-size refrigerator. Small shelves are often inside the appliance to hold your wine at an ideal angle. 

The main feature of a wine fridge is that it is designed to have a temperature of 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps preserve the flavor of your wine while preserving it. Other unique features most wine fridges offer include: 

• Less vibration, so the wine is not jostled around inside the bottle. This can hurt the way your wine naturally ages. 
• Some fridges may not have see-through doors to ensure natural light doesn’t get to your wine. When wine is exposed to natural light, it can seriously impact the flavor. 

Wine Cooler Vs. Wine Fridge

The terms wine cooler and wine fridge are often used interchangeably. Some people refer to a wine cooler as an appliance the size of a mini fridge designed to hold wine. Likewise, a wine fridge is often considered a wine cooler that is close to the size of a standard fridge. However, the terms both refer to the same thing: an appliance designed to keep wine cold and adequately preserved. Many people say wine cooler or fridge, no matter the appliance’s size. 

What Is The Point In A Wine Fridge?

A wine fridge is designed to hold and preserve wine. Wine refrigerators are programmed to be at the ideal temperature to preserve wine’s taste and help it age properly. 

What Is A Mini Fridge?

A mini-fridge is a small refrigerator designed to hold snacks and other items you would typically put in a refrigerator. Some come with a small freezer compartment where you can put frozen foods. 

A few key differences exist between a wine fridge and a mini fridge. Mini refrigerators often have a vibration to them, which can hurt the flavor of your wine. It won’t age appropriately if vibrations continuously jostle the wine inside the bottle. Mini fridges are not designed to protect foods from UV rays because UV rays will not hurt everyday foods that are kept in mini-fridges, like yogurt. Mini-fridges have a standard temperature of 35-42 degrees. 

Wine Cooler Vs. Mini Fridge

Remember a few key differences when deciding whether you need a wine fridge or a mini fridge. Temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and vibration can hurt your wine. However, they won’t make a difference when storing food. 

Can A Wine Cooler Be Used As A Fridge?

Using a wine fridge as a fridge is not a good idea. Wine refrigerators are designed to be at a safe temperature to keep wine stable and to preserve the flavor. This is not the exact temperature that should be used to store food. According to the FDA, food should be stored in refrigerators at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Can You Use A Wine Cooler For Food?

No, it’s not safe to use a wine cooler for food. The higher temperature of a wine refrigerator will give you a higher risk of getting foodborne illnesses and make your food spoil faster. Instead, opt for a refrigerator or mini-fridge for your food. 

Can A Wine Cooler Be Used For Soda?

Yes, a wine cooler can be used for soda. A wine fridge has a higher temperature, so don’t expect your soda cans to be ice cold. However, your wine fridge will keep them colder than room temperature. 

Can You Store Wine In The Fridge?

Yes, you can store wine in the fridge, but this is not the best way to preserve wine. Refrigerators are known for temperature fluctuations due to people opening and closing the door. They also tend to get colder than wine coolers, which can make wine taste differently. The constant hum of a fridge causes vibrations, which can impact how your wine ages. In general, refrigerators tend to have higher humidity levels than wine refrigerators, which can impact both the wine and the cork of the bottle. The cork may split open, making wine seep into your fridge. 

How To Store Wine

Instead, wine should be stored in a dark and cool place at the appropriate temperature. It must be protected from UV lights, and bottles should be stored horizontally. After opening a bottle of wine, store it in a cold, dark place away from UV light. It also needs to be re-corked. Heat, light, and/or oxygen exposure can make wine taste disgusting. 

How To Use Your Mini Fridge As A Wine Cooler

An available mini-fridge is an option if you don’t have a wine fridge and need somewhere to store your wine. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. You’ll need to: 

• Increase the temperature for an appropriate temperature for wine
• Avoid storing food and wine together. This prevents temperature fluctuations from opening the door, which is bad for your wine. 
• Ensure that wine is protected from UV light
• Use a fridge with low vibrations to protect the flavor of your wine

This can be a cheap alternative to a wine refrigerator, but ensure your mini fridge is suitable for wine before tossing a bottle inside.