If you're a wine lover, then be sure to check out this presentation about how thermoelectric wine coolers work! We'll walk you through the basic technology, and help you decide if one of these appliances is the right choice for preserving your wine collection.
1. Do You Need A Thermoelectric Wine Cooler?
A guide for anyone who loves wine.
2. Store your wine right:
Experts agree that the
ideal storage
temperature for
wine is 55°F (13°C).
Keep bottles on their
sides and out of
direct sunlight to
preserve peak
aromas and flavors.
3. Sure, you could just
stick your wine
in the closet –
but doesn’t your wine
deserve better?
Don’t YOU deserve better?
5. How thermoelectric cooling works:
Thermoelectric cooling uses the Peltier
effect, which is named for the 19th Century
scientist who discovered it.
6. How thermoelectric cooling works:
— An electric charge is sent through two
joined pieces of metal.
— Heat moves from one side of the device to
the other.
— One side gets hot, the other side gets cold.
7. How thermoelectric cooling works:
The core cooling device is called a heat pump.
It’s very small, only an inch or two on each
side.
8. How thermoelectric cooling works:
The heat pump is combined with a heat sink –
a large, passive component with stacks of
aluminum fins that dissipate heat
efficiently.
9. How thermoelectric cooling works:
— The cold side of the heat pump/heat sink
is inserted into the interior of the wine
cooler.
— The hot side extends out the back.
— Fans on either end make sure that the air
is evenly distributed.
10. No moving parts…
Except for the fans, a
thermoelectric
cooler has no
moving parts. This
means they are:
— Quieter
— Vibration free
11. Quieter
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
Decibels
CompressorCoolers
Thermoelectric
Coolers
The compressor on a traditional
refrigerator can be very noisy
as it cycles on and off.
A thermoelectric wine cooler
that is properly leveled is
almost entirely silent.
This means they can go almost
anywhere and not disrupt
entertainment or conversation.
Keep your thermoelectric
cooler :
• In the dining room
• By your home bar
• In the kitchen
• Wherever you serve wine!
12. Vibration-free
Wine experts suggest that
excess vibration during storage
can disrupt the natural
sedimentation process.
This means wine won’t taste as
good when you’re ready to
drink it.
But a vibration-free
thermoelectric cooler means
your wine is not continually
upset, allowing it to age
properly.
13. Environmentally
Friendly
Compressor-based refrigerators
use chemical refrigerants (like
Freon) that have been linked to
ozone depletion and global
warming.
Thermoelectric coolers have no
such chemical components, so
they are safer for the
environment.
And a better, healthier
environment means better wine
for you to enjoy!
14. That all sounds great, but…
What’s the down side?
Thermoelectric wine
coolers do have
some drawbacks…
15. Thermoelectric wine
coolers do have a few
limitations….
•They don’t get as cold as
compressor coolers. The
coldest a thermoelectric
cooler can get is about
44°F, which is not cold enough
for serving some sparkling
wines.
•They don’t work when it is too
hot. In temperatures over
80°F, they have trouble moving
enough heat to keep the
interior at the proper storage
level of 55°F.
•They don’t work when it’s too
cold, either. There’s no way to
add heat to a wine cooler, so if
it’s colder than the set
temperature, it will get too
cold in the cooler.
16. Before you buy….
Thermoelectric coolers are meant to be used
indoors in controlled environments – not in
garages, sheds or outdoors.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications
before you buy, so you know the cooler has
the temperature range you like for your
wine.
17. Many Features to Choose From
Single or dual-zone
A dual-zone cooler lets
you keep red and white
wines at different
temperatures, so you
can serve them at
their peak flavors.
Freestanding or built-in
Freestanding units can go
anywhere in your
home, but require
adequate clearance for
rear venting.
Built-in units have front
vents and can be
installed into your
cabinetry.
18. Many Features to Choose From
Size
Small wine coolers for 8 –
12 bottles will fit on
your countertop.
Medium sized units are
compact enough to go
anywhere and hold 18-
50 bottles of wine.
Large units can hold
upwards of 100
bottles!
Style and Finish
From sleek modern
designs with black and
stainless steel
designs, to armoire-
style coolers designed
to blend beautifully
with your décor, there
are many styles and
finishes available.
19. Other Features to Look For…
Digital controls – monitor
interior temperatures
with an electronic
thermostat display
Interior lights – to display
your collection
beautifully, plus help
you find the bottle you
want
Locks – protect your wine
collection from
unwanted hands