Inside CR Test Labs: Wine cellars and temperature consistency

Like a rock star or Hollywood celeb, wine cellars are only as good as their ability to maintain a consistent level of cool. Our recent report on wine cellars, in which we tested 20 undercounter and freestanding models ranging in price from $300 to $2,450, let us separate the marquee performers from the B-listers.

Our previous tests of wine cellars—also called wine chillers, wine refrigerators, and wine coolers (not to be confused with Bartles & Jaymes beverages)—had revealed no differences in the temperatures we recorded when we filled the units with bottles of water or wine. So, for our latest tests, we completely filled each cellar with 750-ml plastic bottles of water. We attached thermocouples (temperature sensors) to the exterior of some bottles, for a total of five thermocouples in each separate compartment.

Using thermocouples in that arrangement is important because more companies are making cellars with separate compartments that, they claim, allow you to store different wines, such as sparkling, white, rose, and red, optimum temperatures for those wines within the same unit.

Over the course of our tests, we varied the ambient temperature within our testing chamber from 70°F to 90°F, from 90°F to 70°F, and from 70°F to 55°F. That allowed us to determine how well each unit maintained a uniform temperature in each part of the compartment despite changes in room temperature. As you can see in our ratings (available to subscribers), we found good performers at every price point.

Before you shop for a wine cellar like the Marvel 6SWC model shown, find out how to choose one of these appliances by considering other factors, including capacity, shelf design, noise, vibration, and energy consumption.—Gian Trotta

Essential information: Our wine page includes reviews of top values in wines for the holidays and year-round, and offers a guide to the best corkscrews and primers on wine-serving temperatures and storing leftover wine.

Comments

[Alan]

Are there standard fridges that have acceptable temperature control and range so that I don't have to buy a very expensive wine cellar?