A Wine Cooler For A Gift

By / Magazine / November 9th, 2010 / 1

With party season just around the corner, are you feeling that your cozy abode needs a splash of something new and exciting? Like most of us, you’re probably wondering where within those four walls of yours can possibly fit one more piece of furniture or decoration. Well, I’ve got a great idea for you. Think for a moment of the practicality of adding a wine cooler to your possessions.

Unlike the boxy numbers from the past (yes, you can still find those on the market), newer designs have emerged in the last year or two that take the wine cooler to a whole new level. These are no longer glorified refrigerators that maintain every bottle you place into them at one temperature. The more expensive models, of course, could be set to two temperatures. Newer wine coolers come in different shapes and sizes to suit the smaller condo market. Just because you live in a 600 square foot space doesn’t mean that you, too, shouldn’t be able to enjoy perfectly chilled wine any time.

I have not had the opportunity to try the new Sanyo, but I do like its design. It’s sleek and unobtrusive enough for small spaces. Retailing for $500, Sanyo claims that this wine cooler is feature-packed yet affordable. I guess $500 is “affordable” in terms of pieces of furniture. But, the old wisdom that one gets what one pays for might be valid here. 

Just the facts:

• Cubic Capacity: 135L/4.8 cu.ft

• Temperature Control: Electronic

• Temperature Range: 5 to 18 Degrees Celsius

• Quantity of Wine Bottles: 45

• Size: 470(W) x 450(D) x 1192(H) mm

• Made of RoHS approved materials for environmental responsibility

This wine cooler also offers features such as slide-out wood racks, blue LED interior lighting (switchable) that emits no heat, brushed metal door frame, and two separate compartments to maintain optimum serving temperature and humidly for both red and white wines. A dual zone temperature control on the front door is designed for convenience and to avoid cool air escaping. Door insulation prevents air leakage between compartments and reduces compressor cycling. If you’re looking to buy a wine cooler for the first time, then this one is definitely worth checking out. In truth, the price of wine coolers has come down since I bought mine some ten years ago. Variable temperature settings mean that you can store both your white and red wines in it, making it more than simply a small fridge with a glass door on it. I like that it’s slim. Whether or not you live in a small space, the days of large appliances are over. Interior designers are creating spaces that ensure more room for people rather than the giant fridge or microwave that ends up taking up most of the kitchen and counter space.

The slim size of Sanyo’s new wine cooler is welcome. But, if you already own one, and you’re just hoping to upgrade, I’d shop around a bit. Some of the features are easily found in other, perhaps more inexpensive, models. Ask yourself how much wine you need to store. I own a small 8-bottle temperature controlled model that’s perfect for chilling the “drink now” bottles. When unexpected guests drop by, I don’t have to toss a bottle of white into the freezer for a quick chill because I know I have up to eight choices already waiting at the right serving temperature. So, determining your own patterns of use will help you decide whether or not Sanyo’s newest offering to the world of wine is worth the chunk of change. Having said that, I do find some of this wine cooler’s features to be very cool — the slide-out racks, and the LED lights mean that you will always be able to find the bottle you’re searching for without turning on the bright overhead lights or fetching a flashlight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rosemary Mantini has always loved words. When she isn't working as the Associate Editor at Tidings Magazine, she's helping others achieve their writing dreams, and sometimes she even relaxes with a good book and a glass of wine.

Comments are closed.

North America’s Longest Running Food & Wine Magazine

Get Quench-ed!!!

Champion storytellers & proudly independent for over 50 years. Free Weekly newsletter & full digital access