I want to store both red and white wines, which wine cabinet will suit me?

Red & white wines age at the same temperature, this temperature range must be constant and can be between 12-14 degrees with a constant humidity level of above 55%.  Any single temperature zone unit is designed to suit this cellaring need.

I have both red & white wines and I want them ready to serve, which is the best wine cabinet for me?

For the entertainer, who loves to bring out a bottle of wine on the spur of the moment and to serve it at the right temperature, a dual-temperature zone or multi-temperature zone model is essential.  This cabinet enables you to set a temperature of 18 degrees at one end and 6 degrees in the other, holding all your wines at the correct serving temperature so that any wine, red or white, flat or bubbly is ready to enjoy on the spur of the moment.

What are multi-temperature wine cabinets?

Multi-temperature wine cabinets are designed for the serving of red and white wines.  The temperature graduates from the coolest at the bottom (6 degrees for white wines) to 18 degrees at the top for red wines.  You can store any wine in the middle for aging, white wine at the bottom and red at the top for serving.

Do I need humidity control when cellaring and storing my wines?

Yes, humidity is important in ensuring that corks do not dry out and shrink.  This would allow air enter the wine and cause the wine to oxidize.  Another symptom of low humidity is corks breaking when being removed.

How does the humidity control happen in a wine cabinet?

Wine cabinets create condensation water due to temperature difference.  The condensation water forms on the back panel of the unit, and flows down to the bottom where it is collected in a dish.  The compressor heats the water and redistributes it as warm vapour back into the wine cabinet when it operates.  In some of models there are small plastic trays inside the unit.  Fill the plastic tray with water and place it inside the units to assist maintaining humidity.

What else should I consider regarding the humidity control in my wine cabinet?

Remember to ensure your wine bottles do not touch the back panel of your wine cabinet.  If the bottles touch the back panel, the wine labels will be affected by the condensation water running from the back wall on to the bottle.  This would also allow less condensation water pooling in the tray to be reheated and redistributed through the cabinet as warm vapour, and thus affecting the humidity in your wine cabinet.

Can I use my wine cabinet for beer and food?

No, wine cabinets are not fridges.  The temperature does not go low enough to keep food and it is not cold enough for the serving of beer.

My door gasket seems flattened and won't seal properly, what should I do?

This can happen in transit.  Use a hair drier to heat up the gasket and when it is hot plump up the seal. When it has reshaped, shut the door and tape it shut tight for 48 hours so the seal holds the reformed shape.

What about vibrations?

The units have slow cycling compressors which are independently housed outside the main body of the unit and on rubber shock absorbers.  Wooden shelves are used as they do not vibrate.

There is condensation on the surface of the glass door of my wine cabinet.  Is the unit faulty?

No, the unit is not faulty.  When water vapour from the air comes into contact with the cold surface of the glass door, the vapour condenses on the surface of the glass, causing a foggy effect or in extreme situations, water runs off.  It indicates excessive humidity in the environment.