Number of bottles
The maximum number of standard wine bottles (straight, Bordeaux type) that the cooler is designed to store.
The increase in capacity affects the dimensions and price of the entire device. So for private home use, a
compact wine coolers of small capacity (up to 20 bottles) can be the best choice — especially since the height of such devices is usually small. However,
low wine coolers can store more contents —
24 – 25 bottles or more. Models with a capacity of
50 – 80 bottles are already designed mainly for bars and restaurants, but they can also be useful for enthusiastic wine collectors; and the most voluminous of modern wine coolers can hold
noticeably more than 80 bottles — in some units up to two or three hundred.
It is also worth noting that it is not recommended to fill wine coolers to their full capacity. The actual occupancy should be at least 30 percent lower than the maximum. So, when choosing, it is worth making an appropriate margin.
Total volume
The total volume of the wine cooler working chamber (chambers).
Although the main spec of such units is the number of bottles (see above), volume data can also be useful when evaluating and comparing different models. The fact is that with the same capacity, a larger volume means better air circulation and more efficient temperature distribution. On the other hand, an increase in volume also increases the price and dimensions — and there may simply not be free space for
a wide or
high wine cooler.
Energy class (new)
This parameter characterizes the efficiency of electricity consumption by the wine cooler. Classes are designated in Latin letters from A to G, in ascending order of energy consumption. Actually, this was originally conceived until more energy-efficient models pulled up to class A, which eventually received the marking A +, A ++, and A +++. Further development of technologies allowed us to go even further. And in order not to produce pluses in energy efficiency labelling, in March 2021, manufacturers returned to the previous indices from G to A, where A is the most energy-efficient wine cooler. Accordingly, the 2021 models will have modern markings, while older models will be marked in the same way.
Energy consumption per year
It is the amount of energy consumed by the wine cooler in a year during normal operation. Of course, the actual consumption will inevitably differ from this indicator in one direction or another, but these differences are usually not fundamental. So this indicator makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of different models and compare them with each other. Recall that more energy-efficient units cost more on their own, but in the end, they can turn out to be more profitable due to energy savings.
Noise level
It is the approximate noise level generated by the device during normal operation.
The lower the noise level, the more comfortable the use of the unit and the fewer restrictions there are for its installation. The decibel used to refer to this parameter is a non-linear unit, so the actual loudness of performance is best judged by comparative performance. So, the quietest models give out up to 30 dB, and a similar unit can be installed even in the bedroom: 30 dB is the volume of a whisper, and the upper noise threshold is allowed by sanitary standards for living quarters at night. 40 dB, conversation at moderate volume is already a daytime limit. Such noise is allowed, for example, in a home kitchen or living room. 50 – 60 dB corresponds to a conversation in raised tones; these values are typical for large models used in restaurants and liquor stores. And the loudest modern units give out about 70 dB — this is comparable to a busy city street, and such a wine cooler is best to be installed in a separate room like a pantry.
Noise class
This parameter allows one to decipher the noise level in decibels. It is marked, like other classes, in Latin letters, where A is the quietest class of wine cabinets.
