How to Cool Your Wines the “Cool” Way
If you’ve read through a number of the reviews we have to offer on our website, you may be forgiven for thinking that I spend my days slumped over a glass of wine! This couldn’t be further from the truth, I’m fully aware of the dangers of alcohol however, my interest is more about how a wine ages and what makes it “tick” so to speak.
Whilst I’m not an expert, I feel I’ve done enough research to be able to pass on what information I’ve come across (and believe me there is still a LOT more to learn). Currently, I’m at the stage where I’m still finding my feet when it comes to keeping wines at the right temperature. What I have discovered is that they’re all different which makes the whole wine collection hobby all the more interesting.
Just recently, I decided to become a member of a wine club and I’m sure glad I did. It’s great to meet other people with the same interest and, although I’ve not been a member long, I’m learning lots of new things. Among them is the wine cooler trade.
This is just as important as knowing about what wines suit your taste as well as understanding all the flavors certain grapes produce.
On one such meeting, I was introduced to the Haier HVTM16ABB 16-Bottle Wine Cooler. Someone had kindly brought the one they have along with them so we could all give it the “once over”.
Here is what I learnt….
First Glance
This wine cooler is a lot smaller looking than you might think. So much so, it was hard to believe you can store up to 16 bottles in it. It was pretty sleek looking though with a black cabinet, door trim to match and a mirrored glass door. That was my first question!
I understand that good wine coolers need to have double paned glass and specialist attention should be paid to the protection from UV rays, but it was pretty difficult to see what was inside. This one was soon answered when the light inside was switched on. Suddenly, I could see inside and the 3 chrome shelves were perfectly lit up.
Features
For the size this wine cooler has a good temperature range so you can store both red and white wines without any worry. It also has a pretty cool automatic temperature setting which is optional (not something you come across very often with the smaller models).
The handle is recessed which means you won’t be bashing yourself as you walk past it, and when it was switched on I was surprised at how quiet it is. This is because Haier has used a thermostatic cooling system which has few moving parts.
All in All
Although I didn’t get to use this cooler myself, the guy who does own it says it’s great for cooling every-day wines as well as those that are slightly more expensive but not right at the high end of the market. This makes it perfect for people who enjoy a properly chilled glass of wine now and then but also like to keep the odd bottle for special occasions. Oh, and the price is something that might make you a little suspicious about how good this cooler is as well! Just check it here, you will be surprised!
If price isn’t too much of an issue, you might also want to check my review on the Avanti 18 Bottle Wine Cooler. For only $60 to $70 more you can get a wine cooler that holds 2 bottles more AND has dual zone cooling.
Further Information