The Knowhow
It's a common mistake to assume that a wine cooler will have a temperature equal to that of a regular refrigerator, but that isn't the case at all. It is usual for wine coolers to run at a higher internal temperature of between 6 - 8 degrees (compared with a food refrigerator which typically runs at between 1- 4 degrees). Consult the drinks cooler manufacturer's instructions to find out what your cooler's optimum temperature should be.
The difference in temperature is very important; wine is not supposed to be served at the same temperature as beer or soft drinks for example. The recommended temperatures for wine are as follows:
- For red wine: between 15-19 degrees
- For white wine: between 8-14 degrees
- For champagne and sparkling wine: between 6 - 8 degrees
If your wine cooler isn't hitting its target temperature, and is hovering higher than the recommended 6-8 degrees, there may be one of several problems:
- Check your fan: is the wine cooler's fan unit blocked or clogged up in any way? Any obstruction to your fan unit will affect the cooler's ability to chill the contents within
- Check the cooler's location: is your cooler surrounded by warm electrical items, or is it boxed-in by piles of cookery books, food jars or anything else which might lead it to overheat? Try to keep the cooler separated so that it can maintain a low temperature and adequately ventilate itself.
