Wine is a delicate liquid. A wine’s flavor can alter significantly if it is kept in a temperature-variable environment or is frequently exposed to light and movement. Although a countertop or cupboard may appear to be a secure location to keep your bottles, they are not suitable for long-term storage. Whether you’re a connoisseur of fine wine or a self-taught sommelier, a wine fridge like Ivation’s 18-Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler is necessary to get the most out of your collection.
Design
The Ivation cooler has a rather conventional design. There is an LCD display with temperature controls on the sleek black exterior. There are five moveable metal shelves inside that hold 18 wine bottles. The metal shelving was a little tricky, but it held our wine bottles really well. The weight of the bottles skewed, forcing the shelf to tip forward every time we removed the shelving. To enter and exit this refrigerator, use a light touch; else, your collection can fall to the ground.
Like the majority of wine refrigerators on the market, the Ivation cooler has double-paned (also known as thermopane) doors. The energy-efficient glass shields your wine from UV radiation and screens out the sun, both of which can shorten its shelf life. In addition to extending the lifespan of your collection, tinted glass lets you see your wine labels and, when the internal light is turned on, it adds to the pleasant atmosphere.
Although the Ivation cooler lacks a humidifier, the solid polyurethane thick foam it uses to generate humidity is consistent. Wine is harmed by dry surroundings because they cause corks to dry out and increase the likelihood of oxidation. Ivation’s design incorporates foam to ensure an odor-free environment and a consistent humidity level.
Performance
The Ivation is a thermoelectric unit, which conserves energy more than a conventional compressor unit (like a regular fridge), but it doesn’t maintain a constant temperature as well. Thermoelectric devices (such portable outdoor coolers) transmit heat from one side of the unit to the other, exchanging heated air with cool air, as opposed to the latter, which uses a motor and pump to transport refrigerant through the unit.
Over the course of a week, we checked on our wine and discovered that the temperature in the refrigerator was erratic. Because a wine fridge is designed to provide a steady environment, the frequent temperature changes were alarming. It is ideal to keep it between 50 and 80 degrees in a dry, well-ventilated area. In this manner, the fridge won’t experience any significant temperature changes.
Verdict
If you want to spend less money on a high-quality cooler, choose the Best Ivation Wine Cooler. It offers many of our favorite features, like dual zone temperature control, digital controls with an LED display, and auto defrost functionality, and is covered by the manufacturer’s three-year guarantee.
This wine cooler should be considered if you’re looking for one that can preserve your wine at the ideal serving temperature regardless of the season or the amount of space you have on your countertop.
