One of the most common and important questions we are asked is the difference between a recessed and a built-in wine cellar. People want to be sure that the cellar will fit in the space they have allocated for it, but of course it needs to function properly. If a unit is built-in and it’s unable to exhaust the warm air, it may cause excess heat to be trapped behind the unit.  If this happens, the unit won’t be able to maintain proper temperature and your wine may be effectively, ruined. Therefore, it is just as important to determine the correct size and features, of your cellar, as it is to decide on the right application. This is where these terms come in handy:
Recessed:  A wine cellar that does not fit flush within a space is considered “recessed”.  It cannot be flushed because. Depending on which model you choose, each will have requirements to properly breathe and expel warm air. For example, a lot of my clients want to “build in” a Eurocave digital 260.  Because this unit is rear venting, it cannot be built-in as it needs space behind it. I recommend that they recess the unit by placing it in a cabinet with enough empty clearance on each side.  By providing air circulation on the top, bottom and back, you are allowing the unit to breathe and operate normally. Recessed units are essentially “free-standing” units that are placed inside cabinets with extra space, rather than built into them.
 
 
 
 
Built-In:  Built-In units are built into a cabinet or enclosed space.  Built-Ins typically have front venting compressors so they may slide directly into the space without having any clearance around the entire unit.  The front exhaust at the bottom is unobstructed.  These are flush mounted and are typically seen in kitchens and home bars.  Built-Ins can have a more custom look. Many models provide stainless trim around the glass door to match existing appliances.  A great example of a built-in would be our Performance 59 wine cellar.

In either case, our wine storage specialists are here to help you make the correct decision for all of your storage needs. If you have any further questions or are ready to make a wine cellar purchase, give us a call at 800.377.3330

Be Sociable, Share!

•