Winston's Wisdoms - A WineEnthusiast.com Blog » Wine Storage Units

Built-In or Recessed Wine Cellars: What’s the Difference? by David M.

David M. — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 19:24:45 +0000

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

EuroCave Wine Cellars: The Difference Between Comfort and Performance by Marshall T.

Marshall T. — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 20:28:13 +0000

When it comes to the world of free-standing wine cellars, chances are you will find that most people agree on one thing…EuroCave is King. There are many reasons why their product is trusted by millions of wine lovers over the years to house their prized collections, some collections worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. The answer is simple, they are the best at protecting your wines, allowing them to age gracefully.

Here’s why:

• Climate control: both temperature and humidity, is far superior to any other free-standing wine cellar made.
• They’re quiet, vibration free
• They block out all harmful light, and
• They last two to three times longer than most other units!

If you are looking for a 200+ bottle free-standing unit, EuroCave has two distinct lines.

So, a question I am asked quite often is, “What is the difference between Comfort and Performance?” Allow me to shed some light on that comparison.

Firstly, How Are They Alike?
All EuroCaves, including both the Performance & Comfort lines, have cooling and heating coils in all 3 walls which create an extremely tight temperature gradient. They both also have an airflow system in the back that allows air to be brought in from the outside. When that outside air mixes with the inside air, it creates condensation that sticks to the interior aluminum walls, maintaining the humidity. And, all Comforts and Performance units have a digital temperature control and read out.

Now, How Are They Different?
Digital Temperature Controls: While both have a digital temperature control and read- out, the Performance also comes standard with a hygrometer, alarm system and interior lighting located in its sophisticated control board. The alarm monitors the temperature, humidity, door, and charcoal filter.

Bottle Capacities: Both units can hold between 160-230 bottles depending on how the shelving is set up, and have the exact same dimensions. The Performance Series is also available in a smaller under-counter fingerprint that holds up to 54 bottles, and a larger built-in series that can hold up to 165 bottles.

Temperature-Zones & Built-In Capabilities: The Comfort unit only comes in a 1 temperature zone option and in a black finish. The Performance can be purchased in 1,2, or 3 temperature zone options, and can be ordered in custom finishes including Stainless Steel and in the Elite option, which encloses the unit in solid wood cabinetry. The Performance is available as a built-in cellar, as a front-vented unit to fit underneath a kitchen counter or build into cabinetry, while the Comfort is only available as a free-standing unit.

Ambient Temperatures: The Performance can be set at higher and lower temperatures than the Comfort, and can also withstand higher and lower surrounding ambient temperatures thanks to the Extreme Cooling upgrade that comes standard on the unit. The EuroCave wine cellar is the only wine cellar we would recommend for a garage, especially for those who live in the nation’s warmest or coldest climates.

Lava Rocks: The Performance also has a basket of lava rocks and interior fan that allow you to manipulate the humidity in the cabinet. The alarm will let you know when the humidity has gone too low. The Comfort will simply maintain the humidity.

So, Which Unit Is Right For You?
That will depend on a lot of factors. The bottom line is there is no right or wrong way to go. It all depends upon your wants and needs as a wine drinker and collector. Wine Enthusiast wine storage consultants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help make your EuroCave buying decision a pleasurable one. Either way, as long as you are getting a Eurocave, you are getting our top-of-the-line wine cellar that you can be confident will store your wine properly for years to come.

Visit Wine Enthusiast’s Friends and Family Showroom Sale by Erika S.

Erika S. — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:27:25 +0000

Shhh, we’re letting you in on a secret. As loyal blog readers who we truly consider our friends, we’re sharing our first Friends and Family Showroom Sale information with you. If you live in the New York Tri-State area, here’s what you need to know:

What: A large selection of Eurocaves, Portfolio Cellars, Silent Cellars and other Furniture pieces available for sale at near cost pricing.

Where: Our showroom at 103 Fairview Park Drive, Elmsford New York, just 45 minutes North of Manhattan. Directions can also be found here

When: Tomorrow, June 26th at 5:30PM and Saturday, June 28th 10:00AM-5:00PM

Bring family and friends and take advantage of this great opportunity to save big on some of our most popular wine cellars. If you’ve ever wanted a wine cellar in your home, now is the time.

Hope to see you all there! Leave a comment if you have any additional questions.

Please note: This sale is only taking place in our Elmsford, New York showroom and is not online or via phone.