Can You Use a Wine Fridge as a Normal Fridge?

141-Bottle Single-Zone Backlit Panel Wine Cooler (Black)

Wine refrigerators typically maintain a temperature range between 45 to 65℉, which is ideal for wine. You may be wondering if you can store other drinks or food inside your wine cellar. Read on to learn if a wine cellar can be used to store any additional items.

The temperature range of 45 to 65℉ is suitable for other drinks besides wine. Bottled water, soda, iced tea, energy drinks and select juices can all be stored safely within the same temperature range. This helps to free up space in your standard kitchen refrigerator, especially around the busy holiday season. One thing to note is that the racking inside a wine cooler is not designed for anything other than wine, so you may need to make some adjustments.

Did you know that beer stores best within a similar temperature range as wine? In fact, when beer is stored at a temperature that is too cold, it can mask the taste the beermaker intended, causing the beer to taste bland. The optimum storage temperature for beer is 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Beer enthusiasts have been using wine or beverage coolers for beer storage for many years. You may try opting for a wine cooler with slatted wood racking to fit both bottles and cans.

Food should not share a wine cooler with wine. This is because certain food emits gases or may have odors that can seep into the cork of the wine bottle and affect its taste. Fruits and vegetables such as pears, ripe bananas, peaches, herbs, and leafy greens can be safely stored inside a wine cooler. Hard cheeses and cheeses with a rind can also be stored within a temperature range of 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Chocolate can be stored between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on personal preference. Even olive oil can benefit from being stored in a wine cooler as its ideal storage temperature is 57 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to note that dairy (milk, yogurt, etc.) and other kinds of food should never be stored inside a wine refrigerator as they require temperatures below 37 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Before placing any perishable goods inside a wine cooler, check its packaging or consult the manufacturer for proper storage instructions.

Wine coolers have also become popular amongst cigar collectors. For cigar storage, many convert wine coolers to all-wood cedar shelving. To maintain humidity, a filter, humidity beads, or bowl with water may be added.

Beer, chocolate, and cigars are just a few of the items that can be stored inside a wine fridge. Looking to add a wine refrigerator to your home? Shop 24/7 on Vinotemp.com or for further assistance contact us with our Contact Form.