How a Wine Fridge Compressor Works

How Chilling Occurs

• The chilling method in a wine refrigerator is similar to the method used by a food refrigerator. Both use a refrigerant to lower the temperature of the interior storage compartment. The compressor compresses the refrigerant vapor by spinning it in a centrifuge. Compressing the refrigerant increases its pressure and boiling point. From the compressor, it flows, as a gas, into the condenser where the higher pressure, hot refrigerant vapor cools and condenses to a liquid. In this form, it moves to the evaporator coils next to the storage chamber for the wine. The refrigerant liquid absorbs heat from the heat exchanger through the evaporator coils. This converts it back into a vapor -- like boiling water into steam -- and it returns to the compressor to repeat the process.

Ideal Conditions

• The ideal conditions for storing wine are maintained by a wine cooler. These require the humidity and temperature levels to be higher than an air conditioner. The type of wine you are storing in the wine fridge will determine the ideal temperature, but all should be stored at 70 percent humidity. For red wines, keep the wine at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Store white wines at 50 degrees, and maintain the sparkles in sparkling wine at 45 degrees. Place all wine bottles on their sides so the wine covers the base of the cork inside the bottle. This keeps the cork moist and prevents air outside the wine bottle from entering the bottle through pores in a dried-out cork.

Advantages of a Wine Cooler

• Wine refrigerators do not require a separate cellar to be constructed under your home. The appliance holds the temperature and humidity at ideal levels without effort on your part. Wine refrigerators come in a variety of sizes, from those that rival food refrigerators to smaller, under-cabinet units. As long as you have an electric outlet nearby, your kitchen can store fine wines.

Disadvantages of a Compressor

• A compressor in a wine refrigerator vibrates during operation. To offset this, look for models with a noise and vibration reduction option. Over time, even the softest vibrations from the cooler's compressor will degrade the wine. The simplest way to reduce the effects of the compressor's vibrations is to use the wine soon after purchase. The compressor-type wine refrigerators must be installed perfectly level so the refrigerant properly flows through the pipes to cool the inner chamber.