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Collecting Q & A: Where should I put my wine fridge?

Peter D. Meltzer

Posted: Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Q:We are planning to build a new home and need some advice regarding the placement of wine coolers in juxtaposition to major appliances. Which appliances generate the most vibration and heat and how far away from them should we put our cooler? —Elaine R. Nicholson, Greer, Arizona

A: Garbage disposals, compactors, dishwashers and microwaves are the lesser of the evils, as they are not used with great frequency, so the duration of the vibrations is short. A dishwasher, however, also throws off heat and therefore, if used with frequency, is not the best neighbor for a wine-storage unit. Though an oven and range do not cause much vibration, they are a major source of heat, a condition that should be avoided. Similarly, a washer and dryer, while not in constant use, also throw off unwanted heat in addition to vibration. A refrigerator and freezer represent a source of vibration and heat as well.

As a rule of thumb, select a space that is not adjacent to any of these appliances. In the best-case scenario, try to use a closet that is naturally dry, dark and cool and that could house a modular wine refrigerator or be converted into a temperature- and humidity-controlled wine-storage unit. Make sure it can be vented properly, as these units throw off heat. The next best candidate would be adjacent to the garbage disposal or compactor.

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