Self-Contained Wine Cellar Cooling Units

What is a Self-Contained Cooling Unit?

A self-contained cooling unit is a single system, which arrives assembled and ready for easy installation and use, and can be placed in almost any room. A condenser and evaporator are linked together in a single appliance. They don’t need a drain, and they vent hot air to any suitable nearby space via the rear or top ducted exhaust, with a bottom or horizontal cool air supply. They are designed to maintain a temperature of between 50° and 65°F, and a humidity range of 50 to 75 RH, with suitable insulation. For climate control of long-term wine storage, these ranges are considered ideal, keeping your wine collection safe from perishing or over-aging.

Browse all wine cellar cooling units here.

Some self-contained units can be customized to be ceiling mounted. They can be fitted on an interior wall, making them very convenient to install (no ducts required).

Similar types include through-the-wall systems, ducted systems, and split systems. There are also ductless split systems available.

How to Store Wine Properly

Wine is often referred to as a living thing, a consumable art form that changes over time, and according to the conditions in which it is kept. Poor storage is, without exception, the quickest way to downgrade a vintage. For the serious wine lover, investing in a good storage system is key.

The ideal environment for wine storage is within the wine caves of France. These dark and cool spaces, with stable and favorable humidity, are the best place to keep wine tasting its best. But if you don’t have a French wine cave of your own… self-contained wine cellars or cabinets are the best alternative to that ideal.

Benefits of a Self Contained System

Not all wine cellar refrigeration systems are equal, however. Some work better than others, and some are easier to use than others. Among the most popular choices, the self-contained unit is solidly at or near the top, for quality, value, and ease of use.

A self-contained setup is excellent because it uses a computer system to create and maintain the ideal conditions for your wine. Keeping humidity and temperature steady, and at a certain level, with the constant changes of the outside world is a full-time task, and one that demands subtlety and expertise.

The computer never rests, never takes a day off, and is attentive to the conditions within the storage unit, not only 24/7, but all 86,400 seconds in each day. That’s a lot more attention than any of us can give to our wine, even if we are dedicated enthusiasts. And to add icing to the cake, these units are quick and easy to set up, come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and are suitable for both home and commercial use.