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Thermoelectric wine coolers work differently to compressor run wine fridges. There is little difference between the two on first glance, but they actually operate very differently. IMPORTANT UPDATE: Thermoelectric wine fridges stopped being manufactured a few years ago and all wine fridges are now made with compressor cooling systems. We stock a large range of compressor wine fridges which you can find below.
A heat pump is used in a thermoelectric wine fridges to move heat from one side of the device to the other. Cool air is created when an electric current is applied, creating a temperature difference inside the wine cooler. Unlike a compressor cooled wine fridge a thermoelectric wine cooler is vibration free.
Generally a thermoelectric wine fridge operates between 12-18°C and this type of fridge is best suited to a very stable environment, as performance can be affected by the environmental conditions
Wine coolers and chillers are an investment, so it's very important to do your research and find out what you’re paying for before you go ahead with your purchase.
Thermoelectric coolers may be for you if you are environmentally conscious.
This is because the cooling process involves no hazardous materials. This form of cooling is based on the Peltier effect. This effect takes its name from the scientist who first discovered it in the 19th century.
When electric charges travel through the two joined metal pieces, a heat flux is created with heat being sent from one side of the machine to the other. Whilst one side warms up, the other cools down.
The heat pump inside the machine is very small. Semiconductor wires are placed between the two ceramic plates.
There are some limitations you need to think about before you go ahead and buy a thermoelectric cooler.
A thermoelectric cooler doesn’t reach the temperatures a compressor cooler can. The vast majority of thermoelectric coolers can’t cool below 50°F. However, it is possible to source one that reaches 44°F.
Your thermoelectric cooler might not be very efficient if it gets too hot. Instead of producing cold air, the system will take heat from inside your cooler compartment. However, if the environment reaches a temperature over 80°F, it may struggle to remove sufficient heat to keep your wine stored at the ideal temperature of 55°F.
Similarly, your system may not work when it gets too cold. As there is no way to add heat to the cooler, if the ambient temperature falls beneath 50°F, the internal temperature will also drop. This can have a negative impact on wine storage.
To find a thermoelectric cooler that works for you, take a close look at the manufacturer specifications. Make sure the thermostat range suits your specific needs, and follow any instructions that come with the package if you do go ahead and make a purchase.
You also need to store your cooler in a suitable place. Coolers are designed to be used in indoor environments such as kitchens. You shouldn’t keep your cooler outside, in a shed or in a garage.
You can learn more about how thermoelectric wine fridges work here.
If you have any questions about our thermoelectric wine fridges, please get in touch via our email info@expertwinestorage.co.uk or call us on 0330 133 2327 and one of expert UK sales team will be very happy to help. Find everything you need to enjoy and preserve your wine collection to its fullest with our extensive range of wine fridges online.
Author: Philip Thompson
Philip is the General Manager at Expert Wine Storage, and is very knowledgable about all things relating to wine and wine storage, including wine fridges. He is regularly featured in media outlets sharing his knowledge on wine. Connect on Linkedin
