Frequently Asked Questions
1. I am remodeling my kitchen. What products are appropriate for under counter use?
Built-in wine coolers are specifically designed to sit flush with the rest of your kitchen cabinetry. These specific units are front-vented and are designed to allow the unit to be pushed flat against the wall and the surrounding cabinets without over heating. Built-in wine coolers are slightly more expensive, but do have the advantage of saving floor space. Built-in units can also be used in freestanding applications. Freestanding wine coolers should never be used for an under counter application as the units will over heat and eventually fail.
2. I live in an apartment and have limited space for a wine cooler. What would you suggest?
Our counter-top wine coolers are designed to deal with limited space applications. Measure the specific space dimensions that are available for a wine cooler. Each of our counter-top models will have their respective dimensions clearly displayed. Select a wine cooler that will fit your needs and space limitations.
3. I just got my compressor-designed wine cooler; can I plug it in right away?
No, the new wine cooler should stand a minimum 2 hour period before plugging it in. There is oil in the compressor that may have moved up into the sealed system while being shipped. Letting the unit stand allows the oil time to settle. Plugging it in immediately could result in damage to the unit. Consult your products factory supplied information package for more information. If you purchased a thermoelectric type wine cooler, it can be used immediately.
4. Can I run a small appliance on top of my wine cooler?
No, you should not operate any appliance from on top of your wine cooler unless it has a designed in work top. You also should not run any appliance from the same circuit as the cooler.
5. Are there wine coolers that can accommodate cans and other beverages?
We have several products that store wine as well as canned beverages. These products are in the Beverage Cooler category. We also carry several products that will keep mini, pony and full-sized kegs of beer.
6. Do you have any wine coolers that have locks?
Yes, we have several models that have locks. Look at the specifications for each product under the “Features” text. The Freestanding, Built-in and Beverage Cooler categories all show products with locks. We have also set up a product category exclusively showing Locking Wine Coolers.
7. What does “dual-zone” mean in some product descriptions?
Some wine coolers are designed with two separate compartments, each with their own temperature controls. This dual-zone storage feature allows storage of your wine collection at different temperatures; for example, red as opposed to white wine.
8. What are the power requirements for my new wine cooler or beverage center?
All of the products we sell require a standard 110 Volt, 15-amp outlet just like a standard refrigerator. Some single bottle server and chillers may have AC adapters that allow them to run on a 12-volt current like in your car or recreational vehicle.
9. I have a single zone wine cooler. What is the best temperature for keeping red and white wines?
If one had to choose just one temperature to store both red and white wines, the temperature setting should be at 55 degrees F. This temperature is slightly colder than the best one for reds and slightly warmer than the best one for whites. You can compensate somewhat for this by storing your reds on the top shelves of your wine cooler and the whites on the bottom shelves. Warmer air will rise to the top and colder air will settle to the bottom.
10 My thermoelectric wine cooler fan seems to run all of the time. Is something wrong with it?
The fan must run continuously to move the air within your wine cooler. This enables the wine refrigerator to cool your stored wines equally. A compressor based wine cooler, which is designed similar to your basic refrigerator, will cycle on and off based on the inside temperature as it relates to your desired temperature setting. Both of these operating conditions are considered normal.
11. My wine cooler is making weird noises. What is wrong?
Expansion and contraction of the interior walls of your wine cooler may make a popping or cracking noise. This is normal behavior.
12. My wine cooler does not appear to be cooling. What could be the matter?
If your wine cooler is rear-vented, it may not have enough clearance to properly disperse heat. You should allow at least 2 inches on the sides and 4 inches on the back of empty space for proper ventilation. If the ambient temperature of your home is extremely high or the wine cooler is sitting in direct sunlight, these conditions will also make the wine cooler work harder than it was designed to do. You may have to move the wine refrigerator to a cooler part of the house and out of direct sunlight. If the condition persists, call a repairperson to check your unit for satisfactory operation.
13. I bought a portable icemaker but I cannot find where to hook up a drain. Can you help?
The portable icemakers we carry at Ideal Wine Coolers do not need a drain hook up. Any ice you do not use is melted and recycled into more fresh ice. It is important to keep the interior strainer clean because a clogged strainer will affect the efficient operation of the icemaker.
14. What can I get to monitor humidity levels in my wine cooler?
Several portable devices are available that can monitor humidity and/or temperature in your wine cooler. Ideal Wine Coolers has a temperature/humidity gauge available in our Wine Accessory Collection.
15. After I submit my order, how long does it take to get it delivered?
We ship products from warehouses in California, Arizona and Texas. Order processing usually takes 1 to 2 days before the order is shipped. Products purchased that are more than 150 pounds must be shipped via freight carrier. Depending on where you live, delivery time may approach a week. Normally items will be shipped using standard UPS ground shipping that may take 3 to 5 days after your order is processed. We normally notify everyone as soon as an item ships by e-mail with all pertinent delivery information.
16. What size are the Co2 tanks that come with the beer keg cooler?
Each kegerator comes with a 5-pound Co2 bottle designed to hold Co2 at 1800 PSI. All required fittings are also included to hook up to the keg of beer. This bottle will hold enough Co2 to serve 5 to 7 kegs of beer.
17. Where can I get Co2 bottles filled?
Start your local search for Co2 at welding shops, hospital gas suppliers, party supply stores and fire extinguisher service businesses. Some places have a Co2 tank exchange program similar to ones where you can exchange barbeque grill tanks.
18. Wine coolers and other products come with a warranty. Can I purchase an extended warranty?
Each product manufacturer has their own unique warranty programs. When your product arrives, check out the warranty registration information for possibilities of purchasing additional warranty coverage. Ideal Wine Coolers does not offer extended warranty packages at this time.
19. What happens if I get my product and it does not work?
Our “Policies” tab clearly states the process for returned non-working items. Customers have clearly defined responsibilities regarding returns. One of the key responsibilities is to retain the original shipping box, as all returns must be made in the original shipping carton. Ideal Wine Coolers must be contacted for approval before goods can be returned. You should fill out the warranty immediately and return to the manufacturer. Once you have registered your product warranty, you must use and work within the warranty process defined in the enclosed information in your shipment.
20. Where will my order be delivered?
Your order will be delivered to the address you indicated during the original purchase. Most of our deliveries are made by United Parcel Service (UPS). They normally deliver packages to your front door and leave them if you are not home. Some of the heavier products (generally those over 150 pounds) are sent using a Freight Carrier. These will also be delivered to your purchase defined address and most often the freight carrier will call ahead to arrange delivery.
