Compressor Wine Coolers Vs. Thermoelectric Wine Coolers

Wine lovers know that keeping their wine at just the right temperature can make all the difference when it comes to preserving the aroma and tastes of the beverage they best love. That's why wine coolers (sometimes called wine chillers or wine refrigerators) have become such a popular accessory and gift item. While most can't afford to dig an actual wine cellar below their home, wine coolers are an affordable way to store wine safely, in the ideal temperature range recommended by experts.

Aside from size (12 bottles or 52 bottles?) and configuration (single or dual zone storage?) the most important decision you have to make is whether you want a thermoelectric wine cooler or a compressor wine cooler. "Thermoelectric" and "compressor" refer to the technology used to cool down the cabinet. Each type of technology has its advantages and disadvantages, and in this article we'll outline them all to help you make the best decision when you make a purchase.

A compressor wine cooler works pretty much like a standard refrigerator works, except on a smaller scale, using the vapor compression cycle to remove heat from the interior of the cabinet.

A vapor compression refrigeration system (which is the same technology used for air conditioners) relies on a coolant gas (a refrigerant) to carry heat from inside the unit and expel it externally. There are four major parts of the system:

Compressor, Condenser, Expansion valve, Evaporator

In most wine coolers, the cold air produced by the evaporator is passed through an aluminum panel, which then radiates cold air into the cabinet's interior, lowering the temperature. Some models, like NewAir's built-in wine coolers, also use fans to circulate the air, to ensure more even temperatures throughout.

A thermoelectric cooler uses a different process to remove heat from the interior cabinet, one based upon the Peltier effect, which is named for the 19th century scientist who discovered it.

In this process, an electric current is sent through two pieces of metal that have been joined together. Because the two sides of the device are made of different materials, a heat flux is created and heat flows from one side to the other. One side gets hot while the other gets cold.

The hot side of the device is attached to a heat sink, a large passive component made up of stacks of aluminum fins that is designed to let heat dissipate efficiently. The cold side is installed inside the cooler cabinet. Heat is absorbed from the interior, passes through the Peltier element into the heat sink, and then dissipates into the air.

While the Peltier device itself has no moving parts, it is often combined with fans on the interior and the exterior to ensure sufficient air circulation and ventilation.

Now that you understand how both types of system work, we can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Since utility bills are a concern to nearly everyone, it only makes sense to consider how much you'll be paying to operate your wine cooler. But if you simply compare the specifications, then you are missing a big part of the picture.

First of all, thermoelectric coolers operate constantly, while compressor wine coolers cycle on and off as necessary to maintain interior temperatures (just like your refrigerator). Not only does the continual power draw mean higher energy bills, the constant use means parts are likely to break down and need replacement sooner.

Secondly, the energy efficiency of a thermoelectric cooler is dramatically affected by ambient temperatures. As described above, thermoelectric cooling capacity can be fairly limited. As the difference between wine cooler and room temperature increases, so does the amount of electricity it has to use to reach that temperature (if it can reach it at all). Compressor units, however, operate much more efficiently in hot weather.

It's also worth pointing out how the energy efficiency in both types of cooler increases depending on the size and configuration of the unit. For instance, a 28-botltle single-zone thermoelectric cooler is listed at a mere 70 watts, while a compressor unit of similar size utilizes 85 watts. Taking the next step up in size, a 33-bottle compressor cooler uses 85 watts, while a 32-bottle thermoelectric wine cooler jumps to 140 watts. The reason for this is that the larger the wine cooler, the more Peltier devices must be installed in the unit to cool down the entire cabinet. A larger compressor cooler may use a larger compressor, but it's still just one device to operate as opposed to two or more Peltier devices. If you're looking for a large-sized cooler for a sizeable wine collection, then you'll get greater operational savings with a compressor unit.

So how do you choose between one type of wine cooler and the other? Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference, budget and the particular demands of your wine collection.

It's up to you to weigh the advantages and disadvantages and make the best choice for you. If you need help, our customer service reps are here to provide assistance whenever you need it.