There are many models of wine coolers available on the market with different bottle capacities and features. You will want to make sure that your wine is maintained at the right temperature and humidity, of course, but you may be uncertain what else you should be thinking about before making your purchase. If you are on the verge of buying your first wine refrigerator, you need to consider the following factors.

1. Location: Do you want to place your wine cooler in a living area or in a utility area? There are pros and cons for both areas. If you place the unit in a living area, it will become part of your home decor; therefore, the unit you choose will need to operate quietly with minimal vibration, and it should also be attractive in appearance. A thermoelectric wine refrigerator meets these requirements and is a better choice for a dining room or kitchen. If you decide to place the unit in a utility area, like the garage or basement, your main concern will be efficiency. Because most utility areas experience extreme temperature fluctuations, you will need a unit that has a strong compressor.

2. Bottle Capacity: This is an extremely important feature. You need to think about the size of your current wine collection and how much you anticipate it may grow in 5 to 10 years. Wine coolers can store anywhere from 6 to 260 bottles, so you will want a refrigerator that will accommodate an expanding wine collection.

3. Wine Racks: There are several types of wine racking options available, including built-in plastic racks, wood or chrome plated slide-out shelves, interchangeable chrome and flat wire shelving racks. All of these racks are designed so that your wine will be preserved and will age properly. Built-in racks allow you to store more bottles, while slide-out racks permit easy viewing of and access to your wine.

4. Temperature Zones: Temperature is the key to aging and storing your wine. Ideally, you want to maintain the refrigerator temperature in the range of 55 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The single temperature zone wine cooler keeps the entire unit at the same temperature. A dual temperature zone unit provides two temperature zones. Red wines are generally served at or above 59 degrees, while white wines are generally served at or below 55 degrees, so if your collection includes both red and white wines, you will need a dual zone unit.

5. Design: You can choose between a free-standing refrigerator which can hold over 250 bottles or a built-in unit if you prefer a cooler that will blend in with your kitchen cabinetry. Additional options to consider are locks, reversible door hinges, and door style (stainless steel, wood or tempered glass). You can also get a manual, electronic or one-touch thermostat, depending on your preference.

Before making a final purchase decision, be sure to check out different brands and compare features and costs online. Remember to keep an eye out for discounts which can save you 5-10% or more on the price of your wine cooler.