Integrated vs freestanding drinks coolers? How do you decide? 

Here we give you the lowdown on the pros and cons of each so that you can determine which one is right for you.

Drinks coolers vs fridges

Well, there’s always the fridge in which to cool your drinks - but there are reasons why you might want to invest in a cooler. 

After all they don’t have to be expensive, are an attractive feature for your kitchen or living space, and can keep your favourite vintage in optimum condition.

Drinks chillers are great for beers, brilliant for maintaining the quality of rose and white wines, Prosecco and Champagne and will ensure that all are enjoyed at their ultimate best.

Clearly, most of us chill our beers and wines in the fridge to get the most from them but you can go one better with a drinks cooler. 

It is not just about making your tipple cold; it’s about preserving the character of your drinks by storing them and chilling them correctly.

This is why the drinks cooler is the must-have for anyone who remotely cares about the condition of their wines and beers. 

And don’t consider it as just another status symbol because regular fridges aren’t in the same league when it comes to ensuring drinks retain their complex flavours for longer.

For example, in the case of wine, the humidity levels in a fridge are such that they can damage the cork. This places it seriously at risk of oxidation which is when the alcohol comes into contact with the air.

If wine is exposed to air too long it can become oxidised to the point that the acetaldehyde converts to acetic acid, turning the wine to vinegar. 

This is why, when you are not planning to drink your white wine in the very near future you should be storing it in a cool dark place like a pantry or cupboard.

Another reason a wine cabinet or cooler has the edge is that it blocks out UV light which is surefire taste-destroyer, because if its ability to speed up the aging process.

Have we convinced you that a wine cooler is the way to go? Now all you have to do is to decide whether you want an integrated wine cooler or freestanding version.

What is an integrated wine cooler?  

The integrated model is basically one that is installed into a specific area of your home – usually under a kitchen counter, maybe in a dining room, or even in an office. Its size will depend upon how much wine you wish to store. 

The major drawback of an integrated wine cooler is that you cannot move it to another space.

However, if you have a large supply of drinks then this is arguably a better option. You may also choose this kind of design if you want a more bespoke piece to complement the rest of the room.  ​

What is a freestanding drinks cooler? 

It is what it says on the tin: a wine cooler that you can move anywhere. 

Clearly, this is a fantastic option for anyone who is in rented accommodation for example as you can just unplug it and take it with you when you leave! But it is also a cool option for any home as it can be positioned anywhere you want it to go. 

It looks great in an alcove in a kitchen diner, for example, or you can place it in a garage or utility room.   

In fact, anywhere you wish. And if you are not a big collector of wine and other drinks then it will give you enough storage space for your needs. 

A freestanding drinks cooler can be the focal point of a bar area for parties or even positioned in your outdoor kitchen when you’re having a summer soiree or BBQ. 

It’s the best option for the office too – as you can take it with you when you change your job!

Which is better: integrated or freestanding drinks coolers?  

Freestanding wine cooler  

Standing free of all other units and appliances in the room of your choice, there are a number of reasons why you might choose the freestanding wine cooler:

Pros:

  • It is easier to install
  • You can move it to wherever you want in the home
  • It is more budget friendly
  • It is easily accessible

Cons:

  • It may not fit seamlessly into your existing design
  • Could be bulkier than an integrated wine cooler

Integrated wine cooler

The integrated model allows you to disguise the cooler behind a cabinet door that matches your existing cabinet and room style. 

Pros

  • Blends in with the existing design
  • Looks sleek and contemporary
  • It’s a great option for positioning under counters

Cons: 

  • Can’t be moved once installed
  • Will cost more than the freestanding model
  • You require the available space to accommodate the integrated wine cooler of your choice within your cabinets. 

Drinks coolers from Home Feeling 

Drinks coolers are actually affordable piece of kit plus they’ll add kudos to any kitchen or living space, so what’s not to love?

Here at Home Feeling, we have the Willow WBC48SS 48L Table Top Beverage Cooler (£139) in stainless steel which is the perfect choice for anyone who wants a wine chiller that fits into a smaller space. ​

At H51xW43x D 7.5cm dimensions this would be the perfect addition to any apartment or even slot discreetly under your desk in the office. It’s easy to clean too and comes with a two-year warranty.

For those who desire a larger model, the Willow WBC98B 98L Under Counter Beverage Cooler (£199) with its H84 x W47 x D47.2cm dimensions is a cool in every way addition to your kitchen and will keep your white wine in optimum condition.

The only question now, is can you really do without one?

To find out more about our fantastic range of home appliances, including our wine coolers get in touch on 01543228622.