ADVICE NEEDED ON SHOPPING FOR A WINE CELLAR, REFRIGERATED (compressor type)

SEEKING ADVICE from CaseMates knowledgeable “mates”.

We need to purchase a second refrigeration wine cellar with at least 80 bottle capacity, preferably >95.

Would love some advice for a barebones compressor-driven refrigerated wine cellar.

• Price is a priority.

• It’s going in the basement, so appearance is irrelevant.

• Small quiet fan to keep temperature consistent throughout would be desirable.

• Prefer single temperature mode as it will be for reds.

• Noise isn’t important as long as not accompanied by vibration.

• Our ages are 66 & 74, so we need it to last at least 30 years. (Wine consumption leads to longevity, no?)

LOOKING AT:

Available online from Costco with free “White Glove Delivery” (installed):

Wine Enthusiast Classic 92-bottle Single-Zone Free-Standing Wine Cellar Item #924571, $799.99 + tax

Some really scary reviews. Of most concern are those about vibration.

Of less concern are reports of only 73 and 84-88 bottle capacity for a 96 bottle cellar. In other words, much space lost if not cellaring solely standard 2.75” diameter Bordeaux bottles.

OTOH another reviewer stated: “By carefully placing bottles both forwards and backwards in the fridge we have fit over 100 NON-standard sized bottles (larger than bordeaux). The bottom rack is huge and fit 3 rows of bottles. The top rack is also oversized and is holding our magnums.”

By my calculations $848 ($799 + 6% tax) = $0.88 time value cost and of storing each bottle of 96 bottles of wine per year.