Winedor or Coolidor?

[CaTeacher]

Okay guys I need a little help in deciding which one to use for storage. I'll be putting it in my closet. The wine fridge would be a Danby 35 bottle (used but clean $65), the cooler would be a Coleman Marine 150-Quart Cooler (new $80). I'd love to hear some of your experiences in using either type for storage, or even alternatives you might suggest.

Thanks in advance for any responses.

 

[Starz26]

If I could get a wine fridge for $65.00 I might bite. Hell at those prices, do both.

I see a lot of the wine fridges used for humi's and they can control the temp really well in hot environments. Other than that, the cooler will work just fine. The fridge will allow you to admire your sticks better that the cooler.

I have a coolerdor and for ease of use storing boxes it is great...

 

[njstone]

Coolers are only necessary if the place you're storing them regularly gets above 70 degrees. Other than that, coolers or tupperware bins work just fine.

I keep all my stash in large tupperware bins, they're around $8 or so at Walmart and have worked just fine for me for over a year now w/passive humidification (Heartfelt beads).

That being said, $65 for a Danby is a very good deal. I'll bet a 35-bottle fridge is not as big as a 150-qt. Coleman, though, so keep that in mind.

 

[Mast3r_Shake]

I am OCD so I would love to have something that I could control the temperature of. For me the problem is keeping a consistent temperature. I mean the temperature swings aren't huge so it really doesn't effect my humidity but I would love to have something in which I could control the temperature accurately.

However if you don't have huge temp swings where you are putting it I would go with sheer volume. Whatever holds more is better!!

 

[Crypto Sailor]

I'd do the wine fridge....I loved mine and when things get right I'll own a bigger one!

 

[CaTeacher]

In my closet I wouldn't have the wine fridge plugged in, so I wouldn't really be able to control the temp. Just figured it already had shelves, and I like the idea of a see through door. If this is the case would the coolidor be the better choice?

 

[n.olson]

In my closet I wouldn't have the wine fridge plugged in, so I wouldn't really be able to control the temp. Just figured it already had shelves, and I like the idea of a see through door. If this is the case would the coolidor be the better choice?

imo, yes. if you aren't going to use the main feature of the winecooler, you might as buy the cooler and buy plenty of beads for your new giant coolerdoor!

 

[Jfire]

From a Vino 28 addict ( have 1 and am in love with it) I say get the cooler. Its not going to be seen, plus 1 cooler. Can't be cooled, plus 2. It's bigger plus 3. Nothing in the sexy dept -1.

 

[Electric Sheep]

Hmm...perhaps I can shed some light on this topic. :chat:

I have BOTH TYPES: a 28-bottle Vinotemp Thermoelectric Wine Cooler and a 150qt Igloo marine cooler.

NOTES:

• My house is programmed to 80º during the day, 76º during the afternoon/evening, and 78º at night.
• The Humidity in my house is typically in the 45%-ish range during most of the year, but it jumps to 60%+ during the winter.
• I have calibrated hygrometer/temp gauges.
• The Vinotemp lives in the hottest room (upstairs) while the Igloo lives in the coolest one (downstairs)

SETUPS:

• The Vinotemp is setup with some thin wood shelves, 1 lb of 65% beads, a Cigar Oasis XL electronic humidity unit, an Oust fan, and a Ranco external temperature controller (homebrewing equipment). The drain hole in the back has been sealed with elctrical tape to improve the airtightness.
• The Igloo is setup with cheap wire rack kitchen shelves, 1 lb of 65% beads, and a bunch of random pieces of spanish cedar planks laying the bottom of the cooler. The drain hole has been sealed with silicone and the cap if screwed on and covered.

STATS:

• The Vinotemp holds 18 to 20 boxes, depending on box size and placement.
• The Igloo holds more than I've ever been able to put in it, but it easily holds 30+ boxes--again, depending on box size and placement.
• Vinotemp in summer = 69º/64%; Winter = 66º/65%
• Igloo in summer = 74º/65%; Winter = 70º/65%
• Total cost of the Vinotemp setup was around $400; the Igloo setup was around $150
• The Vinotemp was a pain to setup correctly, lotsa necessary equipment to get it right; the Igloo was super easy and just needed some beads.

In the end, if I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldn't bother with the Vinotemp because the Igloo just works so damn well; it's only about 5 degrees warmer than the Vinotemp. Sure, it's kinda ugly, but I keep it hidden in the guest room that we rarely use so looks don't matter. The Vinotemp certainly looks better, which is really the only reason it stays in my office next to my desk.

What's best for you? I can't say--but hopefully, my info above will help in your decision making process!

eckkiss:

 

[CaTeacher]

Hmm...perhaps I can shed some light on this topic. :chat:

I have BOTH TYPES: a 28-bottle Vinotemp Thermoelectric Wine Cooler and a 150qt Igloo marine cooler.

NOTES:

• My house is programmed to 80º during the day, 76º during the afternoon/evening, and 78º at night.
• The Humidity in my house is typically in the 45%-ish range during most of the year, but it jumps to 60%+ during the winter.
• I have calibrated hygrometer/temp gauges.
• The Vinotemp lives in the hottest room (upstairs) while the Igloo lives in the coolest one (downstairs)

SETUPS:

• The Vinotemp is setup with some thin wood shelves, 1 lb of 65% beads, a Cigar Oasis XL electronic humidity unit, an Oust fan, and a Ranco external temperature controller (homebrewing equipment). The drain hole in the back has been sealed with elctrical tape to improve the airtightness.
• The Igloo is setup with cheap wire rack kitchen shelves, 1 lb of 65% beads, and a bunch of random pieces of spanish cedar planks laying the bottom of the cooler. The drain hole has been sealed with silicone and the cap if screwed on and covered.

STATS:

• The Vinotemp holds 18 to 20 boxes, depending on box size and placement.
• The Igloo holds more than I've ever been able to put in it, but it easily holds 30+ boxes--again, depending on box size and placement.
• Vinotemp in summer = 69º/64%; Winter = 66º/65%
• Igloo in summer = 74º/65%; Winter = 70º/65%
• Total cost of the Vinotemp setup was around $400; the Igloo setup was around $150
• The Vinotemp was a pain to setup correctly, lotsa necessary equipment to get it right; the Igloo was super easy and just needed some beads.

In the end, if I had to do it all over again, I probably wouldn't bother with the Vinotemp because the Igloo just works so damn well; it's only about 5 degrees warmer than the Vinotemp. Sure, it's kinda ugly, but I keep it hidden in the guest room that we rarely use so looks don't matter. The Vinotemp certainly looks better, which is really the only reason it stays in my office next to my desk.

What's best for you? I can't say--but hopefully, my info above will help in your decision making process!

eckkiss:

Duane, thanks for all the pics and info. I appreciate your insight and the time I'm sure it took for you to post everything.

I might just get both and use the wine fridge, for well, wine. Already have one, but another couldn't hurt.

Thanks for all the replies!

 

[Gordy]

nice storage set up..

 

[RobustoMoe]

I sooo want a winodor ! :bigeyes: Don't think the Mr's would agree on me having one though !:thinkidea Hold on, if I get her that $3000 locket I'd be able to get her to approve the wino ! Off to the bank to cash in on my savings :sadpace:

 

[Soundwave13]

Duane - thanks for the great post! It makes me feel better about not having a Wineador... Too much hassle. Still - I don't like my smokes getting above 70 deg. Someday perhaps I'll break down and pick one up.

 

[Electric Sheep]

I might just get both and use the wine fridge, for well, wine.

LOL we actually have 3 Vinotemps at home; the other two are full of my wife's wine. :nodlaugh:

 

[tedp]

"The Igloo holds more than I've ever been able to put in it,"

Duane,

Don't give up buddy, you can do it!!:wink::stretchgr:yes:

 

[CaTeacher]

LOL we actually have 3 Vinotemps at home; the other two are full of my wife's wine. :nodlaugh:

I know what you mean. I have two wine racks and a Vinotemp full of wine. If I buy another wine fridge and fill it, I might be out on the streets. I better think twice about that Danby:frownno:

 

[bartolomeo]

Electric Sheep is the man! Very helpful and knows his stuff

Thanks again,

Bart

 

[Electric Sheep]

You're very welcome--it was nice talking on the phone as well.

Good luck with your setup! :applause:

 

[Poriggity]

I know this is a week old or so, but I thought I'd bring this up with a question. I am about to pull the trigger on an edgestar. My question is, is the Ranco Temp controller necessary? If it is, I will buy it, but if its not needed, I won't. Thanks!
Scott

 

[Craig Mac]

I know this is a week old or so, but I thought I'd bring this up with a question. I am about to pull the trigger on an edgestar. My question is, is the Ranco Temp controller necessary? If it is, I will buy it, but if its not needed, I won't. Thanks!
Scott

It's not necessary, but prefered by many.