Vinotemp - A Little Help Please

[Padron_26_64_4_Me]

I go and pick up the mail today and in there is a flyer from Tuesday Morning (www.tuesdaymorning.com) and on the back they have this Vinotemp dual zone 21-bottle wine cooler marked at $199 (originally $499).

My storage capacity is almost exhausted so I am thinking hmmmm and the wifey says "Do you want me to pick it up for you?" This is where you guys (and gals) come in.

I am not familiar with these units at all except for all the talk on this board about them. So, can you please answer a couple of questions for me?

1) What do I need to do to convert this into a cigar storage unit, what supplies do I need?

2) If I go this route, what do I need to use for humidification?

3) Can I store loose cigars in it?

4) How would I prep this for storage, how long before placing sticks inside?

5) What is the minimum amount of cigars I could safely store?

6) Is this a good price?

7) Are there other options you'd recommend?

Any other input would be greatly appreciated as I am clueless on this issue.

 

[swat253]

1) What do I need to do to convert this into a cigar storage unit, what supplies do I need? Spanish Cedar shelves, preferably Spanish Cedar trays, but until you get those, cigar boxes. Eventually, an external temp control to keep your unit from running all the time.

2) If I go this route, what do I need to use for humidification? 2 lbs. of 65% or 70% beads. Your preference.

3) Can I store loose cigars in it? Yes - Trays, cigar boxes, or containers that fit.

4) How would I prep this for storage, how long before placing sticks inside? Wipe out the inside with mild detergent to remove plastic smell and any loose manufacturing debris.

5) What is the minimum amount of cigars I could safely store? Depends on sizes and configuration. Think in terms of 300+

6) Is this a good price? ABSOLUTELY!

7) Are there other options you'd recommend? Only a 28 bottle unit can top this one, especially if the wife has offered to get it for you!

Check this thread; [ame="http://www.botl.org/community/forums/showthread.php?t=35811"]Wine Cooler 101 - BOTL Cigar Forums - Brothers of the Leaf[/ame]




HOWEVER...

 

[Jfire]

Get the 28 off CL for around 100 dollars used IMO.

 

[JRL]

My winedor if the best investment I have made for my cigars yet. Buy it and you will love it.

 

[SkinsFanLarry]

I definately agree with Dave, the only thing better than your wife willing to pay for it would be if you got something bigger. :thumbsup:

 

[lbowles2]

With the 21 bottle unit you would probably need the external temp control if you want to keep cigars in the top compartment. Most of the dual-zone coolers only go up to 56 degrees in the top compartment while the lower one will go to 65 or so.

As for the external temp control I don't know how well one would work for a dual-zone. Your temp sensor would be in one of the zones while the other zone wasn't being monitored. I don't know how much of a problem that would be... maybe somebody else can offer some input on this.

Larry

 

[mthhurley]

I will slightly disagree with swat on #1 on a couple points.

Temp control depends on where you keep your unit and the environment.
Mine is in the basement and the fans rarely come on and it sits at 66. I will have no need for external temp control.

Also since mine is jammed full with boxes and 3 small trays for loose single, I found no need to get cedar shelving in it. I use 3 of the wire the wine shelves because the boxes themselves provide plenty of wood seasoning for the entire thing. If you're looking for a cooled fridge to hold a bunch of cigars and not be a display piece...shelves are a waste. If you want something pretty and a show-piece, you can spend a bunch of money on shelving.

 

[swat253]

Hurley - your set-up looks much like mine at the moment; I still have three of the wire racks in place, but I'm going to install a shelf or two and some trays soon. It would be better if the racks weren't shaped to accept bottles. I'm looking to gain just a bit more room between slots. I have a couple of 10 and 20ct boxes that won't fit where I want them because of the downward bend in the racks.

Unfortunately, we're already in the high 90s here in Texas and a long string of 100+ days is imminent.

I guess I should have pre-empted my suggestions by asking how much Padron###Me wanted to spend! I'm already in for an additional $150-200 on beads, fans, ETC and trays! Like JFire suggested, look on craigslist. I was lucky to get mine for $125, so it's all good!

 

[itsme_timd]

With the 21 bottle unit you would probably need the external temp control if you want to keep cigars in the top compartment. Most of the dual-zone coolers only go up to 56 degrees in the top compartment while the lower one will go to 65 or so.

I have a 12 bottle dual zone and both zones go to 66F.

As far as holding humidity goes the vino is rock solid. I just wish I had a bigger one. :grin:

 

[twenty5]

1) What do I need to do to convert this into a cigar storage unit, what supplies do I need?

Beads are all you really NEED, there are tons of other nice things you can use to make it easier or more pimp looking lol

2) If I go this route, what do I need to use for humidification?

Beads

3) Can I store loose cigars in it?

Yes, use some cedar trays, tupperware or empty boxes (never store smokes right on the floor of a wine cooler, you will get some moisture at some point!)

4) How would I prep this for storage, how long before placing sticks inside?

Wash it w. some mild detergent, or have the wife do it :nodlaugh:

5) What is the minimum amount of cigars I could safely store?

minimum? 1?

6) Is this a good price?

I think the price is decent on that model but you are paying for the extra zone, get something bigger (28btl) with a single zone.

7) Are there other options you'd recommend?

Pretty much any other thermoelectric single zone cooler out there

Any other input would be greatly appreciated as I am clueless on this issue

Do some more reading, there are plenty of good threads out there on wine coolers.

 

[KPP]

Ok, no need to start another thread on the Vino b/c this is being discussed quite a bit lately..especially with the sale at that Tuesday morning place..lol.

I found one on Craigslist in my area for $150. I know that's a good price, but it's a 2 year old unit, that he says is running as if it was new. What's the lifespan on these units?

Also, I don't wanna have to do a bunch of stuff to it. I've seen some pretty "tricked out" wine-a-dors. Can I just plug it in, put some heartfelt beads in it and throw my cigars in it??

Ideally, I'd get some nice custom trays in the future, but I don't want to hard wire it for temparture control fans or whatever I've seen some other folks do. I assume this Vino 28 does all that for me anyway, correct?

Is plugging the bottom for condensation a must?? If so, what's the best way to do that?

Here's a pic of the one I found for $150......thoughts??

 

[Jfire]

IMO tell the guy a 100 or no deal. This goes for all the guys looking to get one. I use to do a "vino hunt" on botl a year ago for about 5 months. (the humidor hound) I USE TO FIND 28 UNITS WEEKLY for 100 across the country on CL. If he doesn't except the offer move on. U will find one in a month. Good luck on you guys hunt. P.s Sept 08 Target hasd them for 150 on clearance new. You should always use this w a potential buyer IMO when buying off CL.

 

[mthhurley]

KPP,

The one I picked up was 5 months old, perfect condition and it was $100.

All that I did to mine was wipe it down with water, let it dry for a day and then threw in a pound of beads and plugged it in. A day or so later, when I say the humidity stabilize, I put my boxes in.

 

[KPP]

IMO tell the guy a 100 or no deal. This goes for all the guys looking to get one. I use to do a "vino hunt" on botl a year ago for about 5 months. (the humidor hound) I USE TO FIND 28 UNITS WEEKLY for 100 across the country on CL. If he doesn't except the offer move on. U will find one in a month. Good luck on you guys hunt. P.s Sept 08 Target hasd them for 150 on clearance new. You should always use this w a potential buyer IMO when buying off CL.

Well.....I took your advice. Offered him $100. Let's see what he says. No skin off my nose either way, b/c I've been dragging my feet on getting a Vino for a while now, so if he says no, I'll just drag em' a little longer is all...LOL!

 

[KPP]

KPP,

The one I picked up was 5 months old, perfect condition and it was $100.

All that I did to mine was wipe it down with water, let it dry for a day and then threw in a pound of beads and plugged it in. A day or so later, when I say the humidity stabilize, I put my boxes in.

So, what's this I see everyone talking about "plugging the bottom" to prevent condesnation, or absorb it I suppose??

The beads will soak that up I assume.....so is there no need to do this step??

 

[Jfire]

The question about the plug is like asking the cello question.

 

[KPP]

Ok, noted....and thanks.

Clearly....sign me up as a Vino noob then....LOL!

 

[KPP]

Offer of $100 was accepted. Pick it up tomorrow!!......jfire...you just saved me the cost of 2lbs of beads bro, thanks!!....LOL!

Now I gotta figure out how to get some sweet drawers in there. I saw the one's that had the tatuaje and liga privada brands laser-etched into them....who does that work?? Those would be sweet! I realize I'm a noob here though, and that might be for you deserving vets, but just curious to see if it's possible. Guess I could do some thread hunting though.

I know, I know...I was talking about others having tricked out vino's....I just want some cool shelving/drawers is all.....:glassesgr

 

[AR..]

Nice pick up there Kyle

Good Luck

 

[hutts]

Did anyone score the vinotemp from Tuesday Morning? I called all Sacramento area shops and they were sold out. The online store is also sold out?