Smart Storage Solutions with Countertop Refrigerators
In a few recent kitchen renovations we’ve installed under countertop refrigerators. These refrigerators are smaller, of course, than a typical refrigerator. They are made to specifically fit underneath a standard countertop height. These particular refrigerators are generally about 34 inches in height, above the finished floor to the top of the appliance. Kitchen countertops, here in the United States are roughly about 36 inches above the floor and cabinet heights are generally about 34.5 inches from the floor to the top of the cabinet.
That leaves about 1.5 in, roughly, for the thickness of the countertop. There’s a little bit of thickness variation between different countertop types, but these refrigerators are made to fit under those countertops and therefore sized about the height of a base cabinet. In some cases, the refrigerator will have adjustable feet so they can be lifted to fit snugly underneath of the underside of the countertop.
In some cases, the under countertop refrigerators can be designed and made for a particular purpose. Many of them are set up just to store wine. In those cases, the refrigerator temperature will be set higher than a typical refrigerator.
A typical refrigerator temperature can be as low as 33° Fahrenheit. Going farther below this can cause things to freeze. Anyone reading this may have experienced the situation where things in the back of the fridge have gotten just a bit colder than they should have actually frozen.
Sometimes the food may freeze, just slightly. When a modern and efficient refrigerator circulates temperature more evenly and is set above the freezing point things should always stay cold but never be actually frozen. In some cases typical refrigerators can be set between that range of 33° Fahrenheit to up to 40° Fahrenheit. Above that point, food can go bad faster than expected. By comparison though, wine refrigerators, can be made to work at a much higher temperature between roughly 45° Fahrenheit to 60° Fahrenheit.
In some cases, wine refrigerators can be used instead of the work like a typical wine cellar. In most cases, traditional wine cellars are built underground so that they have relatively consistent temperatures year-round. In our area, beyond a depth of about five feet or so below grade, the general temperatures will stabilize around 54° to 56° Fahrenheit.
Keeping wine at that temperature is important for proper aging of a wine and preservation. Wine coolers can also be built with special features that limit vibration. Standard refrigerators have compressors that create the cooling effect in the refrigerator. Typical refrigerator compressors run in cycles. While running, these compressors have a degree of vibration. In a wine cooler type refrigerator, that vibration can navigatively affect the stabilization of the wine by disturbing sediment and elements in the wine solution.
The particular wine cooler that we’re looking at here today happens to pair with an additional appliance, also under the countertop. That additional appliance is just made to create and store ice. During parties and events, it can be particularly useful to have a dedicated ice maker. Refrigerators often have ice maker elements integral with the freezer, but a dedicated ice maker can make ice more quickly and at higher volumes overall. In this particular case, during a party, as shown in the picture below, the client happened to throw an extra bag of ice in the ice freezer.
Sometimes in addition to a typical kitchen renovation or company will also install small dry bars or wet bars in other areas of the house. These particular bars are not that different from a full kitchen, but mainly just smaller. They’re useful for entertaining and leisure. Watching big games or special events, it’s fun to have friends over and a small bar area near the seating area can be perfect for entertaining and serving family and friends. In those specific areas a small under the counter refrigerator can be very useful. It might be surprising though in some cases, the under the counter refrigerators can cost more than some of the low cost full size refrigerators.
Dupont Kitchen & Bath Can Help
As dedicated and local DC metropolitan kitchen and bath builders and installers, we pride ourselves on turning your visions into reality. Your kitchen and bathrooms can reflect your unique style and be designed with personalized aesthetics. It can be a process from creative designs to the realization of your dream space. Specializing in kitchen and bath construction, we bring expertise and skills to every project. If you’re contemplating a renovation, upgrade, or modernization in the local market, we’re happy to be your team. Consult with us, and we can start together on a path to redefine and elevate your DC living experience.
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