WINE-STAT Control for Low-Cost Wine Storage
The WINE-STAT is a solid-state precision electronic thermostat control device that couples with a refrigerator, freezer or other storage cooler to make an excellent wine cellar. There's no mechanical or electrical "conversion" required. Simply plug your fridge into the WINE-STAT, and the WINE-STAT into the wall. Then place the bottle-probe inside with your wine, and close the door on the wire connecting to the WINE-STAT on top of the fridge. The result is an excellent wine storage system that maintains a selected wine temperature. Conventional wisdom is that an ideal wine cellar temperature is about 55 degrees, but the WINE-STAT lets you select any temperature from 49 to 65 degrees with a dial on the back of the WINE-STAT. Your cooler is then operated by the WINE-STAT to maintain the selected wine temperature within one degree. Very little energy is required, compared to normal refrigerator operating cost, since it's maintaining a much warmer temperature than usual.
There's a number of commercially available wine storage cabinets, starting at around $400, up to over $4,000, depending on size and furniture features. The WINE-STAT affords the opportunity to use a spare fridge that can be purchased from the classifieds or garage sales for around $100-150, plus the WINE-STAT, for a total cost of around $300 for a cellar with a capacity of about 5 cases or more, and performance features that exceed many of the commercial units. For example, the WINE-STAT monitors and controls more precisely on the basis of the wine temperature, instead of the air temperature. In addition, the WINE-STAT presents a continuous front-panel digital LED display of the wine temperature, which provides a convenience and peace of mind that commercial units usually offer for a premium charge that typically exceeds the cost of a WINE-STAT. So, while the WINE-STAT may be thought of as a means to a "poor man's wine cellar", there's no compromise, except perhaps for the "furniture looks".
The WINE-STAT carries a FIVE-YEAR factory warranty, more than any other wine storage unit we know of. Several optional features are available, including audio alarm.
An often overlooked benefit of the flexible wine storage scheme provided by the WINE-STAT is the convenient maintenance of wines at near proper serving temperature. So often, even in restaurants, red wine is served at room temperature, and white wines are served right out of the refrigerator. Proper serving temperatures definitely enhance the flavor and bouquet of wines.
In response to a frequently asked question, humidity control isn't really necessary for a home wine cellar. (Most commercial units don't really provide positive humidity control, either.) With the bottles lying on their sides, the corks are kept wet from the inside, and most are sealed at the outside end with aluminum or plastic film. Since 1984, when WINE-STAT marketing began, we've never heard of any problems due to humidity factors. (The same is true for so-called "vibration" concerns.)
Does all this seem a little "too good to be true", after you've been looking at those expensive alternatives? Not really. If you want a piece of furniture, maybe something with a glass front and lights to show off your wine collection, you'll have to pay accordingly. If all you need is a truly practical and legitimate means of caring for your wine, the WINE-STAT and your "cooler" is all you need to pay for. (And UPS ground shipping of the WINE-STAT in the continental U.S. is FREE!
Please visit our FAQ pages for more information we haven't touched on here, or pick up the phone and call us TOLL-FREE at 1-800-973-9707, and thanks for your interest and visit to our website!
