Comparison Liebherr UWT 1682 vs Liebherr UWTes 1672

The total volume of the wine cooler working chamber (chambers).

Although the main spec of such units is the number of bottles (see above), volume data can also be useful when evaluating and comparing different models. The fact is that with the same capacity, a larger volume means better air circulation and more efficient temperature distribution. On the other hand, an increase in volume also increases the price and dimensions — and there may simply not be free space for a wide or high wine cooler.

The type of control for wine coolers is indicated primarily by the type of control panel, and its location is also taken into account. According to these criteria, in our time, the following options are distinguished: internal rotary knobs, external rotary knobs, internal push-buttons, external push-buttons, internal touch controls and external touch controls. In details:

- Rotary knobs. The simplest type of control. It is quite rare due to poor comfort and tuning accuracy. And for wine coolers, which are not budget devices, this solution looks very doubtful.

- Push-buttons. A fairly convenient, practical and at the same time inexpensive way, suitable for both models with basic capabilities and advanced units; at the same time, buttons are simpler and more compact than rotary knobs and cheaper than touch controls. Therefore, this option is very popular in modern wine coolers.

- Touch controls. Such touch panels are somewhat more expensive than push-button controls, but this is almost imperceptible against the price of the entire cooler. Touch controls are made only electronic, so it is accurate and as functional as possible. At the same time, the touch controls give the device a technological appearance and do not accumulate dirt due to the...absence of unnecessary slots and protruding parts. Note that this type of control is very convenient for coolers with thermoelectric cooling and is used in most of these models, although it is often found in compressor units.

It is worth noting that all types of controls can be both hidden and placed behind the door (internal) and available for settings without opening the door (external). The first option is more pleasing in terms of aesthetics. The second option makes it easier to configure the device.

— No handle (push to open). Wine coolers equipped with doors without any handles. Accordingly, the opening method of such units differs from the usual one: the user needs to press the door lightly. A special closer is responsible for fixing the door; the mechanism securely fixes it and easily opens/closes. This feature does not affect the main functionality, but it can be very appropriate from a design point of view: for example, wine coolers with handleless doors are perfect for an interior in a minimalist high-tech design.

— Hidden door handle. Handle made in the form of recesses on the end of the door. This feature gives the cooler a neat, discreet appearance. In addition, an ordinary handle can be touched by careless movement, but with a hidden one, it is impossible. It is especially relevant in cramped conditions. Of any noticeable drawbacks of such a design, one can only name that it is less “grabbing” and reliable in holding than an ordinary handle. Because of this, some users find hidden handles less convenient; in addition, the aesthetic tastes of buyers are also different.

— Ordinary handle. Handles of a traditional design protrude noticeably on the door. Although the hidden design has several advantages, quite a few buyers still prefer the classic design. The main motive here is that ordinary handles can be gripped more securely, require less effort to open the door and are...generally more convenient to use. In addition, some users simply like the appearance of doors with handles.

The energy efficiency class characterizes how economically the wine cabinet consumes electricity. The highest class among modern units is A ++, then A +, A, B, C and further alphabetically.

Note that in this case, it is not energy consumption that is taken into account but consumption in comparison with units having similar specs (and the same type of cooling, see above). Therefore, a professional 80-bottle A++ wine cooler will consume more energy than a 15-bottle C-class unit. We also note that more economical devices have a higher price. However, they have a lower cost of maintenance during their life span.

It is the amount of energy consumed by the wine cooler in a year during normal operation. Of course, the actual consumption will inevitably differ from this indicator in one direction or another, but these differences are usually not fundamental. So this indicator makes it possible to evaluate the efficiency of different models and compare them with each other. Recall that more energy-efficient units cost more on their own, but in the end, they can turn out to be more profitable due to energy savings.

The climate class to which the wine cabinet corresponds.

As the name implies, this parameter describes the environmental conditions for which the unit was designed. The warmer it is around, the more powerful the wine cabinet should be and the better thermal insulation it should have. Specific classes are indicated by letters. Here are the most popular options:

— SN (subnormal). Models for a cool temperate climate have an operating range from +10 °C to + 32 °C. Such a unit can be useful in a poorly heated room where the temperature can drop below +16 °C — for example, on the veranda of a private house, in a garage, etc.

— N (normal). Wine cabinets for temperate climates, with an operating temperature range of +16...+32 °C. Such a unit is suitable for most residential apartments and houses in mid-latitudes.

— ST (subtropical). Models for subtropical and humid tropical climates. Normally they work at the range of external temperatures +18...+38 °C.

— T (tropical). Wine coolers for dry tropical climates. Designed for temperature range +18 °C to +43 °C.

Also, note that there are many models on the market with an extended temperature range covering several classes. For example, a unit labelled N-ST will have a temperature range of +16...+38 °C. Such models are indispensable in complex climates, the conditions of which are not covered by one standard class — for example, in cold winters and hot summers.

It is the approximate noise level generated by the device during normal operation.

The lower the noise level, the more comfortable the use of the unit and the fewer restrictions there are for its installation. The decibel used to refer to this parameter is a non-linear unit, so the actual loudness of performance is best judged by comparative performance. So, the quietest models give out up to 30 dB, and a similar unit can be installed even in the bedroom: 30 dB is the volume of a whisper, and the upper noise threshold is allowed by sanitary standards for living quarters at night. 40 dB, conversation at moderate volume is already a daytime limit. Such noise is allowed, for example, in a home kitchen or living room. 50 – 60 dB corresponds to a conversation in raised tones; these values are typical for large models used in restaurants and liquor stores. And the loudest modern units give out about 70 dB — this is comparable to a busy city street, and such a wine cooler is best to be installed in a separate room like a pantry.