wine cooler for humidor questions

[karmaz00]

just had a few questions for the members that use wine coolers for humidors.
im using a few coolers right now and looking to switch to a wine cooler.
1. does it have to be thermoelectric?
2. auto defrost?
3. and is 62-64F good for temp?

thanks for the help

[s.tyler]

my understanding is that the lower temp is ok but cigars will age more slowly. i looked at the vinotemp and its high temp was 66deg. i think the reason for thermoelectric is that the other types of cooling are more dehumidifying. because even the thermoelectric can decrease humidity people use larger buffers (more beads). i think i read all this stuff on cigar nexxus, CNX Cigar Counsel

[itsme_timd]

From what I've heard the thermoelectric is very important for the exact reason S Tyler mentioned. The units that are condenser based or "frost-free" models remove the humidity.

Not sure the size you are looking for but I just grabbed a Vinotemp 12 bottle on eBay for $49.00 - that includes shipping. The same unit lists for $229.00 on VT's website and they charge $79.00 for shipping. The one I got is brand new but was a scratch and dent - with dent in the upper housing.

I've had it for a little over a week at it's holding dead on 66F and the humidity stays at 66-67%.

I've attached a pic for you and here's a link to one of the listings, there are a few more still available at that price as of today.

[SmoknTaz]

Nice unit Tim. Where did you get those selves? They look a little different than the ones listed.

[AspiringGent]

The problem with traditional fridges is that they work much like an air conditioner does, and hence pull humidity out of the air. So while they might maintain temp ok, you'll have massive fluctuations in humidity. If you have a place that is low temp to keep it, then you can just leave it unplugged and treat it as a normal humidor. The thermoelectric ones work on a different principle, and hence you won't have those same fluctuations. So if your goal is to maintain humidity AND lower temperature, your best bet is thermoelectric. In regards to temp, I've seen a lot of people suggest that the low to mid 60's are a great place to hold both temp and humidity for long-term aging.

[itsme_timd]

Originally Posted by SmoknTaz

Nice unit Tim. Where did you get those selves? They look a little different than the ones listed.

On the Vino 12 dual zone those are the shelves that come with it. Nice wooden ones instead of the usual metal racks. Another nice feature on this one.

[SMOKE20]

Thats a pretty cool deal on a smaller vinotemp

[buttah]

Tim I just bought the same one on ebay. Bought two of them actually for $49 shipped you can't beat it. I'm just trying to figure out how to punch holes between the two zones, so I don't have to independently humidify them.

[itsme_timd]

Originally Posted by buttah

Tim I just bought the same one on ebay. Bought two of them actually for $49 shipped you can't beat it. I'm just trying to figure out how to punch holes between the two zones, so I don't have to independently humidify them.

I almost ordered another as well, great deal.

There's actually a small gap between the two zones up by the door, so far it seems the humidity is distributing fairly well. It looks like there are electronics running in the plate in the middle. The center divider does limit the space but I still think with a little effort you could get 8-10 boxes in there.

[buttah]

Its fairly easy to take the front off that center divider it looks like there are just two wires running on either side.

You can take yours off by popping the little screw covers off on the face where the thermostat is and unscrewing two phillips head screws.

I'm thinking about using a hole saw and drilling a few holes between the zones and using a piece of pvc pipe spray painted black to slide into the hole and hide the fact that I just drilled holes between the zones.

[itsme_timd]

Originally Posted by buttah

Its fairly easy to take the front off that center divider it looks like there are just two wires running on either side.

You can take yours off by popping the little screw covers off on the face where the thermostat is and unscrewing two phillips head screws.

I'm thinking about using a hole saw and drilling a few holes between the zones and using a piece of pvc pipe spray painted black to slide into the hole and hide the fact that I just drilled holes between the zones.

That's a good idea, I'll take a look at it - thanks for the tip!

[rborrell]

Jason,
The Vinotemp units are hard to find up here in the great white north. Last fall I went to Rona and bought a Honeywell unit and it has been working flawlessly since then. It's max temp is 65 degrees F (it will work in Celsius too). Go to the Rona site and do a search for "wine" and it will show them.

I bought the 18 bottle unit and to be honest I am out of room. The larger one would be better.

Bruce