Small Appliances – Home Astute https://homeastute.com Smarter Home Choices Sat, 08 Jan 2022 05:19:21 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.4 https://homeastute.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Home-Astute-Logo-A.png Small Appliances – Home Astute https://homeastute.com 32 32 194688118 Best Small Wine Cooler For House Parties https://homeastute.com/best-small-wine-cooler/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-small-wine-cooler https://homeastute.com/best-small-wine-cooler/#respond Sat, 01 Jan 2022 06:00:02 +0000 http://homeastute.com/?p=132 If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best small wine cooler for house parties is, then we recommend the Nutrichef PKCWC120 as the best one.

There are lots of different ways to store wine. Of course, some of them are great when served at room temperature but others are better when chilled.

No matter if you’re a fan of white, red, sparkling, or liqueurs, having a wine cooler around is a great way to enjoy your collection.

And even if you don’t have one built up yet, getting a cooler is a step in the right direction. Below are five of the best small wine cooler brands and products on the net.

Each was picked for temperature stability, capacity, and ease of handling. The best cooler of them all is shown at the end.

Here are the top small wine coolers we’ll be reviewing:

 

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Small Wine Coolers: A Must-Have?

Picking the Best Wine Cooler

Try to learn all that you can about wine storage before ordering a wine cooler. Although cooling wine is a pretty straightforward thing to do, it can be made to taste better when stored properly.

Do you have an adequate space to store the cooler?

Try to avoid putting it in a garage, unless such a room is temperature-controlled. Most coolers have a low temperature that’s no greater than around 45 degrees (Fahrenheit).

If left in a hot or cold location, the wine’s taste could be affected by too many temperature fluctuations.

Knowing the Capacity

How much wine are you planning on storing in the cooler? If there’s only a small amount, then you might be better off with a compressor cooler.

These are sometimes smaller and require less energy to run. However, don’t plan on holding a large amount of wine in most, either.

If you’re planning on storing 25 or more bottles, always go for the biggest option. Alternatively, you could acquire two coolers for the overflow.

Avoiding Noise Pollution

Almost every refrigerator and/or cooler will emit some sort of noise. This could range from a low hum to a loud clanking sound that’s very annoying on the ears.

Preferably it’s a given that you’d want one that’s as silent as possible.

To end up with such a cooler, you’ll have to rely on what has been said about them. Those featured below are mostly low in volume.

Remember to keep your cooler door closed at all times and the sound will likely remain low. And as suggested earlier, never place the cooler in a hot room (the harder the motor must work, the louder it will be).

Wine Bottle Sizes

The standard size for wine bottles is 750 ml. When wine cooler brands give you an estimate of how many bottles can fit into their product, always expect three or four less than what’s advertised when storing bottles of various shapes.

For instance, maybe you have some sparkling wine that you would like to store in the cooler. If so, the bottles themselves might be a bit fatter than your other wine bottles.

Although sparkling wine has the same standard size as ordinary wine, the lower part of the bottle is significantly bigger and thicker.

As a result, you could end up with fewer bottles in a full cooler than you might have expected. As such, plan carefully so that you have an accurate prediction of the number of bottles that’ll fit inside.

 

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How to Operate a Wine Cooler

Much of a wine cooler’s operation isn’t that much different than a modern refrigerator, in the sense that one is familiar with wine cooling temperatures.

Many enthusiasts will recommend a temperature between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (10-13 degrees Celsius). These numbers are best for long-term storage.

Yet if you just need a place to cool wine that’s being served shortly after refrigeration, chilling in lower won’t impact the flavor.

Cleanup and Maintenance

Before turning on your wine cooler, be sure to check the instructions. Some models might not perform well until you allow the refrigerant or coolant to settle.

Being that they’re delivered online, allow any new model to sit in an upright position for at least an hour or two before turning it on.

Of course, you don’t have to wait, but the cooler’s interior might take a while to hit a designated temperature.

Cleaning should be done the same way that you would with any refrigerator, which means to avoid letting water touch any sensitive electrical components.

A damp towel or cloth should be enough to wipe away dust and debris.

 

Top 5 Best Wine Coolers Reviewed

Looking for the best wine coolers? Look no further, because we want to save you some time by identifying the top ones out there.

Nutrichef PKCWC120

 

The Nutrichef PKCWC120 is a digital wine cooler. There are several versions but each of them will hold about 12 wine bottles in total.

It’s about the same size as a desktop computer so you shouldn’t have much issue in finding a good place to store it.

However, try to place it somewhere where the cooler won’t be at risk of tipping over.

The Nutrichef PKCWC120 is very quiet, making hardly any noise at all. This goes for the cooling cycles as well.

The only way you’re likely to hear it is when nothing else in your home is running.

Temps display accurately (you can check with a separate thermometer to be sure). All areas of the exterior are finished, save for the transparent door in the front.

All in all, this Nutrichef cooler is great for people that need a general-purpose cooler that’s sophisticated and dependable enough for short-to-extended storage.

Pros

  • Produces hardly any sound at all; stays quiet
  • Pinpoint temperature reading and controls that never need adjusting after being set
  • Has a finished rear that makes it more attractive to place in locations where the entire cooler is exposed

Cons

  • The lowest rank isn’t big enough to hold some larger bottles, such as the standard size for sparkling wine

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Koldfront TWR181ES

 

The Koldfront TWR181ES is one step ahead of a lot of other wine coolers from the fact that it can carry the exact number of bottles that are advertised in its description.

The max is 18, more than enough to store your favorite wines.

You could even get a few sparkling wine bottles in there and still end up with the capacity that’s specified once filled.

The body is very compact and looks outstanding when given its own space in a kitchen. Racks hold the bottles well and don’t slide when being moved around.

Try to keep the magnetic seal clean and all times, without handling it too roughly.

But overall, the Koldfront TWR181ES is a great way to store your favorite wines the same way that the professionals do.

Pros

  • Its size makes it easy to fit in a variety of locations
  • Spacious enough for most sparkling wine bottles and others that aren’t the norm
  • Racks are easy to pull out, even when they’re completely full

Cons

  • The magnetic seal could be stronger

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Aobosi 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler

 

The Aobosi 24 Inch Dual Zone Wine Cooler is a bit larger than the other two wine coolers shown.

It can hold approximately 46 bottles and is very pretty on the eyes. There are two light bars at the top, colored blue.

Each will turn off when the cooler is closed, automatically illuminating after engaging the door. Take a look at the cooler’s lower portion.

A security lock is featured, a convenient way to keep inquisitive hands at bay. Don’t forget to place this cooler in an upright position for a couple of hours before using it.

The Aobosi Dual Zone is the best small wine cooler for anyone with a collection that’s big enough to warrant (or need) longer-term storage.

Pros

  • Fast temperature adjustments
  • Dual slider capability on either side of the cooler
  • The space provided for larger bottles doesn’t need to be moved in order to reach those that are smaller

Cons

  • Must be placed in an upright position for several hours it’s turned on (to even the refrigerant)

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Antarctic Star 18 Bottle Wine Cooler

The Antarctic Star Wine Cooler is more transportable than the previous product, though two larger options are available.

If you’re going with the one the smallest version, you’ll never even know that it was in your kitchen.

That’s because the compressor in the back creates hardly any sound at all. As soon as you turn it on, the box begins to cool.

There’s little wait time either, so plug it in and use it immediately upon its arrival to your doorstep. And best of all, the cooler appears to have little static.

Dust won’t cling to the top and side the same way it does with other electronics.

Refrain from placing it on an uneven floor (it won’t stay if you do so) and everything should be fine.

In the end, size is what makes the Antarctic Star one of the best small wine cooler pieces for beginning collectors. Consider it if you’re not planning on storage too much.

Pros

  • The compressor keeps its operation silent at all times
  • Will cool down in minutes after being turned on for the first time
  • Doesn’t attract dust and lint; easy to keep clean

Cons

  • The door seal is weak and may not close well on uneven floors
  • Doesn’t hold as many bottles as advertised (less than 17 750ml)

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Colzer Upgrade 15 Inch Wine Cooler

 

The Colzer Wine Cooler finishes off the list with improvements made over previous versions. The compressor has been upgraded to reduce vibrations.

On top of this, the feet are more level, so you won’t ever hear it rattling in the kitchen late at night.

Its height is appropriate to fit snugly underneath the standard counter height, which is 36 inches.

That would leave about a four-inch gap in between since the cooler itself is 32 inches tall.

Temps range from 41 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit; make sure that you set it appropriately before adding anything. You won’t have to do this often, mind you.

The cooler never fluctuates, staying at the temperature you set it to until it’s changed.

Just be patient with the door, it takes about five seconds to unlock before you can reach inside.

Is the Colzer Wine Cooler worth it? Absolutely.

It’s one of the best small wine cooler products out at the moment, particularly for people that want a cooler that’ll keep the noise level to a minimum.

Pros

  • Strong door handle that doesn’t move the entire cooler when opening, even when it’s empty
  • Stays at a consistent temperature that doesn’t fluctuate
  • Doesn’t trap in odors

Cons

  • The five-seconds it takes to unlock the cooler (with a button) could become tedious

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Final Thoughts

Out of the five shown, which product do you think is the best small wine cooler?

Although each brand/product has great features, there’s one that manages to combine guaranteed temperature stability with intuitive control.

It’s the Nutrichef PKCWC120, spacious enough to hold varied bottle shapes at accurate capacity.

Meeting all of the suggestions described in the Value Section, it’s the obvious choice for the average wine enthusiast regardless of experience.

Think one of the others deserves to be at the top? Go with those instead; you’ll be pleased with any choice that you make.

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Best Shaved Ice Machine For Snow Cones https://homeastute.com/best-shaved-ice-machine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-shaved-ice-machine https://homeastute.com/best-shaved-ice-machine/#respond Fri, 19 Jun 2020 23:14:34 +0000 http://homeastute.com/?p=141 If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best shaved ice machine for snow cones is, then we recommend the Nostalgia SCM525WH Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker as the best one.

Cool your tongue with a tangy, tingling feeling that comes with a burst of flavor. Your mouth starts to change color with the intensity, and you feel the heat of the summer.

When you want the best shaved ice machine, you need to find one that will give you that summer feeling with a burst of pure flavor.

Having a shaved ice machine at home can make that special feeling come home and make summer days and nights memorable and tasty.

There are many on the market you can choose from that will give you pure joy.

Here are the top shaved ice machines we’ll be reviewing:

Best Shaved Ice Machine 2

What Should You Look For in the Best Shaved Ice Machine?

The best shaved ice machine for you is the one that will fit your long-term as well as your short-term needs. Do your homework and consider each model based on the following criteria.

Design

The design of the machine needs to be close to how you want to use it.

Making large amounts of shaved ice for family get-togethers requires than you will need one that is large capacity. Making small amounts of ice for occasional treats means a smaller model.

The shoot of the machine should ensure you can slide new fresh shaved ice into bowls, cones, or into a holding container.

There are poor quality designs that can send your shaved ice flying around your home. You need to be able to control the shaved ice you create to help make it into the treat you want it to be.

Capacity

The machine you purchase should match your needs for home or fun. The different types of machines produce different amounts of ice with different amounts of ice.

Small machines can produce large amounts of shaved ice depending on the model and moderate speed.

You will need to research each machine for the amount of shaved ice it produces before you make your purchase. The machines have similar strengths, but there are variations between brands.

Ease of Use

The ice machine you select should be easy enough to use for anyone in your household, including children.

The machine should not be a long and complicated process.

Ice Texture

If you have ever had shaved ice from a fair or carnival, then you know how smooth and small, the pieces are.

Any machine you purchase needs to be able to produce the same size of shaved ice you want to make.

Most ice makers take either blocks or cubes, though some require you to use a special mold to make a special size of an ice cube.

You should make your decision based on the amount of ice you will need.

A machine that makes ice using a special mold can limit the amount of ice you can make at a time.

It can make getting enough ice for large get-togethers more difficult.

Noise

Making shaved ice should not cause a great deal of noise. You do not want to disturb party guests or upset children by loud noise.

Many come with sound dampening components to help make the machine quieter.

Some machines will give you decibel levels, which will let you know how much noise your machine will produce on a high setting.

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Speed

You should look at the different shaved ice machines and compare the motors of each.

The type of motor the shaved ice machine has will let you know about how much shaved ice you can expect in a single period of use.

There are models of shaved ice maker that produce only fifty watts of power; they will produce the shaved ice you want, but not at a great speed.

Most machines will produce two hundred or three hundred watts of power.

The machines usually run only at one speed, which may not be fast enough for large gatherings or gatherings with small children.

The size of the motor will also give you an indication of how loud it will be during operation.

Safety

Most shaved ice machines come with different types of safety features.

The safety features should include automatic shutdown features should the machine jam and protection around the blades.

The blades should be sharp, but you do not want to hurt yourself by accident or during cleaning.

Easy to clean

Cleaning your machine should not require you to disassemble the entire product. The various components should be machine washable or easy to hand wash.

You should look for one that lets you know how you can clean it safely.

What is The Best Shaved Ice Machine?

If you’re looking for the best shaved ice machine, then here are 5 of our favorite you’ll want to consider.

Hawaiian S900A Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Machine

The Hawaiian S900A Shaved Ice and Snow Cone Machine have an easy-to-assemble three-piece design.

The shaved ice and snow cone machine lets you make two round blocks of ice out of a mold or shave the ice into a host of tasty treats including snowballs, margaritas, slushies and snow cones.

The machine is perfect for those hot summer afternoons and events with friends and family.

The machine is simple to use to make small portions for person-by-person treats. The shaved ice comes out very fine for smooth for instant snow cones and other treats.

The machine is also small enough to fit tucked away on a counter until you want to use it.

Pros

  • The ice creates soft fluffy, snow-like mounds everyone can enjoy.
  • Every round block of ice makes about two bowls of shaved ice.
  • The shaved ice is the perfect treat for any woman handling pregnancy symptoms.

Cons

  • You have to use the specially prepared molds to make the shaved ice.
  • The motor breaks quickly with frequent use.

ZENY Ice Shaver Machine

 

The ZENY Ice Shaver Machine is ideal for making all kinds of tasty treats. You can use the machine at home or travel with it for summer parties.

You can use it for festivals, snack bars, or small cafes to make multiple shaved ice treats everyone can enjoy.

The machine is stainless steel, which makes it durable as well as capable of keeping your ice cold between servings.

The motor is high efficiency that is capable of producing up to one hundred forty-three pounds of shaved ice an hour.

With the amount of ice you are making, you can make large amounts of soft fine mounds of ice that you can serve to large grounds of people.

The machine has a heavy base to help keep the machine stable during use and to reduce the amount of vibration and noise while you make treats.

The machine is water-resistant and easy to control. The machine also comes with built-in safety features that cut off the power when the hopper handle is open.

Pros

  • You can use the machine with frozen fruit as well as froze ice.
  • You can use the shaved ice to make snowballs.
  • The shaved ice machine is very quiet, so it does not disturb guests at a party.

Cons

  • The ice is difficult to get into the ice shoot.
  • The curved shoot design can make shaved ice fly around the room on high settings.

Nostalgia SCM525WH Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker

 

Designed as a miniature version of a carnival snow machine, the Nostalgia SCM525WH Vintage Countertop Snow Cone Maker can give you, and your family individual servings of your favorite shaved ice treat.

The machine can make and hold up to eight ounces or twenty snow cones worth of shaved ice.

The machine features an open view of unshaven ice and a miniature counter to put the flavor-enhanced product.

The blades of the machine are stainless steel sharpened to perfection to create precise cuts quickly to produce snow-like fluffy ice mounds.

The design of the shaved ice machine is the perfect size for setting up on a countertop or table, and with the three hundred sixty degrees view of the shaved ice, you can watch it pile up and anticipate your first serving.

Pros

  • The machine makes smooth perfect shaved ice with very few larger chunks.
  • You can make about twenty-five pounds of shaved ice in around ten minutes.
  • One tray of ice makes two snow cones worth of shaved ice.

Cons

  • The area where you prepare the shaved ice, you cannot clean easily.
  • The machine can frequently jam with regular use.

Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker

 

Making homemade shaved ice at home can add new icy treats and drinks to your family’s lives.

The Dash DSIM100GBAQ02 Shaved Ice Maker lets you control the number of snow cones and slushies your children consume.

The ice maker makes a perfect wedding gift or birthday present.The machine is easy to use and takes regular ice you can make in your freezer.

You can create different kinds of tasty treats using syrups, juices, and fresh fruit to make evening parties or family get-togethers more fun.

The machine weighs less than a pound, which makes it light enough and light enough for your children to use.

The machine uses quality materials that include stainless steel blades and is easy to disassemble for cleaning, and most pieces are dishwasher safe.

Pros

  • The shaved ice machine is perfect for pregnancy cravings.
  • The machine is easy to use for people of any age, including children.
  • The design of the machine is very compact, which makes it easy to store when it is not summer.

Cons

  • The machine is loud while making the shaved ice.
  • The machine is not quick to make a lot of shaved ice.

Nostalgia RSM702 Retro Single Snow Cone Maker

 

The Nostalgia RSM702 Retro Single Snow Cone Maker lets you make individual snow cones for instant summer fun or birthday party success.

You can make up to twenty snow cones in a single sitting using the precision built into the machine. You can use regular ice cubes to make plenty of ice for all sorts of occasions.

The snow cone maker uses stainless steel blades to make close cuts that produce smooth, high-quality shaved ice.

The machine is quick to produce large amounts of shaved ice so that you can make cones for all your kids and their friends.

The snow cone maker is small enough to fit on a counter and made safe through careful manufacturing.

A built-in safety switch comes with the machine to help protect fingers and hands from the spinning blades.

The machine is also quick to turn off if it malfunctions to keep your home and family safe.

Pros

  • The machine produces very finely shaved ice, not crushed ice.
  • You can produce a snow cone within a matter of minutes.
  • The retro-look makes the snow cone maker a party favorite.

Cons

  • The machine is very loud while in use.
  • You must hold the machine to prevent it from making a mess.

Final Thoughts

Making shaved ice can be the perfect way to enhance a hot summer day at home.

You can enjoy tons of flavors and make unique creations that combine fruit and syrups to make them unique.

The best shaved ice machine for the job is the Nostalgia SCM525WH Vintage Countertop Snow, Cone Maker.

The Nostalgia Vintage Snow Cone Maker creates finely shaved ice in small or large amounts, and its unique design lets you display your shaved ice creation.

The stainless steel blades make the machine durable and long-lasting as well as rust-resistant.

You can make the machine a party favorite or the perfect way to make those hot days pass deliciously.

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