How to Convert a Refrigerator into a Wine Cooler

Creating a wine cooler refrigerator is an inexpensive way to store wine in your home without the expense of building a wine cellar or buying a dedicated wine cooler. Buying a retail wine cooler can cost upwards of $500. Transforming an extra refrigerator will cost very little.

Step 1 – Checking the Refrigerator Condition

Check to be sure the extra refrigerator that you have is still working properly. Once you are sure, unplug the refrigerator from the electrical outlet and pull it out away from the wall.

Step 2 – Cleaning the Refrigerator

Put on your rubber gloves and protective eye wear. In the bucket, carefully combine 1 gallon of warm water and 1 cup of bleach. Take all of the drawers and shelves out of the refrigerator. Immerse the sponge into the bleach cleaning solution. Squeeze out an excess liquid and thoroughly clean the refrigerator. Allow the refrigerator to dry overnight. 

Step 3 – Checking the Temperature

Place the digital thermometer into the refrigerator. Set the refrigerator temperature control dial to the setting four levels higher than the coldest one. Close the door and plug the appliance back in. Allow it to operate for 12 hours without opening the door. Check the thermometer reading. The goal is to have the refrigerator operating at a constant temperature of 55 degrees C. Continue waiting and checking the thermometer until you have reached the goal temperature inside the refrigerator. 

Step 4 – Checking the Freezer

If your refrigerator has a freezer section and you want to be able to store wine there, set the freezer setting to the warmest level and then check it every 12 hours until it has reached the goal temperature of 55 degrees C. If your freezer is unable to lower its temperature level to the goal, you may have to continue to use it as a freezer compartment. 

Step 5 – Making the Wine Rack

Measure the inside dimensions of the refrigerator. Find a wine rack at your local department store that will fit inside your refrigerator. You could also create your own wine rack by using the PVC pipe. Use the hack saw to cut the PVC pipe into as many 8-inch tubes as possible. Stack the tubes, on their sides, inside the refrigerator. Later you can slide your wine bottles into the tubes.

Step 6 – Adding Moisture

You will not only need to control the temperature of your wine cooler, but you will need to control the humidity level in it as well. If the air in the wine cooler becomes too dry, the cork stoppers in the wine bottles will dry out. By storing the wine bottles on their sides, the liquid will run toward the corks and keep them moist. You can add more moisture in the air by filling the shallow pan with water and placing it in the wine cooler. The evaporation of the water will help to maintain the humidity levels in the wine cooler

Step 7 – Maintaining the Cooler

Be sure to check the temperature level of your wine cooler on a weekly basis and make sure the pan of water is full at the same time.