Do you know what’s similar between wine and cheese? Both taste great when they age properly! Wine and cheese are a perfect combination for every get-together, and having them in abundance is indispensable so that the attendees can enjoy their best.
But what to do with that leftover cheese? The best place to preserve that cheese is a wine fridge, and you can even store wine bottles in it, too.
However, a wine fridge that can age cheese is a bit different from a regular fridge, and that’s what makes it difficult for people to choose one.
To make things easier for you, I have picked and reviewed the best wine fridges for aging cheese. Stash your favorite wine bottles and cheese to keep them fresh and ready to consume for months.
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Cheese in a Wine Fridge? Does it Make Sense?
Yes, it makes sense, and you can keep cheese fresh for longer. The reason why people choose wine fridges for storing cheese is the controllable temperature, which creates an ideal environment for storing cheese.
Moreover, wine fridges are pretty big, and you can easily stash multiple wheels of cheese in the racks. How can I forget the airtight seal? It helps preserve the cheese in the event of a power outage!
| Product | Volts | Dimensions | Temperature Range |
| NewAir Beverage Refrigerator | 110V | 18.4″D x 18.9″W x 33.13″H | 37°F-64°F |
| Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Cooler Refrigerator | 120V | 16.9″D x 17.7″W x 33.1″H | 41- 64°F (Upper zone), 41- 64°F (Lower zone) |
| Antarctic Star 1.6cu.ft Wine Cooler | 120V | 17.52″D x 18.31″W x 19.61″H | 40°F- 61°F |
| Kalamera 15″ Wine Cooler Refrigerator | 110V | 14.9″D x 22.4″W x 33.9″H | 40°F -66°F |
| Miladred 12 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator | 110V | 13.6″D x 19.8″W x 18.58″H | 54°F -64 °F |
Best Wine Fridge for Aging Cheese: Top 5 Choices for 2022
Below I have reviewed the best wine fridges for aging cheese that you can trust and buy. I have selected these fridges after extensive research and comparing multiple models.
1. NewAir Beverage Refrigerator: Best Overall for Aging Cheese
Generally, wine fridges have wavy racks, but this one from NewAir has them flat. You don’t need to remove the racks, as you can keep cheese directly on them. With a capacity of storing up to 126 cans, this fridge lets you store multiple wheels of cheese.
On the inside, you’ll find a temperature-adjusting knob with seven different settings.
The temperature range is around 37°F-64°F, and you can set the right temp required to store cheese.
You may miss a digital display and touch buttons, but if you need a long-lasting wine fridge, this one is a good choice.
Equipped with a powerful fan, the cooler circulates the air properly, which is ideal for aging cheese. The soft LED light illuminates the interior while adding to the aesthetic of this stylish cooler.
Another thing you’ll love is the silent compressor that ages your cheese without making too much noise. Since the fridge does not have adjustable feet, you need to keep it on an even floor or a countertop.
It does not have a lock either. However, the handle is on a height, so your kids or pets won’t be able to open it.
Overall, the NewAir Beverage Refrigerator is a fantastic option for aging a big lot of cheese. You don’t need to change the racks either, which saves you money and makes things hassle-free.
2. Ivation 28 Bottle Compressor Wine Coolers: Best Dual-zone Fridge
Got two types of cheese? You need a wine fridge with multiple cooling zones. This fridge from Ivation comes with two zones, and you can store two different types of cheese.
The best part is that the fridge offers dedicated controls for both compartments, and you can easily set the right temperature.
The glass door has a thick pane that resists UV rays and helps preserve the cheese for longer.
On the door, the fridge features a touch-sensitive control panel that illuminates the dark.
Moreover, the digital display shows you the exact temperature, and there’s no need for any guesswork.
The racks are wavy; therefore, you need to replace them with wooden or plastic shelves to keep the wheels. I liked the big handle, and you can open/close the fridge with ease. Since this is a dual zone fridge, you can even store wine and cheese together.
Expect some fan noise, as the compressor powers two compartments, and I would say keep this fridge in an open space. Cleaning in and out of this unit is a cakewalk, and you can remove the racks on the go.
You can keep your wine and cheese safe from your kids and pets by locking the door. Lastly, Ivation offers this model in a single-zone unit as well, and if you have a packed budget, you can go for it.
3. Antarctic Star 1.6 cu.ft Wine Cooler: Best Compact Wine Fridge
If space is an issue, you can choose this wine cooler from Antarctic Star. Despite its small footprint, the fridge can accommodate multiple wheels.
It’s a ready-to-use cooler, thanks to the flat stainless-steel racks. Just wrap the cheese, and you can put it into the fridge.
Equipped with a powerful compressor, the fridge cools pretty quickly, and that’s essential to keep the cheese fresh.
The transparent yet UV-protected glass lets you see inside the fridge, and you can glance over how much cheese is left.
You’ll also find a temperature control knob on the inside that lets you control the humidity depending on the type of cheese.
The fridge lacks a digital display, so you cannot know the exact temperature. Moreover, it features an on/off button, making it ideal for RVs where switches can be at weird locations.
If required, you can change the position of the door to fit this fridge inside a cabinet. In addition, the cooling system produces less noise, but the fridge has noticeable vibrations sometimes.
It doesn’t feature a lock either, and you need to keep it on a countertop to protect the cheese from your kids and pets.
Lastly, this Antarctic Star Fridge is lightweight and is a perfect option for those looking for a portable wine fridge for aging cheese.
4. Kalamera 15″ Wine Cooler Refrigerator: Fridge with Memory Function
Folks that live in an area with frequent power outages need a wine fridge that can regulate its temperature after the power restores. And you get this feature in the Kalamera 15″ Wine Cooler Refrigerator.
This is a simple yet amazing fridge to age cheese, as you get everything, such as adjustable temperature and a safety lock.
The overall design is very durable, and the big handle adds more convenience to using this fridge.
Kalamera has powered it with a big cooling unit, so expect it to make a humming noise sometimes. The vents are big to dissipate the heat properly and prevent this cooler from overheating. I love the big transparent glass window, and you can check how much cheese there is.
Moreover, the window prevents UV rays and helps keep the wheels fresher for longer. Inside the fridge, there are six beechwood racks that are perfect for keeping cheese, cans, and wine bottles.
Talking about the body stature, this fridge occupies space and is ideal for keeping in an open area. The adjustable feet let you keep the fridge stable on an uneven floor as well.
Overall, if you want to keep your cheese preserved for a long time, you can choose Kalamera 15″ Wine Cooler Refrigerator. No need to replace the shelves, just store the cheese, set the temperature, and you are good to go.
5. Miladred 12 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator: Best Value for Money
Cabinet wine fridges are usually small, but this one has got decent space. There are four stainless-steel racks that you can replace with wood shelves for keeping cheese. The removable racks also make ample space for storing beer cans and wine bottles.
The touchscreen display lets you do everything quickly.
From adjusting the temperature to checking it, you have everything at your fingertips.
The best part is that the display glows, making this fridge ideal for placing inside a cabinet.
It even features a lock, and you can keep the stock safe all the time. Miladred has designed this fridge smartly, and the ducts at the back dissipate heat quickly, keeping the entire system cool.
Under the unit, there are four adjustable legs that keep the fridge balanced on any surface. In addition, the glass pane is see-through and tackles the UV rays to keep the cheese or wine protected.
In a nutshell, the Miladred 12 Bottle Wine Cooler Refrigerator is a good option if you want a small fridge to keep a good amount of cheese. It has wavy racks, so make sure to get some flat wooden racks for more ease.
Buying Guide: Factors to Look for in the Best Wine Fridge for Aging Cheese
You can’t choose any wine cooler for aging cheese because cheese needs a stable temperature. Moreover, there are a few other things to look at as well, such as the airtight seal that keeps the moisture locked inside the fridge.
Here are some factors that’ll help you buy the best wine fridge for aging cheese.
Capacity
Since you need a fridge to keep cheese, it should have a decent capacity to fit multiple blocks of cheese. The choice of capacity is a personal preference and should depend on how much stock you want to stash inside the fridge.
Number of Racks
The more the number of racks, the more cheese you can store. Look for a wine fridge with multiple removable racks.
You cannot keep cheese on stainless-steel racks, so make sure the fridge can accommodate wooden slabs for storing the cheese.
Airflow
Air movement is quite essential when storing cheese in a wine fridge. Too much air movement will dry the wheels, while stagnant air will cause them to mold.
Wine fridges with controllable air movement are suitable for storing cheese. Else, you can wrap the cheese wheels and store them for longer.
Adjustable Temperature
The best way to store cheese is to keep it at a temperature ranging between 42.8°F and 46.4°F.
Go for a wine cooler with adjustable temperature and ensure it has the right temperature range required to store cheese.
Different types of cheese can require different temperatures, so buying a fridge with adjustable temperatures makes sense.
Auto-Defrost
No one likes their favorite cheese to get hard like a brick, and that’s why the fridge should have an auto-defrost feature. It will prevent the cheese from freezing, and that’s important for keeping the blocks fresher for longer.
UV-resistant Door
UV light is good for disinfecting bottles and caps, but it can be harmful to the cheese. There is a myriad of wine fridges in the market with UV-resistant doors.
These doors are also helpful for preserving the wine and keeping its taste intact. Whether you are looking to keep the cheese stashed in the fridge for a few weeks or months, a UV-resistant door is a must.
Built-in Lock
On a fine day, your pet may also decide to taste some cheese, so it’s important to get a wine fridge with a built-in lock.
Locks also protect the cheese from your kids, and they don’t overeat it. There are wine fridges with smart as well as regular locks, and the choice is up to you.
Dimensions and Weight
A wine fridge can be pretty big, so you cannot overlook its dimensions. Measure the space where you want to keep the fridge, and then choose one that occupies less than the available space. Weight is also an important factor, especially for those who change their homes after every few months.
Budget
It would be great to have a budget in mind as it’ll prevent you from overspending while funneling down some good fridges.
In this article, you will find a fridge for every budget, so check your wallet and buy one that’s perfect for you. You can also read our full review on the best wine fridge for under $300.
Tips for Storing Cheese in a Wine Fridge
Storing cheese in a wine fridge is not as easy as storing wine. You need to keep the cheese properly so that the air does not dry it out. I’ve been using a wine fridge for aging cheese for many years, and here are some tips I use to keep the cheese fresh.
Don’t Overload
Avoid keeping multiple wheels inside the fridge because it may cause the air to block, and you’ll end up with molded cheese.
There is no rule of thumb for determining how much cheese you should keep. However, it should be 3/4th of the capacity of the fridge.
Make Sure the Air Circulates
The air should circulate inside the wine fridge around the cheese. Keep the cheese in such a way that it does not block the air circulator.
Also, ensure that the air moves inside the wine fridge properly, as it’s imperative to keep the cheese fresh for longer.
Use Cheese Bags
Cheese bags are there for a purpose, and you should use them when aging cheese in a wine fridge. These bags let the oxygen flow freely through the layers, which enables the cheese to breathe. The outer layer keeps the moisture out, which curtails the chances of mold formation.
Clean the Fridge Often
It is essential to clean the wine fridge after every few days when storing cheese. You can do the basic cleaning, and deep cleaning once a month would be great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can you age cheese in a wine fridge?
A: Yes, you can age cheese in a wine fridge. These fridges maintain the perfect temperature required to preserve and age cheese.
Q: How do you control the humidity in a cheese cave?
A: You can control the humidity by controlling the temperature. Most of the best wine fridges for aging cheese come with adjustable temperatures. Set the right temperature depending on the type of cheese, and you are good to go.
Q: How to prepare a wine fridge for aging cheese?
A: All you need to do is replace the wavy racks with flat shelves and set the right temperature. You can now put cheese inside a fridge and age it.
Conclusion: Be Cheesy with these Best Wine Fridges for Aging Cheese
I hope this detailed article has helped you decide which wine fridge to purchase for aging cheese. Make sure the fridge has ample capacity, removable racks, and a display that shows you the exact temperature.
NewAir Beverage Refrigerator is the overall best fridge you can get to age cheese. It has all features you need in a good cooler, such as a good capacity, an energy-efficient cooling system, and flat racks for keeping cheese wheels.
