EdgeStar, the Texas-based manufacturer of small hosuehold applainces, has recenty launched its newest wine cooler model the EdgeStar 46-bottle wine regrigerator with two independently controlled temperature zones.
It is a moderately-priced compressor-operated unit designed for either undercounter, built-in use or free-standing placement.
EdgeStar 46-Bottle Wine Refrigerator, Dual Temperature Zone
The EdgeStar CWR460DZ wine refrigerator holds approx. 44 standard size and shape wine bottles in its two separately controlled temperature zones.
Control Panel
The digital control panel is mounted on the top part of the cabinet interior. The panle includes the following features:
Up and Down arrows for setting the temperature
Run Light
Interior Light Switch
Power Button
Upper Zone Display
Lower Zone Display
°C and °F lights
The upper zone's temp. can be set between 41°F - 54°F the bottom zone's between 54°F - 64°F.
The two display screens show temperature in the two zones. You can set the unit to display temperature either in °For in °C.
To switch between °C and °F, press and hold the Up and Down Arrows at the same time for approximately 5 seconds until the temperature scale changes.
Setting the Temperature
Upper Zone
Press the Up Arrow button on the control panel to adjust the temperature in the top section. The button will scroll the temperature by one degree increments. Once you see the desired temperature, stop pressing the button.
Note: While pressing the button, it is normal for the temperature to descend, and then jump to the highest available range.
After about 5 seconds, the set temperature will revert to the current temperature.
Lower Zone
Press the Down Arrow button on the control panel to adjust the temperature in the lower section. The button will scroll the temperature by one degree increments. Once you see the desired temperature, stop pressing the button.
Note: While pressing the button, it is normal for the temperature to
descend, and then jump to the highest available range.
After about 5 seconds, the set temperature will revert to the current temperature.
Allow at least 24 hours before storing your wines and to allow the temperature to acclimate.
In case of a power outage, all previous temperature settings will be automatically saved and each compartment will return to the previous temperature setting, a useful feature that many wine coolers lack.
Press the button with the light bulb symbol to turn on or off the interior lighting.
The Run Light will illuminate when the unit is in cooling mode.
Press and hold the power button for approximately 3 seconds to turn the unit’s power on or off.
Shelving
Slide-out wood shelves with stainless steel front hold the bottles.
Upper zone: 2 shelves (top one holds 8 bottles the bottom one 6 bottles with the neck facing the cabinet back)
Lower Zone: 3 regular shlves 8each holds 8 bottles) and a half shelf holding 6 bottles.
Interior Light
Three blue LED lights provide low-intensity illumination for the cabinet interior. The On/Off switch is on the control panel.
Placement
The Edgestar CWR460DZ has front ventilation so it can be built under the kitchen counter or wine bar or placed as free-standing.
The unit has leveling legs for easier and level placement. It is important for the wine refrigerator to be leveled in order to work properly.
" toe kick plate isn't set back as far as a standard kitchen cabinet "
Rating (1- 5 stars):
It can be raised or lowered by rotating the plastic sheaths around each of the feet on the bottom of the machine. If you find that the surface is not level, rotate the feet until the wine refrigerator becomes level .
When building the unit in please leave enough space according to the unit's instruction manual:
"To ensure proper service access and ventilation, allow at least 2/5” clearance at the back, 1/5” at top and 1/5” at sides. The installation should allow the unit to be pulled forward for servicing, if necessary."
A standard electrical supply (115 VAC only, 60 Hz), properly grounded in accordance with National Electrical Code and local codes and ordinances is required. The wien fridge comes with a power supply cord having a 3-prong grounding plug.
The unit works properly only in a room with ambient temperature of 50°F - 95°F, placed in the coolest, darkest spot away from cooker, oven or other heat sources.
Defrosting
Note that under most refrigerating settings, the unit will automatically defrost under most ambient conditions. However, on colder settings, some frost may build up. Additionally, the more humid the air, the more frost may build up.
Keep the door closed as much as possible and avoid opening the door unnecessarily to minimize frost build-up. If frost is preventing the door from closing properly, you may need to power the unit off until the frost melts. Use a soft absorbent towel to dry the unit.
User Reviews - Strengths, Weaknesses, Possible Complaints Reported by Owners
The EdgeStar CWR460DZ wine cooler received fairly good ratings from users. Reviews mention the good look, the easy set up of the cooler as its main strengths.
Some users complained that that the units is loud while others say that it is silent (one user solved the noise problem by leveling the the unit according to the manual). Overall it is a good-value, attractive unit that fits perfectly under a kitchen counter and has a fairly large storage space for about 42-44 bottles of wine.
