Okay, confession time: I might have a slight wine obsession. My partner would probably say it’s more than slight, but hey, a girl’s gotta have her passions, right? The dream? A proper, walk-in wine cellar. The reality? A cozy (read: small) city apartment. So, you can imagine my excitement when I stumbled across the Summit CL18WC. Could this slender wine fridge actually solve my storage problems? Let’s dive in.
First Glance: This Thing’s Got Style
Honestly, the Summit CL18WC just looks…classy. The stainless steel trim around the glass door? Super sleek. The black cabinet? It just fades into the background, in a good way. It’s the kind of appliance that makes you feel like you have your life together, even when you’re just trying to decide between a Merlot and a Cabernet. Seriously, it looks way more expensive than it is.
Setting It Up: Easier Than Assembling IKEA Furniture (Thank Goodness!)
Now, I’m not exactly known for my handyman skills. So, the thought of installing anything makes me break out in a cold sweat. Luckily, the Summit CL18WC is pretty forgiving. You can build it in, sure, but I just plopped it down as a free-standing unit. Plug it in, adjust the little feet to make it level, and boom – you’re done. If you’re going the built-in route, measure your space twice (or even three times!) because that 17.5-inch width is non-negotiable.
Space: Enough for My Essentials (and Maybe a Few Extras)
Summit says it holds 29 bottles. And yeah, that’s probably true if you’re only storing those skinny Bordeaux bottles. But let’s be real, who only drinks Bordeaux? I’ve got some wider Burgundy bottles, a few quirky Rieslings…you know, the usual suspects. So, I’d say I can comfortably fit around 25 bottles without playing Tetris with my wine collection.
Keeping Cool: Temperature Control for Wine Geeks (Like Me!)
The digital thermostat is a game-changer. I like my reds a bit warmer, around 62°F, and my whites nice and crisp, closer to 48°F. This little fridge keeps everything perfectly consistent. Plus, it has automatic defrost, which is a huge win for lazy people like me. No one wants to spend their Saturday scraping ice out of a wine fridge!
Okay, one tiny complaint: the interior light is a bit dim. It looks pretty, casting a soft glow on my precious bottles, but it’s not exactly ideal for reading labels in low light. I might need to invest in a mini flashlight.
Final Thoughts: Worth Every Penny (Especially if You Love Wine!)
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Bottom line? I’m seriously digging the Summit CL18WC. It’s stylish, it works like a charm, and it doesn’t take up a ton of space. Whether you’re a seasoned wine aficionado or just starting to explore the world of vino, this little fridge is a fantastic way to keep your bottles chilled and ready to enjoy. It’s perfect if you live in a small space, have a tiny kitchen, or just want to add a touch of class to your home. Just remember to factor in those wider bottles when you’re planning your collection! Cheers to that!