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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
from Orlando, FL on 7/9/2008
For the price, this is a decent unit. A comparable commercial unit that holds ~500 bottles is about $4K. You won't really get 500 bottles in this unit, since many bottles don't conform to a standard Bordeaux bottle (ie. Pinot Noir bottles, large-format, etc). My unit currently holds ~250 bottles and could easily hold another 50 bottles before I have to reorganize.I've looked at many, many wine cellars/coolers, and this one is about average for utility. The drawers are adjustable, in that you can space them the way you want, but they do not pull out. My experience with pull-out shelves is they look good but you can't fill them very well.It took much longer than 1 hour to build, and you will need someone to help you flip the unit as you build it. It is large and heavy, as it is made from MDF.I suggest you calk the seams as you build it with insulating silicon, to improve the energy efficiency. I also calked around the cooling unit, and added weather stripping around the inside of the door frames, for better insulation.The door hangs pretty sturdily, in my build, but you *must* adjust it properly so that the simple magnetic strips (ala a refridgerator) don't bind in the jam, yet still make a full seal.I live in Florida and my cellar worked perfectly for 8 months, keeping my cellar of mostly California wines at my desired temperature of 59 degrees. (The thermostat can be calibrated to match an electronic thermostat, btw.) It just recently froze up with ice, and is not keeping my cellar cool enough, [...].If I had $4K, I'd buy a nice quiet, well insulated cellar, but for my budget this has been a nice upgrade from my little 50-bottle cooler.
from Fort Worth, TX on 7/9/2008
This unit was fairly easy to assemble. The only thing that didn't work was the sealant that came with it, which was messy, hard to apply and in short supply. [$] at a hardware store bought a caulk gun and slicone sealant that worked MUCH better, cleaner and faster. This unit is a little noisy to put in a dining room or other room where noise may be an issue. A family room or bar would work better, where the rougher edges and corners might not be as big of a deal.
from Northern New Jersey on 6/27/2008
Poor assembly instructions - You MUST be very good with assembly and tools or get someone else to assemble it. I'm pretty expert and it took me a day.[...].Poor calibration of the thermostat - Gave 55 when set to 59. Very stable control after that. I wish they told me how to adjust the calibration.Shelves on one side aligned at a slight angle.Attractive and solid when finished. I would recommend the finished product, but be aware of the difficult assembly.
from Chicago on 12/4/2007
went together very well with minor challenges. very high quality. some of the new larger format bottles dont fit end to end but still able to make them work. great product.
from Maryland on 11/27/2007
Easy to put together. Requires two people.
All in all very happy with the product based on the price. Time will tell if it lasts.
from Hartford, CT on 11/10/2007
Assembly is far more difficult than instructions infer. Somewhat difficult to seal after putting unit upright. Exterior quality somewhat average[...]