Kalamera manufactures the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler among other wine coolers and beverage coolers.
This California-based company has a collection of built-in and freestanding beverage and wine coolers that have gotten into the good books of a good number of its customers.
Whether it’s a thermoelectric or a compressor refrigerator, Kalamera’s products are known for their cooling efficiency and ability to cater to the needs of beverages and wines as well as other kinds of drinks.
In the period that Kalamera has been in the market, it has provided its customers with the right cooling solutions. It has also tailored the design and construction of each appliance to suit the needs of the potential buyer.
But can we say the same about its 157-bottle dual-zone wine cooler? Well, there’s only one way to find out. Come with us in this exhaustive review and let’s find out if these claims are true with the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler.
Table of Contents
Who Needs the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler?
157 is no small number at all if you ask us. But then again, for someone who is an avid wine collector or someone who has a large wine business or who hosts large events where wines are served, we may just be scratching the surface with a 157-bottle wine cooler.
This goes to show that the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is ideal for someone who has a large collection of wines.
However, even if you don’t have a large wine collection but you are sure that your current collection will be expanding in the near future, then this wine cooler may be a necessity for you.
What’s more? Because it is a dual-zone wine cooler, you can literally go to town with the type of wine that can be stored in it.
So, whether your collection is comprised of Cabernets, Bordeaux, Pinot Noir, Champagne, or Sauvignon, you can be sure that each bottle size will be able to fit into the wine cooler.
Apart from the versatility and large storage capacity, the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler may be particularly useful to anyone who is keen on having a safety lock and a heavy-duty insulated door that protects the collection from harmful UV rays.
Let’s dig in a little further to learn more about what the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler offers.
Features of the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Capacity and Storage Flexibility
Like we mentioned earlier, while we think 157 is a large number, the term ‘large’ may as well be relative to a user’s needs. But there’s no doubt that this wine cooler offers one of the largest capacities available in the market.
That said, its capacity can serve the needs of a wine collector who already has or plans to build a large wine collection.
It features 15 beech wood shelves altogether. 7 of them are in the top section of the wine cooler while the remaining 8 are in the lower section.
Each wine shelf is designed in such a way that the wine bottles can be arranged in alternating directions. So the user can arrange the bottle from either side of the shelf’s length. This way, he or she can maximize the capacity of the wine cooler fully.
One of the perks of this wine cooler is that the shelves in it are removable.
So, let’s say you have wine bottles with wide diameters like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and you are unable to fit them in the shelves because you have a lot of them, you can take out one or more shelves to get them in.
The only challenge with removing wine shelves to accommodate large wine bottles is that it reduces the maximum capacity of the wine cooler.
But generally, this wine cooler will conveniently accommodate wine collections that are comprised of mostly Bordeaux or Cabernets style bottles.
However, you can also fit in 12 sparkling bottles and Pinot Noir in this wine cooler without removing a shelf.
Installation
Installing the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is a walk in the park. But while we are tempted to summarize it as a plug ‘n’ play appliance, it actually has some instructions that need to be followed.
For instance, it is recommended that the user allows about 24 hours after delivery before he or she plugs the unit into a power source.
It is also recommended that the same length of time be allowed before the unit is loaded. Following these instructions will eliminate the risk of having unpleasant experiences.
So, maybe it is a plug ‘n’ play appliance after all. Only that it comes with some instructions to be followed.
All that said, this wine cooler gives the user two installation options. He or she can install the unit as a freestanding unit or as a built-in one. It is really up to the user to decide.
However, the user must also consider the fact that this wine cooler is a tall unit and will require ample space for it to be installed as a built-in appliance.
Oh! We were going to forget the handle! Yes, there’s a handle. It is really optional. But if you want it on the unit, you can rest assured that fixing it is pretty easy.
Design
The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler also has a nice and attractive design. The manufacturer was able to focus on individual features in such a way that each one contributes to the overall look of the wine cooler.
The wooden shelves add that neat and traditional look to the wine cooler, while the soft blue interior lights in the cooler light up each of the two zones with ease. The lights can also be turned off and on however the user pleases.
So, the view of the well-lit bottles through the glass door as they sit on the wooden shelves is a really nice one. Combining that look with the black cabinet and stainless steel trim on the door further makes the entire appliance a nice addition to almost any space.
That said, irrespective of how the user chooses to install the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler – freestanding or built-in – it will always complement existing appliances wherever it is placed.
Efficiency and Noise Level
One of the highlights of this wine cooler is that its dual cooling feature is quite effective.
In the upper section, the temperature range is between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This range makes the top section suitable for white wines and any other wine that needs to be cooled at low temperatures.
The upper section is a good place to store red wines. This is because the range of temperature there is between 50 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, if you owned this wine cooler, you can easily tell the difference between a wine bottle that was placed in the top section and a wine bottle that was placed in the bottom section. This means the zoning actually works!
You can also tell what temperatures the zones are cooling at, thanks to the two temperature display screens on the wine cooler.
That said, the noise level, which is a major factor that users consider while shopping compressor wine coolers like this, is pretty low.
So, while it is really not a quiet wine cooler, you may be pleased to know that the sound it makes is manageable. To put a little perspective on it, the wine cooler has a sound level that is about 52 dB at 3 feet from the unit.
Safety Lock
Your level of cautiousness will probably rise when you have little kids around you. Let’s not imagine what could happen if those adventurous kids are left around appliances.
Thankfully, this wine cooler comes with a safety lock that can keep the little ones away from the insides of the wine cooler.
Being able to lock this unit means that the chances of a child opening the unit and leaving it open to rising temperatures will be slim. You also avoid the possibility of a bottle being dragged and smashed on the floor.
Even if you don’t have kids around you, the mere fact that you have a large number of wines in one place is one reason to appreciate this lock feature.
Pros of the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
i. Has a large storage capacity.
ii. Has a nice and attractive design.
iii. Soft blue interior lights light up each zone for visibility.
iv. Lights can be turned on or off.
v. The dual cooling feature is effective.
vi. Noise level is manageable and can be ignored.
vii. Features 15 removable wooden shelves to hold the wine bottles.
viii. Accommodates different sizes of wine bottles.
ix. Installation is easy.
x. Can be installed as a freestanding or built-in wine cooler.
xi. Door is reversible.
Cons of the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
i. The temperature in the upper zone deviates from the actual temperature by a difference of 4 to 8 degrees Fahrenheit.
ii. Shelves are a lot more difficult to slide out of the unit when they are loaded.
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Alternatives to the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
Single Zone Option
Kalamera 54-Bottle Wine Cooler
The reason we recommend this wine cooler to you is that it is a single zone wine cooler. It is one of the good single zone wine coolers we could get.
This wine cooler’s capacity will also be perfect for you especially if you want a wine cooler that is at least 3 times smaller than the featured product.
By the way, there aren’t so many single zone wine coolers with large capacity out there in the market. So, this is one of the few.
All that said, some of the features of this wine cooler that you may like include its wide temperature range which allows red or white wines into the unit.
It also comes with a carbon filter so that the interior of the unit stays fresh always.
What’s more? This wine cooler has a memory function that helps it retain temperature settings after a blackout. That is if a power blip occurs and power is restored, the unit will be restored to the temperature you originally set it at before the power blip.
Interested in this product? We suggest that you read our detailed review of the product here before you make a final decision.
Click here to get it on Amazon!
Option with French Door Style
Kalamera 66-Bottle Dual Wine Cooler
If you like the French door design, then this may be the wine cooler you need. But much more than its design, this wine cooler is also well-built to last.
Being a dual-zone wine cooler, this wine cooler is a perfect option for someone with a mix of all sorts in his or her wine collection.
So, whether it is red or white, all kinds of wines can be cooled in this cooler. This is also bearing in mind that the dual cooling feature is quite effective.
Its capacity is also sizable enough for someone who is building a wine collection steadily and hopes to expand it later in the future.
Having said that, in case you are keen on the safety of your wine collection and you want to keep the little one out of it too, then you may also like the lock feature that comes with this unit.
Click here to get it on Amazon!
Larger Capacity
Allavino FlexCount 172-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler.
If you are in the market for a wine cooler that is bigger than the featured product, then this wine cooler by Allavino might be your plug.
With a larger capacity, there’s no stopping your passion for wine collection. In fact, you also get to store wines with bottles of different sizes with ease.
Also, because it is a dual-zone wine cooler, you can store both red wines and white wines. And if you decide that, in terms of design, you prefer a left- hinge wine cooler to a right-hinge wine cooler, Allavino has two offers for you to choose from.
Other features of this wine cooler include user-friendly controls, safety lock, sturdy construction, and well-spaced racks that don’t sag.
Thinking this may be a better option? We have done a full review of this product. You may want to read up this detailed review here before you finally decide.
Quick Comparison
| Featured Product | Single Zone | French Door Style | Larger Capacity | |
| Product |
Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual-Zone Wine Cooler
Click here to get it on Amazon!
|
Kalamera 54-Bottle Wine Cooler
|
Kalamera 66-Bottle Wine Cooler
|
Allavino FlexCount 172-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
|
| Dimensions | 26.8 inches x 23.4 inches x 69.6 inches | 40.5 inches x 26.8 inches x 26 inches | 30.5 inches x 33.9 inches x 24.2 inches | 27 inches x 23.5 inches x 71.5 inches |
| Capacity | 157 Bottles | 54 Bottles | 66 Bottles | 172 Bottles |
| Cooling System | Compressor | Compressor | Compressor | Compressor |
| Zoning | Dual Zone | Single Zone | Dual Zone | Dual Zone |
| Installation Type | Built-in or Freestanding | Built-in or Freestanding | Built-in or Freestanding | Built-in or Freestanding |
| Available Sizes | 157-Bottle | 54-Bottle | 66-Bottle | 172-Bottle |
| Available Colors | Black/Stainless Steel | Black/Stainless Steel | Stainless Steel and Black | Black/Stainless Steel
Or Black |
| Shelves | 15 Beech Wood Shelves | 5 Wooden Shelves | 14 Beech Wood Shelves | 14 Metal Shelves with Wooden Slats |
What Users Are Saying about the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler
The Kalamera 157-Bottle Wine Cooler has its own fair share of positive comments and a few negative ones too. But the general consensus on it is a good one.
On the good side, users have noted the obvious fact that the wine cooler offers ample storage for their wine collection. And much more than that, it is true to its capacity claims to a large extent.
Users with large collections found this little discovery quite helpful and gladdening.
Also, some others commented on the design of the wine cooler and how it enhanced the beauty of whatever setting they placed it in.
Being a large compressor wine cooler, some expected it to be a bit noisy. However, while it is not a quiet wine cooler, its noise level is quite manageable and can be ignored.
On the flip side, the displayed temperature in the upper zone and what a reliable external thermometer displayed differed by 4 to 8 degrees. For some people, that’s a large difference. However, some ignored it by calibrating the temperature in the zone with the difference in mind.
Some users also wish that the shelves were sturdier and that they weren’t difficult to slide in and out when they are fully loaded.
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Our Verdict
Here’s what we think about this wine cooler;
First, this wine cooler will be on our list of recommendations for large wine coolers. So, if someone came to us asking for a wine cooler with large storage, we will recommend this one by Kalamera.
We also think that the design of this wine cooler is quite elegant. This makes it a nice addition to kitchens, halls, living rooms, and any place that the user deems appropriate.
That’s not all.
The noise level, in our opinion, is not zero. But we appreciate that it is low enough to be ignored. So, someone can be in the same room with the wine cooler without being disturbed.
Nonetheless, we wish the upper zone didn’t have a significant difference in temperature like it does. And while we know that some people may compromise it for the other features that it offers, we believe this important feature could have been better.
All that said, we still think that the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is worth considering.
Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler [In-depth Review] – Related FAQS
Does The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Have A Warranty?
The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler has a one year warranty.
From the day you purchase the unit, the company offers spare parts in case you need to change some things on the inside or outside of this wine cooler. If the spare parts do not work, then they provide a replacement unit. However, bear in mind that all these can happen within the period of the unit warranty.
If it exceeds the one year warranty period, the company will charge you for reparation.
Does The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Need Any Assembly?
After purchasing the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler, you must read the instructions very carefully. First, you need to allow the unit to stand for 24 hours before plugging in and another 24 hours after plugging in before packing.
You might also need to put the door on and the shelves in. Call someone to lend you a hand when putting the door on because it can be quite heavy.
Other than these, the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler does not need any assembly. The unit comes fully assembled.
Does The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Need Anything Purchased With It?
The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler does not need anything purchased with it.
In the package, you can find the following:
- An extra set of hinges for if you prefer to have the door open in reverse.
- An LED blue light that’ll throw light on the contents in the unit.
- A standard 110v plug.
So after purchasing your Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler, allow the unit to stand for 24 hours before plugging in and another 24 hours after plugging in before packing. There’s nothing extra to purchase.
Will The Delivery Service Help To Install The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler After Purchase?
The delivery service will not help to install the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler.
It is true that some delivery services help to install the delivered appliance while others charge extra for delivery. However, as far as the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler is concerned, you’ll have to do it yourself.
As earlier stated in the article, this unit has two installation options. It can be installed as a freestanding unit or as a built-in unit. You get to pick which way you want it done.
Does The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Require Some Clearance For The Door To Open?
The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler certainly needs some clearance to enable the proper opening of the door.
One of the reasons why the Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler requires some clearance for the door to open is that the unit comes with an extra set of hinges to enable the door open from either side. If it is placed against a wall, the door handle will hit the wall, thereby preventing it from opening enough to slide out the shelves.
Can The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler Be Used In A Garage?
The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler can be used in a garage. However, it all depends on the following factors:
- Whether the garage is heated. If the garage is not heated, the temperature might get too low and freeze the wine as a result.
- Whether the temperature fluctuates in the garage. If the temperature gets close to 80 degrees, do not place the unit in the garage.
- The Kalamera 157-Bottle Dual Zone Wine Cooler wasn’t made for mean outside temperature. So, ensure that the temperature in the garage is not in excess of 20 degrees above the temperature of the unit.
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