Complete guide to choosing the right dehumidifier for your wine cellar
For wine enthusiasts or collectors, preserving bottles under optimal conditions is essential. The humidity level (hygrometry) in a wine cellar should be between 70% and 80%. Just like temperature, it is a key factor for the ideal aging of wine.
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Understanding hygrometry
If the humidity level exceeds 80%, it means the room is too damp. Excess moisture promotes mold, fungus, and bacterial growth. Over time, wine bottle labels and corks may deteriorate. Conversely, if humidity is below 50%, the air is too dry: corks can dry out and shrink, allowing air into the wine, which oxidizes, becomes undrinkable, or develops a corky taste.
Control the humidity and temperature of your wine cellar
For optimal wine preservation, first measure your cellar’s humidity with a hygrometer to determine if the air is too dry or too humid. If humidity is below 50%, use a humidifier to moisten the air. Conversely, if the air is above 80% humidity, a dehumidifier is required. Also, check the temperature based on wine types and desired storage time, ideally keeping it between 14°C and 17°C. Wine cellars should ideally be dark, as light can negatively affect wine aging.
Key Features to Consider for Choosing a Dehumidifier
Lifting Pump
Integrated pumps are rare, though external pumps can be added.
Clock/Timer
Some dehumidifiers have timers, and less commonly, clocks. Running during off-peak hours can be cost-effective.
Oscillating Louver
Helps circulate air more effectively for improved dehumidification.
WiFi
If connected, allows routines like nighttime operation during off-peak hours.
Hygrostat
Most dehumidifiers include this feature. Set humidity to at least 70%, ideally up to 80% for wine preservation.
Auto-restart
Power Outage Protection: Ensures dehumidifier restarts after a power outage, ideal for secondary homes.
Installing a lifting pump
If gravity drainage isn’t possible, you can add a lifting pump.
Click below to learn how to install one with a standard dehumidifier.
LUKAS, a connected dehumidifier
Lukas is a compressor-based dehumidifier ideal for combating humidity, with a dehumidification capacity of 20L/day. It is Wi-Fi connected, programmable, and features an optional HEPA filter air purifier mode. Its sleek design and practical features, such as a timer and laundry drying mode, make it an efficient and cost-effective device."
EVEL, a dehumidifier for low temperatures
EVEL is ideal for cold wine cellars. Its desiccation technology recovers heat in the form of warm air. Note: max setting is 70% humidity. Temperature may rise 1-4°C depending on room humidity levels.
PRO S19, a versatile, connected dehumidifier
Pro S19 is a compact multi-purpose unit, capable of extracting up to 19L/day and operating from -15°C to 40°C. It expels humid air outdoors without a reservoir and can be controlled remotely via WiFi. Equipped with a HEPA filter, it also purifies ambient air.
