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The Importance of the Bottle Probe and Accurate Temperature Readings

The Importance of the Bottle Probe and Accurate Temperature Readings

Bottle probes are the most accurate way to read the liquid contents’ temperature within your wine bottle. While other temperature gauging methods can be used, they are not as precise because they read your wine cellar’s air temperature rather than the wine itself. 

Our bottle probes are designed to protect your investments in fine0 wine. WhisperKOOL cooling units, which use the standard controller, also use a bottle probe to measure the wine’s liquid temperature in the cellar. The use of the bottle probe allows for more precise temperature readings and efficient cooling.

Watch the following video to learn more about our bottle probe.

Accurate Temperature Readings

First, bottle probes are more precise since they measure the wine’s temperature and not the temperature of the cellar. Using a bottle probe gives the most accurate and useful temperature reading for your cellar as the liquid temperature fluctuates at a lower rate than the air in your cellar, allowing the system to operate more efficiently. Therefore, the bottle probe protects the wine based on actual bottle temperature.

At WhisperKOOL, we stand by this method of monitoring wine cellar temperatures and have provided the bottle probe for over 25 years.  All standard WhisperKOOL cooling systems come equipped with our signature bottle probe at no additional cost.

Longer Cooling Cycles and Efficient Cooling

Another advantage of bottle probes is that they contribute to more efficient cooling. Bottle probes make you ensure that your cooling unit kicks on only when the temperature of your wine (not the temperature of the cellar) climbs above the set point.

This system allows for longer run times, which is better for the cooling unit’s compressor. The easiest way to understand this concept is to think of your cooling unit like a car and the compressor like a car engine.

As with care engines, constant starting and stopping are harder on the compressor. With a bottle probe, the cooling unit’s compressor acts like a car driving on the highway. While a car’s engine is awarded better gas mileage, a compressor is awarded higher efficiency.

On the other hand, using an air probe to measure the cellar temperature is like driving a car through the city. With city driving, there are constant starts and stops due to abrupt changes in operating conditions. Gas mileage is also negatively affected. In a cooling unit, this is equivalent to shorter and more frequent compressor cycles. This constant stop-and-go is also taxing for the compressor’s efficiency. 

While longer run times may seem to overwork the cooling unit, they result in greater efficiency (and longer life for the cooling unit). To maintain our cooling units’ efficiency, fans will run for 60 seconds after the cooling cycle to reintroduce humidity into the cellar. 

Temperature Reader | Cycles per day (24 hrs) | Average Run Time

Bottle Probe

15 – 25*

40 minutes

Air Probe

30 – 40*

18 minutes

*These are estimates. 

Ideal Temperature for Storing Wine

Remember, the ideal temperature range for wine is between 45° F and 65° F, with 55° F being generally accepted as the ideal temperature. While wine should stay at this ideal temperature, straying a few degrees from this comfortable medium will not necessarily damage your wine collection. 


How is this so? Well, different wines are best stored at different temperature ranges. Red wines like cabernet sauvignon, zinfandel, and syrah are at their best between 55° F and 65° F. Lighter reds like pinot noir, tempranillo, and Sangiovese are optimal between 50° F and 60° F. Fuller-bodied whites and dessert wines like riesling and chardonnay are served beautifully between 45° F and 55° F. 


Therefore, while it is not suggested that you store your wines outside of those ranges, a slight temperature difference around 55° F will not affect the integrity of your prized wine.

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