Hi all, looking for thoughts on the value proposition of Wine Enthusiast brand fridges and this model in particular. It’s $2500 right now, which for a new 300 bottle unit aint bad. I would probably spring for the $180 allstate warrenty extension to get 5 years of coverage.
Does anyone have thoughts to share, good and bad?
I think @ToddFrench has this one?
Possibly - I have the ‘wine vault’, 250 bottle, specifically (as well as a LeCache 2400), so it is likely similar but not the same. Any photos, Seth? I’m a big fan, I’ve posted about it quite a bit (Wine Enthusiast needs to start paying me referral fees!)
I’m not sure about Costco, but there is a guy at the Wine Enthusiast whom I’ve known for over 30 years. His name is Mike Dreyfus and if you mention my name, he will be extremely helpful.
Thanks guys. Todd, its good to have a recomendation to go on.
The one I was eyeing is the folowing, $2500 with the deal:
Its a little bigger than your unit, and with the glass front (pros and cons there). Wine Enthusiast is selling what appears to be the same item with a slightly different title for $3200. I wonder if they would compete with the costco price over the phone.
https://www.wineenthusiast.com/w/classic-xl-300-bottle-wine-cellar-with-vinoview-shelving
The one drawback with these refrigerator cooling units is they recommend a pretty big space between the coils and the wall. I think 4 inches is plenty, but it’s still a consoderation.
100% yes, they will. Old school NY/NJ company, they always make a deal on the phone. That’s how I bought mine, and convinced my FIL to buy his. Call em.
As for space between coils and wall, 4 in is easy.
I have both the 300 and 250. I prefer the 250 with the solid door. I had trouble stacking 2 rows high of burg bottles on each shelf in the 300. (no issue with standard Bordeaux bottles.)
that’s what I have, too
I’ve bought from Mike Dreyfus at Wine Enthusiast a few times as well. Always a good experience and he’s been willing to offer discounts from list price.
The best play is if you can connect with someone in your area who is getting rid of theirs. It’s difficult to even give away used wine cabinets. Look around whatever are the current equivalents of Craigslist.
I’ve done this a couple of times. Once I got a bargain, once a lemon. Both times required a bunch of running around and schlepping. I’ve since concluded that it’s not worth the hassle and better to buy new from a reliable vendor.
Valid point. I once had a massive used cooler that I was able to bring to the garage, but then decided it wasn’t working well for me, tried to sell it and ended up hassling even further turning it around to someone else. PITA
Yeah plus you have to transport the thing, and its supposed to stay upright. And they are heavy as hell.
Everyone’s equation of cost, effort, convenience, risk etc is different.I’m just saying if you wanted to save money, you were willing to make some effort to do it, and you could find a suitable unit in your area, it’s a good option to consider.
I didn’t know WE would negotiate prices, that’s great intel.
I got one last year and like it so far. One consideration is that the unit is taller than I thought it would be (didn’t look at hight specs) which made it difficult to turn and lean to get down my basement stairs. Got it down, but I have no intention of ever getting it out.
I would not buy anything other than eurocave (new, used or scratch and dent at WE), especially if your spending a few thousand.
what reason?
I bought 2 of the 250 bottle units 3 years ago with the solid black door. Great units with no issues. They sit in the garage.
Got an older wine cooler that works super well. Hold 500 750s and like 20 magnums. 700 or 800 off craigslist