Bistro Bounty

Restaurant-grade cooking, at home

In-depth guides to the gear serious home cooks use to eat like they're at their favorite bistro: espresso, pizza, knives, cookware, baking and wine.

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Close-up of red and white wine glasses with bottles and grapes in the background

Featured guide

How Much Electricity Does a Wine Cooler Use? Watts and Cost

How much electricity does a wine cooler use? Typically 120-400 kWh a year, a few dollars a month. See the watts and kWh math for thermoelectric and compressor.

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Pizza Ovens & ToolsIndoor and outdoor pizza ovens, steels, peels and dough gear for pizzeria-level pies.7 guides →

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Wine & Home BarWine fridges, preservation systems, decanters and home bar equipment.25 guides →

Latest guides

Two glasses of red wine with a bowl of roasted chestnuts on a wooden table under natural light

Wine & Home Bar

Best Undercounter Wine Fridge: 15 and 24 Inch Picks

The Yeego 24-inch dual zone is our best undercounter wine fridge for most kitchens; two 15-inch dual-zone models fit narrow gaps. Vents and owners compared.

Close-up of red wine glass amidst elegant dining setup

Wine & Home Bar

Single Zone vs Dual Zone Wine Fridge: Which Cooler Fits?

Single zone vs dual zone wine fridge: one temperature suits a one-style collection; two zones suit reds and whites together. Temperatures and trade-offs.

Two wine bottles with a glass in a rustic setting, ideal for showing wine storage temperature.

Wine & Home Bar

Wine Fridge Temperature for Red and White Wine

Wine fridge temperature for red and white wine: store both near 55°F (13°C), then serve reds at 60-65°F and whites at 45-50°F. Zones, garage limits, humidity.

Empty industrial garage with metal walls and concrete floor ready for renovation or use

Wine & Home Bar

Can You Put a Wine Cooler in the Garage? Outdoor Limits

Can you put a wine cooler in the garage? Only if the garage stays roughly 50-80°F; thermoelectric units can't cope with summer heat or winter cold.

Close-up of a rustic loaf of bread on a kitchen counter with a red Dutch oven nearby.

Baking

Best Bread Machine: 4 Bread Makers for Every Kitchen

Best bread machine for most bakers: the KBS Pro. The Cuisinart is the easy first pick. Bread makers compared on loaf size, programs and owner reports.

Bottle of red wine and glasses placed near plate with food on table in modern kitchen with light interior

Wine & Home Bar

How to Install a Built In Wine Fridge in a Cabinet

How to install a built in wine fridge: measure the cabinet opening, check the front vent, plug into a dedicated outlet, level it and let it settle.

A sophisticated table setup featuring a chocolate cake, red wine, and candles on a wooden table

Wine & Home Bar

Thermoelectric vs Compressor Wine Cooler: Pick by Room

Thermoelectric vs compressor wine cooler: thermoelectric is nearly silent but cools only 20-25°F below the room; a compressor reaches 41°F in warm rooms.

Man pouring red wine into a glass, the serving moment a wine cooler protects

Wine & Home Bar

Best Thermoelectric Wine Cooler: Quiet Picks Compared

The Koolatron 20-bottle is the best thermoelectric wine cooler for quiet storage. The Ivation, BLACK+DECKER and small Koolatron fit a counter or tight spot.

Two glasses of white wine with cheese and walnuts on a wooden board for a cozy gathering

Wine & Home Bar

Can You Put a Freestanding Wine Fridge Under a Counter?

Can you put a freestanding wine fridge under a counter? Usually not in a closed cutout: rear-vent units need airflow. See the clearances and what to buy.