Viking VUWC - User Manual

Questions and Answers

A
Amy JohnsonAug 9, 2025
What to do if my Viking Wine Cooler won't run?
- W
  Wayne HardyAug 9, 2025
  If your Viking Wine Cooler isn't running, make sure the temperature control isn't set to 'OFF', the line cord is properly plugged in, there's power at the electrical outlet, and the house fuse hasn't blown.
K
Kevin GutierrezAug 14, 2025
Why is my Viking VUWC Wine Cooler running too long?
- T
  Tracy RiosAug 15, 2025
  Your Viking Wine Cooler might be running too long due to prolonged door openings, a control set too cold, or a condenser that needs cleaning.
F
fparkerAug 19, 2025
Why does moisture collect inside my Viking Wine Cooler?
- T
  Todd GibsonAug 20, 2025
  Moisture can collect inside your Viking Wine Cooler due to too many door openings or prolonged door openings. Hot, humid weather can also increase condensation.
L
lejenniferAug 25, 2025
Why is my Viking VUWC so noisy or vibrating?
- A
  Alejandra BallAug 25, 2025
  If your Viking Wine Cooler is noisy or vibrating, the cabinet might not be level, or the floor could be weak. Ensure the cabinet is on a level and stable surface.
A
Adriana HoganAug 29, 2025
How to fix Viking VUWC Wine Cooler cabinet light not working?
- J
  Jason WalkerAug 29, 2025
  If the cabinet light in your Viking Wine Cooler isn't working, the bulb might be burned out, or there might be no power at the outlet. Check these components.
K
Kristine TaylorSep 3, 2025
How to get rid of odor in Viking VUWC cabinet?
- B
  Brandi WilsonSep 3, 2025
  To eliminate odor in your Viking Wine Cooler cabinet, the interior needs cleaning.

This document provides comprehensive use and installation instructions for the VUWC 24" W. Undercounter/Freestanding Wine Cellar, designed for retaining wine for future reference. It emphasizes safety, proper installation, and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the appliance.

Function Description

The VUWC 24" W. Undercounter/Freestanding Wine Cellar is designed to store wine bottles at controlled temperatures, preserving their quality for everyday drinking, entertaining, or long-term aging. It can be installed as an undercounter unit or as a freestanding appliance. The unit features multiple racks for organized storage, an interior light for visibility, and a temperature control system to maintain specific temperature zones within the cabinet. The refrigeration system includes a compressor, evaporator, condenser, connecting tubing, and dryer/strainer, all working together to provide efficient cooling.

Usage Features

Installation and Setup: Before beginning, users are instructed to read the manual completely and carefully, ensuring all local and national codes and ordinances are observed, and the product is properly grounded. The unit should be located where the front is unobstructed for proper airflow, in a well-ventilated area with ambient temperatures between 55°F (13°C) and 110°F (43°C). Optimal performance for built-in models is achieved between 65°F (18°C) and 80°F (27°C), and for freestanding models between 65°F (18°C) and 90°F (32°C).

The wine cellar requires a 115 volt, 60 Hz, 15 amp fused electrical supply, with a time delay fuse or circuit breaker recommended. It must be properly grounded using a 3-prong grounding plug, and an extension cord should not be used.

Unpacking involves removing banding, lifting the carton, and removing all tape and packaging materials. The leg levelers must be installed by tipping the unit backward and then forward to screw them into the weldnuts, ensuring the unit is level from front to back and side to side.

Temperature Control: The total available temperature range of the unit is from 40-43°F (4.4-6.1°C) to 64-66°F (17.8-18.9°C). A higher number selected on the control corresponds to a cooler temperature within the unit. There is a slight temperature variance within the cabinet: the coolest bottles are in the rear of the four middle shelves, while the top two shelves are 3-7°F warmer, representing the warmest location. Bottles on the front of the middle four shelves are 1-4°F warmer than those in the rear. Users can position white wines in cooler zones and red wines in warmer zones. To start, the control should be turned clockwise to the middle thermostat setting. After loading bottles, allow at least 48 hours for stabilization before making further adjustments. After any temperature adjustment, allow 24 hours for the unit to reach the new setting. The motor will cycle on and off frequently to maintain the set temperature.

Loading Recommendations: The wine cellar is designed to hold 54 bottles. Each of the top six racks holds 8 bottles with necks alternating front to back. The bottom wood cradle holds six bottles. Tall bottles should not be loaded on the bottom rack as they may prevent the door from closing. The bottom rack can be removed to store "jug" wines. Magnum and other large bottles can be stored on the upper right and left positions of the cabinet shelving or on any of the middle racks by removing the rack directly above them (lift slightly and slide out).

White wines should be positioned on the middle or lower racks, and red wines on the upper racks. Bottles on the top rack directly under the light will experience a slightly higher temperature when the light is on, so it's recommended to turn off the light when not needed. Wines for everyday drinking should be placed on the front half of the racks for easy visibility, while wines for aging or longer-term storage should be placed in the rear.

Interior Light: The interior light allows users to view the unit's contents. The light switch has two positions: "OFF" and "ON." In the "OFF" position, the light will only illuminate when the door is opened. In the "ON" position, the light remains on continuously.

Maintenance Features

Final Preparation: Before initial use, any plastic protective wrap on stainless steel parts must be peeled off. The interior of the wine cellar should be washed thoroughly with hot, soapy water, rinsed, and wiped dry to remove film residue and installation dust. Solutions stronger than soap and water are rarely needed.

Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential for the equipment to work better and last longer.

Condenser: The condenser tubing inside the cabinet does not require frequent cleaning. However, adequate ventilation over the coils is crucial. Users should frequently brush or vacuum lint and dirt from the condenser coils (located on the bottom front of the cabinet, accessible by unscrewing the grill) to ensure efficient performance and prevent spiders and insects from nesting, which can damage the unit.
Cabinet: The exterior cabinet can be washed with mild soap and water and thoroughly rinsed with clear water. Abrasive scouring powders should not be used.
Interior: The interior compartment should be washed with mild soap and water. Abrasive powder, solvent, polish cleaner, or undiluted detergent should not be used.
Stainless Steel Parts: All stainless steel parts should be wiped regularly with hot soapy water. For tougher buildup, a liquid cleaner designed for stainless steel can be used. Steel wool, abrasive cloths, cleansers, or powders should not be used. Citrus or tomato juice should be promptly removed as it can permanently discolor stainless steel. If encrusted materials need to be removed, soak with hot, wet cloths to loosen, then use a wood or nylon scraper. Metal knives, spatulas, or other metal tools should not be used to avoid scratching.
Brass Parts: All brass parts are coated with an epoxy coating. Users should NOT use brass or abrasive cleaners on these parts. Regular wiping with hot soapy water is sufficient. For tougher jobs, everyday non-abrasive household cleaners can be used.
Glass Door: The glass door can be cleaned with a glass cleaner or mild soap and water and a soft cloth. Abrasive powders should not be used.
Painted Surfaces: Painted surfaces should be washed with warm soapy water. Steel wool, abrasive cleansers, ammonia, acids, or commercial oven cleaners should NOT be used as they may damage the finish.
Door Gasket: The vinyl gasket can be cleaned with mild soap and water, a baking soda and water solution, or a mild scouring powder.

Light Bulb Replacement: To replace the light tube, first disconnect the wine cellar's power supply. Then, unplug and remove the old light tube assembly. Snap the new light tube assembly in place and plug it in, then reconnect the power supply. It is crucial to disconnect the power cord to avoid electrical shock. Users are advised to contact a Viking Range Corporation parts distributor or dealer to order new light tubes.

Energy Saving Tips: To conserve energy, users should reduce door openings, close the door as soon as possible, keep the coils on the bottom of the wine cellar clean, adjust the temperature control to a warmer setting when practical, and install the unit away from heat sources like stoves.

Troubleshooting: A troubleshooting chart is provided to help diagnose common issues such as odor in the cabinet, noisy operation, non-functioning light, appliance not running, appliance running too long, moisture collection (inside or outside), and interior temperature issues. Solutions range from cleaning the interior, leveling the cabinet, replacing bulbs, checking power connections, adjusting temperature controls, and cleaning the condenser.

Service Information: If service is required after reviewing the troubleshooting chart, users should contact their dealer or an authorized service agency. They will need to provide the model number, serial number, date of purchase, and name of the dealer. If an authorized service agency cannot be found, or for persistent service problems, users can contact Viking Range Corporation directly. The manual emphasizes using only authorized parts for repairs to ensure warranty protection.