I just scored a sweet 1940's fridge for free. What controller do you guys recommend?

McDingleberry · 03-31-2011, 09:44 PM

My mom is cleaning out her basement and offered me a 1940's refrigerator for free as long as I hauled it out. It is now in my kitchen. Here are some pictures.

It definitely needs a good cleaning. It works great (it will actually freeze water bottles if you turn it down too far) and it holds two carboys. I really want to try my hands at lagering, so I need a temp controller.

I have seen some threads where people modified thermostats and stuff, but being that I don't have wire, or a soldering iron I'm not sure if that would be cost effective for me. Is there anything out there you guys prefer to use?

**Brooklyn-Brewtality** · 03-31-2011, 09:54 PM

Nice. If it were me I'd find another way to lager cause those old fridges make the sexiest kegerators.

You can just get a temp controller. Most HBS have them

McDingleberry · 03-31-2011, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brooklyn-Brewtality

Nice. If it were me I'd find another way to lager cause those old fridges make the sexiest kegerators.

You can just get a temp controller. Most HBS have them

Well, I'm pretty new to brewing. I don't plan on kegging for a while, so It will be used for lagering for now.

As for the controller there are quite a few out there, and I was just wondering if there was a certain model that a lot of people use. Also the analog ones are cheaper than digital. Are they less accurate?

**Brooklyn-Brewtality** · 03-31-2011, 10:14 PM

They are less accurate in the sense that setting a knob to the mark somewhere near 65 degrees is less precise than inputting the temperature digitally. I recommend this pre-wired unit if you don't have the inclination to wire your own Love controller http://morebeer.com/view_product/16666/102282/Ranco_Digital_Temperature_Controller_-_Wired

**Wayne1** · 03-31-2011, 10:17 PM

Nice score!

Work your way through this thread ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build

It will show you how to use a $30.00 temp controller from China to control both refrigeration and heat.

If you do not feel up to some DIY, RebelBrewer offers the same thing assembled.

Digital-Dual-Function-Refrigerator-Thermostatl

cheffriz · 04-01-2011, 12:05 AM

I use something similar to this

http://www.amazon.com/Refrigerator-Freezer-Thermostat-Temperature-Controller/dp/B000EXROSE/ref=wl_it_dp_o?ie=UTF8&coliid=I219NVQP6B7QPJ&colid=2P93DMHX32ADQ

**wilserbrewer** · 04-01-2011, 12:11 AM

Nice fridge...maybe your fridge and mine could like "hook up"...if like he's not spoken for...

McDingleberry · 04-01-2011, 12:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilserbrewer

Nice fridge...maybe your fridge and mine could like "hook up"...if like he's not spoken for...

Haha. That's a damn nice fridge. My friend helped me move mine today, and told me that I should take it to a body shop, and have them paint it that old sea-foam green color. Now I'm actually considering it.

**wilserbrewer** · 04-01-2011, 01:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McDingleberry

Haha. That's a damn nice fridge. My friend helped me move mine today, and told me that I should take it to a body shop, and have them paint it that old sea-foam green color. Now I'm actually considering it.

I'm sure the body shop could do a helluva job...I simply bought a quart of rustolium enamel and painted two coats w/ a foam brush...cheap easy and looks pretty good.

I like the ranco controllers btw, about 50 bucks and an old extension cord if you can wire it yourself.

McDingleberry · 04-01-2011, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wilserbrewer

I'm sure the body shop could do a helluva job...I simply bought a quart of rustolium enamel and painted two coats w/ a foam brush...cheap easy and looks pretty good.

I like the ranco controllers btw, about 50 bucks and an old extension cord if you can wire it yourself.

I think I am going to look into the Ranco controller. All of the ones that are wired look to be $80-$100 and I'm sure I can handle a few wire nuts and electrical tape.