detz

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The chest freezer is around $250 while I can get a mini fridge for around $120. Material to build the chamber around the fridge might run another $50 so it's cheaper and I would build it to fit everything correctly so it seems to be the better option but I'm worried I wont be able to lower the temps in the summer with just the little fridge. Thoughts?

ryclo

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have you looked at a used freezer on craigslist?

Bucks-04

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I think you might be underestimating the mini fridge chamber. If you plan on making it bigger you defitnally exceed $50. Plywood, insulation, if you plan to frame it then the cost of 2x4's, caulk, screws, hinges, and a temp controller. I prob missed a few minor things but still it all adds up.

The chest freezer is already big enough so no need to do anything but buy a temp controller around $70 maybe even less. If cost is an issue craigslist for a used chest freezer. That is what I suggest.

It is nice to build your own though.


Also to build you need tools so another thing to add to the list.


Best of luck

Cpt_Kirks

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My chiller is just a box made out of 2" foam board, glued together, and attached to a 4cf mini fridge (that has the door removed).

I made the box big enough for three better bottles. It works GREAT, I have 13 gallons of light Hefe fermenting in it now.

Craig's List is a good source for cheap fridges, and now that colleges are out, now is the time to find them.