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Mini-Fridge Ferm chamber: To bend break or build

Discussion in 'Fermenters' started by RockfordWhite, May 10, 2014.

 

  1. #1
    RockfordWhite

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 10, 2014
    So, I recently bought a mini-fridge from wally world online that I thought would have a removable freezer... it does not... but I like the fridge in general and would like to keep it and mod it myself to be a ferm chamber...

    So my options are
    a) bend the freezer back - would still be a tight fit with carboys, but would work, also risk of bricking the whole thing
    b) cut off the door molding - might not fit some bigger fermenters need to examine more
    c) build a collar - most work, not the most handy guy, but i think i could pull it off

    What are your thoughts?
     
  2. #2
    mxchap

    Member  

    Posted May 10, 2014
    Is the "freezer" a plastic tray with the cooling plate right below it?

    If so, I just removed the tray and bent the plate down to be parallel with the back vertical wall. Worked fine for me.

    I also had to cut off the plastic in the inner side of the door to fit a 6.5 gallon carboy
     
  3. #3
    RockfordWhite

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 10, 2014
    It has a coolant line going into it which is what really worries me... I don't want to screw up and pinch it and totally screw up the fridge
     
  4. #4
    kh54s10

    Supporting Member  

    Posted May 10, 2014
    I built my chamber from plywood, 2x4's, insulation foam and a Johnson controller. I took the door off and built it into one side of the chamber.
    [​IMG]
     
  5. #5
    Yellowirenut

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 10, 2014
    use both hands with firm and gentle pressure over a good length of the line. It will bend into place. If you just grab it and shove it then its more likely to kink.
     
  6. #6
    RockfordWhite

    Well-Known Member

    Posted May 10, 2014
    After assessing the situation, i really think the collar is the best bet... even if i removed the door, it would not be wide enough to fit wider ferm buckets, the bending, while seemingly easy, is a high risk situation, I think I can extend the door with 2x4s relatively easily, and the extra room should not keep it from being able to reach lagering temperatures
     
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