Cold box powered by a 1.7 cu' fridge?

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

I've searched the topic, but all I found were topics about lower temps.

I want to build a cold box for my bar, and already have a 1.7 cubic feet dorm fridge with an ice cube compartment. I only want a temp of 55F for my ales, and am wondering if this little fridge can power it. I would be using 2" foam insulation all round (Unless you can suggest something better)

If this is possible, I can build the dimensions to suit the optimum capacity. I will want to store cornies in the cold box, which will feed through the bar top.

So, my question is really, what would be the maximum size cold box I could build with this fridge, and what would be the max amount of cornies I could accommodate?

 

[OntarioBeerKegs]

I do not see any reason why you could not overexert the capacity it was meant for, at least with the raised setting you would lighten the workload somewhat. I did something similar with a water cooler that I submerged the coil meant for 1 liter into a cooler meant for 8 liters to keep the cold plate chilled. I did however implement a timer so it would not run continuously to help extend the life of the compressor.

 

[Laughing_Gnome_Invisible]

Thanks. I've just been testing the fridge. Running as it should be, with the door on it gets down to 28F At the max setting. 40F at medium. As the cold box will only be opened when switching kegs, I'm a bit more confident that this little buggar should be all right as long as I seal everything well. I mean, when it gets it down to 50F, I don't see that it will be working to hard to maintain that (I hope)

Maybe I'm just getting nervous as this will not be just my first bar set up, it will also be my switch to kegging for the first time. I would like to only do it once if possible!

 

[storunner13]

Perfect! I was just about to post a new thread about the same thing. I'm curious how you did it. About how big was the "box" you made up? I was thinking either 3 or 4 kegs with the little 1.7 cubic foot fridge in a box made of polystyrene and being super cheap (and having some fun being super DIY) making supports out of used pallet wood (kinda ghetto/sandlot-esque), and completing it with a hinged door and PVC tower. Do you have any tips for me...maybe specifically about gutting the fridge (I'm a little nervous...even though it was free)? Is your opening on top or on the side? I figured the same thing as you, I won't be opening the door that often... Also, the fridge will run better when it's full of beer!