Conical to tall for my fridge......customizable??

[Turfgrass]

So, I came across an extra refrigerator and I wanted to use it as a fermentation chamber. Turns out that my Spike conical is to tall for the refrigerator. It will work fine for carboys, but I really want to be able to do both. This unit is a fridge/freezer upright with the freezer up top.

I know that most use an upright freezer, but this was free and I am wondering if this type unit can be customized to fit my needs. Can the freezer be disconnected to prevent operation? If so this would allow me to cut open the dividing wall between the fridge and freezer and create height for the conical. The fridge would then work as normal. Attached is a Kenmore. What do you suggest? Thank you.

 

[day_trippr]

One cannot disconnect the freezer as that is the only source of "cold" in the unit.
But...folks have cut out the freezer floor/fridge ceiling successfully and used the entire unit as one cooled chamber.
Obviously that requires relocating any controls in the way (like, your thermostat)...

CHeers!

 

[Turfgrass]

Pleased to hear that this is still possible and I’ll have to check the diy section for setups like mine.

What should I expect with a “cooled” combo like mine? Will ice still form? Guessing that it wouldn’t bc the total area is now larger then intended for the freezer. I’m sure turning the dials all the way left (cold) will help prevent a freeze.

The fridge thermostat looks like it can be easily relocated and fixed with some tap screws.

Maybe I could eventually add a light fixture for the hot side of this ferment chamber. Thanks to you!

 

[Turfgrass]

I finally removed the freezer bottom and attached the controls on the left side of fridge. Tested and working fine. Providing a source of heat is the next task. Thinking of adding a weather proof duplex electric box on the inside wall some place for plugging in heat wraps around the conical and carboys. The opposite end of the electrical box would plug into a inkbird to control heat and the fridge for cool. Any suggestions?