Display Counter Refrigerator?

[Blauwkonein]

Hi all,

Like many here, I experience some problems in keeping my fermentation temperature low enough in summer. I brew in a basement, but with current outside temperatures of close to 30C (86F), the basement temperature is just under 20C (68F). Temperatures will rise up to 40C (104F), so I am pretty sure that my basement temperature will rise along and spoil my fermentation.

I happen to live in Georgia (the Republic, not the state), where freezers are quite widely available for a low price. However, as I am looking to keep many buckets cool at the same time, I need something big. I came across a couple of display counter refrigerators, such as the one on the picture.

What is your opinion on getting one of these? pros/cons compared to a regular chest freezer? Myself I thought that the open front will prevent any condensation being formed, and it seems to be able to hold more buckets/carboys than a chest freezer.

 

[govner1]

What is the temp range?
I'd be concerned about light exposure as well.

 

[Blauwkonein]

Light exposure is a good point, although I would set this thing up in a basement. Additionally, I could cover the glass partly or completely with something that blocks light. But definitely a point worth considering and a con compared to a chest freezer.

As for the temperature range, I actually have no idea about the minimum and maximum temperatures of these things. But I was thinking to set it up with a STC-1000 temperature controller, so that it would only switch on when it is about to become warmer than 68F for instance. This would mean it is switched on for short periods, which also keeps the energy costs low. Am I right in this?

 

[flars]

Is the display unit for fresh vegetables and meats? The unit should be capable of holding 40°F and lower to prevent spoilage.

 

[Blauwkonein]

Is the display unit for fresh vegetables and meats? The unit should be capable of holding 40°F and lower to prevent spoilage.

Yeah that is what I thought. So in terms of temperature range, these things should be fine!

 

[Stillraining]

I bet you could run two or three 25CF chest freezers for the same cost as running that power hog.



7 ft3: $210 + $25/year in electricity. Assuming 10-year life, that’s $3.83/month. For a 20-year life, that’s $2.96/month.

15 ft3: $410 + ~$38/year in electricity. 10-year life: $6.58/month. 20-year life: $4.88/month.

25 ft3: $710 + ~$52/year in electricity. 10-year life: $10.25/month. 20-year life: $7.29/month.

Above costs are based on buying brand new and using High Energy Star rated units and National average power cost of 12.50 Per kWh. ( and full freezer)

 

[Blauwkonein]

I bet you could run two or three 25CF chest freezers for the same cost as running that power hog.



7 ft3: $210 + $25/year in electricity. Assuming 10-year life, that’s $3.83/month. For a 20-year life, that’s $2.96/month.

15 ft3: $410 + ~$38/year in electricity. 10-year life: $6.58/month. 20-year life: $4.88/month.

25 ft3: $710 + ~$52/year in electricity. 10-year life: $10.25/month. 20-year life: $7.29/month.

Above costs based on are buying brand new and using High Energy Star rated units.

Good point, although electricity prices in Georgia are not what they are in the USA. Moreover, if I can store twice as much carboys in this thing compared to a chest freezer, it would be worth the double electricity costs. Are your calculations based on the refrigerator running full-time? Because I thought with a temperature controller, it would not run constantly right? Or am I wrong here?

 

[Stillraining]

No, it would not be running all the time.....my post was for normal operating costs with the freezers own thermostat keeping the unit at 0 degrees F.... Yes it would be less with required beer temps and a separate controller.

All im saying is those units are horrible on efficiency...walk through your open cooler section of your grocery store...its a great place to hang out when its 100 degrees out outside.. I'm personally not into cooling my whole house with my fermentation chamber. YMMV

But I'm sure you would not be the first person to use one of these for exactly that so go for it. Its just my 2 cent opinion.

Im pretty sure these units have a air scavenger/re-circulation system that pretty much needs to run 24/7 in order to keep temps uniform at what ever temp its set to. due to their open design nature. And if you try to operate it above its own designed temp range like we do with chest freezers then that may hamper its function altogether.

 

[Blauwkonein]

Good point in the last alinea, I would have to check this out. If that is true, I'd go for chest freezers for sure. The electricity part is of course relevant as well; the fact tbat I can pay for the electricity does not mean I should waste loads of it