DIY Fermentation/Lagering Cabinet planning

[MrRanger95]

I am fairly new to homebrewing but now have a few ales under my belt and want to start improving the process as well as get into lagers.

I have a plan to build a a small cabinet that is just large enough to hold one brew bucket and in the future a 6.5gal carboy with airlock. I would like this box to get do to around 35f if possible. I will use styrofoam/foam board insulation to insulate the box, What r-value do you suggest. Second I like to take the guts of a mini fridge and control the compressor directly from a Love temperature controller, somehow I will have to remove or override the existing temperature controller.

I would like any feedback from any one who has any experience in a project of this type and know if it is or isn't possible.

 

[vinper]

All the info is here you just have to read . I am a newbee but they helped me do this https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/icebox-315476/ . I used 2 layers 3/4" insulation. if you want 35 degree the fridge controller does that.

 

[carlisle_bob]

Hi

The compressor and "stuff" from a 1 cubic foot fridge will have a hard time with a 5 cubic foot box regardless of the insulation thickness. A lot depends on what you start with and just how big this box is going to be.

Bob

 

[MrRanger95]

Bob thanks for the info this is why I started this thread. I want to make sure I have everything in place to make this a successful project. I am going for a minimalist box here. I want it to be only as big as it absolutely has to be. I am not sure of how tall a 6.5gal carboy with airlock is but i was leaning to a space with a 14"x14" base and 28"-30" height. This should be between 3-4 cubic feet. I am planning to use the compressor from one of those taller fridges that has around the same cubic space on the inside. I had seen them on craigslist for around $60. Most of them have the cubic feet i am looking for but he hump in the back prevents me from just using it by itself.

 

[carlisle_bob]

Hi

Around here small chest freezers show up for the same sort of price. They are ideal for what you want to do. Nothing to build / tear apart / mess with. You will need a temperature controller for either one, so that's a wash.

Bob