Fridge/freezer fermenter?

[Brewnation]

I'm planning to pick up refrigerator off craigslist. I want to cut out the wall between the freezer and fridge so it's one big open fermentire chamber and plug it into a temp controller. My question is will this be a problem since it will be running the freezer too. I don't see why it would be but I wanted to be sure

 

[kev211]

I would check to make sure there are no freon lines running in the wall. You cut one of those then you just have a big insulated box. It also seems to me that the center wall would play a bit into the structural integrity of the fridge. Im not a fridge structural engineer but if it were my fridge I would avoid cutting it in general.

 

[gromitdj]

Its been done quite a bit. Most modern residential units use a single compressor to run both compartments with only an air damper to regulate the refrigerator side.

This one and This one are a couple of good examples.

 

[Brewnation]

Ended up finding a fridge with no freezer on craigslist for $50. Plugged into ranco tsat and working beautifully. Going to add 2x4s to the front like they do keezers and reattach the doors. Then I will be able to house 8 carboys.

 

[ITV]

If you shave the door (remove the shelves) you should gain 4" of depth. By adding a wooded collar to the front may cause the door not to seal properly since the gasket is magnetic and requires a metal surface to seal properly.

 

[JONNYROTTEN]

Do you really need room for 8 carboys in a fermentor? Looks like you have room for 4 as it sits,seems like a waste to tinker with it.Four going at once is a lot and should be more than sufficient.

 

[Brewnation]

I will need room for more than 4. I will be adding new hinges and a latch that will hold it tight. Will be no problem and sealed tight