Mini-Fridge Advice (Experts PLEASE respond!)

[amarsolek]

So I am in the middle of investigating mini-fridge and kegerator conversions. I'm set on wanting to do this, but the problem that I'm running into is that the two VERY typical ones I'm seeing that people use, the Kenmore or Sanyo 4.9 Cu Ft mini-fridges, are not sold anywhere. I have looked on EVERY website for a store who will sell a mini fridge that fits the size that I need, and what I am running into is that they're either between 3-4 cu ft for 200 bucks, or above the 4.9 and are like a grand. WAY out of my range. So I'm looking for advice. I have looked all over amazon, ebay, and craigs list and have had no luck. I'm coming down to the idea that I might do a mini-chest freezer conversion...but would really really rather not.

Can you direct me any places, forums that have them for sale, any stores you know in the area that actually do carry them, anything. My wish was to have this operational by Christmas, but as the days pass my dream is starting to dwindle.

Any advice is much appreciated.

THANKS!

 

[jmo88]

I bought the Frigidaire 4.4 from Lowes for $179. It was really easy to do and a lot of fun. I love my kegerator. Here is a thread about the build.

 

[beninan]

I know Home Depo/Lowes/Best Buy/Sears around here sell basic, white, freezer-top refrigerators for around $350-$500 if a full size refrigerator is maybe something you are looking for. I've found that suitable mini-fridges were hard to find for me. Every store that sold them were either 1 inch too small for 2 kegs or they had a freezer shelf inside that made the refrigerator useless for even 1 keg.

 

[amarsolek]

Thanks JMO88, I might have to try that out actually! How is having that freezer portion been treating you? Any issues?


Also, idealy I would like to have it hold 2 kegs. But I'll take comments on both!

 

[BurntOrngeLonghorn84]

the Kenmore or Sanyo 4.9 Cu Ft mini-fridges, are not sold anywhere.

I'm not sure why you need an expert, but look at walmart for the sanyo 4.9 fridge.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sanyo-5-Cu-Ft-Counter-High-All-Refrigerator-with-Platinum-Door/10779331

 

[jmo88]

Thanks JMO88, I might have to try that out actually! How is having that freezer portion been treating you? Any issues?


Also, idealy I would like to have it hold 2 kegs. But I'll take comments on both!

It holds two kegs and a co2 tank. I didn't even need to modify the door. You need ball locks though. The freezer is just a plastic shelf. It slides right out. The coolant lines are right above the ceiling of the fridge.

 

[floyd242]

I bought the one this guy used for ~$100 a walmart on sale a couple months ago. Right now i'm using it as a fermentation chamber until I find a cheap chest freezer, then I'm going to convert it.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Kegerator-GE-WMR04GAVBB-45-cu-ft-compact-fridg/

 

[beninan]

Wait..."Experts PLEASE respond!"?

this is an internet forum. ONLY experts post in internet forums. There are NO non-experts allowed in any internet forum.

 

[MaximAvs]

Also see this one here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00158QNBG/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1289882647&sr=8-1

 

[Skarekrough]

You're probably about a few weeks away from getting a good mini-fridge on the cheap.

When the college semesters end, especially in the middle of the year like the one coming up, students typically unload the ones they have for cheap because they need them gone.

I see this every year around Boston on CraigsList; students need them out of the dorms and will unload them dirt cheap for anyone willing to come and take it.

A few weeks ago I saw chest freezers being moved by folks doing cleaning and prepping for the Winter. I scored one from a woman that was upgrading to a larger model in preparation for her garden harvest.

Just keep an eye out and be prepared to jump when one becomes available. Keep in mind that you're likely in competition with a dozen other people for it so act like you're serious about getting it asap, be prepared to pay the asking price and be ready to go.

 

[Eric_Leifermann]

Try this fridge, I just turned it into a kegerator.

http://www.buy.com/prod/avanti-5-0-cu-ft-compact-refrigerators/q/loc/66357/216745862.html

I got it for 165 plus free shipping, they constantly fluctuate the price of the fridge and the free shipping deal. So be patient and you should get it for around that.

Right now its $172 with $42 shipping