Modify mini fridgerator?

[MikeinCT]

I have seen posts where folks have modified mini freezers to make them a little taller for use as kegerators. I wonder if anyone has modified a mini fridge to make it a little wider. I have one of the larger mini refridgerators that I would like to add a few inches in width to. Any ideas??

thanks, MIke

 

[stratslinger]

Width, or depth? Not sure how you'd handle width, but I've definitely seen a case or two where people made collars similar to what people put on freezers in order to buy a few inches of extra depth.

Or, you could do something like I'm doing and basically build a big old box with the little fridge stuck to the side, so the fridge cools the whole box...

Side Note - I just noticed you're from Watertown. I'm not far north of you!

 

[drocu]

When you say width, I think you mean depth unless I'm really mistaken. Adding width would be pretty hard since you'd have to cut off a side of the mini-fridge.

If you mean depth, I've found that if you cut off the shelves on the door of most mini-fridges, you can fit kegs in there. I was able to fit two ball lock kegs into mine after doing this so it's a simple modification and works on mini-fridges with the hump in the back for the compressor. It'll also fit a bucket or 6 gallon carboy for fermentation. I didn't want to bother making a collar or anything like that.

 

[MikeinCT]

I think I want to add a collar that will extend the depth of the fridge. I guess my main concern is will the compressor have the guts to cool the enlarged box. I would make it maybe 40% biger.

Vy good on your project. Let me know how it works when you are done.

You know its funny how many folks homebrew around you and you meet them online.

Mike

 

[MikeinCT]

I was looking at the inside of the door and you are right that the door shelves take up a few inches. So I wonder did you cut them off or did you just remove the interior door panel. The shelves look like they are integral to this panel and the whole thing may come off with some screw driver work.

I guess I could just try i but I wonder what you may think.

thanks, Mike

 

[sketerbuck]

I added six inches to my mini fridge about a year ago and it still works great.

 

[drocu]

I was looking at the inside of the door and you are right that the door shelves take up a few inches. So I wonder did you cut them off or did you just remove the interior door panel. The shelves look like they are integral to this panel and the whole thing may come off with some screw driver work.

I guess I could just try i but I wonder what you may think.

thanks, Mike

Trust me, the shelves are nothing more than plastic. You can either remove the entire panel and cut off the shelving leaving nothing more than the very edge to reattach. Or you can just leave it on and cut it off but it'll be sloppier. Just use a utility knife to cut through the plastic.

Also, it's important to leave the very edge so you can reattach the seal using screws. Some people line the door with insulation or shower board but I just left mine alone.

 

[stratslinger]

Mike, you definitely shouldn't have any problem cooling that much extra space - I've seen threads where guys did builds like mine and were able to get lager temps in there. You shouldn't have a ton of trouble doing the same, especially if you can figure out a way to get some extra insulation around the new space.

 

[MikeinCT]

Startslinger:

I just clicked your link to look at your project. Nice job with the construction. You have given it some thought and are good with tools.

So my question is - What temperatures can you hold? What kind of duty cycle does the compressor run at?

thanks for the great post, Mike

 

[G_Brew]

i built my kegerator with a minifridge, i removed the plastic planel in the door - i suggest removing it as opposed to cutting it up since you can always put it back on if you want to make a fridge again... all you need to do is use something else to hold the seal up after..

 

[stratslinger]

Mike, that thread will be updated with that info once I get done! Right now, I still need to get a door on the thing, and probably a plastic liner inside, before I go turning anything on and testing!

 

[VanHorneDog]

this is what i did, you can see i put a collar around the front and remounted the door with the shelves still on it. that way i can have hops n stuff in there.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m58/VanHorneDog/Bah.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m58/VanHorneDog/bah2.jpg

 

[MikeinCT]

Two questions:

What is the width of the collar you added. Looks like a good size.

I assume the new collar is not made of metal. What keeps the door closed? Did you add an new latch?

Mike

 

[abugg]

This is what I did to extend the depth.
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ge-mini-fridge-conversion-gone-wrong-253003/

 

[VanHorneDog]

Two questions:

What is the width of the collar you added. Looks like a good size.

I assume the new collar is not made of metal. What keeps the door closed? Did you add an new latch?

Mike

i bought a 10x1 white board (had them cut it) at home depot plus insulation. I then used window weather stripping and velcro (although you could use a latch but velcro was cheaper) to hold the door shut. I simply removed the brackets that hung the door from the fridge and moved them to my collar.

it fits 2 ball lock cornies and their c02 with about a cm to spare! haha.

 

[VanHorneDog]

oh also, my fridge was a bit narrower than most and i overlapped the insulation so there was less room to have the kegs sit side-by-side