New standing freezer, what to do?

[patrad]

Just moved into a new house and it came with a standing freezer. Mfg: United. I have no plans to freeze mass quantities of anything so I'd like to convert it to a beer fridge / possible lagering fridge. The challenge is that it in a storage area that will hit outdoor Midwest temperatures in the Winter (Chicago). I assume I need a warming unit (lightbulbs?) in addition to a temp controller. Also I've read in many applicance site forums that converting a freezer to fridge will burn out a compressor quickly (truth?)

Thoughts/ideas/links to similar projects appreciated, thanks!

 

[barhoc11]

Just moved into a new house and it came with a standing freezer. Mfg: United. I have no plans to freeze mass quantities of anything so I'd like to convert it to a beer fridge / possible lagering fridge. The challenge is that it in a storage area that will hit outdoor Midwest temperatures in the Winter (Chicago). I assume I need a warming unit (lightbulbs?) in addition to a temp controller. Also I've read in many applicance site forums that converting a freezer to fridge will burn out a compressor quickly (truth?)

Thoughts/ideas/links to similar projects appreciated, thanks!

If you are going to need to heat this in the winter I would start out with a light bulb that does not produce UV and see how it works in conjunction with a temperature controller. If that doesn't keep the freezer warm enough, I would step it up and get a reptile heat lamp.

I assume you know about the aquarium dual stage temperature controller? I have ordered the unit on ebay and I am just waiting to put it together. Cheapest temp controller you can buy and works great from what I hear.

 

[patrad]

Thanks, This one? Hoping there is a cheaper one

 

[DrewBrewTheGreat]

look through these and make sure dual stage--but I believe these are the latest find: aquarium temperature controller | eBay

 

[barhoc11]

Thanks, This one? Hoping there is a cheaper one

Here is a link to the one I ordered...Mini Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat Aquarium | eBay

And here is a link to how to put it together, I am no electrician but reading over the post a few times, it seems pretty simple. Dual-Stage Temp Controller for Under $50! - Mr.Beer® Forum

 

[patrad]

Perfect, thanks!

 

[timdsmith72]

And here is a link to how to put it together, I am no electrician but reading over the post a few times, it seems pretty simple. Dual-Stage Temp Controller for Under $50! - Mr.Beer® Forum

I followed these instructions this weekend. Couldn't be easier. Hardest part was making the cutouts for the receptacle and the controller without the proper tools. hehe. A drill bit and a box cutter did the trick though.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

make sure the shelves in the freezer are removable.. Most are part of the cooling system nowadays and cannot be taken out to set a carboy or keg in.

 

[Yooper]

make sure the shelves in the freezer are removable.. Most are part of the cooling system nowadays and cannot be taken out to set a carboy or keg in.

That's the first thing that occurred to me! Before you order anything, make sure the coils aren't in the shelves (mine are). In mine, I can't remove the shelves. That means I can't fit a carboy or keg in there, so it doesn't work for a kegerator or fermentation chamber.

 

[mccumath]

For your question about the heater...

Works fantastic in my kegerator that is in my garage.

And I can also attest to the Ebay Temp controller. It is controlling my kegerator compressor and the can heater in the link. Working great so far, no complaints!

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

For your question about the heater...

Works fantastic in my kegerator that is in my garage.

And I can also attest to the Ebay Temp controller. It is controlling my kegerator compressor and the can heater in the link. Working great so far, no complaints!

excellent link on the can heater thank you....I have an AC computer fan that I may build one of these and add a fan to it....hmmmmmm.