I was walking my dog yesterday and noticed an immaculate wine cooler sitting next to the recycle bin on an abandoned table. Upon further inspection I noticed that it appeared in good shape and was a Cusinart CWC-1200 model. First thing that came to my mind was "score!! beer cellar", so I picked it up and carried it back home. After an hour + of arguing its importance with SWMBO I dismantled it and cleaned everything internally and externally. I plugged in the unit and it fired right up and all lights and displays work. I left it on the counter to see how cold it would get to ensure it was "working". After a few beers, I went to go check on my new score and realized that it hadn't dropped a single degree. Discouraged, but not giving up, I did some research and found out that if all the fans are working (which they are) and this specific two wires have +12v DC then the Peltier Cooler is bad. Apparently it is a mission to get to the cooler since it is sandwiched in between two heat sinks, but it can be done. I was wondering if anyone has any kind of hook ups on Peltier coolers other than typical Amazon and eBay. The problem with eBay is 90% of the cheap ones <$7 are in Hong Kong, and we no that isn't going to happen with all that is going on there, and the others are in China will take FOREVER to get here. I have a found a few on Amazon, but they are in lots of 3 or more and over $15. If by random chance someone has done this type of repair please chime in, as I'd love to hear your input.
Not home brew releated but worth a try
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MrMeans
Well-Known Member
have you tried specific refrigerator or appliance repair websites. I think f you are looking for a specific part of a high quality that might be your best bet. In my experience getting repair parts from ebay is usually no bueno and amazon can be hit or miss. You may pay a few extra dollars on the repair websites but its a part that you know will be of a higher quality and not something you will have to worry about fixing again in six months.
I have tried looking and am currently looking as well. It seems this isn't a "serviceable" part... well at least one posting I found randomly said. Take a look for yourself. Cusinart CWC-1200.... all I find is replaceable racks.
nakeddog
Well-Known Member
I would go with the ones from Hong Kong. Hong Kong is not in Japan, it's part of mainland Asia and is on the opposite side of where all the catastrophes occurred so business should be going on as usual there.
I am going to bring the heat sinks to work tomorrow and separate them to make sure exactly what I need to order. I found one that ships from WA for $4.89
Worst case scenario it does not get cold...You have a few bucks invested in it and I bet it would be fairly easy to convert it into an enclosed stir plate. A few fan filters and you would have a nice sanitary spot to have your starter growing, it may even be possible to use existing button controls to control fans and bar speeds.
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This would be kinda cool, but the fans are all mounted horizontally in the back of you unit. I'm actually hoping to get this fixed as I think it is a pretty classy unit and looks good sitting next to my stainless kegerator in the "man's room".
I use a thermoelectric wine fridge like that (except larger - maybe 18 or 20 bottle) for a cigar humidor. It's air-tight and looks sweet, and it does cool in the warmer months to help keep the temps down.
But, I probably only use the cooling part for a month or two each year. Most of the time it's unplugged.
But, I probably only use the cooling part for a month or two each year. Most of the time it's unplugged.
torbanac
Well-Known Member
Thanks but nothing related via search results
Got it fixed!! Install took about 45 mins, do to me being OCD and cleaning everything again and reapplying fresh thermal compound. Fired right up and took about 12 hours to cook to 49'f with ambient room temp being around 71'f.
Here is some pics:
Here is my mini cellar going so far:
6-pack of 2011 Bigfoot (from launch day to age 1 year)
St. Arnold Divine 10 (have to drink in November at it's 1 year mark)
2 bottles of Sam Adam's Triple Bock Vintage 1995
Ninkasi Oatis (can't get it here and its my last bottle)
Ninkasi Radiant (bottle conditioned and last bottle)
Deschutes The Abyss 2010 (rare release)
Here is some pics:
Here is my mini cellar going so far:
6-pack of 2011 Bigfoot (from launch day to age 1 year)
St. Arnold Divine 10 (have to drink in November at it's 1 year mark)
2 bottles of Sam Adam's Triple Bock Vintage 1995
Ninkasi Oatis (can't get it here and its my last bottle)
Ninkasi Radiant (bottle conditioned and last bottle)
Deschutes The Abyss 2010 (rare release)
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