Turn-key refrigerator/fermentation chamber for under $225?

[nasmeyer]

Does anyone know of a wine refrigerator or min-fridge sold in the USA that will keep a set temp in the mid sixties WITHOUT needing to be modified with thermostats, controllers or anything else? I am looking for what could be called a "turn-key" 60-68* fermentation chamber for $225 or less.

I am using this in a basement with a tight turn at the bottom of the stairs so a full size fridge will not fit.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

Does anyone know of a wine refrigerator or min-fridge sold in the USA that will keep a set temp in the mid sixties WITHOUT needing to be modified with thermostats, controllers or anything else? I am looking for what could be called a "turn-key" 60-68* fermentation chamber for $225 or less.

I am using this in a basement with a tight turn at the bottom of the stairs so a full size fridge will not fit.

pick up a mini fridge off of craigslist for under 100 easy ... add a controller and still way under your price I bet.

 

[storunner13]

I did a quick check, and I don't think so. Danby makes some classy wine coolers that can stay between 42 and 57 or 42 and 64, but not up to 68...and they're really really expensive. With a cheap and easy controller mod, you could keep things under 225, even though that's not what you were looking for, it's probably your best bet.

 

[nasmeyer]

I did a quick check, and I don't think so. Danby makes some classy wine coolers that can stay between 42 and 57 or 42 and 64, but not up to 68...and they're really really expensive. With a cheap and easy controller mod, you could keep things under 225, even though that's not what you were looking for, it's probably your best bet.

How easy is a controler modification to install? What does one cost? What brand/type is the typical controller that is used for this modification? Are any mini-fridges able to be modified to run with a controller or does the mini need to be a certain brand, type, or size?

 

[doctorRobert]

Are mini fridges even big enough?

 

[jeffmeh]

How easy is a controler modification to install? What does one cost? What brand/type is the typical controller that is used for this modification? Are any mini-fridges able to be modified to run with a controller or does the mini need to be a certain brand, type, or size?

You can buy a "plug-n-play" type controller. Just plug the fridge into the controller, the controller into the wall outlet, and put the temperature probe into the fridge.

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/refrigerator-thermostat-control-analog.html

Any refrigerator (unless it draws some ridiculously high amperage) will work with the temperature controller, but you should find one that will accommodate the size of your fermenter. Also, some of them having their cooling coils in the horizontal shelves. It is best to avoid that, or you will have to try to bend the shelves out of the way, and run the risk of trashing the unit.

 

[UnderThePorchBrewing]

also when you measure make sure to take into account the compressor in the bottom back it is usually about 5-6 inches high and you need to modify a shelf so you reduce your working interior height

 

[eddie]

You can buy a "plug-n-play" type controller. Just plug the fridge into the controller, the controller into the wall outlet, and put the temperature probe into the fridge.

http://www.midwestsupplies.com/refrigerator-thermostat-control-analog.html

Any refrigerator (unless it draws some ridiculously high amperage) will work with the temperature controller, but you should find one that will accommodate the size of your fermenter. Also, some of them having their cooling coils in the horizontal shelves. It is best to avoid that, or you will have to try to bend the shelves out of the way, and run the risk of trashing the unit.

That's the controller I use. It's simple to use, simple to install, accurate and requires no modifications to the freezer or wiring to use.

 

[OHIOSTEVE]

I saw a mini fridge setting out at a yard sale this morning...looked plenty big enough for a carboy.

 

[Bobby_M]

When you're shopping for a mini fridge, skip the ones that have the freezer shelf made of the cooling plate itself. Bring a carboy when buying to make sure it can fit.

 

[ChshreCat]

When you're shopping for a mini fridge, skip the ones that have the freezer shelf made of the cooling plate itself. Bring a carboy when buying to make sure it can fit.

With an airlock on it. I've seen some that cut it close. The carboy would fit, but the you'd be surprised when you stick an airlock on.

 

[Bubba_Mustafa]

I have a Haier wine fridge. Its a peltier junction system. The fans burnt out, replaced them, now the controller died. In the process of making my own controller (will be hard coded for temp) But its staying a wine cooler.

The mini fridges I've been looking at for fermenting, all see to have the same prob. the back 1/2 of the floor has a large bump/shelf. This is where the compressor is, and looks like it will keep a carboy from fitting in.


(But I'm glad I never threw out the fridge that came with this house. The freezer was junk, but the fridge part worked fine. Now to clear out a spot in the garage. ugh!)

 

[deflagratio]

I've seen a couple of people on her use a dorm fridge and build a foam insulation board extension off of it. Now that I think about it I may have to do that as my wife and I don't use our old dorm fridge.