What kind of upright freezer to get for fermentation?

[SlyBrewer]

So I'm headed down the road of getting a fermentation closet (a.k.a. upright freezer). I've already got the dual-stage temperature controller and the fermawrap-esque unit to provide the heat inside.

Now I'm looking for a good deal to show up on an upright freezer on craigslist, etc. and am wondering if all those units I see that have the coolant tubes on each shelf are usable or not? I'm guessing "no" but would love to hear others' input. I have a 15 gallon plastic conical that will take up most of the space in any of these fridges so all the shelves will have to be removed.

 

[Brew-boy]

Be careful with an upright freezer the shelves are the cooling racks in some freezers. You can do it with a fridge or chest freezer. I use both to do ales or lagers all year long no matter if it is 100f out side or 0f outside with a two stage controller and a fermwrap.

 

[samc]

I recall reading that someone had success bending the shelves back, but I am guessing that is the exception. I'd think that you are more than likely going to bust the line and hear the dreaded "hiss" of freon.

 

[slinn]

If you use an upright freezer, it has to be a self defrost model.

 

[wildwest450]

Of all the different types of freezer/fridge options, upright freezers are not the best choice imo. Very few have adjustable shelves. You'd be better served with a chest freezer or fridge.

 

[SlyBrewer]

Great folks, thanks. Looks like another fridge is the best bet (already have a dedicated one for the kegs).

Cheers!

 

[KeithMoonsLiver]

Great folks, thanks. Looks like another fridge is the best bet (already have a dedicated one for the kegs).

Cheers!

if you don't mind lifting 5 gallons of beer in and out of them, chest freezers are usually the cheapest per unit volume and are also typically more efficient

 

[Brew-boy]

I have both and my fridge(free from craigslist) will hold 4 kegs. My chest frezzer $50 from craigslist will hold 10 kegs. I would go the chest freezer if you have more than 2 kegs and don't mind a little lifting.