Fermentation Fridge/Freezer 2014

[esclavosoy]

Ok my current fridge which I bought on CL a year ago, now sounds like its on its last lest. Compressor is rattling all the time. It still keeps cool but I don't want it to die in the middle of active fermentation.

I use 5.5 G car boys and I wonder what small fridge/freezer could I possibly use that's currently available that doesn't cost more that $400. I'm hoping for something small like a mini fridge.

I also saw a full size upright freezer with removable shelves. Does anyone see a problem with it?

Thanks,

Gabriel

I've s

 

[borealis]

I would get a chest freezer with an external thermostat (like a ranco or STC-1000). You could do that for under $300 and fit two carboys in it.

 

[esclavosoy]

Chest freezers are cheap and more durable from what I hear. I just don't wan't risk hurting my back by moving carboys in and out.

 

[number40fan]

I picked up a small Kenmore chest freezer from Sears for $250 while it was on sale. STC-1000 can be had for $12 right now in the sponsors section.

 

[esclavosoy]

BTW I already have the STC temp controller with my current fridge.

 

[chewse]

I have a Magic Chef freezer I bought from Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-6-8-cu-ft-Chest-Freezer-in-White-HMCF7W1/203445397). I use it for my carboys and fermentation. I have a Johnson Controls external temp gage (http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/johnson-refrigerator-thermostat.html). Total cost slightly above $200 but well worth the dollars.

 

[JackSmash]

I have a Magic Chef freezer I bought from Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Chef-6-8-cu-ft-Chest-Freezer-in-White-HMCF7W1/203445397). I use it for my carboys and fermentation. I have a Johnson Controls external temp gage (http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/johnson-refrigerator-thermostat.html). Total cost slightly above $200 but well worth the dollars.

That's a really good concept.

 

[esclavosoy]

How about a mini fridge conversion into a fermentation chamber?

 

[Beer-lord]

I just ordered a GE 7 cu ft for $229 and need to order a thermo controller but this is badly needed for me. I don't lager much but temperature control has been problematic so this should help, will hold 2 buckets and cold crashing will be a joy.