Fermentation mini fridge size & models

[clavalla]

Hi everyone,
I want to get a fermentation chamber so I can control that variable of my brews in the future. I am hoping for a list of fridges both manufacturers and Cu. Ft. Size fridges that you know will fit a 6.5 gallon carboy and a 6.5 bucket, both with 3 piece airlock (not at same time, just able to hold one or the other). Modifying the fridge or altering it is OK as I can do handiwork, but please just note that in the post.

Maybe we can get a compressive list and also links to threads showing the chamber in action. Thanks for any help guys.

FRIDGES THAT FIT BUCKETS AND CARBOYS:

Haier 4 Cu. Ft.: Modification necessary https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/mini-fridge-fermentation-chamber-323118/

Danby 35-Bottle Freestanding Wine Cooler

Vissani 52 bottle model MVW52B

Danby Millenium DWC440

Absocold model: AR062MG10R - will need to remove the screws around the plastic panel on the door. You can rescrew the weather stripping back on though

MagicChef 4.6 Cu. Ft.- will have to remove door shelf and can then rescrew the weather stripping back on. Fits up to 6 gallon carboy.

 

[clavalla]

Really? Nothing from anyone? I was hoping this thread would be the answer to anyone else asking the same questions I have. Will xxx fridge work as an fermentation/lagering chamber. Especially when you find them online or craigslist and can't take the tape measure over and see if it will fit before hand.

 

[butter08]

I am in search of one. This list would be a great tool.

I think the igloo 4.6 would fit a carboy.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Igloo-4.6-cu.-ft.-Refrigerator-and-Freezer-Black-FR464/15162430

 

[dtgrdn]

I picked up this chest freezer from Home Depot for $138 and am using it for fermintation:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Ch...eezer-in-White-HMCF7W1/203445397?N=5yc1vZc3nr

I made this for heating:
http://www.brewstands.com/fermentation-heater.html

I'm using the STC-1000 temp controller from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KVCPH2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Total cost was $170

 

[trefilov22]

I picked up this chest freezer from Home Depot for $138 and am using it for fermintation:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Magic-Ch...eezer-in-White-HMCF7W1/203445397?N=5yc1vZc3nr

I made this for heating:
http://www.brewstands.com/fermentation-heater.html

I'm using the STC-1000 temp controller from Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008KVCPH2/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

Total cost was $170

How does that STC controller work? Does it provide the power to the fridge and the heating element? THanks!

PS I like your paint bucket heater, thats awesome!

 

[JPrather]

I went through this recently when trying to find a good fermentation chamber. FWIW with few exceptions I was able to find the information I needed about pretty much any model by searching this thread, and if you want an "end all" thread for this, it's going to require you or someone else to sit down and compile the information, because it's mostly out there already.

That being said, I can add one to the list, the Danby Millenium DWC440. I just scored one in trade off of Craigslist. It's actually a hybrid mini-fridge/wine chiller that they sold a decade or so ago. The box itself is identical to their current 4.4cu ft mini fridges, but it has the benefit of an actual thermostat, a clear glass door, and no freezer that needs to be removed.

I can fit most 5 or 6 gallon carboys in the bottom section without issue, it has about 11.75" of diameter space. A plastic bucket doesn't quite fit in the bottom section, but can fit in the top section (with blowoff valve) if you build some shelving. It's a great model for fermentation in case anyone happens to see one floating around.

Note that while the overall dimensions are the same as their current 4.4cu in mini fridge models, the lack of door shelving gives me an inch or so of extra space in the bottom section, and a mini fridge model would have a freezer section to be removed.

 

[dtgrdn]

How does that STC controller work? Does it provide the power to the fridge and the heating element? THanks!

PS I like your paint bucket heater, thats awesome!

the STC controller plugs into your wall outlet. The frig/ freezer/ heater plug into the STC. There are plenty of threads on here that show how to build the box for the STC. Here are some examples, I built one like the first link:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f170/stc-1000-setup-beginners-433985/
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/stc-1000-ebay-temperature-controller-build-330427/
http://www.onemansbeer.com/keezer-build-diy-temperature-controller/

 

[Paradigm]

What not to use

I had one of these from my dorm room days and we're using it as a temperature control unit (I'll be posting a write up eventually), but it is definitely not good for a chamber. Small and derpy. Avoid it.

 

[clavalla]

Absocold model: AR062MG10R it's an old model I found for free. I had to remove the plastic door tray but it was just screws. No Cu. Ft. on the info block so I'm not sure how big it is, but it has sexy faux wood covering lol.

 

[pumpkinman2012]

I use a Magic Chef 4.6 cu ft dorm fridge that I found on craigslist for $35.00, it was like brand new. I removed the screws around the plastic panel on the door to remove the inside shell with the can holder and whatnot, then re screwed the weather stripping back on, up to a 6 gal carboy fits in it, and frankly, if you don't monitor temps when cold crashing, you can freeze a batch of beer.
I use it to ferment, lager and cold crash. You can't beat the price!

 

[mikecortina]

Awesome design and idea.
How many 5 gallon buckets fit inside?

 

[bosster01]

I used this thread when I was searching for me ferm chamber.

On CL for 100$ I got a
Danby Silhouette wine cooler
- Temperature range is 41F to 64F degrees
- 7 slide out wood shelves for easy bottle selection
- Interior light
- 34.5h x 24w x 24d
- Model DWC512BL-1

-I verified that it easily gets to 41F. I would like to use this for both lagering & for fermenting ales. (I've never lagered before) from my google search it seems I need to get it down to 35F to lager - any ideas on how to do this? (I heard that I could add a temp controller (is this difficiult))?

I'm also thinking about getting a fermwrap for if I my basement gets too cold ( was also planning on needed a temp controller for that ).

Anyways the point is - this fits a 6.5 gallon carboy with ease. I think these things are pretty expensive new, but if you can find one I recommend it. There was 0 hassle involved and it'll easily fit a blow off tube/blow off bucket.

For 100$ I felt like it was well worth it - at the very least I can always use it for wine lol. On CL in Minneapolis they wanted over 100$ for regular minifridges that didn't look nearly as sweet as this thing.

Any tips about how I can get the temp colder/make it so I can use heat too for MN winters (my basement gets to like 55)