New Fridge for Fermentation

[Agnebrew]

I bought a counter high mini-fridge that I am planning to use for fermentation. I took off the plastic shelves from the door. I need about more two inches for the carboy/bucket, so the door can close with the carboy/bucket to sit on the bottom. Here's my question: Can I cut into the hump? I'm nervous with the compressor right there. Would adding a collar to the door be better? I don't want to mess with the freezer shelf as I've heard that this what the cooling coil runs through. Any thoughts?

[BadRock]

I doubt that there are coils there but if you cut the hump you will have a hole into the outside environment. Plus the compressor uses almost all of that space. ??? Maybe build an open fermenter that will fit inside the little thing.

If you can get our hands on a copy of this BYO there is a great how to article on building an open fermenter.

http://brewyourownstore.com/julyaugust06.html

[Mylo]

Save that fridge for serving. You don't want to cut into the hump - as BR pointed out - the compressor takes up all that room and you would be loosing your insulation on the most important part. I suppose a collar would work - but any additional money and time would be better spent finding a chest freezer from Craigslist. I got my 14.8 cf for $50.


Mylo

[Agnebrew]

Thanks for the advice.

I figured so much on the hump. I didn't spend a lot on the fridge; bought it used. After some research, I found someone else built a collar and that it works very well. I only need to add 2 inches in depth, so I don't see that being a lot of time and expense. I don't see myself brewing more than 5 gallons at a time, so I thouhgt this mini-fridge would be perfect for fermenting. As far as a chest freezer goes, they are not as easy to get as everyone seems to think they are. I look at craiglist everyday, and I've only seen a hand full. In the near future, I hope to upgrade to kegs. There is no shortage of full size refridgerators on craiglsit.

Cheers!

[one_dead_soul]

i have a fridge like that, that i modded.. the freezer box on the top is the part that gets cold. so what i did is unscrew it from the top and bend it down so it lays flat against the back of the fridge. then put a hole in the top of the fridge ( in the center ) so the neck of the carboy can stick out. then put a small shelf on the bottom just over the hump. acouple peaces of wood would be fine. as long as the hole is in the right spot the carboy will fit in there just fine. .. and if you want to turn it back into a normal fridge after, you can just get a can of great stuff and fill the hole.. its not as hard as its sounds..

tom

[Agnebrew]

i have a fridge like that, that i modded.. the freezer box on the top is the part that gets cold. so what i did is unscrew it from the top and bend it down so it lays flat against the back of the fridge. then put a hole in the top of the fridge ( in the center ) so the neck of the carboy can stick out. then put a small shelf on the bottom just over the hump. acouple peaces of wood would be fine. as long as the hole is in the right spot the carboy will fit in there just fine. .. and if you want to turn it back into a normal fridge after, you can just get a can of great stuff and fill the hole.. its not as hard as its sounds..

tom

Thanks. I will give this a shot before I add the collor. If I can move the freezer part, I wouldn't have to do any other modifications. The carboy/bucket would fit perfectly right on top of the crisper shelf. I will give this a try and let you all know. Cheers!

[Agnebrew]

I was able to bend down the freezer shelf. It took a little effort to pop out the taps that were holding it. The metal is flexible enough that it bent right back to the wall . The carboy/bucket sits perfectly on top of the crisper shelf. I didn't have do any other modifications. Thanks for the advice one-dead-soul. Cheers!

[one_dead_soul]

no prob.. just make sure you get a temp controller.. when i did it, i was making a kegerator and even on the lowest setting it would freeze about 2g of a 5g batch.. i don't know if it has something to do with the way its bent or not.. and one more thing.. make sure you put a large towel in bottom of the fridge. the freezer thing will gather ice when its running and when it shuts off the ice will melt. .. i have more then once come home to a big puddle infront of the fridge.. its not really something you want to clean up after a 10 hour shift.. or what ever you work. well injoy! and you should send me one since i help you out
well cheers mother fucker!

tom