Fridge freezer combo control

[JaimeT]

Firstly, apologies if this has been asked, I couldn't find it in search.

Situation:
Fridge lives on the back deck, so I don't want exposed taps for hygiene/dirt/dust etc. issues. Doesn't get much sun except for a couple hours in the arvo.

I just picked up a cheap 2nd hand freezer over fridge as the new beer fridge.
Intent is to have the taps and font inside the freezer so opening one door doesn't let the cold out from the kegs when hosting parties resulting in warmer than desired drinks and increased running costs etc.
Main issue is that on the warmest setting the freezer does what a freezer should, and freezes water still, getting to lower than -8°C.

Unfortunately I only have one temp control/monitor solution, and I also need it for the old fridge which is now the brew fridge, so...

Initial thought is to use the temp controller to maintain freezer at desired temp and just crank the fridge to max to *hope* it also maintains appropriate temp.
I'd prefer to not cut out the base of the freezer section, but I could possibly do that and run a grate across so the cooled air drops into the fridge for cooling, however doing so somewhat kills the whole reason I got the split to start with.

How would I best override the freezer to be at approx 2-3°C while maintaining the fridge at also 2-3°C?

Cheers,
Jaime

 

[Feldon]

There are kits like this one on eBay (have not used myself).

And you could read through this old thread on a US forum that describes how you can fiddle with the freezer innards to make it into a refrigerator.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/thread...tat-to-32f-eliminate-external-control.249612/

Be careful - there's mains power inside. Get help if you're uncertain.

Good luck.

 

[JaimeT]

There are kits like this one on eBay (have not used myself).

View attachment 124851
And you could read through this old thread on a US forum that describes how you can fiddle with the freezer innards to make it into a refrigerator.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/thread...tat-to-32f-eliminate-external-control.249612/

Be careful - there's mains power inside. Get help if you're uncertain.

Good luck.

Thanks a bunch for that! I knew the brains trust would come up with something pretty quick!
I've messaged the eBay seller to see if they think it'll work for the freezer section alone.
I'll try to remember to update this thread with the outcome / post a fridge build somewhere.

 

[Grok]

Well, unless you've got 2 compressors in that fridge, then you can't do 2 separate independent temp zones. Most fridge/freezer thermostats are set for freezing , with a small portion of the freezer air used to keep the fridge compartment about 4~5 degrees Celsius (if your lucky!).
It's way easier just to get an "All Fridge" refrigerator, but if your determined to use that kind of fridge/ freezer, then you probably will have to cut out the freezer compartment base and make it all fridge, and try to keep the air circulating with a fan. I've yet to see any fridge pipes in the base of the freezer section, so cutting it out shouldn't be a problem.
I have done it, and it works fairly well, but using a digital thermostat controller, but you could try tinkering with the original thermostat as per that link from Feldon, it looks like decent advice.

 

[Dave70]

I was headed down this route a while back and decided it was all to much of a faff.
Decided a Gumtree chest freezer was a better option. I now run it off an ink bird at 2 deg.
Holds two cornys and a about two slabs of whatever you like on the shelf.

If it's to short, they're easy to modify by adding some 47 x 100 timber between the lid and body - this also saves boring holes in the unit for taps.
All I know is cold air sinks because of molecules, or sorcery, MHB could likely explain precisely why, suffice to say opening the lid isn't an issue.

So far I have 2 x fridge freezer combos.
1 x upright freezer.
1 x chesty.
Rookie numbers for a homebrewer, I know.

 

[JaimeT]

Well, unless you've got 2 compressors in that fridge, then you can't do 2 separate independent temp zones. Most fridge/freezer thermostats are set for freezing , with a small portion of the freezer air used to keep the fridge compartment about 4~5 degrees Celsius (if your lucky!).
It's way easier just to get an "All Fridge" refrigerator, but if your determined to use that kind of fridge/ freezer, then you probably will have to cut out the freezer compartment base and make it all fridge, and try to keep the air circulating with a fan. I've yet to see any fridge pipes in the base of the freezer section, so cutting it out shouldn't be a problem.
I have done it, and it works fairly well, but using a digital thermostat controller, but you could try tinkering with the original thermostat as per that link from Feldon, it looks like decent advice.
View attachment 124861View attachment 124862View attachment 124863

Thanks for that info.
I think before I go cutting out the base, I'll try running the temp controller inside the freezer section to *attempt* to keep it at 1 - 4deg. I have a secondary thermometer I can place inside the fridge section to monitor temps after 12-24 hours for temp stabilisation. Could possibly route a fan down into the fridge also.
Unfortunately it'll be about a week and a half before I can try it as the controller is currently controlling the newly repurposed old fridge which is now the ferment chamber. I nearly gave it away before I realised I could repurpose it! Lucky I realised before that catastrophe!

 

[JaimeT]

I was headed down this route a while back and decided it was all to much of a faff.
Decided a Gumtree chest freezer was a better option. I now run it off an ink bird at 2 deg.
Holds two cornys and a about two slabs of whatever you like on the shelf.

If it's to short, they're easy to modify by adding some 47 x 100 timber between the lid and body - this also saves boring holes in the unit for taps.
All I know is cold air sinks because of molecules, or sorcery, MHB could likely explain precisely why, suffice to say opening the lid isn't an issue.

So far I have 2 x fridge freezer combos.
1 x upright freezer.
1 x chesty.
Rookie numbers for a homebrewer, I know.

Yeah I am just walking the fine line between the wife's happiness, available space under the patio, and cleanliness of taps, thus not being open to the elements...