Converting a regrigerator

[bradleyheathhays]

I'd like to convert a regular sized refrigerator by cutting out the divide between the freezer and fridge compartments so that the whole thing maintains the same temp. Additionally, I'd I'd like to modify it so that it maintains between 50-60 deg F. Only problem is I don't know enough about how fridges work to know if it's possible. Anyone have advice on getting something like this done?

 

[Rorschach]

Cutting out a divider depends entirely on the design and if any pipes are in the way.

As to controlling temperature you could change the built in thermostat but there is an easier way, install an external thermostat that controls the power to the fridge. A wifi controlled one is only about £10-15 and is incredibly easy to install.

 

[Tris]

It might be easier to look out for a wine fridge, that covers the temp range you want

 

[Cabinetman]

Cutting out a divider depends entirely on the design and if any pipes are in the way.

As to controlling temperature you could change the built in thermostat but there is an easier way, install an external thermostat that controls the power to the fridge. A wifi controlled one is only about £10-15 and is incredibly easy to install.

Used one of these but it wasn’t a Wi-Fi one in the states last year to reuse a chest freezer for cold drinks storage, obviously set the temperature, trail the probe into the fridge, and the gizmo turns the power on and off to the freezer to maintain that temperature, worked brilliantly – I was just annoyed that I hadn’t thought of it!

 

[Argus]

It sounds a fairly simple thing to do........... however, as an ex-refrigeration engineer, thinking about it....... all the cutting and carving, I ran out of options and implications......

Anyway, I won't add anything to this debate now, but here's a forum, (a bit like this one), where you'll get all sorts of expertise. I should confess up front that I used to moderate over there before I retired, but it may be worth dropping in with your query and seeing what they think. They're a friendly bunch and very knowledgeable on the subject - just like this site when it comes to wood-working.

http://www.refrigeration-engineer.com/forums/forum.php
.

 

[bradleyheathhays]

Thanks for all the help guys, and for that forum link. It's funny, I've been in many different types of forums on the net over the years but I've yet to find a group of people as friendly and eager to help as woodworkers, so this is where I sometimes start with my odd questions.

I'm in the states so hopefully I can find a similar remote temp probe thermostat. What name would these things commonly go by?

 

[Cabinetman]

If you google, Fridge digital temperature controller. It should come up, also maybe look at it from a homebrew angle they seem to use them. Ian

 

[Trainee neophyte]

Refrigerators have a heater next to the door seal to stop condensation - you will probably hack through that even if you manage to miss all the coolant pipes.

I use a chest freezer as a refridgerator, with a cheap thermostat wired to an extension lead and that works very well. I add a cheap computer fan to circulate the air inside, and use it to hang several hundred kilos of pork or lamb at a time. There is quite often a fair amount of condensation the first day, and freezers have a drain plug to let the water out.

NB I only do this for a few days at a time, twice a year. The rest of the time it is a freezer again. There are rumours (usually from refrigeration engineers) that this is is a very bad thing to to do to a freezer long term, but but I couldn't tell you why. Something to do with coolant at the wrong temperature, but I'm hazy on the specifics. However, there are lots of internet people claiming that they use their freezer as a refrigerator long term without ill effects, and the internet never lies.