Thread: Building an outdoor chiller.

I am thinking of building a small outdoor shelter with a stainless bench and a winch for cutting up animals in a more convenient and ergonomic place than in the garage. It occurred to me to include a chiller in the build as well. I am thinking of going for about 2mx2m for the overall footprint of the structure but I could have a small chiller in the back maybe 600mm or so deep.
To make the idea work, it would need to be of bespoke dimensions, so buying a freezer or drinks fridge doesn't really work for me. I am thinking of going double layered with the walls and insulating with polystyrene between ply at first thought.

For those in the know (and especially refrigeration engineers) if anyone can enlighten me on the following.

How much space would I need to be able to hang 4-5 animals at a time and have the necessary air circulation?

How much wattage would the refrigeration unit need to be rated at for the space in the answer to the question above?

Are there any 12v systems i.e. for camping 4WD etc that I could take the radiators from and install as per my idea?

Are there any good pointers or ideas I need to know if building it out of timber? (I get that polypanel is better but I am not set up for that. It will also be running off solar panels of which I have plenty, so power consumption is not an issue as far as I know)

Any other good ideas or wisdom from those that have already done this?

Anything else I need to consider that I haven't stated already?


I look forward to your replies.


I will also keep this thread updated with progress once the project kicks off. Ideally I have all the good info upfront so that the progress reports are of a project done the correct way.

the drinks fridge..is only a cabinet ..the fridge bit sits on top and drops the cold stuff in though hole....you could use same engine for want of better term in a bigger cabinet. a chiller trailer or truck would give you donor motor etc fella I used to work for had a chiller truck permanently plugged into wall as a big freezer....

Originally Posted by Micky Duck

the drinks fridge..is only a cabinet ..the fridge bit sits on top and drops the cold stuff in though hole....you could use same engine for want of better term in a bigger cabinet. a chiller trailer or truck would give you donor motor etc fella I used to work for had a chiller truck permanently plugged into wall as a big freezer....

Yep thats pretty much what I want to do, is grab an 'engine' and put it on a small wooden building. Ideally a 12V but I could make 230VAC work without any headaches, just extra money and time.

Today I was helping a mate figure out his chiller (which is an old drinks fridge from a fish and chip shop probably) it was what gave me the idea but also made me think that is what will be suggested as an option.

Don't use ply to line the walls on the inside use acm panel

Originally Posted by country cuts

Don't use ply to line the walls on the inside use acm panel

Copy that! Thanks for the good tip.