Thread: Home made chiller

Iv got a big freezer im not really using was wondering if anyone has successfully converted 1 into a chiller ? I tried leaving the lid partly open once but still froze the meat...any ideas would be great .cheers

Just leave the it turned off, your in southland why do ya need a chiller anyway lol

Flys I hate em pluss this time of year can really only hang things for 2 days iv got a high macro hedge I pull mutton/veno up 3-4 meters high in mutton cloth but its not really good enough this time of year (winter never a prob) iv got a mate with a bunch of chiller panel he reckoned he would built 2.5x2.5 one for around $500 but looking at the units there pretty expensive & I have no idea how to install them , pluss id likely need to put a concrete pad down , roof over it don't think the miss,z would be happy if I put something that size in the garage !...mite be better selling the freezer & just buying a large fridge something I can hang a mutton in.

The other way is to put a timer on the plug to control the running time, the only problem is the temp isn't constant.

Originally Posted by hamsav

Depends on the age/type . If it has an ordinary temp knob down by the motor it probly has a normal type t/stat that could be replaced with a fridge t/stat , a bit over simplified but all you really want to do is shift the operating temp from -18 -20 deg C up to 2 to 3 deg C. The freezer t/stat probe usually is in the lining of the freezer and if you fit a fridge t/stat it would be better hanging in the air inside the freezer , and a small fan to stir up that air wouldn't hurt either . Any electrical contractor supply outfit ( Cory's ) should be able to supply a stat that will measure the real temp ( a lot of fridge stats sense the temp of the evaporator plate .... not the actual temp of the cabinet , some like to see temps way into the neg's ) If this sounds like you lemme know and Ill see if I cant get a part # for the right stat for you .

That's some good info there never thought of that even if I had to pay a couple of hundy to get it fitted it would be a cheap chiller fit plenty in there to.Thanks il look into it.

I have an external temp controller on an old fridge that works by turning the power off/on on the fridge. You simply plug it in, and dill a small hole for a probe. I use this for making beer with.

I imagine you'd be able to control it with one of these. They're only about $60 on trademe.

Yep Ive done the same . Digital contoller off Tardme $29 and turned unwanted vertical freezer into a beer fridge. Works well, you have a lot of control, i.e. top temp, lower temp, how often the motor cycles

Originally Posted by kimjon

I have an external temp controller on an old fridge that works by turning the power off/on on the fridge. You simply plug it in, and dill a small hole for a probe. I use this for making beer with.

I imagine you'd be able to control it with one of these. They're only about $60 on trademe.

STC-1000 is the go to controller for home brewers. You can get a single output one off Trademe ridiculously cheap. STC-1000.
I guess it comes with a probe. 10A relay is enough for the compressor.
Technically this shouldn't work as the compressor is a low temp one and has too small a motor to run medium temperature application but, theres hundreds of Keezers and other converted freezers out there that keep on ticking.
FYI be VERY careful where you drill a hole in the cabinet. The condenser (gas tubes) run just under the outer skin of the freezer walls. One hole and its all over rover. You will feel where they are as it will be hotter where they are near the outer wall.