freezer into refrigerator

[randy41]

seems to me that the only difference between a freezer and a refrigerator is how low the temperature is set to. i want to use an upright freezer as a refrigerator to store harvested vegetables (greens, broccoli, etc.)until bringing them to the farmers market. if i can change the thermostat to one that is in refrigerator temperature range i think this would work.
any thoughts on this? anyone know how to change a freezer thermostat?

 

[ray66v]

In the simplest terms, both systems are the same.

But you may have more to do than change the thermostat.

If it is a frost free model, the defrost system is going to be a problem. The defrost timer is going to turn the heaters on twice a day, and when that happens your going to have an oven. You will have to locate and disconnect the defrost system.

If you want to experiment, these eBay parts will get you started, without spending much.

refrigerator thermostat universal | eBay

Freezer thermostats generally have up to five wires, which may or may not be the following: brown (power), blue (neutral), green (ground), black (compressor), white (lighting).

Your freezer will probably have a schematic diagram for you to determine the wiring.

 

[RobertN]

We home brewers have done that for years. When brewing a lager, well that is part of the process, to ferment/finish it at much lower temperatures than an ale. Even for ales it can help, as you can set the temp high enough for the fermentation, yet keep consistency in batch to batch(temperature variations from batch to batch can change the flavor...

Analog Temperature Controller | MoreBeer

Ranco Digital Temperature Controller - Wired | MoreBeer

Digital Temperature Controller - Fermentation Temperature Control - Fermenting Equipment - Equipment - Brewing : Northern Brewer

[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Refrigerator-Freezer-Thermostat-Temperature-Controller/dp/B000EXROSE]Amazon.com: Refrigerator or Freezer Thermostat (Temperature Controller): Appliances[/ame]

Fermentation Temperature Control | MoreBeer

Converting a fridge for fermenting beer

Here someone did a simple conversion of an AC wall mount controller for $37
DIY temp controller build - Home Brew Forums

seems to me that the only difference between a freezer and a refrigerator is how low the temperature is set to. i want to use an upright freezer as a refrigerator to store harvested vegetables (greens, broccoli, etc.)until bringing them to the farmers market. if i can change the thermostat to one that is in refrigerator temperature range i think this would work.
any thoughts on this? anyone know how to change a freezer thermostat?

 

[randy41]

thanks for the encouraging posts. it is not a frost free model. nice to see that everything comes back to beer. and it looks like with some of those thermostats no rewiring is necessary.

 

[RobertN]

Some are simple. Unplug the freezer from the wall, plug it in to the controller. Plug the controller cord in to the wall socket. Stick the probe in the freezer/fridge.

Most of those were reasonably affordable too.

thanks for the encouraging posts. it is not a frost free model. nice to see that everything comes back to beer. and it looks like with some of those thermostats no rewiring is necessary.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

In my younger day I was a refrigeration technician. Did not work on small self contained stuff much. On commercial stuff there was a lot of difference between freezers and refrigerators and how the compressors are sized and the refrigerant metering devices are set up. The pressure differences across the compressor vary greatly which determines the compressor sizing. You can try it, but don't be surprised when it doesn't maintain an even temp and the compressor short cycles and trips its overload and the box stays warm.

Ron