Frost-Free freezer Question

I realize this doesn't answer your question, but I always worry about this...

Return it before it gets delivered and instead switch to an upright freezerless fridge. Kenmore makes a 16.7cu if you like that brand, no cost with the temp control, and you can still keep it at ~50 degrees without any worry one day there might be a hiccup and you just lost $1000 (or much more) of beer.

 

I always wondered about insulation too. Since the fridge costs slightly more, I wonder if it is "better" somehow.

Could be materials, quality, manufacturing challenges or just plain old demand.

 

If you have the temperature set at cellar temperature, won't it be too warm to even cause it to frost?

 

I just bought a frost-free freezer after returning one that was not frost-free. I had major humidity/condensation issues with the first one. However, I love the frost-free unit. I have had it about 3 weeks now with no issues at all. The only liquid anywhere in the freezer is where the Johnson control probe goes into the door (I did not do any drilling). No frost and the humidity hovers around the 56% mark.

Good luck OP.

 

Or just set your temp controller so when it fails it turns off instead of stays on. Warm beer > frozen beer.

edit: I see he covered this in his first response. That's what I get for responding before continuing to read

 

Yeah that shelf sagging is a problem. It's clearly overloaded with too much BC. I can help you fix that.

Wife said mother in law has an upright freezer to give away. My first thought was what are we gonna do with that? Now I know.

 

Great set up! Can you explain a little further how you plan on reinforcing the shelves? My shelf sag is not as pronounced as yours but still a concern. The front lip of the upper shelves is almost without support so I have nothing on them now. I would love to maximize the space and reinforce the shelves.

 

Awesome, I look forward to seeing the pics. Thanks!

 

So I got my freezer over the weekend (free) and it looks to be a pretty nice unit. BUT....it's not frost free. Maybe this is the wrong place for this since it's off topic for this thread but wondering if I convert this using the same method as above if I will have condensation issues. Looking for someone with experience converting a non-frost-free freezer into a beer cellar.

 

I am by no means an expert on this, but I could never get the condensation issues under control with my non-frost free freezer. I tried putting in a wireless dehumidifier which slightly helped but my top shelf was just dripping. As a result, my bottles on the bottom were soaked. Ultimately, I ended up returning it (thanks, Sears!) and bought a frost-free unit. YMMV, it was the middle of the summer and was quite humid in our basement.

 

Thanks for the info. My planned location is in the garage (heated, insulated). Doing lots of searching, it sounds like there will be humidity issues and Damp Rid seems to be the best solution. From my search, the wireless dehumidifiers aren't 100% effective. Didn't see a post where Damp Rid didn't work. Guess that's what I'll start with. Don't have my controller yet so ordering that. If I was buying I'd for sure buy a frost free, but can't turn down free as a starter. And I don't have any long term storage plans with this. I used shelves in the basement for that. This is where I'll keep beer short term to drink or IPA types that would be better kept cool. I've overrun the spare fridge with beer so this is to keep the wife happy.

 

Any update on your shelf reinforcement? I'm dealing w the same problem of sagging and trying to figure out the best way to fix it.

 

Anyone have any luck reinforcing their shelves? I am facing the same issue right now with an almost identical upright freezer. Any ideas are much appreciated!!

 

Just recently I made a quick effort to reinforce my shelves that seems to be working pretty well. I bought several 1/8" aluminum flat bars. I cut them to a length so that they reached from the front to back support bars. Placed them above the front and back supports and below the middle. Didn't feel the need to secure them in any way once weight was placed on the shelf. I then also cut out cardboard to fit the entire shelf to disperse the weight a bit further. Wasn't sure if this would be a permanent fix, but I'm happy with it.

 

Nice. Post pics if you can! Hoping to do a "simple" fix such as this when I get a chance.

 

So I ended up buying some alum C-bar from HD and supporting the shelves along the existing bars and in between. Also added some alum angle to the front for more support. So far, it has been a huge improvement. Top shelf sags a bit, but I no longer fear it buckling.

 

Pics of the shelf upgrades?
I have serious sag on my top shelf as well.

 

Basically zip-tied aluminum c-bar along the main supports and in between. Also added one at the back (closest to me in pic)


Only a very slight sagging now, looks like more in pic than it actually is...Also, angle alum in front gives a nice front bar


Second shelf with the same supports. The lower shelf was pretty good without anything, but I might do the same in the future.



Final pic. Hope this helps! Total cost at HD was around $40, which is not that bad. Peace of mind and can fit a few more bottles in now. Also, I didn't want to drill any holes in the fridge walls, as I do have a warranty. All of this can be removed if needed. Cheers.

 

Meant to quote you on my previous post. Hope it helps!!

 

Thanks. Big help. Will be looking at resolving my sag issue similarly.
I have under 2 cases left in my cellar. I'd love to see it all in the fridge but need that support asap.

@WolfBrewer thoughts on using something stronger/stiffer than the aluminum c bar?

 

I am sure you could use something stronger, but I wanted to limit the weight of the shelves themselves, while keeping stability. I also didn't want to go the plexi route, in order to keep circulation throughout. There are other aluminum options, flat bar, etc, but this works great for my shelves. Let me know if you come up with something cool!

 

+1 for Johnson A419, DampRid, and probe fail to off.
The only other precaution I've taken is to tape the probe to the inside where it can be moved, but not removed from the freezer. Its really tempting when you are digging deep to remove it and set it outside. if you forget to put it in its likely the freezer will keep running. I have mine inserted into a small playdough container of water to measure liquid temp rather than air temp.

 

Yep, I keep mine in a full bottle of water on the top shelf of fridge...figure that will be the warmest spot and I have the wire taped to top of freezer.

 

What model fridge/freezer is that, @WolfBrewer?

 

Frigidaire LFFH20F3QW 20.2 cu-ft

 

Great. Thanks!