Mini Fridge or freezerless fridge

Discussion in 'Cellaring / Aging Beer' started by BB3, Nov 28, 2014.

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  1. BB3

    BB3 Initiate (0) Jan 22, 2014 Pennsylvania

    Want to get into cellaring and I don't live in a climate or have a basement that is conducive to stable temps of 45-65.

    My wife is getting me something this Christmas and I am not sure the route to go to start the process. Anyone know the basic pros/cons of using a mini fridge compared to a freezerless fridge?
     
  2. Tpain518

    Tpain518 Initiate (0) Oct 23, 2013 New York

    Pros: they both keep things cold

    Cons: one has a freezer the other dosent
     
  3. SLeffler27

    SLeffler27 Grand Pooh-Bah (4,906) Feb 24, 2008 New York
    BA4LYFE Society Pooh-Bah Trader

    This might be a good place to start looking. They cater to wine, but I suspect their refrigerators don't much care what you put into them. Note some models have multiple zone cooling, which is a great advantage to a standard refrigerator. Both in that you will be able to control more than cooler/warmer (and then "tune" with a thermometer), and you will be able to keep styles closer to their ideal temperatures.

    Most bottles are shown laid down, which is discouraged for beer, but I think the shelving is removable/exchangeable to allow bottles/cans to stand. Also note the bottle capacity is for wine, but bombers etc. are comparable in size. You should ask them about these issues before purchasing.

    Happy hunting.

    http://www.wineenthusiast.com/storage/
     
  4. BB3

    BB3 Initiate (0) Jan 22, 2014 Pennsylvania

    Any idea on how many cu. ft. I would need if I was interested in storing 40+ 12oz. beers along w/ a handful of bombers?
     
  5. lightman1

    lightman1 Zealot (607) Oct 19, 2013 Arkansas
    Trader

    My vote goes to a freezerless fridge, if you have the space and the budget will allow. Lots of guys use a temp controller on their fridge, too. Most of my friends started with a mini and ended up bigger, including myself. Thus my vote for bigger. The mini that I started with was passed down from at least 2 other beer guys before me and I have since passed it to another.

    Check back 5 or 6 pages on this thread for more ideas, there are some good ones.
     
  6. vthippie

    vthippie Initiate (0) Dec 18, 2012 Vermont

    Use a mini now and constantly overflow, it's too small. The bonus is I have found if set to low and full of beer I stick right around 55 degrees so no temp control needed. Also be smart about where you put your fridge. They are meant to keep stuff cool not defeat the cold. If you live in the NE and put your fridge in your unheated garage you might end up with beercicles.
     
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