Wine/Beer Fridge Help

Awesome, seems like more my style.. pretty pathetic im the least handy person on earth and I have a construction management degree. I appreciate all the questions answered!

 

Feel like I am wearing this subject out, but home depot said the warmest this would get would be about 42-44 and that all their stand up fridge only options would be about the same, it looks like I may have to go the do it yourself route as well unless there is something else out there that can be purchased.

 

That's the reason most of us go for the freezer/fridge and the external controller. The temp is whatever you choose. Plus you get a lot of volume for your dollar. The main reason I chose an upright freezer vs. a freezer-less fridge is that it lives in the garage. I feel like the freezers are insulated better and probably run a bit more efficient.

 

Thank you

 

I should also mention that you can just close the door on the sensor cord. Drilling thru the side of a major appliance isn't for the faint of heart.

 

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004UPA2OA...TF8&colid=1EUEWWMTRDJJ4&coliid=I36673CBX3HJC3

I use this to store my corked beers. I love it.

 

Probably one of the more debated questions I have seen in my limited time getting all my beers ready.
The general consensus is if its metal capped, then 100% store upright because of rust. If its corked and a beer like a lambic then you could be fine either way, as long as you let the beer sit upright for awhile so the yeast settles before pouring. Tons of articles on this but one here is pretty useful --
http://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/horizontal-storage-ok-for-cork-cage.44457/

http://www.beeradvocate.com/communi...-of-a-beer-that-was-stored-improperly.173641/

 

I have a mini fridge for current beers but nothing beats a corner room in an old basement for proper storage of beer.

 

I wanted to do this on the cheap side when I got a cellar fridge about a year ago. I bought a Danby beverage center for around $200 (link is below). It works great, it holds a constant temp at 50-55 degrees. It can store about 20-22 bomber size bottles along with 6-8 12oz bottles "filling in the gaps". I've been very happy with the purchase and it was exactly what I was looking for at that time. With that being said, I filled it ridiculously quickly and now need a bigger fridge, so don't underestimate the size of the fridge you get.

Hope this helps.

Link for fridge: http://www.walmart.com/ip/21854646?...43851112&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=78307106792&veh=sem

 

I've also been considering taking my out of the container and taping it to control can/bottle of beer after reading this article.

http://www.homebrewfinds.com/2014/10/temperature-probe-place-to-immerse-or-not-to-immerse.html[/QUOTE]

Just a quick update...I taped the STC probe to the side of a can using some 3M foil tape used for A/C duct and it works really well. The temp is very stable and the wild swings from opening the door are now under control. Thanks again for the link.

 

I was looking at this exact fridge online but thought that there was a dial for the temperature control. Are you using an external temperature control to get the 50-55 degree range? Also, are the shelves removable? I've got about 30 12oz bottles, would this fridge accommodate that with room to grow? Thanks in advance.

 

Yes, this fridge does have a dial for temperature control, I bought a $5 fridge thermometer so I could dial it into where I wanted then monitor the temp to see if it swung more than I would like. I must say, I've been impressed at how constant this is able to hold the temp, when I originally purchased it my backup plan was to buy a temp controller if the built in thermostat couldn't do the job but that was not necessary at all to this point.

As far as bottles go, I think you would be able to get 30+ 12oz bottles in there, the shelves are removable, I only have 2 in mine and one is very close to the top where I lay down a few 12oz bottles. I needed the height for the corked and caged bottles that I have in there, with exclusively 12oz bottles I would think you could probably get an extra shelf in there as well. I don't exactly remember but I think it came with 4 shelves and I pulled 2 out to get the configuration I have.

I've attached some pictures of mine. The first one is of the entire fridge and you can see where I have the thermometer hanging and the shelf configuration that I'm using, the second is a closer look so you can see how deep the shelves are le (I can get 16 bombers on the second shelf, 4 wide by 4 deep, the bottom has the compressor ledge in the back and you can't get as much), then a few more bottles laying down on the top shelf.

Hope this helps and feel free to PM me if you have any more questions.

 

Thanks so much for the in depth reply! The pictures really helped. I'm definitely going to pick this up soon. Thanks again.

 

I purchased this fridge yesterday and so far I'm insanely happy with the purchase. The fridge fits more than enough bombers / 12oz bottles / cans. I have a similar setup to the one I've quoted above. The Fridge from what I've seen gets to about 52/53 degrees at its warmest setting which I'm happy with. The temp knob if turned anymore would seemingly turn the fridge off but I will have to test that more later. Would definitely recommend!

 

so you guys are able to keep it at around 52-54 without using a temp controller?

I've been doing a ton of research on cellars/fridges/etc. and have limited space in an NYC apartment to work with.

This seems like it would require little work other than some UV resistant film for the door. The Danby's don't seem to have great reviews as far as longevity go, so I am nervous to pull the trigger.

 

I just bought this. can't wait for it to be delivered.

http://www.wayfair.com/48-Bottle-Wi...1010.html?redir=cascina+48&rtype=8&dept=&ust=