Chest Freezer to Beer Cellar Conversion

[Allan Johnson]

My "beer cellar" currently consists of 10 bottles stored in a wine box in the basement of my apartment. While I have never measured the temperature down there, I do know there are certainly temperature fluctuations of 10+ degrees from winter to summer. From doing some research, I have been thinking about converting our old chest freezer which gets little use into a "beer cellar". See the following link: http://www.thebarleyblog.com/2011/beer-cooler-set-up/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.

There is some more talk about using a chest freezer as a beer cellar here: http://beeradvocate.com/community/threa ... elp.16365/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; including a discussion on shelving and use of a portable dehumidifier.

Anyone out there have any experience with temperature control devices? or using a chest freezer as a cellar? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated...

[mr x]

I think the aquarium controller would be a good unit for you. Search around here for threads on them. Not sure, but everwood may be selling them.

[LiverDance]

I use a chest freezer for beer storage. You can get a temperature control device here https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/pro ... -stc-1000/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; This is the same one I use.

[Allan Johnson]

Thanks folks! I'm currently in Newfoundland but will shop around! Have you put any shelving into the freezer? What about humidity/moisture control?

[LiverDance]

Thanks folks! I'm currently in Newfoundland but will shop around! Have you put any shelving into the freezer? What about humidity/moisture control?

I don't have any shelving in mine but for moisture control you can use some damprid http://www.walmart.com/ip/FG01K-DampRid ... gMethod=rr" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[adams81]

I use Damprid and it keeps my freezer dry enough that I can keep my bottles in cardboard boxes. Great stuff.

[TimG]

damprid rechargeable (dry it out in the oven)?

[GillettBreweryCnslt]

Thanks folks! I'm currently in Newfoundland but will shop around! Have you put any shelving into the freezer? What about humidity/moisture control?

I ship to Newfoundland! And if you look around, there's probably a discount code you can take advantage of

I haven't put shelving into a freezer but know that in my keezer where I use that temp controller to regulate the temperature there tends to be condensation that builds up. I'd personally be wary about any porous shelving material.

[adams81]

damprid rechargeable (dry it out in the oven)?

The tub I have now has been in use for about 6 months and cost around $6. After a brief google I'm under the impression that the desiccant is just calcium chloride and that you should be able to dry it out in the oven, but I haven't had to do it yet.

If that doesn't work calcium chloride is cheap to buy. A bag of road salt would probably last you your whole life, haha

[Allan Johnson]

Thanks for all the help!

[Allan Johnson]

Posted some pictures of the finished project over here, if anyone is interested:
http://www.beerthief.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=292" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;