Using freezer as a fridge - wacky idea #249

Its not a silly idea at all. I know somebody who cools a vineyard wine cellar containing many tens of thousands of bottles by a similar method. That does involve a fan which circulates outside air when it is cold enough and uses conventional refrigeration at other times. It helps to have a very large thermal mass.

John

Needs some materials research. A "string" attached to the ceiling (or whatever is above the chest freezer) and tied to the chest freezer's handle. The string needs to contract when the ambient temperature drops (thus pulling the lid open), and expand when the air warms up (closing the lid).

The wax pistons used in greenhouse ventilators would do the job but might not suit your temperature choices.

Interesting thought but the requirement is to be closed when too warm, open when the temperature drops to a set range, then close again when the temperature drops further.

I don't want the beer exposed to -10C temperatures, for example.

Cheers

Dave R

One obvious issue may be: is it rated for use below 10 degrees ambient. Many domestic fridges / freezes aren’t.

Beko, so yes it is rated for sub-zero temperatures. :-) This is why it is outside under cover. It has worked well through several winters. We have another Beko chest freezer in the shed which is now our main one, and it isn't by any means full at the moment. I over provided at the start of Covid against chaos and shortages and lockdowns preventing last minute shopping.

Too much freezer space at the moment which is why this one is turned off.

Cheers

Dave R