Fermentation fridge

[Secla]

I'm planning on converting a fridge to ferment/lager in using the usual stc1000/greenhouse heater method
Only issue is it will need to be in the garage ! I know some fridges etc are not meant to be put in garages, does the fact I'm using a external thermostat etc. Make any fridge suitable or am I going to have to look around for something that's suitable for use in a garage ?

[lord groan]

Fridges keep food at about 4c IIRC, when indoors the house is obviously above this temp so they work fine, when you put one in a garage and the temperature drops to around that temp or less they can get a bit baffled it seems when the outside is cooler than the inside. Which tells you nothing you don't already know really, I'm just thinking out loud!
I'm using an STC on mine (in the shed) and I've never noticed an issue, warm or cold. Mine is an ordinary domestic fridge so I'd say go ahead.
hth

[oz11]

I use Beko fridges in the garage as they tend to be designed to work down to 5 celsius, see the specs on this one as an example.

I think it's the "climate class" that you need to look at when deciding if it's suitable for garage use.

[Secla]

Still i would imagine the garage gets down to below freezing during the winter.

I'm just assuming that with the original thermostat over ridden by the aftermarket stc1000 that the fridge is just a insulated cupboard regardless of outside temps

Am I right in thinking that it becomes more of a problem when it's a fridge/freezer combo ?

[Fil]

dont fret.. even if your fridge wont run at garage temps unless your crash chilling your likely to need only heating when the external temps are so low, you only need worry IF your target temp is below both the ambient and opperating temp of the compressor

[Secla]

So even at lagering temps of say 4 degrees I'm not going to have any issues

Good to know, time to scour eBay for a cheap fridge

[Fil]

So even at laddering temps if say 4 degrees I'm not going to have any issues

Good to know, time to scour eBay for a cheap fridge

assuming a lower fridge opperating temp of 5C and a 1c variance set on the controller no problems. if lagering and the temps drop that low durring the day simply lager outside the fridge under a jacket to even out any temp varations

afaik the problem is that the grease used to lubricate the compressor in some fridges becomes too viscous at colder temps leading to the motor burning out, so some vigilence may be neccessary but hang a max/min thermometer by the fridge and just keep an eye on it.

just check the 'climate class' of any model before you pull the trigger and buy, also have you considered a freecycle want plea, gotta be worth a punt...

and remeber to let any fridge stand a good 24 hours after transport before you plug in and run it.. good luck on getting a freebe or a good deal..