tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post3990892261577477670..comments2024-03-28T12:01:24.909-04:00Comments on 5 Acres & A Dream: Chest Freezer to Fridge ConversionLeighhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-77782624140430356102024-03-24T23:50:17.514-04:002024-03-24T23:50:17.514-04:00Crunchbird, that's a great idea. So far I have...Crunchbird, that's a great idea. So far I haven't had a lot of condensation issues, but it's good to have someone's success story!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-76265822783992221052024-03-24T18:37:25.843-04:002024-03-24T18:37:25.843-04:00My freezer conversion worked fine but it suffered ...My freezer conversion worked fine but it suffered from condensation issues. I added a 5V computer fan running from a small USB charger inside and it is now just as dry as my refrigerator. There has to be a way for the inside moist air to be evacuated. Right now I simply use a thin piece of wood to hold the lid open about a quarter of an inch. Hey it works! A better method might be to add a hole in the lid. I may try this but right now it's working perfectly. Crunchbirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16239650945991694597noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-18125859406082569632023-02-04T08:07:07.022-05:002023-02-04T08:07:07.022-05:00Anonymous, we had problems with ours last year and...Anonymous, we had problems with ours last year and thought it might be the compressor. Dan went to YouTube and searched the model number plus problem and found videos that helped him troubleshoot. What he ended up replacing was the timer, and that took care of the problem. <br /><br />Seems like the compressor is a common problem with this set-up, although I've seen new freezers that have settings that allow for low 30sF. One of those might help with the condensation too (also a problem!) so that might be an option when you finally need to replace yours.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-53957277483122005382023-02-03T14:09:07.785-05:002023-02-03T14:09:07.785-05:00Have you noticed any issues with your compressor? ...Have you noticed any issues with your compressor? We converted ours a couple years ago. We started with a freezer that was probably at the end of its life anyway, bit so far, so good. It does seem to run hotter (although it doesn't need to run as long). We haven't found the different orientation too inconvenient, but there is a bit of condensation in the summer. Any suggestions appreciated!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-62153308823146184132022-06-18T05:27:01.475-04:002022-06-18T05:27:01.475-04:00Kathy, hello and welcome! It's still in use an...Kathy, hello and welcome! It's still in use and definitely something I'm glad we did. Currently, we're getting ready to upgrade the battery bank -> <a href="https://www.5acresandadream.com/2022/05/upgrading-our-solar-set-up.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.5acresandadream.com/2022/05/upgrading-our-solar-set-up.html</a>. By upgrade, I mean install a new battery bank with more storage capacity. Details at that blog post. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58792845809672113802022-06-17T22:36:28.096-04:002022-06-17T22:36:28.096-04:00Hi! We’re considering going off the grid, or at le...Hi! We’re considering going off the grid, or at least cutting waaaaaay back on our energy usage. How is the freezer to fridge conversion going now after two years? Kathy Richardshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13390731150206838411noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-56447289466298999622020-04-07T05:53:52.853-04:002020-04-07T05:53:52.853-04:00Chris, great ideas! I'm just going to have to ...Chris, great ideas! I'm just going to have to keep things manageable by what I put where. I'm already coming up with a different scheme for the milk. Still, the savings on electricity and having at least this one little fridge off the grid is a comfort. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-86498660319750795472020-03-24T00:17:37.029-04:002020-03-24T00:17:37.029-04:00As long as you have your health, to lift things up...As long as you have your health, to lift things up and down, then it's a winner, just for the money it will save. Maybe Dan can invent a kind of arm on a hinge, the totes fit in permanently. So whenever you want something underneath, they can be manouvred up and to the side, rather than being physically lifted. I'm thinking of those wooden art boxes, with internal boxes, that lift up and to the side, in the same way. Some fishing tackle boxes, do the same thing. Otherwise, it's great to see your plans, come to fruition after all that initial work!Chris https://www.blogger.com/profile/13715819899708384147noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-42302106682261255752020-03-09T20:58:45.646-04:002020-03-09T20:58:45.646-04:00Ann, the nylon bags is a really good idea. I'm...Ann, the nylon bags is a really good idea. I'm not sure either if it would work for the fridge, but I could still use that idea for my freezer!Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-6793080807104477152020-03-09T16:03:05.866-04:002020-03-09T16:03:05.866-04:00I'm pretty happy with my solution for organizi...I'm pretty happy with my solution for organizing my chest freezer, but not sure how it would work for a chest fridge, because of both moisture and the type of stuff you might store in a fridge. I bought a set (two sets actually) of nylon reusable grocery bags. As much as possible they're color coded so I know that yellow is corn, purple is bell pepper, etc. When I'm looking for something I can just lift out whole bags to get below them. So stuff stays sorted.Annhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16988385986854478950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-74129600067513411182020-03-09T14:32:59.209-04:002020-03-09T14:32:59.209-04:00Ed, finding the perfect organization solution is a...Ed, finding the perfect organization solution is a huge challenge! In a freezer, plywood boxes in custom sizes sounds ideal. Because of my potential condensation I'm stuck with plastic. <br /><br />Jo, thanks! I'm especially amazed at how little electricity this fridge uses. I've got it plugged into our solar and it has made little difference in the amount we're drawing from the battery bank.<br /><br />Nancy, that's an ideal size, I think. The baskets seem to fit better in that size. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-41576434706162609572020-03-09T13:11:53.790-04:002020-03-09T13:11:53.790-04:00Great job! We use baskets too in our 7 CF freezer,...Great job! We use baskets too in our 7 CF freezer, great for organizing food. Great idea!Nancy In Boisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03749272217529362089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-9303948443791711802020-03-09T11:11:58.713-04:002020-03-09T11:11:58.713-04:00Personally, I think it's an ingenious appropri...Personally, I think it's an ingenious appropriation.Cockeyed Johttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12107151148843311635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-10803118565289297702020-03-09T10:24:02.087-04:002020-03-09T10:24:02.087-04:00We've got milk crates in our freezer with stuf...We've got milk crates in our freezer with stuff crammed into the extra space around them. It has been on my list for awhile to someday build my own crates out of 1/4" plywood that fit better and are in more convenient sizes. Edhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13214319366049620074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-12452730121263171542020-03-08T15:18:42.688-04:002020-03-08T15:18:42.688-04:00Mama Pea, I have the same problem with my chest fr...Mama Pea, I have the same problem with my chest freezer, so I'm really hoping to do a better job of organizing the chest fridge. It's smaller though, so hopefully that will help (?)<br /><br />They still make an upright all-fridge (no freezer) and I considered it but this worked out to be a better bargain. I don't remember what the brand was. Nice your's is still working so well! They're probably not as well made nowadays.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-90188728822779523402020-03-08T15:08:32.493-04:002020-03-08T15:08:32.493-04:00Can't tell you how much I admire your ingenuit...Can't tell you how much I admire your ingenuity and willingness to try "new" and "different" things in the name of energy saving and efficiency. And, oh my, the energy expected to be saved is amazing! Gotta say that I do dislike the idea of a chest type refrigerator though. I know I could make do with it if I had to, but also know that my main chest freezer has baskets (always loaded) that fit all across the top and I'm constantly hefting them aside to get to whatever is stored in the chest underneath . . . and it feels like a hassle. I'd be putting up a terrible fuss if anyone tried to take my kitchen refridge away from me. It's an upright, all-refridgerator Crosley (no freezer) that we've had for close to 25 years with absolutely no problems and we rarely hear the motor running. I don't think they are currently being made so I sure hope I haven't jinxed myself bragging as I have. :o\Mama Peahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03649357184167949247noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-81064029119438151392020-03-08T10:57:31.959-04:002020-03-08T10:57:31.959-04:00Sandi, I bought the freezer unit new, and it was a...Sandi, I bought the freezer unit new, and it was about $200 including tax. The thermostat was $55, so my cost was around $250. If one already had a freezer to convert or bought it used, the cost would be less. Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-2083096391935231262020-03-08T09:23:51.686-04:002020-03-08T09:23:51.686-04:00
How much did it cost to make?
<br />How much did it cost to make?<br />Sandihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08702620069148109246noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-45785559256512777272020-03-08T06:28:22.700-04:002020-03-08T06:28:22.700-04:00Arta, good to hear from you! And thank you! I'...Arta, good to hear from you! And thank you! I've been amazed at how little electricity this uses. I plan to keep an ice bottle in one of those bins in the top to help even more. I'm very glad to hear that condensation isn't a huge problem for you. I'm not sure what to expect. I plan to use the bottom of mine for milk, but you've got me thinking I could use the empty spots for cold water storage as well.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-25070005011553891752020-03-07T23:46:16.868-05:002020-03-07T23:46:16.868-05:00Great job!! We use ours the same way and the cond...Great job!! We use ours the same way and the condensation is not really a big problem. Yes, some condensations collects at the bottom, but not a lot and not often. Every few weeks, I soak it up with an old towel and we're good to go again. Because we live in a desert, we use our bottom for cold water storage. We pack them in tightly at the bottom and it creates a cold mass that helps keep everything else cool as well. And the stuff we use often, we pack in the bins at the top. You will be surprised at how much more efficient this unit is than a normal fridge :) I am very happy for you!artahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00822423618132513023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-58777542572157747632020-03-07T21:24:24.784-05:002020-03-07T21:24:24.784-05:00Wyomingheart, I haven't had it running long en...Wyomingheart, I haven't had it running long enough for condensation to form yet. I'm expecting it, though, because everyone else who has done this has had to deal with it. Moisture absorbers is an idea to try. Other than that, most folks simply wipe it down periodically. <br /><br />I got the idea to use the storage boxes in place of shelves from someone else too! I agree with using what we have, or at least finding inexpensive substitutes!<br /><br />Helen, the logic for the concern about air circulation completely escapes me. The solid storage bins I'm using are no different than the crisper and meat drawers in an upright fridge---those are solid as well. Plus, those are tucked away under a solid shelf to make completely enclosed boxes, whereas mine are open with about an inch of space on both sides. I'd have to conclude that a chest fridge has better "air circulation" than an upright.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-38394334268390858432020-03-07T17:36:07.007-05:002020-03-07T17:36:07.007-05:00I also wonder about air circulation with the '...I also wonder about air circulation with the 'solid' bins. Drill some holes? Helenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14217649175025066003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-18239313800081774652020-03-07T15:53:13.613-05:002020-03-07T15:53:13.613-05:00I forgot to add, that if you do notice moisture, p...I forgot to add, that if you do notice moisture, perhaps you could use those dry rid boxes for closets. Just a thought!wyominghearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11866831359786301254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-37345215010297351142020-03-07T15:50:33.514-05:002020-03-07T15:50:33.514-05:00Hi Leigh. Have you noticed any moisture on the si...Hi Leigh. Have you noticed any moisture on the side walls? The nice part of those totes is that it will keep the cold inside. I think the remedy for storage shelves is genius! Solving problems on the homestead is mostly about using what you have on hand. Perfect, in my humble opinion! Thanks for sharing. wyominghearthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11866831359786301254noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1694364001063554832.post-9403475642840411012020-03-07T05:25:21.073-05:002020-03-07T05:25:21.073-05:00Thanks Judy. But is it really circulation of air t...Thanks Judy. But is it really circulation of air that I need? Or circulation of cold? There's no fan in the unit either way.Leighhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02435811789823712254noreply@blogger.com