old stainless steel fridge becoming a real project

coachj

Newbie

Original poster

May 4, 2013

5

10

Crossville, Tennessee

• May 4, 2013

• #1

beginning

• coachj
• May 4, 2013

I have come across an old stainless steel jewett fridge that I was told was used to store welding rods.  I have removed the compressor and the shelves.  I stopped there because I saw somewhere on this forum that this is a red flag.  Is this thing usable? Man, I hope so because this thing would probably be perfect for a conversion.  What do you think?

 

Last edited: May 5, 2013

s2k9k

AMNPS Test Group

Sep 8, 2011

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SEUSA

• May 4, 2013

• #2

What seems to be the red flag?

 

coachj

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Original poster

Thread starter

May 4, 2013

5

10

Crossville, Tennessee

• May 4, 2013

• #3

Saw a post on here that said to be suspicious because of the light? I have no idea, I just want to make sure it is safe before I proceed.

 

wade

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Apr 12, 2013

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Kent, UK

• May 5, 2013

• #4

They usually make ideal smokers as they are already insulated. Unless you are only using it for cold smoking or air drying then you will need to remove all of the refrigeration/cooling bits and pieces and anything plastic. If it is stainless steel inside and out then it should make a great smoker. For use as a hot smoker you will almost certainly need to replace the door seals though.

 

daveomak

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Omak,Washington,U.S.A.

• May 5, 2013

• #5

Coach, morning and welcome to the forum.....   Welding rod coating has lots of chemicals in it...    clean the oven/fridge very well...   You should be good to go..  

Wade has you covered on things to remove....    

Dave

 

coachj

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Original poster

Thread starter

May 4, 2013

5

10

Crossville, Tennessee

• May 5, 2013

• #6

gonna try to post some piuctures.  I'm pretty sure that i want to build a firebox underneath it where the compressor used to be.  I haven't been able to find anyone that has done this but I'm sure it's been done several times.

 

daveomak

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• May 5, 2013

• #7

coachJ said:

gonna try to post some piuctures.  I'm pretty sure that i want to build a firebox underneath it where the compressor used to be.  I haven't been able to find anyone that has done this but I'm sure it's been done several times.

Click to expand...

Coach,  FWIW.... That insulated unit could be heated with a few light bulbs.... 

 

wade

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Apr 12, 2013

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Kent, UK

• May 5, 2013

• #8

Hi CoachJ.

Here is a thread from Bsimm78 that may help you with some inspiration

http://www.smokingmeatforums.com/t/140477/fridge-smoker-done-pic-heavy

 

coachj

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Original poster

Thread starter

May 4, 2013

5

10

Crossville, Tennessee

• May 5, 2013

• #9

styrofoam door

• coachj
• May 5, 2013

wood door facing

• coachj
• May 5, 2013

OK. rain here all day, so i went to the barn to work on the fridge smoker.  Found a couple of unexpected things:  went to remove the gaskets from the door and found that the whole outer facing of the fridge is wood.  Also, the door is insulated with Styrofoam.  (not as big of a surprise, but thought it would be fiberglass like the rest of the unit.)  I will for sure replace the door insulation, and i guess might as well replace the wood.  Haven't found any coolant parts yet, are they coming up one of the sides or the back) i appreciate any advice and will try to post pictures. thanks

 

Last edited: May 5, 2013