curing fridge build help. do i need a different fridge?

[slavikborisov]

Im confused on whether a fridge-freezer like this would work for a curing chamber. i go this fridge for pretty goad price and I'm curious as to why it wouldnt work if i cut out the divider (if i can somehow confirm theres nothing between it) which im not sure how to do.

its a Samsung model RT16A6195SR. any advice would be appreciated or do i just find one of those high dollar refrigerator only fridge like a commercial one or beverage fridge

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Samsung-15-6-cu-ft-Top-Freezer-Refrigerator-with-All-Around-Cooling-in-Stainless-Steel/5013247967

 

[slavikborisov]

Got the divider cut out, made some stainless shelves and a hooks, humidity controls and temp control have been on for 12 hours seem to be doing pretty good. Going to monitor it for another day or so then start getting some salami in there !!

 

[indaswamp]

Got lucky drilling the hole through the side for controller wires....unless that particular fridge has exposed condenser coil tubes on the back....nowadays they run them in the side walls and foam them in.

Anyways, congrats on your build. I'd suggest dropping the humidity down 3-4 points....to around 81%....also, do calibrate your RH controller to the govee for accuracy.

These chambers will run 2-3*F colder near the bottom, and about 4-5% higher RH%...just the nature of temp. and humidity. So if you measure humidity 2/3 from the bottom, just take that into mind....

 

[indaswamp]

Also, remember that if you hang product directly above where the dehumidifier outlet is blowing, you will dry out the bottom on salami and get case hardening.....something to be aware of...

I'm excited to see your first salami project! I recommend pepperoni first in 45mm casing. Very forgiving on pH...can be a little tangy no problem. and 45mm is a good diameter to start out a new chameber to see how it operates..

 

[slavikborisov]

Got lucky drilling the hole through the side for controller wires....unless that particular fridge has exposed condenser coil tubes on the back....nowadays they run them in the side walls and foam them in.

Anyways, congrats on your build. I'd suggest dropping the humidity down 3-4 points....to around 81%....also, do calibrate your RH controller to the govee for accuracy.

These chambers will run 2-3*F colder near the bottom, and about 4-5% higher RH%...just the nature of temp. and humidity. So if you measure humidity 2/3 from the bottom, just take that into mind....

I drilled a tiny hole first and kept getting bigger after checking it figured that’s my best option… and okay will do, I also thought above putting the dehumidifier up at the very top.

 

[indaswamp]

I drilled a tiny hole first and kept getting bigger after checking it figured that’s my best option… and okay will do, I also thought above putting the dehumidifier up at the very top.

Smart...that is what I did when I drilled through my first chamber....small hole, then dug around probing with a thin wire looking for coolant lines.

I run my dehumidifier at the top of my old chamber for this very reason. Also, the dehumidifier will work a little better with the slightly warmer air near the top. Peltier dehumidifiers will not work below 45*F...

 

[mr_whipple]

That's cool. I wanted a larger fridge when I built mine but I got tired of looking. And yes, drilling through the side was a fail on my second attempt... whoops! I'm about to jump back in and try a salami myself. Good luck!