GE Hotpoint Fridge / Freezer build?

[KM0AGA]

I have a 1999, 20.5 cubic foot GE Hotpoint fridge / freezer. It was bought used about 15 years ago. It died and I got a wild hair up my rump to turn this thing into an electric smoker.

I started gutting it and discovered the entire inside is a one piece plastic shell (picture 1). The plastic is molded underneath the metal (picture 2). I tried removing a section of the plastic and I started to bend the metal around the door frame.

I still have not removed the compressor pieces. My belief is that if the plastic is removed, I can remove the compressor parts in one piece.

Any advice or assistance is appreciated.

 

[Fueling Around]

Missed this first go around

If you dug a little, probably discovered the plastic liner is spray foamed in place.

I have an old Westinghouse fridge with a metal liner. A I have done to date, is remove the compressor, condenser, evaporator and all the lines. Hoping to not find a lot of butyl sealant.

 

[KM0AGA]

It is definitely spray foamed. I have stopped at the moment. Instead of a smoker, I think I want to use this as a food warmer. Can I leave the insulation in a cover with wood?

All food would be wrapped and covered.

 

[Fueling Around]

I would just chuck the whole thing and start over with a clean cabinet.
Plastics are not predictable as they outgas for years.
There used to be an air refreshener for autos to give it the "new car" smell. It was a mix of the chemicals that outgas

 

[KM0AGA]

Sounds like a plan. No loss for me.

 

[KM0AGA]

I would just chuck the whole thing and start over with a clean cabinet.
Plastics are not predictable as they outgas for years.
There used to be an air refreshener for autos to give it the "new car" smell. It was a mix of the chemicals that outgas

I just saw a Master Built analog electric smoker at Walmart for $127.00. I could do that with an Ink Bird PID controller for less than $200.00.

 

[Fueling Around]

I have no experience with a Masterbuilt (MB) electric smoker.
From what I read changing to a PID is one of the 2 mods required. The other is a better smoke generator.

I have a MB pellet grill/smoker/pooper. The structure side is fine, but the controller is a POS. I haven't decided if spending the money for a decent controller is better than simply getting a better grill

 

[KM0AGA]

I am just going to use it as a food warmer to rest briskets, etc. for multiple hours.

 

[paulgeorge]

I have a 1999, 20.5 cubic foot GE Hotpoint fridge / freezer. It was bought used about 15 years ago. It died and I got a wild hair up my rump to turn this thing into an electric smoker.

I started gutting it and discovered the entire inside is a one piece plastic shell (picture 1). The plastic is molded underneath the metal (picture 2). I tried removing a section of the plastic and I started to bend the metal around the door frame.

I still have not removed the compressor pieces. My belief is that if the plastic is removed, I can remove the compressor parts in one piece is hisense a good fridge brand.

Any advice or assistance is appreciated.

I'm after a fridge freezer for my first home!

budget is £350,I don't have a lot of space for one either so a slim one could be best!

any recommendations? Been looking at the Beko ones!