Making a refrigador

[doc8466]

I have aquired a working 30 yr old non-frost free frige that I want to turn into my long term storage humi.

Has anyone else done this? Are there any resources I can check out to make sure I don't screw something up?

Thanks.

[Munt]

Sorry no advice, never done that. If I were doing it though, I'd line the inside with spanish cedar, mahogany or if you're a cheap bugger like me, I would line with Luaun from home depot. I used Luaun in my Gun Cabinet that I just converted. To help keep costs down too, use oak for trim or to help with drawers. Oak doesn't stink up the humidor.

My only concern with a fridge would be it being to airtight. I would make sure humidity over 70% isn't a problem. I think that can be accomplished with beads though.

Search "projects" or Cabinet here and see some of the great advice given.

Can't wait to see the pics. Good luck to you,

Munt!

[Darrell]

Are you planning on plugging this in so it's temp controlled? If so, I don't recommend that, the temperatures get too low and will draw the humidity out of the sticks.

[Bax]

Originally Posted by Darrell

Are you planning on plugging this in so it's temp controlled? If so, I don't recommend that, the temperatures get too low and will draw the humidity out of the sticks.

Yep, but if it doesn't need to be cooled then just put some cedar in it, some humi beads and you're all set.

[doc8466]

Originally Posted by Darrell

Are you planning on plugging this in so it's temp controlled? If so, I don't recommend that, the temperatures get too low and will draw the humidity out of the sticks.

So maybe just use it as a really big coolerdor?

I know the first thing I'm going to do is see how the lowest (least cool) setting is. I'll be happy if it's 60.
And I thought the old non frost free fridges didn't leach out humidity?

[gary106334]

Depends on what you have in mind. i have a 14 cubic foot freezer I purchased last year that I use as a humidor and it works fine. I have a Johnson temperature controller, a Cigar Oasis II XL, and two pounds of beads in it. If you use this set up DO NOT USE CEDAR TRAYS! Keep all your cigars in boxes. Works fine for me. Just use GOOGLE and search Johnson temperature controller.

[Jimbo14]

I am just curious. How come you need to put cedar in it if the fridge holds a great seal? Wont the beads maintain the humidity with a good seal without the need of cedar?

[Blazedup]

Originally Posted by gary106334

Depends on what you have in mind. i have a 14 cubic foot freezer I purchased last year that I use as a humidor and it works fine. I have a Johnson temperature controller, a Cigar Oasis II XL, and two pounds of beads in it. If you use this set up DO NOT USE CEDAR TRAYS! Keep all your cigars in boxes. Works fine for me. Just use GOOGLE and search Johnson temperature controller.

I have been using a similar setup for years and it works great. You may not even need the humidifier. I use the the Cigar Oasis also and it never comes on, just use the fans. My setup holds steady @ 66 degrees and 65% humidity with 5 pounds of beads. If you use trays your smokes will become over humidified and may lead to potential mold issues, boxes work great!! johnson temp control is the way to go. Put the sensor in a box so your unit doesn't turn on all of the time.

[doc8466]

So in esscence you're using the Johnsons in place of plugging the freezer in, right?

[Blazedup]

The freezer plugs into the controller and controller plugs in to the wall. The temp sensor goes into the freezer and triggers the freezer to turn on at whatever temp you select on the sensor. The freezer should be set to its highest or near highest setting to limit the time it will run. Do not use a fridge, only freezer(cools faster). Some will tell you not to use a comperessor cooled unit due to the drops in humidity when the unit is on. My unit turns on mabee 4-5 times per day and while humidity drops slightly when it's running, desired humidity levels return within 5--8 minutes. As stated above, keep your cigars in boxes that way the temporary swings in humidity will not affect them at all. Since moisture is generated when the unit turns on, you may find a humidifier is not needed. Fans to circulate air and humdity are always a good thing in all setups including the freezador. I use 6 pounds of beads in mine and dry them every year when summer begins.

[doc8466]

What I acquired is a frige, not a freezer. So just making it a giant coolerdor and leaving it unplugged might be best?

[gary106334]

If you use a Johnson controller I believe the instructions tell you how to set if for the freezer vs the refrigerator. It should still work fine. I believe you put the sensor in the freezer part.

[ssutton219]

You can still use the fridge to cool the cigars in the heat..again use the Johnson controller and a bunch of beads!



I dont have a controller just a timer and some beads in my large room fridge. Works great!




Shawn

[Opusfxd]

I also acquired an old fridge earlier this year. I've not plugged it in at all, just put in a CO and a bunch of beads with an Oust for giggles. Holds 65% steady with minimal maintenance.

[Blazedup]

Originally Posted by gary106334

If you use a Johnson controller I believe the instructions tell you how to set if for the freezer vs the refrigerator. It should still work fine. I believe you put the sensor in the freezer part.

No, If your unit has seperate freezer and refrigerator sections the sensor will go in whichever section you will be using for your cigar storage. I assume that you would use the frige section since it is much larger. I reccomend a manual defrost dedicated freezer so you don't have two seperate areas to deal with and it will cool faster, so fewer swings in humidity. I built some Spanish Cedar shelves to set boxes on in my unit inorder to keep the boxes from having direct contact with the cooling elements. Good luck with your project!!