Wine Cooler Temp Question

[Pete]

So I slipped further down the slope today. Sears had a Kenmore 24 Bottle Wine Fridge(ador) for $99.88 on clearance. Compressor cooled, but the sticks in boxes should be fine with my Cigar Oasis and a Pound of Beads.

My question: It looks like the coolest setting keeps the fridge at around 61*F. Do you think this is a problem? I'd rather have it at 61*F than 80*F, but will it affect aging or anything else?

[opus]

Are you sure that isn't the warmest setting? I would rather see 65*F, but I think 61 should be OK.

[Pete]

Originally Posted by opusxox

Are you sure that isn't the warmest setting? I would rather see 65*F, but I think 61 should be OK.

Ah, I meant the warmest setting...oops...

[moon]

You can bypass the thermostat with a temp controller if the fridge doesn't dial in where you want it to. They are not the cheapest things but they are nice for the peace of mind. I use a Ranco ETC that I picked up from Grainger. It has kept my Avanti between 68 and 70 for almost a year now.
You may set the fridge up and stick a bunch of empty boxes in there to take up space and find out that it runs between 65 and 70 and not need one though. Good luck and congrats on the find.

Here is a link to the one I have.
http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg...mId=1611768432

If this becomes an option for you and you have more questions feel free to PM me.

[raisin]

Yes 61 is going to be a problem, remember, that is the warmest the temp will be, most of the time it will be 5-8 degree's cooler. At those temp's all your moisture will condense out on the cooling fins, and collect in the bottom of the cooler. RH levels will be difficult to regulate the cooler it gets.

As moon says there are controllers available that will regulate the temperature's consistantly. Johnson controller would be a good search term on this forum for the full skinny.

[Pete]

Update: After more research, I ordered the following.

Johnson Controls A419 - 120/240 volt Single Stage Digital Temperature Control -30/212F-

I can't wait for it to come...then I can keep it in the 64-67*F range...

[Boston_Dude05]

Originally Posted by Pete

Update: After more research, I ordered the following.

Johnson Controls A419 - 120/240 volt Single Stage Digital Temperature Control -30/212F-

I can't wait for it to come...then I can keep it in the 64-67*F range...

How do these work? Is it a timer of sorts attached to a temperature gauge? Also, is there is smell that goes with the wine coolers usually?

[Badkarma]

Originally Posted by Boston_Dude05

How do these work? Is it a timer of sorts attached to a temperature gauge? Also, is there is smell that goes with the wine coolers usually?

The controls have a temp sensor that mounts inside the cooler and that controls the power to the unit. Too warm, it turns on the power to cool the unit. No timer at all it turns the power on and off as it needs to.

Yes there is a smell inside the coolers. Time and effort with baking soda and scrubbing, airing out and lotsa sp. cedar will take care of that.

I've had one for almost a year and the smell when I open the door is awesome!!!!

Karma

[Pete]

For those interested, I just posted another topic with the Johnson Manual and what my thoughts on what parameters I want are...