Anyone done a Cold room/chiller self build?

[Aramsaydunn]

Evening chaps- after a bit of help... Have built and insulated an area in my shed about 1m cube (about the size of a large fridge).

I’ve finished everything but now stumped as to what to use to chill it. It’s only a small space so I basically need the inner workings of a fridge but not sure if deconstructing an old one is doable?
Or would a small stand alone AC unit be suffice as I’ll only need to turn it on for a few days at a time occasionally.

Any help gratefully received!

 

[User00014]

Monobloc is the easiest way and bomb proof!
Not cheap for a cold one, you just cut a hole mount it in the outside and turn the bugger on and away you go, that’s what I did, as my old chiller unit needed re gassing and was knocking on a bit, in the pic you can see the blower and the actual unit is mounted on the back of the chiller, it will need a well ventilated shelter to protect it from the elements.

 

[Aramsaydunn]

Thanks for your reply Lee. Clearly this isn’t something people have often done judging by the lack of response. Had a look at the system you showed above- would be ideal if my area was bigger but I’ve only got a tiny drinks fridge sized area.

Im thinking of buying a mini AC unit from Amazon and just running it into the top with some ducting. This might do at £200 compared to £1,800 of going all out on it

 

[User00014]

Thanks for your reply Lee. Clearly this isn’t something people have often done judging by the lack of response. Had a look at the system you showed above- would be ideal if my area was bigger but I’ve only got a tiny drinks fridge sized area.

Im thinking of buying a mini AC unit from Amazon and just running it into the top with some ducting. This might do at £200 compared to £1,800 of going all out on it

That might be a possibility in working for your size chiller.
I hope it works for you!

 

[75]

Thanks for your reply Lee. Clearly this isn’t something people have often done judging by the lack of response. Had a look at the system you showed above- would be ideal if my area was bigger but I’ve only got a tiny drinks fridge sized area.

Im thinking of buying a mini AC unit from Amazon and just running it into the top with some ducting. This might do at £200 compared to £1,800 of going all out on it

I don't think any one will have done it that small. Most people would just buy a £50 drinks chiller / secondhand fridge etc. I've got a semi-home-built mini walk-in chiller. Can't remember the dimensions now but it's about 1.3m x 1.6m but 2m high. I bought it as a kit but it's basically just a few 100mm insulated panels that bolt together and a door. I say "semi-home-built" as I still had to cut the door hole and cut many of the jointing sections to size etc. Monobloc stuck through the wall and plug it in - pretty simple.

 

[deerstalker.308]

I doubt aircon will do the same job effectively, sorry to say it. Very few will cool to the temp you require effectively and reliably?
a monoblock is the way to go but not in such a small space, as the internal element of it will take up most of your space sadly. I think you’d have been better off buying a larder fridge or coke fridge personally. Best of luck with whatever you choose to pursue though, hope it works.

 

[Aramsaydunn]

I doubt aircon will do the same job effectively, sorry to say it. Very few will cool to the temp you require effectively and reliably?
a monoblock is the way to go but not in such a small space, as the internal element of it will take up most of your space sadly. I think you’d have been better off buying a larder fridge or coke fridge personally. Best of luck with whatever you choose to pursue though, hope it works.

I think you’re right on the latter point. Certainly would have been cheaper! Thanks for your reply

 

[Rafter]

I've seen drinks fridges from a dairy used, you do need to reinforce the walls where the hanging pipe is though, as the plastic will tear under enough weight.

 

[Penyard]

I’m in the process of installing my own larder but larger dimensions and, as others have said, I don’t think an aircon unit will cut it.l for what you are planning. My current larder is about 1.2m square and has a fridge unit sat on top.

 

[Aramsaydunn]

This is the same size as mine I think. When you say a fridge unit is that a dismantled fridge motor or a purpose use monobloc type thing?