Outdoor Chiller / Fridge

[Pete_Cambs]

looking for some suggestions / advice on a chiller that can live outside in a covered garden kitchen? It’s the only space I've got so need something that’s rated for outbuilding or external use and ideally isn’t silly money.

 

[VSS]

How big?

 

[Pete_Cambs]

How big?

Needs to be able to hold a single deer, probably a Roe, fallow, munty or CWD.

I’m on guided stalks at the moment and still learning so need to balance cost but don’t like. It being able to take a carcass

 

[DevonRifle]

Is your area dry, I.e. no chance of rain being driven in against it? If so a lot of standard larder fridges would do the job. I have one in a detached, unheated garage and can hang two roe in it. I’m getting a second one rather than a larger unit as I can turn on what I need and both were free.

 

[Pete_Cambs]

Is your area dry, I.e. no chance of rain being driven in against it? If so a lot of standard larder fridges would do the job. I have one in a detached, unheated garage and can hang two roe in it. I’m getting a second one rather than a larger unit as I can turn on what I need and both were free.

I can put it in a shed if needed but I’ve read that they break even in sheds as not designed for being out in the cold…. If this is a myth then it should make things a lot easier.

What fridge do you currently have?

 

[Ludders]

I’ve had a normal hot point lader fridge in my shed for years and I bought it second hand in 2015ish

 

[JockStalk]

You can search fridges for outbuildings with some online retailers - the risk is that if not for outdoor temp range they won’t chill in cooler weather, spoiling the carcass.
Mine is in an unheated shed but is not designed for outdoors. I’ve rigged a low power heat pad with a temperature controlled plug that’s wrapped around the coil on the chill unit which overcomes the problem.
I also hang a temperature recorder in with the carcass so I don’t make myself or others ill.
So there are ways to do it.

 

[DevonRifle]

I can put it in a shed if needed but I’ve read that they break even in sheds as not designed for being out in the cold…. If this is a myth then it should make things a lot easier.

What fridge do you currently have?

I forget the make but it isn’t anything special. The point is that it is only turned on when needed and run for five days.

I wouldn’t risk a freezer that wasn’t rated for outdoor use. I made that mistake many years ago! If the weather is freezing then you don’t need a fridge. If you’re processing a lot of deer then you’ll need something bigger and more expensive but for the occasional one the fridge is fine. I process 15 a year and have never had a problem. Mind you I can’t remember running it in freezing weather although it is used through the winter. Of course it may be rated for outdoor use and I’ve not checked but if it is it was still free.