How to Convert a Freezer to a Beer Cooler
A dedicated beer cooler is wonderful for setting up a lounge or home bar. A dedicated cooler for beer keeps clutter out of your normal food storage, and ensures ample room for your beer. Purchasing a new fridge can be a hefty investment, however, so re-purposing something you already have makes more sense if it's possible. A great solution is converting an old freezer to become your new beer cooler. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Determine the minimum temperature of the freezer. Your freezer will likely have an adjustable temperature dial located somewhere on the unit. Locate the dial and turn it to its lowest, or warmest, setting. Allow the freezer to reach a constant temperature under that setting and determine if that is the right temperature for your purposes.
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Use a thermometer to keep precise measure of your freezer's temperature. Thermometers come in external and internal varieties at various costs, with external reading thermometers usually costing more. Place the temperature sensor in the center of the freezer to take the most accurate temperature measurement possible. Mount the external temperature read-out on the door or other easy-to-read location.
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Buy an appropriate appliance timer if your lowest freezer setting is still too cold or if there is no temperature dial. An appliance timer is installed between the freezer and power source and turns the freezer off and on according to a timer. Select an appliance timer that will give you the most options for on and off cycling in order to fine-tune the temperature. Make sure the timer will accept the prongs from your freezer.
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Adjust the on and off cycles of the timer to best regulate the temperature. The alternating cycles of cooling and inaction can help keep the temperature at an acceptable level. Test the freezer to see how long it takes to hit too-low temperatures and how long it takes to warm back up to too-high temperatures. Set the on and off cycles according to the test times.
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Experiment with different cycles to achieve the optimal temperature for keeping your beers. Even after setting it according to your cooling and warming test, you may need to make adjustments to make it work right. Slightly increase or decrease on and off cycles to get the temperatures in the right ranges.
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Tips & Warnings
Add shelving units to maximize storage options.
Avoid keeping beer in your cooler until the temperature is in a stable range. Erratic changes of temperature can ruin a beer's taste.
