Freezer Advice

[darren996]

Hi All

I got my hands on a freezer, got it home and took the freezer compartments out and the shelves don't come out.
There is a pipe going from the compressor to the freezer shelves, I am assuming this is the coolant.
Was hoping to get two kegs in here but it looks like the shelves don't come out.

Has anyone taken a similar one apart.  Its a Zanussi ZUT113W

Pics attached, image2 has the pipe coming from the compressor.
Image 3 is where the pipe connects to the shelves.
Thanks

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

I don't reckon that they can be used as a kegerator you may be able to bend the shelves back against the rear panel but you'll end up with two panel lying against each other, which might end up with ice building up. Most guys use the top opening type freezers. If using a fridge I think the hotpoint ones make the best ones as the compressor is in the back corner so you don't lose floor space all the way across the back

[darren996]

Thanks Sa, I am building a bar and was thinking I could build it around it and just use the freezer to keep a chamber at kegging temps, something like this
http://www.nchomebrewing.com/diy-mini-fridge-beer-fermentation-chamber-build/

Do you think this is possible?

[banjobrew]

I don't know why I'm posting because I have no experience whatsoever but if you were to cut and seal those cooling lines it might work. If you're going to get rid of it anyway you could always try.

[darren996]

Same as , have no experience but don't want to get rid or ruin it. I would like to get some sort of use for it.  Don't know how they cool, is there coolant in the lines or is it conductive cooling line. I feel some research coming on

[darren996]

Think I could use the dremmel to cut around the lines on the middle shelf then bend them back, might work

[banjobrew]

Yeah that's what I was thinking. I don't see any reason it wouldn't work but on the other hand the money from a sale could go towards another fridge. How much did you pay for it?

[johnrm]

Bending could work, but be prepared for the dreaded 'hissss'. Once the gas gets out, its out.
I would not advise cutting or remaking pipes. Dempsey knows a bit about fridge leak.
Looking at the link, Garry did a fridge like this, made a coffin shaped one. Do not think to can turn it into a walk-in fridge to big and the cooling system can't handle it even if super insulated.

Sent from my Samsung Note Sev... Fire! Fire!

[darren996]

Thanks lads, going to try bend it back and cut out the bits of the shelf that I can. Was thinking if I could get 4 kegs in the cool side, then have a warm side for fermentation that can take the cool air from the cold side if needed. I wouldnt even be doubling the footprint on the cold side and will be insulated with 2" Kingspan.

[Leann ull]

I'd use that as a bottle fridge it's gonna end up in tears as you will have to restrict to flow of gas coolant by bending pipes

[Pheeel]

Yep. I wouldn't bother me arse Tring to get this working. Get a cheap fridge on adverts

[darren996]

Yeah, think I might abandon the idea, looks like it's going to be hassle

[Sorcerers Apprentice]

Those "shelves" are quiet delicate, I don't know how many times I've come across people who have pierced them while trying to defrost the freezer. Plus you'll need an stc 1000 or inkbird to prevent the beer from freezing. As I said keep your eye out for a hotpoint fridge as you will confortable get 2 cornys into one of them.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[Leann ull]

A tall big larder fridge and you can get 8 in

[darren996]

Thanks Sa, went out just now and it looks like the shelf will bend easily, but as you said it looks delicate. I have a spare stc knocking around somewhere. CH 2 or 3 kegs are going to be dangerous enough for me, but like how your thinking. Might be back to the drawing board with this one