Did I hit the jackpot with these old fridges?

BillyMo · Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 7

Or am I wasting my time trying to convert them to cabinet cookers with an offset firebox. Anyone know what kind of challenges I would find with these? The compressors are underneath the units themselves and they're very large and free. I appreciate any advice in advance. Thanks guys.

http://imgur.com/a/jpBbo#0

Beertooth · Posted: Dec 18 2012 Post subject:

Is the interior all metal/ceramic?

Looks like the double door would make a nice cabinet smoker.
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Camp Chef Pro90 Stove w/ Griddle
1985 22" Weber Kettle
CharGriller
18.5" WSM (Stoked)
22.5" WSM
85 Gallon UDS
Weber Smokey Joe/Mini WSM
Cast Iron Cookware
24" Disc Cooker
Masterbuilt 40" Electric
Char-Griller Akorn

BillyMo · Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 7

Yes, they're metal and screwed into the frame. Is there any potential concern with what the insulation may be made of?

Maniac · BBQ Super Pro Joined: 02 Oct 2010 Posts: 2433 Location: Pa

the insulation will not be hi temp...will have to be swapped out.
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RF Smoker
20" disc
uds

Beertooth · Posted: Dec 19 2012 Post subject:

I think Tony is the resident fridge guy.

http://www.thesmokering.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6858&highlight=fridge

Maybe he can answer some of your questions.

Let us know what you do. Very Happy

_________________
Camp Chef Pro90 Stove w/ Griddle
1985 22" Weber Kettle
CharGriller
18.5" WSM (Stoked)
22.5" WSM
85 Gallon UDS
Weber Smokey Joe/Mini WSM
Cast Iron Cookware
24" Disc Cooker
Masterbuilt 40" Electric
Char-Griller Akorn

BillyMo · Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 7

Thanks so much Beertooth. I'll shoot him a PM. I love the look of both of those fridges and think they could turn into great show pieces as well as great cookers. It appears that the link you posted shows his as being a success, so I'll find out what he would recommend, then keep you guys updated on the progress.

Also, I'm now considering building it more like the Pitmaker style instead of offset to preserve the look of it. I could install the charcoal in the bottom of either of those refrigerators where the compressor is and just deal with the temperature differences between the top and bottom racks. Since this will be my first official build knowing what I want, I'm finding that my desire to make it look nice may outweigh my desire to make it cook absolutely perfectly. Any opinions are welcomed.

1MoreFord · Posted: Dec 19 2012 Post subject:

Those things are junk. Send them to me for propa disposal. Cool

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Joe

BillyMo · Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 7

I don't know, 1MoreFord. I'm thinking shipping them there would be VERY cost prohibitive at this point in the conversation, if you know what I mean. Laughing