Need some guidance on Dry Cure Cabinet

[standles]

So I have given up finding anything by the edge of the road that is free and suitable.    I cannot get a donation from friends like FREEPAS  ;D

So...  Which is better as a starting point? 

A fridge?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203844615?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&superSkuId=203844325&N=5yc1vZc3p9&R=203844615#.UV4RYByW-nM


Freezer?
http://www.sears.com/kenmore-12.1-cu-ft-upright-freezer/p-04628262000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

[beefmann]

i would say the fridge, better temps

[devo]

The older stand up freezers are excellent for what you want, to bad they started making them with the cooling going through each shelf. Way to much condition with the new stand up freezers, I was glad when mine died. A fridge is good but less room. If you can find a pop cooler it is the best by far but you have to be lucky to score one at a good price.
Good luck and don't give up for something thats not right.

[Habanero Smoker]

I use a Kenmore Freezerless Refrigerator, that is the same as the Frigidaire you provided a link to. Either the freezer or refrigerator will work in controlling your temperatures accurateley, once you hook it up to a temperature controller. Though the extra space of the refrigerator will definitely come in handy.

Just note that the refrigerator is noisy, when it operates. If it is in your kitchen or near other parts of your living area, it takes awhile for you to get use to the noise.

[devo]

Don't get the freezer no matter what...........been there done it. The new ones don't work for cure chambers.

Read the small print

Three fixed wire shelves

You going to make wieners all the time???

[standles]

Thanks for the tips folks.  I will scour the craiglist and ads a few moretimes but this itch to dry cure some sausage is getting to the point it is going to have to be scratched soon :-[

Thanks again, Steven

[GusRobin]

So if I am going to make a dry cure cabinet, if I read this correctly, I DO NOT want a frost free? Correct?

[Mr Walleye]

I used a commercial freezer. I was lucky enough to pick one up for nothing. I did disconnect the defrost element simply because it was 600 watts. It has been working very well.





Here's a link to the build.

http://forum.bradleysmoker.com/index.php?topic=31769.0

Mike

[devo]

So if I am going to make a dry cure cabinet, if I read this correctly, I DO NOT want a frost free? Correct?

Yes Gus that is correct. All you need is a unit that will cool to a set point temp. The frost free units will suck to much humidity from the fridge and all your hard work will end up with case hardening.

[tskeeter]

Standles, most appliance stores offer free pick up of your old appliances when you buy new ones.  This is most often done by an independent company that picks up, refurbishes, and sells used appliances.  Such a company might be a good source for a functional used appliance.  And since they are dealing in used stuff, it's likely to be older, with less plastic, etc.  They might even have some commercial stuff, too.  Ask your area appliance stores who provides their pick up service or check out the yellow pages for used appliance dealers.

Another source for commercial stuff would be restaurant supply houses.  Because they often finance the equipment they sell, they usually sell used restaurant equipment as well as new.  With the economy that last few years, there is a lot of used equipment around. If you're willing to take something that is battered and banged, you might be able to pick up something they would otherwise throw in the trash.   

[Habanero Smoker]

Mine is frost free, but because of the low temperatures you maintain the cabinet at, the defrost cycle runs less frequently and for very short periods of time. Also because I do not have a dehumidifier, the RH level rarely drops below 65%, when the defrost cycle runs. But as mentioned, it is best to get one that is not frost free. I did not disconnect my frost free, because I often convert mine back to regular refrigerator use.