Fridge to freezer?

[GordonThree]

Has anyone modified an inexpensive "dorm fridge" to operate as a freezer?

Some replace the thermostat with a chest freezer version, others just jumper the thermostat and use an eBay temperature controller.

Other than burning out the compressor by extended its duty cycle, what could go wrong?

[jerryjay11]

Another issue to contend with is the fact the refrigerant can slug back to the compressor as a liquid and crack the reed valve as a ref evaporator is not designed to operate at freezing temps. Yeah for awhile it will appear to work, but I wouldn't depend on it for my frozen storage items. Instead I would sell the little ref and purchase an Artic King for around $74.00. The correct tool for the job.

[MEXICOWANDERER]

Bought five GE's for the hotel
Had to set them on 5 out of 6 to keep them under 50F
They ran 24/7 before I got smart and bought full size 12 cubic foot Samsungs
Which ended up using less electricity and bringing down the temp another 10F

Why?
An inch of cheap insulation ain't gonna cut it.

Also the rooms were cooler with real refrigerators

[MrWizard]

moved from 'technology corner'

[BC_Explorer]

I have a small 2 door (freezer and fridge compartments) 3.2 cubic foot dorm fridge in my trailer. It can struggle to keep up when the ambient temps get above 85F. I suspect that in these temps, the compressor life is exponentially shortened as it runs a lot.

If you want to go a similar route, buy a small 3.5 or 5.1 cubic foot upright freezer then use the temperature controller and divide the freezer with the bottom half being a freezer and the upper being a fridge. The trick is to use a good piece of thick insulation to separate the 2 compartments. There are some Youtube videos that demonstrate this.

Edit:

I also mounted a 120 mm computer case fan at the back base of the fridge and it sure helps to keep the compressor temp down.

[Gdetrailer]

Wasted power, possibly burn up the compressor..

Freezers tend to have MORE insulation than a dorm fridge so converting a dorm fridge into a freezer while technically possible by replacing the T stat can be done, it will use much more energy by having to run the compressor longer and more often.

It is for the insulation reason as to why some folks have converted chest freezers into off grid refrigerators. The high insulation R value and the chest configuration means the compressor will run very little and that makes it off grid compatible.

You are better off to buy a small chest freezer, yes, they are a bit more expensive than a dorm fridge but they ARE purposely designed for the job.

Use the right tool for the job..

[Lwiddis]

Sounds dangerous to me.

[Trackrig]

What could go wrong - what if the refer catches fire from the electrical system being overworked and burns everything up. If you're going to try it, I'd put it outside on a cement or gravel pad for a couple of weeks to see what happens.

Bill