Garage Fridges

[CrashTestDummy]

Stupid question. Isn't it bad to keep a fridge in the garage if you're up north? I've always been told that it causes problems. Strangely, one problem is not getting cold enough (I've seen this myself, where a fridge that works 3 seasons runs warm during the winter).

Having any refrigerator out in a garage environment is hard on the mechanical components. Usually the problem is you can't get the condenser coils cool enough to work in the summer. Keeping them clean, and keeping the seals clean and lubed goes a long way towards keeping the unit running and the contents cold. Locate some silicone grease that contains no petroleum distillates (Silglyde, http://www.agscompany.com/lubricants/automotive/168) works great for such purpose. Clean the seals with warm soap and water, dry and lightly coat with silicone grease and you're set for several months.

Gene Beaird,
Pearland, Texas

 

[Falcon67]

I think refrigerators and televisions belong in the house. The garage is for working. When you need a break grab a beer from the kitchen, sit outside, watch the clouds roll by and let the dust settle in the garage.

Maybe. But the wife get's tired of having to pack cheese and vegetables around the paint mask charcoal filters. They keep longer, better in the cold.

Had a dorm type fridge for a while - lasted 2 years and the cold killed it. But - those are not really made to last. The building where our car club meets is one of the guy's warehouses. It has an old Fridgidare in the corner that sounds like it's one single rod has spun a bearing. But it keeps on kepping on.

What I'm going to get is a older Dr Pepper or coke machine at Pate Swap Meet and put it in there, maybe make some room inside for double duty. Could have had a nice one in running condition for $250 this year but didn't bring the money or the truck.

 

[socapots]

Just buy an old reject fridge from someone's garage sale. Then park it in your garage, and don't worry about it. In the old days life was simple. We bought a fridge, ignored it for 40 years, and kept using it. Lots of old fridges still have many years of non-maintenance left in them.
My garage fridge doesn't get cleaned. It sits in its corner until it dies. Then it gets replaced.
Or, get a new one and spend the rest of your life worrying about maintenance on it instead of drinking the cold beer in it.

or maintain it and never have to replace it. But your right. They sure are not built like they used to be.

 

[Scott P]

We've used my wife's old dorm fridge in both Upstate NY and Here in Houston for the past eight years. It is still going strong, but I would like a nice adult sized fridge soon. I keep my eyes peeled for used ones on craigslist or deals when the Energy Star sales hit.

 

[socapots]

Actually have a fridge that crapped out on someone, it was left unplugged for a few weeks. seems the freon leaked out. Brought it home got some duracool it it and away it went.
See how long it lasts before the compressor bites it. lol.
But until then it'll hold my beer just fine. lol.

my work server wont let me get to photobucket. i'll post a pic later.
edit: and yes the coils do need a cleaning.

 

[yellowdartdave]

SweetD,
I forgot to mention that the fridge in my post belongs to another Kaw triple owner and I swiped it off one of his posts about garages.

No fridge in my garage. 15 feet between the garage and the fridge.

 

[Justanoldguy]

My beer fridge is tucked away in the corner.
The green thingy.
I keep beer, water, milk & a few snacky things in it.
I don't drink alcohol so that's just for the visitors ...

 

[iajonesy]

I've got a fridge that was like new,5-6 years ago,from a rental place that was upgrading their appliances. Paid $25 for it and it works great. My best buddy has a Maytag that was in his parents basement un-used for years. He hauled it to his barn,plugged it in and it has been humming along for about 4-5 years. Oh yeah, the fridge was built in 1951. They don't make 'em like that anymore.

Mike

 

[JC23]

It's easier (and more funner) to paint a new one than clean the old one...

Dorm Fridge from a garage sale for $20.

 

[socapots]

just realized i dont have any pics of its location or the outside. lol.
But the inside sure is taking shape. lol

 

[dyogim]

Posting the pics.

The fridge:

and the important content of all...

 

[The Hot Rod Grille]

Not really a "fridge", but it keeps my canned beverages cold in the garage!

Jim

 

[Wingnut65]

Not really a "fridge", but it keeps my canned beverages cold in the garage!

Jim

I would love to get an old machine in my place, but I need more options than just sodas it dispenses. Our fridge inside is a side by side. I have approcal for a full size outside if it has a freezer on top for larger items. When I get it, I had been thinking of painting it like a toolbox as others have, but you just gave me the cool idea of painting it like an old soda machine. Maybe a vintage theme. And with a freezer on top, the split could be about where the selection buttons are.

Thanks Jim for the inspiration. Now I'm off to the Minister of Finance for funding...

And Thanks Chris, again, for blowing off your coils so I could get this idea.

 

[socapots]

Not really a "fridge", but it keeps my canned beverages cold in the garage!

Jim

thats a cool unit. love to have one of those.

I would love to get an old machine in my place, but I need more options than just sodas it dispenses. Our fridge inside is a side by side. I have approcal for a full size outside if it has a freezer on top for larger items. When I get it, I had been thinking of painting it like a toolbox as others have, but you just gave me the cool idea of painting it like an old soda machine. Maybe a vintage theme. And with a freezer on top, the split could be about where the selection buttons are.

Thanks Jim for the inspiration. Now I'm off to the Minister of Finance for funding...

And Thanks Chris, again, for blowing off your coils so I could get this idea.

and thats a damn good idea for a paint scheme.

 

[Shadowdog500]

odd mine died the other day as well was perfect small mid size frig, im thinking on those dorm smaller frigs can buy it for like $69 bucks on sale.

My neighbors garage fridge just died as well. Now I wonder if the recent heat wave may have had something to do with three known garage fridges in south jersey dying the same week. Im sure my fridge was working overtime in an attempt to keep my drinks cold in all that heat.
There may be a correlation!


I may go to the Sears scratch and dent in Deleware to get a new one, followed by a side trip to Maryland for crabs.


Chris

 

[unpredictable1]

I checked my garage fridge but I guess the coils on mine is the large radiator thing on the back? No dust or dirt, nothing clogged. Not sure if there's anything else I should check/clean?

From what I can tell, this fridge is circa 1951-1953 based on some online vintage ads I've found. I have it adjusted to where it keeps beer almost to the point of freezing. It's hard to keep beer in it because they taste so good Looks like my supply is running low, beer store after work today!

 

[GTVi]

I have two fridges in my workshop..."hand me downs" from the kitchen, and endless bottles of home made beer in the cellar (constant 20c all year round)....I only put the beer in the fridge when I'm ready to drink it...it ferments well in the cellar...lol...I'm not an alcoholic, I enjoy the taste of my own brews...but I had to slow down a little due to doctors orders.

 

[Greatbear]

Hell, that old Admiral will probably still be running in another 60 years.

 

[weegaz22]

I can honestly say i have never thought about cleaning the coils, so cheers for reminding me...on a slightly related side note, how many of you guys have took the cover off your Pc's and blown them out? makes sense as thats the one thing that gives you your GJ "fix" lol

 

[Pharmteck]

.

 

[socapots]

I think I want to see some more garage fridges,!

 

[ZRX61]

 

[JonnyMac]

There is a company selling bar/garage fridges in the style of a toolbox side cab.

http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/351027166655?nav=SEARCH

Dont think they would come with a 5 year guarantee but they look pretty cool..