Compact A/C refrigerator research help
I'm researching compact A/C refrigerators (3.5-4.5cf) for use outdoors during summer months. It would only be used a week at a time for probably four weeks out of the year. The location is in Julian, ...
Forum Discussion
Thermoelectric is considerably less efficient than traditional with compressors etc. Many thermoelectric units struggle to maintain anything resembling cold temperatures in high ambient temperature conditions; at least some of the cheaper ones don't even bother with a thermostat, I think, and just run constantly and let the temperature fall where it will.
I think a compressor model would work better. You would probably gain some performance (and lose some aesthetics) by attaching foam insulating board around the outside, of course leaving the condenser coils and compressor unit open to air circulation. You also would be well served to avoid opening the door unnecessarily.
Based on my college dorm days, an analog thermostat works fine once you get the proper setting (which can be tricky, particularly if you care about keeping ice cream frozen and drinks thawed). I suspect a digital control might be rather similar—fine once you found the right setting, but perhaps tricky getting there.
If you have a college nearby, you may well be able to get a good deal on a used small fridge—possibly even free for the taking—if you poke around when the spring semester is ending.
I think a compressor model would work better. You would probably gain some performance (and lose some aesthetics) by attaching foam insulating board around the outside, of course leaving the condenser coils and compressor unit open to air circulation. You also would be well served to avoid opening the door unnecessarily.
Based on my college dorm days, an analog thermostat works fine once you get the proper setting (which can be tricky, particularly if you care about keeping ice cream frozen and drinks thawed). I suspect a digital control might be rather similar—fine once you found the right setting, but perhaps tricky getting there.
If you have a college nearby, you may well be able to get a good deal on a used small fridge—possibly even free for the taking—if you poke around when the spring semester is ending.
