Chest freezer humidor?

[Shelby07]

Temp control is just a bonus I'd think, not absolutely necessary. Home brewers use a lot of these for lagering or more controlled ale ferementing. Home vintners use them too I think. The stand up ones can also be used as wine cellars for the wine collector.

I agree. For me and probably most it isn't really an issue most of the time. But here in Colorado we have had a record 17 days of 90+ degrees so far this year. For those without A/C this could be a really cheap alternative to a temperature controlled humidor

Used or inexpensive new non defrosting fridge or freezer --- $150-200
Temperature controller --- $80
A couple pounds of beads --- $60
No worries about beetles --- PRICELESS!

So, if this is viable it'd make a pretty cheap solution for someone who needs it.

I don't personally think I need it, but I thought it'd be a good topic to discuss for those who might.

[FlowerBasketExpress2005]

Problem I see with using a chest freezer is the type of cooling they use is just like a regular fridge isn't it? The implication of that being it will suck the humidity out of the air making an endless battle to try and keep the thing properly humidified. If it was a beat up old thing and you just use it as a place to store cigars with a pound or two of beads in there, that might work. If its in the basement the temp is probably a bit cooler and would work ok.

[planenut]

If it is big enough.... How about just putting the humidor inside the fridgedor to help mellow out any humidity swings from the compressor.
Just a thought...

[SuperChuck]

Chest freezers are pretty popular with homebrewers because they're dirt cheap compared to refrigerators, etc.

For lagering/serving beers, you can just hook up a temp controller. For cigars, I don't think you'd want any tamp control at all (I think it would dry out cigars if it tried to cool)

[Kenyth]

Chest freezers are pretty popular with homebrewers because they're dirt cheap compared to refrigerators, etc.

For lagering/serving beers, you can just hook up a temp controller. For cigars, I don't think you'd want any tamp control at all (I think it would dry out cigars if it tried to cool)

Yeah, have you seen how much a single keg kegerator costs? Like 1200-1500 bucks new! Buying a used chest freezer, a tap tower kit, and an external temperature controller will run maybe a third of that price. A great asset for the home bar! I dream of having one someday. For now the basement is just that, a basement.