Reddit mentions: The best refrigerators, freezers & ice makers

Like many of my brothers in this sub, I'm always thirsty and always want water. In particular, I want it ice cold and in massive quantities. A while ago, I got this refillable 100z "cup":

Pic with pint glass for size comparison

I lived near a gas station with really well filtered water that let me fill it up for free, so I was set. Unfortunately, after moving, all the places near me want like $1 for an ice water refill in that thing. Fuck that. Here's an overview of all the components needed.

Pitcher - I use this Brita pitcher. In the past I used the bigger one here, but it honestly sucks to fill up because it's heavy and unwieldy, whereas the pitcher form factor is really easy to just refill right after you use. It also pours quite a bit slower. Apparently my new place does some filtration of water before it comes out of the sink, so I might switch to this guy for instant filtration. Also make sure to change that damn filter often enough. Having charcoal leech into everything when it breaks down from too much use won't hurt you but it definitely looks bad and takes some time to clean out.

Giant Cup - Valero Corner Stores sell this, though the 64oz and 52oz variants are more common. Plenty of other gas stations sell identical 100oz cups with their branding, but you just have to find one. If you don't mind paying the pretty steep cost (~$20) some people sell them on Amazon, like this one. I really really wish Yeti or some other company made a 100oz cup made for drinking that insulates as well as theirs do, but I haven't found one.

Reusable Straw - The big cup comes with a plastic reusable straw which you can see in the pictures of the one I linked to, but I don't like it. The ridged structure that makes it easily bendable also causes drag on the water and makes it harder to drink. So what I use are these. They are just the right size. They get a bit off smelling after a while (a month or two), and there's a brush included to clean them, but I can never really get them cleaned well, so I honestly just toss them and use another. It's $8 for 5, so you're looking at maybe $15 or so a year in straw costs. I had also looked at some of those reusable metal straws but then I realized how bad it would suck to pick up the cup too quickly and bash my teeth out with the inertia of a full 100oz cup.

Ice - Here's the the tricky one. This is basically why I filled it up at the gas station in the past. I'm really picky about ice and will only use clear "restaurant quality" ice. The kind of ice made in most freezer ice makers is cloudy because of air bubbles in the water, meaning that it also picks up any off smells in the freezer, melts far too quickly, is weirdly soft, etc. If you do it right, you can get pretty clear ice from ice trays, but if you're doing that for a cup that big, it's gonna take a lot of time. Here is a pic of the ice maker I bought to solve this problem (I bought it here). It does a really good job making clear, good tasting ice. I fill it up with a full load of water from the pitcher and usually within 90-120 minutes, it's full of clear square ice. Here is a pic of some extra ice I stash in the freezer from it. I'll edit this with a pic of some fresh super clear ice in a bit, I don't have any on hand right now. Overall, I like the ice machine, though I will say that it costs quite a bit to run (it runs at around 150W, spiking to 190W) and should be wiped down every week or two. It might just be easier to grab some of the 10 or 20lb bags of ice from the gas station or grocery story and use that. It is nice to be able to make it on demand though.

Every morning I get up and fill the ice maker up to the top, sip on the leftover water from last night while I wait for the new ice, and then refill when I'm done. I usually drink two cupfulls of water a day.

But what if I want my water to get me drunk?

The best part about water is that it makes the best mixed drink for sipping at home. Just carbonate it and mix it with a spirit. The Japanese highball is the height of such mixed drinks, but I've found that some experimentation yielded a variety of great options. I usually do around 5:1 water to spirit, but usually I eyeball the spirit pour and just full up the glass.

How to make it at home? Sodastream of course! Here is a picture of my Sodastream bottle, a very fancy eau-de-vie, and the resulting beverage. Here are my top picks for spirits to mix with your delicious spicy water:

• Plantation Stiggins Pineapple Rum - This is distilled with pineapple to give it some good pineapple flavor, but it's not too sugary. It's 20g/L of sugar, meaning that a drink made with 3oz of it has under 2g of sugar, making it a great option for ketohomies who miss fruity cocktails.
  
• Dingle Gin - Any decent gin will do, The Botanist is another great option. Mixing it with the water brings out the gentler botanical and herbal notes and makes for a refreshing drink.
  
• Lustau Solera Gran Reserva Brandy - This can be tricky to find, but if you can, try it. There's a $35 Gran Reserva and a $25 Reserva. The Gran Reserva's a bit better, but both are good. It ends up tasting like delicious sherry soda. Subtle nutty, chocolate, and maple syrup notes, but not sweet at all.
  
• Any bourbon - Japanese whiskey is good but my dirty secret is that I'll take a good bourbon highball any day. Weller OWA 107 is a great option that goes really well with the sparkling water, though it's next to impossible to find. Something with high value like McKenna Bottled in Bond, Wild Turkey 101, or Old Grand Dad 114 will do the trick.
  
• Green Chartreuse - I was amazed this works, but it does. Really REALLY herbal, so if that's your thing, go for it.
  
  There are tons of other great options and plenty of bad ones (funky rum like Rumfire or Wray & Nephew, mezcal, peaty scotch, etc. are things I love that don't work)
  
  Hope this inspires people to drink more fuckin water.

05 Mercedes Sprinter Camper Van/132k miles, SOLAR, 158 wb $25000 (East Sacramento)

Imgur Mirror Link

>2005 Mercedes / Dodge Sprinter Camper Van

>Clean Title

>132k miles

>Highly Desired 158 wheelbase with 5 cylinder T1N engine, runs great and gets

>25-27 mpg!

>No DEF fluid needed (pre 2007)

>Come join the amazing Van Life world with this ready to go Camper Van! We

>spent months meticulously setting up this van to be simple and functional

>while still providing luxuries such as a sink, comfortable bed and

>refrigeration.

>We used this van for countless climbing trips, mountain biking and ski trips.

>Large diesel tank and great gas mileage. Very comfortable for long trips.

>AM/FM/CD/Bluetooth stereo with upgraded speakers. Kept up on maintenance,

>fresh oil change and brand new smog certificate all completed at Kniesel's

>Auto Service. Rebuilt AC unit last year.

>We really love this Van (named Pedro) however it is the point in our life

>where we need to buy a home and settle down- this Van still has a lot of

>adventuring left in its life, it just needs a new home!

>Converted into camper van with the following items!

>Front passenger swivel seat

>Solar System:

>2 Renogy 100 W Solar Panels

>Renogy MPPT 20 Amp Charge Controller (MPPT is %30 more efficient, equivalent

>of a 3rd panel!

>155 Amp Hour AGM Gel Deep Cycle Battery

>-The solar powers the fridge, vent fan, lighting and charges your phone/runs your laptop etc with no problem in California! In the Northwest you may want to add a second battery or third panel which would be very easy to do for under $500. However in CA we have had no problem with power.

>Inverter:

>Tripp Lite APS750 Inverter / Charger 750W 12V DC to 120V AC 20A 5-15R 2 Outlet

>&gt This inverter will allow you to run AC power and it also functions as a

>Converter so you can charge your battery by simply plugging in to a regular

>power outlet! (You shouldn't have to charge from an outlet unless you are

>completely in the shade for several days)

>*I was an aircraft electrician and completed all the electrical work myself. All components are properly fuzed and grounded safely. I will include an easy to follow diagram of the system

>Refrigerator:

>Dometic CFX-35US Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 34 Quarts

>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00T36NUYA/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&amp psc=1

>&gt High efficiency refrigerator that runs completely off solar.

>Fantastic Fan Ventilation

>Custom built butcher block counter tops with fresh water faucet

>Custom built cabinets and drawers

>Custom built Bookshelf

>Laminate flooring with rubber flooring in the rear for storage

>Custom built bed with mattress

>CO Monitor

>Fire extinguisher

>Tire Chains

>tags: freightliner promaster 2500 1500 158 170 140 diesel RV campervan camper

 

2005 mercedes-benz sprinter cargo van|

-
condition:good|
cylinders:5 cylinders|
drive:fwd|
fuel:diesel|
odometer:132500|
paint color:white|
title status:clean|
transmission:automatic|
type:van|


---
^| ^I'm ^a ^bot ^| ^For ^bug ^reports, ^suggestions, ^or ^if ^you ^want ^me ^in ^your ^sub ^message ^/u/Vendigroth ^|

So I did a similar size cooler that's working fairly well. I'm using two controllers similar to the Inkbird, one for temp and one for RH, but DARNIT (pardon the language :-), mine is only either humidifier or dehumidifier mode; I can't run both! Usually that's not a problem, as the meat's usually giving up water and I want to run the dehumidifier, but the thing can overshoot as it's not an autotuning/learning PID. Also, you get a "dueling temp/RH" thing where the fridge cooling kicks on, temp drops, the RH changes, so the humidity sensor triggers, etc. That usually converges to a stable state, but requires some fiddling with your high/low set points on both temp and RH controllers, plus the other params. Sorry for going on, but even with the dual controller Inkbird (which I'm now going to buy - thanks for the info!), this is something you'll be dealing with a bit. Note that your unit has a water tray (I looked up the manual - it's a CWC-3200 right?), "to receive condensation drained from the interior", so when your cooling kicks in it'll be dehumidifying too. AND if it's bringing in outside air, it'll be mixing that RH in. So, good thing you'll be running both 'sides' of RH control.

I can suggest a dehumidifier that I like just fine. Everybody seems to get the odd teardroppy thing; I got this one about a month ago, which is more compact (I think) for $40 and love it. Suddenly now there're a ton like it for $35 or so, and now I see this one for $30. For a humidifier, I got one of these ultrasonic/wick things, and opened it up and am modifying the switch with a dab of solder to be "always on" (it's momentary and goes auto-off when it runs out of water), but again my controller is either/or, so I've not been using it yet. However, apparently the little $10 ultrasonic things like this just set in a reservoir of your choice are a no-brainer.

You'll want a set of S-hooks. I find the smaller the better as you've got limited vertical space. You'll want to think about how you're going to hang them in the cooler - those wine racks are going to be a bit of a PITA as you're limited to the bottom center of each bottle-holding wire and then the crossbars.

Best of luck! Andrew

It's hard to pin it down, but if you look long enough, you'll see a whole bunch of machines with the exact same features - the molded handles will all be very similar but slightly different, but they will all fit the same template - they will mount in the exact same way and features will all be in the same place.

For example:
RCA (but also igloo?):
https://www.amazon.com/RCA-Cubic-Foot-Chest-Freezer/dp/B00ZPN3YNM/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=igloo+chest+freezer&qid=1573074716&s=appliances&sr=1-3

Kuppet ???:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YY1GCFX/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07YY1GCFX&pd_rd_w=Be0L4&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=Qip8v&pf_rd_r=JJENA9GKCEQ49A2P84ND&pd_rd_r=fc1dbfa4-754c-4a1d-af2b-f0c875b1e07f&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWUw4VjhIUDUxM0FTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODA3Njk3MU9HTjhMUTg1RjgyViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNDU1NzgxMjNXU1cwOVpaRUJSOCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Northair ?????:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X8NLN9V/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07X8NLN9V&pd_rd_w=Be0L4&pf_rd_p=45a72588-80f7-4414-9851-786f6c16d42b&pd_rd_wg=Qip8v&pf_rd_r=JJENA9GKCEQ49A2P84ND&pd_rd_r=fc1dbfa4-754c-4a1d-af2b-f0c875b1e07f&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyWUw4VjhIUDUxM0FTJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODA3Njk3MU9HTjhMUTg1RjgyViZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUExMDMzMDc4MThCTjA1WktNN1Y4OSZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbCZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

RCA and igloo are both very old brands in the US, but have almost certainly fallen to the wayside and been bought out. I've never heard of Kuppet or NorthAir. Take a close look - there are some differences in the handles and the knobs, but all three of these products all have the same layout - sheetmetal grille on the right hand side, controls on the lower right - power light, run light, and a knob. The lights and knobs are shaped different, but they are all in the exact same place. It's just a slightly different skin over the exact same chassis. There may be some cosmetic differences, such as the racks or handles, but they are basically the same thing. Another giveaway is if the exterior dimensions are exactly the same in every direction. Some appliances have to fit standard gaps, like a kitchen fridge or a range, so the width will always be pretty close, but the backsplash doesn't have to be an exact height.

I actually have an Igloo branded version of the RCA-Igloo and it's pretty decent. Quiet, it cools quickly, it stays frozen for days if the power goes out, and it was pretty cheap. A relative of mine bought a much bigger, front opening freezer. They spent more on it thinking it will be a better machine. And to some extent, it is. It's a completely different type and class of freezer. It was also at the upper end of the price range for that type of appliance. It looks nicer, the interior lighting is better, etc. But within a year their thermostat went bad. It's really not the manufacturer's fault, they don't make the thermostats, and it would be stupid for them to reinvent the wheel. There are already a number of other companies that have specialized knowledge that make them. It just turned out that they happened to get a lemon that didn't show up for a year. I replaced it a few years ago and it's been fine ever since.

Funny thing is the cheap Igloo has the exact same thermostat. The reason I know that is about a year into it, the Igloo also failed, only my issue was the motor starter / overload, again, not made by Igloo. After replacing that, mine has been strong for years. I didn't look at the other one closely, but I vaguely remember it being a very similar looking starter. I'd be willing to bet that, other being sized slightly larger for the bigger compressor, it's the exact same part by the same manufacturer, and it's probably on a larger but otherwise identical compressor.

What I'm getting at is it is sort of a crapshoot; infant mortality is higher these days. You can spend a lot and have it die, you can get something cheap and have it die. But you can also spend $10 to fix either and have a great machine.

I'm not an expert, but what I'm getting at is if you see two very similar but cosmetically different machines at different prices, one is a name brand, the other is not, and both have fairly similar reviews, it's usually safe to go with the cheaper one. It's probably the same thing.

I'd want to minimize the weight loss as much as possible, so sticking with a single piece would be ideal. I'm not 100% married to the idea of having full length ribs but I'd love to do tomahawk steaks as well. Yes, I'm going to see if I can work out a way to hang the steaks also.

BUT, if that all doesn't work out, I have been checking out the Whynter. Here's the one I was looking at:
https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-BR-130SB-Beverage-Refrigerator-Stainless/dp/B00P7QI4IM/ref=pd_ybh_a_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=T8A6ZCRZ60YF21A5PN9V

I like that it has built-in circulation but how effective have you found that fan? Did you have to supplement it with a second fan and if so, how'd you do the wiring?

> I'm not saying your wrong (you probably are not if it's reasonable), but there would be some point where you bought too much, even at a discount. The money tied up in food is now idle. It could be working for you, earning interest or buying something you need more immediately. There's an optimal frequency and inventory level for every consumable item we buy and it's based on more than the bulk discount.

To function as you'd suggest, it would cost me more in time spent in stores than it would in the cash value of the food at the level of waste I have IRL. Just fyi.

I value my free time at $20/hr. Two trips a week instead of two trips a month is ~$80 in added time costs a month or ~$960/year.

I don't waste $960/year in food due to bulk buying. Most of my food waste comes from either:

A) Experimenting with food recipes and not liking the results. (aka learning)

B) The unexpected.

Similarly, $1000 for a freezer is o.O. A chest freezer with 7 cubic feet of capacity is like $250, new on Amazon, or like $50 on Craigslist (used).

https://www.amazon.com/Cubic-Foot-Chest-Freezer-Black/dp/B019ZGH26O/ref=sr_1_1?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1484073215&sr=1-1&keywords=chest+freezer&refinements=p_n_feature_keywords_two_browse-bin%3A7253983011

That thing can hold ~100 lbs of frozen meat / vegetables easily. A few bags of rice that last months. And that is all the bulk buying you really do that isn't like soda or beer or whatever.

I'm honestly not sure where you get your numbers from but the "discount" for bulk frozen purchases is frequently as high as 33-50% the smaller units and the electricity costs are negligible. (~$130 a year, including purchase/replacement cost every 5 years)

Not bulk buying would cost me ~$1-2k a year. Even if my food waste is 25%, $1k on a $4k food budget is $1k vs. ~$1-2k. That doesn't even factor in the fact the cost in my time is higher than the cost of food waste cost so I'd simply break even and save time.

The chest freezer takes up a corner of the garage that wouldn't be used except to store more crap anyway and has a negligible footprint.

Lots of good suggestions here. The meal plans are a huge ripoff compared to cooking for yourself. In addition to the dorm fridge and microwave that everyone seems to have I would recommend getting a small freezer, an electric kettle and a slow cooker/crock pot.The kettle is great for coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and ramen in a hurry. A ten lb bag of chicken leg quarters can often be found for under ten bucks. Throw half a bag in to the crockpot (and the other half in the freezer) and you have a meal for yourself and a few friends.

You can also buy a machine that makes it if you're not a poor. https://www.amazon.com/FirstBuild-Opal01-Opal-Nugget-Maker/dp/B0751KDVTP/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1536819146&sr=8-3&keywords=opal%2Bice%2Bmaker&th=1

Its a bit expensive, but this is actually a pretty awesome machine since its the only consumer grade nugget ice maker. Other than that guy you're looking at like a few thousand dollars on a commercial Hoshizaki machine or something.

Not sure what you mean by freezer - but, I have this one and we have used it for a year now with numerous BBQ get togethers, birthday parties, weekly game nights and just everyday use. It is still going strong and does a great job. Makes the ice quickly and holds a decent amount in the reserve. The cubes aren't visually cocktail grade since they're shaped oddly due to how the machine works, but if that's not an issue then I think this could work for you.

If you've a high budget, think about a small Dometic fridge. We have a big 65 quart one that does Dual Zones - fridge and freezer.
This makes eating real food an option - not simply take-out. You can stick it with good, but easy food.

Hummus & pita. Veggies. Store that awesome Chinese take-out as leftovers. Keep milk cold.

Our big one looks like a big beach cooler, only it plugs in. Uses 4 amps when the compressor is running and almost zero amps the rest of the time. Very easy to keep powered.

I don't remember the link, but it's about a quarter the way down our projects page.

Projects Page

Update: Dometic DualZone

Got the 5.0, which by all appearances is a rebadged Midea which gets excellent reviews on Amazon ($162) and ALSO appears to be at least the same case as the GE sold by Lowes and Home Depot ($189) also with excellent reviews. The house-brand of Lowes (Idylis) and Best Buy (Insignia) don't appear to be Midea parts, and get lots of reports of infant mortality.

The 7 appears to be the same OEM (note the rounded triangle thermostat, the knurled threaded drain, and the inner door texture).

Not actually "pure" nicotine, but probably 100 mg/mL nicotine. Much more potent than what you'll find in your normal bottles of e liquid. If I were a parent with small child I would keep my concentrated nicotine in a fridge with a lock and key or combination lock (example) for safety or just not DIY at home. It would probably also be worth showing them the safety equipment that I use because and explaining that they shouldn't ever go near my lab supplies. Actually talking to your kid is a big help.

I got the cfx 65 for my 140" sprinter: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=pd_cart_rp_2_7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=8VA9R0WQ7PWHFTM1TBD4

I was quite happy it came in grey.
You're welcome, glad you found it useful. More info at the blog next to my name.

Here’s an example of what a quarter cow looks like .

I’ve never bought a quarter cow (though it’s on my to-do list), but I have bought a quarter pig. It was about 80lbs of pork. A 13lb ham, 16lbs of ground pork, 5lbs of bacon ends, and a bunch of chops/ribs/a pork loin or two. And scrapple! We paid $180 for 80lbs of pork and it was 100% worth it.

We bought a 3.5 cubic foot chest freezer and were able to accommodate all the porky goodness with room to spare. 1/4 cow is obviously going to be bigger, so probably 4 cubic feet minimum would be ideal.

You're most welcome! I bought the following:

4x100W Panels

Panel Mounting

Solar Panel Connectors

Tool Crimper

Assembly Tool

Panel Connectors

Power Information

CTEK Charger

CTEK SmartPass

200ah AMG Battery

Fuse Block

300W Pure Sine Wave Inverter

LED Strip

Dometic 35 Fridge


I bought all these items with research into my solar needs and following the advice from here in the vandwelling subreddit and also information I gathered from Amazon. I am probably doing a bit of overkill on my solar setup but I thankfully have the money to do it and don't want to mess with adding anything later.

I will have to do research myself on how to combine the four panels into the battery but that will be a few weeks away so I haven't done much in that area. I do plan to buy 10GA wire from Lowes and use the crimping tool and connectors to form my own wiring harness so it will be clean looking. \

EDIT: Adding info.

I've got one like this and it's been chugging away every day for about two years. Most of these $150-ish makers that people are posting just like this one work pretty well from what I've heard, they've all got very similar designs. They pay for themselves pretty darn quickly if you use ice frequently.


Aside from that I'd recommend storing ice in a freezer as it gets made and shutting it off when you go to bed at night. These ~26lb/day ice makers can't quite keep up with 5-6 people making drinks if you have guests, and since it'll continue recycling ice if you don't use it they can waste a decent amount of electricity at night.

I've been looking into this for my off grid build, and I have come up with a solution to the high electricity cost of refrigerators. I plan to run a ice maker and use a old style ice chest, perhaps even a antique one they are reasonably priced. IIRC a ice maker capable of making 25 lbs of ice in 24 hours uses only 150 120 watts AC. The ice should last 3 days at least so the ice maker wouldn't have to run full time. This is the best solution I've come up with.

https://www.amazon.com/Vremi-Countertop-Ice-Maker-Stainless/dp/B07H7SGQ52/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=ice+maker&qid=1554763643&s=gateway&sr=8-4

Not sure what your budget is like but you could get something like this. Pretty sure you can find similar stuff for cheaper.

You can combo this with some steel inserts for an ice well and bottle chilling.

If you are looking for tool-related ideas, I recommend a nice digital torque wrench. You can probably find a used one online somewhere. Or even ask the truck owner for one that goes on sale.



EDIT: I would also appreciate a YETI Rambler 30 oz . You could even customize one to match something that he likes, for example, sports team, shop logo, personal name and shop title. Or a even a Mini Fridge!

Op, check this out: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004VV8GOQ/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1459307261&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=ice+maker&dpPl=1&dpID=415BlwjYtaL&ref=plSrch

It's a counter top ice maker. I use mine every day and the progress pelets are great. After using it for a while, totally worth the price.

Can you afford a minifridge? You can get a 4.4 cu. ft one on Amazon for about $183, or 2.6 cu. ft. one for $146. Unless you buy in bulk, the 4.4 might be good enough for your basic items. I've had the 1.7 cu. ft. since 2012 and it's still going strong. It gets cold enough to freeze drinks. I can fit 1 gallon of milk in it and some other things. But, I keep it in my room mainly for drinks. If you're using it in a dorm and plan to keep food and such, then I'd suggest 4.4.

https://www.amazon.com/Danby-DAR026A1BDD-3-Designer-Refrigerator-2-6-Cubic/dp/B00MO6V96W/

I will be freshman at Texas A&M this fall studying Aerospace Engineering. I'm going to need an Ethernet cable to connect my computer to the university internet :D
There's really no hope for me if I can't have internet :P
For you, every awesome dorm HAS to at least have a mini fridge! :)

It really depends on your stash and reasons for buying one. I bought this one since I had an oversupply and also wanted to be able to use it for other stuff like freezer meals and general freezer overflow.

I also bought these for storing the (Lansinoh) milk bags by date. They fit in the freezer perfectly, with I think about 14x flat 6oz bags per bin.

Was it This one?

If so, I can confirm it's a great ice maker. Got it for my mom a few years back. Still uses it and loves it.

Here is a link on amazon for a 3/16 swivel nut. The beer line goes over the 3/16 "barb". The "flare" end will screw right onto the pin lock disconnects you have in your setup. Use worm clamps to secure your line to the barb fitting on the swivel nut and the barb on your beer shank that's attached to your tap. Read about keg line balancing to see how long your line needs to be to get a good pour. Hope this helps!

I just built myself a fementation chamber...I used this.

I put a collar around the top like people do for keezers to give it more height. I can fit 2 6 gallon carboys in it, one on the "floor" and one on the compressor "hump". I did have to build a little bench thingy to support the carboy on the hump.

hOmeLabs Portable Ice Maker Machine for Counter Top - Makes 26 lbs of Ice per 24 hours - Ice Cubes ready in 6 Minutes - Electric Ice Making Machine with Ice Scoop and 1.5 lb Ice Storage - Silver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J2LSQS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3UBaBbXH5W7FV

That’s the one we have. We are happy as heck with it.

Pimp my cube!

This would be cute to look at when you need a little encouragement! And of course no cubicle is complete without a classic Hang in there poster, or a better DIY cross stitch version. Or how about a mini USB powered fridge so you always have a cold drink handy! Or how about a nice little live plant from the Carboniferous period that is impossible to kill even if you forget to water it!

Thanks for the contest!

I can say that using those ball ice makers with boiling water does make them less cloudy but not perfectly clear. There are devices you can buy which do make clear ice but they can be kinda spendy.

https://www.amazon.com/Luma-Comfort-IM200SS-Portable-28-Pound/dp/B00DYJNNWQ
Luma Comfort IM200SS Portable Clear Ice Maker, Stainless Steel

Something like that. But the "bladder" has to "sweat". People have been cooling water that way for a very long time, but don't do it so much now thanks to refrigerators.

You might buy an ice maker like this one. It is about $120, which is not like easy on my wallet either, but after that you would have probably enough ice for next to $zero forever.

Given the fact that you are already doing ice baths, I think that perhaps you are already way outside of the bladder league.

Try an under-counter ice maker like this. I know someone that has one attached to a reverse-osmosis hookup and I love going to their house in the summer - unlimited ice for cold drinks by the pool.

I put a little 1.1 cu freezer on my registry at Amazon. We don't have room for making up some freezer meals, and we definitely don't have room for breast milk, so this seemed like a good plan. If nothing else, we would then be able to buy the big packages of meat and break it up into meal portions.

I started with just a few things and then listed everything I see... sorry for the spam
(these are all things I have, feel free to ask any Q's)


- Mini Fridge - https://www.amazon.com/Danby-DAR026A1BDD-3-Designer-Refrigerator-2-6-Cubic/dp/B00MO6V96W/ref=sr_1_8?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1519347546&sr=1-8&keywords=mini+fridge


- Cup - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MUBR8UH/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Air Cleaner - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BI4UQK0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Good Chair Mat - https://www.amazon.com/Black-Chair-Mat-Rectanglular-ABS-RC-4655/dp/B00D83MURM/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_229_t_1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CMJS2EM6STF7XCCJZGWZ&dpID=51%252BWDnIRG0L&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail


- Big Boy Ergo Chair - https://www.ergoexperts.com/collections/ergonomic-chairs/products/office-master-iu79hd-24-7-intensive-use-heavy-duty-high-back-ergonomic-task-chair


- Camera Mount - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMLX1O2/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Space Heater - https://www.amazon.com/Lasko-Ceramic-Heater-Remote-Control/dp/B00PYDGN18/ref=sr_1_17?s=home-garden&ie=UTF8&qid=1519348189&sr=1-17&keywords=lasko+space+heater


- LED Lights - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LX9Z3LH/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Foot Rest - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EN9W3UY/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Wrist Rest - https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=node%3D510182&field-keywords=lasko+space+heater&rh=n%3A1055398%2Cn%3A3206324011%2Cn%3A9425950011%2Cn%3A510182%2Ck%3Alasko+space+heater


- Underdesk Headphone hanger - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00P31BMHG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Trash Can - https://www.amazon.com/Rubbermaid-Commercial-295700GY-Wastebasket-Rectangular/dp/B079WPRXXS/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1519348333&sr=8-26&keywords=trash+can


- Cat Bed - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DJRCQBW/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Keyboard - https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=product_detail&p=2164


- Keycaps - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/PBT-Backlit-Keycaps-109-Keyset-Top-Printed-Cherry-MX-Key-Caps-For-Tenkeyless-87-104-108/32842167507.html?src=google&albslr=220105582&isdl=y&aff_short_key=UneMJZVf&source=%7Bifdyn:dyn%7D%7Bifpla:pla%7D%7Bifdbm:DBM&albch=DID%7D&src=google&albch=shopping&acnt=708-803-3821&isdl=y&albcp=653478879&albag=34653160498&slnk=&trgt=75384829977&plac=&crea=en32842167507&netw=g&device=c&mtctp=&gclid=CjwKCAiA8bnUBRA-EiwAc0hZk62T3uqIKPVAUNx-ATVUQIzI8kscvB4UdNBR5dMpZ46l1gp9aoD38BoCNXQQAvD_BwE


- Mouse - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JPOLLTK/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Mouse Mat - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0745N6CMD/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Headphones - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007R99S14/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
& https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008POFOHM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Dac/Amp - https://www.jdslabs.com/products/48/objective2-odac-combo-revb/


- Speakers - https://emotiva.com/products/airmotiv-6s


- Subwoofer - http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/m8.html


- Mic - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KCN83VI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Mic Interface - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012MIVUQ/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Boom Arm - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1194415-REG/o_c_white_ulp_mb_proboom_ultima_lp_adjustable.html?sts=pi


- Web Cam Alternative - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01G9EYN26/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Lens - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JDGB94S/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- PC Cam Interface - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4SM7H6/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Lights Boxes - https://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Digital-Photography-Fluorescent-AGG883/dp/B0091HO1FS/ref=sr_1_10?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1519348726&sr=1-10&keywords=16%22+x+24%22++soft+box


- Light Box Stands & Clamp - https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1327281-REG/ultimate_support_17637_jamstands_fixed_length_boom.html
& https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0010CYHW4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


- Light Bulbs - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IB8O2VU/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

• Frigidaire - FFBC4622QS
  
• GE - GVS04BDWSS
  
• Danby - DBC120BLS
  
  I use a Digital Temperature Controller with a small chest freezer. Shop around for the freezer, I just used this one 'cause I was on Amazon. Think I got mine at Sam's Club. This is inexpensive to set up and really frugal on electricity. All the cold stays in the compartment when you open it. Also - super insulated compared to a beverage cooler. It's not stainless, but you can get compact chest freezers in black. If you like DIY, you could buy a cheap chest freezer and cover it with [stainless steel laminate] (https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Appliance-BRUSHED-Nickel-Adhesive/dp/B00BAUPS9M/).

Friend has one of these and seems to like it:

https://www.amazon.com/hOmeLabs-Beverage-Refrigerator-Cooler-Adjustable/dp/B0786TJC33/

This is one i got as a gift lol

Generic Mini USB Fridge (RED) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L4Z57K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IxG4Cb0DTYM7T

i wont believe the 3.5 inch hard drive size till i see it. EDIT: I have a 3.5 inch enail. Vapetech by J4YT3X is the best. But i still dont understand why i would learn the arduino code and go thru so much trouble to have proximity sensors, multicolor indicicator LEDs, sound activated switches. when i can just plug my enail into something that already does this type of stuff for me? and looking back at your other posts u mention a cooling thing for hash, It makes sense sort of, but why not just buy a mini fridge for your hash? I dont like keeping my shatter in the fridge cuz i dont want excess moisture being introduced. But i know full melt is cured in the fridge, so here are some fridges that are really cheap: one of them is 16$ 1 can sized, and powered by a USB this could be taken apart and installed inside my cigar/hash box/enail. or i can get a mini fridge to keep in my room. best second Third
Why add chips and components to modify my enail, when i can easily do the same(get the same results) without any modification?

Just to throw some math at it, a 20lb bag of ice is around $3.50 x 2 = $7/day for 40lb store-bought ice (probably close enough).

I'm seeing 50lb ice makers for $800-$2000+. Payback works out to $800 (machine cost) / $7 (store-bought) = almost 4 months. The $800 SPT brand one I saw on Amazon draws 400 watts so 0.4kwH x $0.12/kwH x 24 hours = $1.15/day electricity usage which pushes the payback out a little bit. A little risky for my taste but if OP is going to be religious about using 50lbs a day, every day, for the next 6 months or more then it might be worth the adventure.

I’m looking at something like
https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-Built-Refrigerator-Freezer-Stainless/dp/B013XG06QA
Or
https://www.amazon.com/SABA-Heavy-Commercial-Reach-Refrigerator/dp/B01FRKS0AY/ref=sr_1_19?crid=QPOV5V9GU39P&keywords=commercial+refrigerators&qid=1570401807&s=appliances&sprefix=Commercial+re%2Cappliances%2C196&sr=1-19

Thanks.

I have a Dometic CF-35 that draws 4 Amps when running (48W) but it only runs 1/4 or less of the time, so that would come close to your requirement.

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-35US-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00T36NUYA/

But, it's pretty large.

The CF-18 is somewhat smaller outside: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B0136TQ65Y/

The CF-10 is smaller, still: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CF-018-D65-B-Portable-Refrigerator-Personal/dp/B005X97OHA/

Alright, what do you think I can do here - Should I try to get something likethis swivel nut for 3/16" barb? It's the only one I could find. Or should I just not bother and get the proper disconnect/line for gas like everyone else?

In a former office bar we had something like this, which might help you here.

Sadly I'm still slumming it with the tiny base model top/bottom freezer/fridge. But one of my life goals is to have one of these monstrosities: https://www.amazon.com/Frigidaire-Built-Refrigerator-Freezer-Stainless/dp/B013XG06QA

Actually that's pretty attainable albeit extravagant. If I were rich I would go for a full sized walk-in.

Well if you want to use a traditional fridge you will need a big system. But if you go with a fridge like this: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K

Those can run nearly indefinitely on a car battery and a 100 watt panel.

I have this one:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VV8GOQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

you'll see it with the brand names igloo, frigidaire, etc. Same product, different brand with their label on it. It's not bad if you are ok with it failing after roughly 2 years of occasional use. Took longer than advertized to fill and is nearly impossible to clean.

Recommend against.

Not sure it helps but we bought an ice maker for around $100 through Amazon, it's an igloo model.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VV8GOQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s03?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm really not sure how well this would do off grid though as I we are always plugged in but this thing churns out ice pretty fast. I usually buy one bag of ice or use what's in the house to start my cooler than keep this running while we are camping and I never have to buy ice again.

The perfect ice:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H7SGQ52/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_0my0DbGNHA36J

Well... cannibalizing is really the way to go. Cheaper on craigslist, but you get everything you need in one of these, you just have to configure it to fit your own box if you need something different.


https://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00YEMSMYQ

Is there a keezer build guide that stands above the rest? On average how many corny kegs will fit in a 7.1 cubic ft freezer such as this one?

Opal Nugget Ice Maker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0751KDVTP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_vOKKAbS9920CH you can buy one of these to make this kind of ice at home now. You're welcome.

Opal Nugget Ice Maker https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0751KDVTP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_emKKAb7W4B8WE


Thank me later

Freezer. We bought a small freezer like this and it can fit roughly 40 meals in it.

If there are other people in the house and you don't want to keep it in your fridge you could always buy one of those USB mini fridges to keep it in. Relatively easy to hide.

https://www.amazon.com/Generic-Mini-USB-Fridge-RED/dp/B003L4Z57K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1503380457&sr=8-4&keywords=usb+fridge

I bought this one for $20 for a buddy who always keeps a small 250ml (call it 8 ounces) bottle around of nic. Actually works fine. Doesn't keep it cold at all, just keeps it from getting hot.

Technology for DC fridge compressors has changed. I got rid of my 3way fridge and bought this Nova Kool 3.5 cubic foot 2way fridge for my Alaskan Camper. The DC compressor is amazing.I just got back from a 3.5 month trip driving around in Central America - think hot and humid - and the fridge never had a problem keeping up and making ice! I have one 160 watt solar on the roof, and a portable 80 watt that I used maybe 10 days. I'd spend anywhere from 1 to 6 days in one spot. While I was driving I also used a Dometic in the back seat of the truck for cold water, beer, and a place to store cold groceries on the road.

Anyway, the DC compressors have come a LONG way in the last few years. Pricey though.

They have countertop machines that make ice like this, but, fuck, they are expensive. This one is $410 dollars. You can almost get a fridge for that much.

I had to cut the door shelving a little bit, but I’ve been using this unit for a couple years. All of my standard brewing buckets fit in it with no problem, as well as fermonsters and SSbrewtech Brewbucket. I use an Inkbird temp controller and a 60watt reptile bulb in a cheap surface mount light fixture for heat (I do a lot of kveik ales at 100°F).

Fits two corny kegs side by side as well if you decide to turn it into a kegerator.

Danby DAR026A1BDD-3 Compact Refrigerator, 115 V, 15 A, 1 Door, 2.6 cu.ft, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MO6V96W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_uwCADbRYAWQNE

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYJNNWQ?keywords=clear%20ice%20maker&qid=1458555811&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00DYJNNWQ?keywords=clear%20ice%20maker&qid=1458555811&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

Dometic CFX-65DZUS Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 61 Liters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Un59ybCA4FZ1K

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J2LSQS/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_udtIAbQC19F36

Will change your life. I can't vouch for this specific brand one way or another.

Treat yo self

It's a mini-fridge but yes.

Big enough for a can of soda, OR a stack of condoms.

You're going to either be looking at awkwardly small full-sized fridges around the 15 cu-ft size or dedicated beverage display coolers of various sizes.

One of these (Dometic RV fridge/freezer, top-opening)

https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1480386758&sr=1-3&keywords=rv+fridge

You can buy a nugget ice maker nearly identical to Sonic for only $499

https://www.amazon.com/hOmeLabs-Beverage-Refrigerator-Cooler-Adjustable/dp/B0786TJC33/ref=mp_s_a_1_14?keywords=mini+fridge&qid=1570387464&sprefix=min&sr=8-14

https://www.allstoredisplays.com/5-Tier-Display-with-Clip-Strips_p_1886.html

Buy an Opal Countertop Nugget Ice Maker

It's kinda pricy..

Dometic CFX-65DZUS Portable Electric Cooler Refrigerator/Freezer - 61 Liters https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_e82gzbQNP9S6Z

Actual 12v refrigerators are pricy, but they are the real deal. I'm talking popsicles on 100 degree days.

aka nugget or pellet ice

Nugget ice maker: https://www.amazon.com/FirstBuild-Opal01-Opal-Nugget-Maker/dp/B0751KDVTP

USB fridge!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003L4Z57K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_m7tMybY9ZTBSA

I believe there are crazy expensive ice makers out there that claim to make the same kind of delicious nugget ice that Chic-Fil-A does.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0751KDVTP/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_ffqVDbSBA01RV

Here's one that makes 28 pounds a day, and requires no plumbing:

https://smile.amazon.com/Luma-Comfort-IM200SS-Portable-28-Pound/dp/B00DYJNNWQ

EDIT: Ah, now I see your edit and I understand why you need a larger machine.

I would go back to the college and remind them of the ADA. (if your in the US) You need the insulin to survive. Remind them that keeping needles and rx drugs in a common location is a massive health violation, safety issue and just a relllly bad idea.


That being said, you can get a mini USB fridge for a few bucks.

here's a quick amazon search Their designed to hold a 6pack of soda. Should be enough room.

Someone asked for links because they are lazy. Understanding this issue at a deep level, here you are:

Dometic 90QT (what I'm considering) https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-95DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B01GEK9ZAK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Dometic 65QT: https://www.amazon.com/Dometic-CFX-65DZUS-Portable-Electric-Refrigerator/dp/B00SZ7XJ8K/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478720&sr=8-1-fkmr1&keywords=dometic+portable+fridge

Arb: https://www.amazon.com/ARB-10800472-Fridge-Freezer-Quart/dp/B002Q1INDM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478738&sr=8-1&keywords=arb+portable+fridge

Whynter: https://www.amazon.com/Whynter-FM-62DZ-Portable-Refrigerator-62-Quart/dp/B008VX01P2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492478772&sr=8-2&keywords=whynter+portable+fridge