Sorry, this isn't as cool (pun intended) as it might seem. Ok, so I got my old college dorm fridge out of my Dad's barn to use for my corny keg setup I got for Christmas. So far so good, right? Nope. This little fridge must have eaten its wheaties, because at it's warmest setting, it runs between 28 and 35, and at its coldest, it gets down to 11.3F. From everything I read, I didn't even think a fridge could get that cold, but apparently this one can. I've checked the door seals and all the obvious stuff, and the temp control does seem to function, because it does affect some change in temp, but the range seems to be skewed low. Being a cheapass, I was trying to think of super cheap, or preferably free ways of making this work (at least temporarily). I though about an external controller, but would rather not do that until I get a chest freezer (some day). I was talking to a coworker about it, and he threw the idea of a timer out there. I already have a Christmas light timer, so I was thinking that with some trial and error, I could get that dialed in to keep the temp at least within a reasonable range for beer. Anybody ever done this? I figure it's worth a try, right?

Hmmmm, I thought that fridges work by diverting freezing air from the freezer part to the fridge part. There is a port with a vane and fan that controls the amount of air moved from the freezer. If yours works that way then try blocking a portion of the vent.

Why not just get a external temp. controller when you get your chest freezer at least you will have one.

Jeff

this is what you need. just buy it now and use with this fridge and then you can use it with the freezer when you get one.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/brewing/brewing-equipment/fermenting-equipment/fermentation-temperature-control/johnson-refrigerator-thermostat.html

Thanks for advice guys. Just so you all know what I'm working with, this is one of the little fridges that has a little tray hanging from the top that is a "freezer" that is actually the chiller coil for the whole unit. There is no vent, or anything like that. It is pretty simple, but it works (apparently a little too well).
Thanks again.

Maybe try putting water in the freezer. The thermol mass of the water/ice should regulate the temp better

have you checked to see if the turbo's waste gate is plugged?

The waste gate is functioning properly, it still whistles when I let off the throttle And you thought I'd have no idea what you were talking about, hehehe.
I am going to try more experimenting, and one of the things I will try is putting something in the "freezer" tray. It did turn my keg into slush after the first night though, so i think it will still be too cold. The keg in question is 6.5 ABV IPA, so I would imagine the freezing point is lower than 32F. Probably more like 26-28. Of course, if the fridge was trying to go down to 11F. then no wonder...

Put a bucket of water in there. Fridges work better with some type of load in them.