Set up my first cave today (3 cf mini fridge) and set the thermostat to 55. The thermostat has threshold of 1 degree so it will not kick on until it reaches 56 degrees. I am noticing that although the unit has turned off at 54 degrees the temperature continues to drop until about 52 degrees. I assume what is happening is that since the coils are cold the temp continues to drop until it levels out. So my cheese cave fluctuates between 52-56 degrees. Is this acceptable?
My temperature fluctuates between 52 and 56 F too. I haven't had any problems with the cheeses that I've made because of it. I think you should be fine.
Yes, I'd say most of us have to live with that sort of fluctuation. With a smart enough controller and/or a sensitive enough temp sensor, you might could fine-tune it, but I doubt you're going to get much better than that without spending serious money. Or finding a true cave ... :)
Mine too, but it still produce good yummy cheese :)