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GENERAL BOARDS => Introductions => Topic started by: Lmmonroe on November 12, 2021, 07:04:58 PM

Title: Cheese Cave
Post by: Lmmonroe on November 12, 2021, 07:04:58 PM
We are planning to convert a minifridge to a cheese cave and are looking into a temperature/humidity controller or at least a temperature controller.  The information we have found on the forum via old posts regarding this points to Perfect-Cheese which looks like is no longer in business.  Any information/recommendations would be very welcome.  We are not sure if we need an actual humidity controller because we are going to try a couple of lower tech methods, i.e. sponge, salt, etc. unless you can point us in another direction.  Thank you in advance!
Title: Re: Cheese Cave
Post by: rsterne on November 13, 2021, 03:08:20 AM
Check out "Ink-Bird" controllers on Amazon....

Bob
Title: Re: Cheese Cave
Post by: MacGruff on November 13, 2021, 09:56:35 PM
I will double down on Bob's recommendation of Ink-Bird.

I tried the low-tech methods. Failed miserably. Got the Ink-Bird, set it up, and it works like a charm with very little maintenance required. (Adding water to the humidifier every so often)
Title: Re: Cheese Cave
Post by: Lmmonroe on November 14, 2021, 07:02:59 PM
Thank you for the responses!  MacGruff, which model of Ink-bird controller did you buy?  We have had a couple of failures already and really want to be successful so a combo temp/humidity controller sounds like the way to go.
Title: Re: Cheese Cave
Post by: Lmmonroe on November 14, 2021, 07:56:34 PM
The humidifier is separate from the controller, isn't it?  Which humidifier do you use as well?  We are looking at a 3.3 cf minifridge.
Title: Re: Cheese Cave
Post by: MacGruff on November 15, 2021, 12:25:05 PM
I got the Inkbird ITC-608T from Amazon. Cost me $66.

For the humidifier, I repurposed a room humidifier that I had from when my kids were younger. The trick with the humidifier is to find one that has a manual on/off switch and not one that turns off automatically. It also has to fit inside your fridge and leave room for the cheese! That may take some searching. I looked at Bed, Bath and Beyond for ideas first, but then remembered the one I had in storage, so did not buy anything myself.

Good luck
Title: Re: Cheese Cave
Post by: FishFarmAndy on December 14, 2021, 04:02:44 PM
(http://c:/Users/Andy/Downloads/PXL_20211107_212727297.jpg)

Hi there,
I use an STC-1000 temperature controller (which requires some wiring to get up and running) on a fridge which is around 8cuft, with wire shelves to allow air flow. No fan. When it's not too full I can maintain 85-90%RH but if too full it goes to 95% whatever I do.