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New Cave Arrived

Started by Al Lewis, November 19, 2016, 10:15:45 PM

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Al Lewis

Finally delivered my new cheese cave.  14 cubic feet.  I need to find/make some wooden shelves for it.  Making sure everything works good before installing the external thermostat permanently. ;)


I would add that anyone choosing to do this be certain you don't drill through a hidden cooling coil when drilling for the temperature probe.
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tashad

Very nice!  What kind of wood will you make the shelves out of?

Danbo

Looks nice! :-)

I hope that it will be home for many great cheeses to come.

:-) Danbo

john H

Sweet new cave Al, I look forward to see what cheeses you fill it with.

John

Duntov

#4
Nice addition Al.  Single door refrigerators without an ice compartment are a bit scarce without going commercial.  What brand/model is it?

AnnDee

Nice Al! Can't you use the shelves that come with it? I am looking for wood for my new cave too. I can only find paulownia and I don't know if they will last. What wood are you planning to use?

Al Lewis

It's actually a Frigidaire Upright Freezer. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-13-83-cu-ft-Frost-Free-Upright-Freezer-in-White-FFFU14F2QW/205555907  I could use the existing shelves but if I can find some 17" X 22" butcher block and insert some 1/4" stainless steel pins in the ends I could make my own.  I like the idea of cheeses aging on wood and the solid construction may help in keeping down any cross contamination of the molds.  We'll see how it goes.
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nccheesemike

Congrats!! Looks like that will make an awesome cheese cave. Look forward to seeing your progress with it as well.

Al Lewis

Right now I'm hoping the RH rises.  My old cave held steady at 85%.  Hoping this one gets there without a humidifier.  The old one had the coils in the shelves which pretty much made rain in the cave.  This one doesn't.  One saving grace is that the distance from the bottom to the bottom shelf should accommodate the hanging of salumi to cure.  It pretty much requires the same conditions as cheese.
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Kern

Quote from: Al Lewis on November 20, 2016, 02:02:25 AM
It's actually a Frigidaire Upright Freezer. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Frigidaire-13-83-cu-ft-Frost-Free-Upright-Freezer-in-White-FFFU14F2QW/205555907  I could use the existing shelves but if I can find some 17" X 22" butcher block and insert some 1/4" stainless steel pins in the ends I could make my own.  I like the idea of cheeses aging on wood and the solid construction may help in keeping down any cross contamination of the molds.  We'll see how it goes.

Solid wood shelves may adversely affect the air circulation within the freezer.  You may want to use wooden slats with spaces between them. 

Boofer

Good show, Al.

I just recently added a 4.4cu ft freezer-less refrigerator to the Boofer Cave Network. Now maybe I can avoid the condensation problem that comes with a small fridge with a freezer. Sounds similar to your cooling coil shelves. :(

-Boofer-
Let's ferment something!
Bread, beer, wine, cheese...it's all good.

Duntov

Wow.  That is really a good price!

Al Lewis

Quote from: Kern on November 21, 2016, 01:12:18 AM
Solid wood shelves may adversely affect the air circulation within the freezer.  You may want to use wooden slats with spaces between them.

The shelves would not fit snugly so there would be space around them.  Have to see what's available.
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Al Lewis

Well nothing new on the shelves but I am making a new Alpine Cheese to christen the new cave.  BTW  Here's my storage area for cheese and charcuterie stuff. LOL
Making the World a Safer Place, One Cheese at a Time! My Food Blog and Videos

Danbo