I’m interested in getting a refigerator under my home-bar, but the space is rather odd and I haven’t been able to find anything commecially-made that would work. So I thought I could build something on my own; a custom-made, insulated box for my particular layout cooled by using a kit like this one for a boating application.
Has anyone here ever done anything like this? I’m not simply talking about converting a refigerator, but actually constructing a properly insulated ~6 cubic foot space that can be chilled to just above freezing. I can’t seem to find much via Google, which makes me think it’s more than a do-it-yourselfer could handle.
It would be pretty hard to do “right” without some refrigeration know how and tools (a vacuum pump being the most expensive of them) and an EPA license for purchasing and handling the refrigerant.
I know you’re OP ruled out conversions, but one thing I have seen work well for “kegorators” is a chest type freezer with a thermostat added to keep it not so cold. The lid can be replaced by a custom insulated wood surface with beer taps and such, and a hatch to access the bottles. The condensor coils are on the outer walls, so you can’t perforate or insulate them, but you can still paint them something other than appliance white. Chest freezers come in all sizes.
I glanced at your link and it appears that you can purchase all the major and minor components for a refrigeration system. That means the first hurdle-----the engineering-----is handled. (the alternative is to deconstruct an existing refrigeration system and install in your cabinet.)
The second hurdle is installing it. It is much more complicated than simply soldering some pipes. Refrigeration is a complicated skill set, and requires not just [federal] licensing and specialized tooling, but high levels of training.
Still, it can be done.
I would:
Find a company that will sell you the system. See if they have engineering support. Many do.
Call a refrigeration company and talk to the service manager. Explain the project. Tell them you’d like to “rent” a journeyman refrigeration man for 8 hours. (assuming you’re ready with the cabinet this should take 8-12 hours I estimate) You should pay somewhere between $650 and $1000 for the tech. Add that to the cost of the cabinet and refrigeration system and this will be an expensive refigerator. But if it is in your budget and you want it, it is doable.
But unless you have air conditioning/ refrigeration experience I do not believe this is a DIY project.
Way back in the 80’s I did HVAC in the Army. I had to do a custom install in a Generals Field Trailer. That Kit you linked to looks like it should do the job for the mechanicals.The main thing to worry about with the cabinet is the inner box for your enclosed space. Folded sheet metal or fiberglass if possible, should be insulated on its outside surface with an adheasive mat. Ensure that there is no air space between the surface of the box and the insulation. Also make sure to build in a drip pan under this insulated box, and air space between it and wood cabinet.