DIY How to turn an old mini fridge (refrigerator) into a deck/patio/party cooler

A video slideshow showing how I recycled an old broken mini fridge (refrigerator) into a party cooler perfect for the deck or patio. I used dog-ear redwood fencing as the siding. The "bar-top" height is 40" - You could also use cedar siding or old recycled pallets. Make sure you stain or seal the wood. I would recommend linseed oil or SuperDeck.

[debiperkins]

Thanks for the tutorial. I have a next size up mutilated fridge. :) Just waiting for a frame. Mercy, I had fun taking it apart!!! Gonna do this one bar height and put a shelf underneath. I am keeping the racks, just in case. You had the info that I wanted. Give a girl a plan. Who says that power tools are for guys? Diamonds and a Ryobi drill last year, 16" scroll saw this year, still looking for the diamonds. Build something ladies!!!

[musiqman]

This is awesome! Our old fridge just broke so now I have a quick little summer project. Thanks for the vid and KCCO!

[DeliberateNRandom]

I've seen the same method done, with a chest cooler, but isn't as square and you can easily locate a mini fridge for free. I just am not comfortable with releasing gasses out into the environment. If it happened due to being faulty and leaking out already, I say go ahead. Some smaller fridges and wine coolers don't have a compressor at all. You could use larger fridges the same way.

I've had people ask about chest freezers for cattle feed and keeping the raccoons out of their dog food. Old, steel ones would be perfect because the metal is thicker. New ones fall apart.

You could go even further here and add insulation to the sides to make it last longer. The weak point would be the lid.

[ereyna]

I didn't have any "plans" for this project. I just made it up as I went.

[shallakhan]

Great work. Can you explain 'trim out the bottom and attach bar top". Thanks. My mini fridge broke and I plan on making this.

[pzito]

How did you make the drain do you have a pic of the inside or what parts where used

[ereyna]

You could keep it functional. You'd have to relocate the compressor components so they are back in the vertical position. Mine is more of just a glorified ice chest.

[jameseastridge]

Great job, , my wife calls me a packrat, I see value. use, in junk too.

[joeshearer]

How long did yours work before the compressor locked up?i can't imagine it would run long laying on it's back like this.

[JDHawes]

What about the compressor lines, how did you disconnect them from the assembly?

[romancruz]

gregreat for those days very functional heat to keep the frozen drinksat for those hot days

[jrazor]

How do you safely cut the lines to the compressor

[silentpassion]

So this may be a silly question, but these fridges being converted can not be in working order for our back deck if was to do a project for my husband like this for father's day?

[tedbelanger]

Hey,
Is fridge door on its original hinge? Or just on the 2 wood hinges you installed?
Thanks.

[ShootnTexasStyle]

I have a regular refrigerator with freezer and was wondering about completely sealing the inside since the freezer part has return vents for air flow from the main fan behind the back wall of the unit. Did you have to seal the inside in any way to keep from water leaking as the ice melts?

[onewheat]

It seems like it would be a lot easier and LIGHTER to just use an ice chest rather than something you need an appliance dolly to move.  It looks nice but would be ridiculously heavy.

[dykealiscious]

Is there a still shot instructional rather than a video?

[bundeyer]

this is awesome thanks for the share. whats the music?? 

[rogermarksmith]

make sure the door doesnt have seal on kids have died hiding in them as they cant open them and die

[Pnk]

Nice idea, but the music is absolutely horrible. Felt like I was supposed to be watching some 70's porn instead of a how to video.