Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Youtube | Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.
Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch
Fridge for Dry Aging?
Matt86m
Posts: 471
For all of you who dry age at home. What type of fridge are you using?
Small 3-5 cu'?
Wine fridge?
Regular home size fridge?
Been reading threads here and see temps of 33-38* is desired for dry aging.
What temp has been ideal for you?
I'm looking at a small size to put on a counter in the garage and give it a go.
Thank you in advance.
Small 3-5 cu'?
Wine fridge?
Regular home size fridge?
Been reading threads here and see temps of 33-38* is desired for dry aging.
What temp has been ideal for you?
I'm looking at a small size to put on a counter in the garage and give it a go.
Thank you in advance.
XL aka Senior, Mini Max aka Junior, Weber Q's, Blackstone 22, Lion built in, RecTec Mini 300, Lodge Hibachi, Uuni, wife says I have too many grills,,,,how many shoes do you have?
IG --> matt_86m
IG --> matt_86m
Comments
-
Regular size spare beer fridge here."The pig is an amazing animal. You feed a pig an apple and it makes bacon. Let's see Michael Phelps do that" - Jim Gaffigan
Minnesota -
I have a regular size spare fridge as well. Better temp control and will last you longer. I keep it on 37 when I dry age and what WeberWho said you can have some extra space for other stuff.
-
Not to hijack your thread but I think it goes along with your question. Do you guys use a fridge that gets semi-every day use? For example, can opening and closing it to get beer/other foods out potentially harm the meat dry-aging?
-
Most of the small dorm style fridge units are only designed to cool to about 40 degrees. They also do not have an internal fan to circulate the air. This is a MUST have. Wine fridge, unless it’s a very high end unit will not work.
I found a great buy on a high end bar fridge with great internal fan. But it’s only large enough for small primal cuts.
Like others have said. Buy a cheap standard size fridge and load it with extra drinks.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
Not dry aging in mine, BUT you can overcome the higher operating temp issue @Photo Egg pointed out with Mini Fridges by adding and InkBird controller and bypassing the thermostat in the fridge $70.00, plus this controller will do humidity as well
https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-Variations/dp/B07GR31TBW
I put a small USB Fan in mine for airflow , works great $20.00
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PZBVLC7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Visalia, Ca @lkapigian -
I used our fridge in the kitchen. This practice does not make the wife happy though.
Elkhorn, NE
1 large egg
28" Blackstone
Akorn Jr. -
Most of the mini, dorm style fridge units use a cooling system that physically can only get so cold. Now the units that also have a small freezer are a different unit.lkapigian said:Not dry aging in mine, BUT you can overcome the higher operating temp issue @Photo Egg pointed out with Mini Fridges by adding and InkBird controller and bypassing the thermostat in the fridge $70.00, plus this controller will do humidity as well
https://www.amazon.com/Inkbird-Temperature-Controller-Thermostat-Variations/dp/B07GR31TBW
I put a small USB Fan in mine for airflow , works great $20.00
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PZBVLC7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
As far a controlling humidity, how can a sealed mini fridge vent humidity if humidity is to high?
Answer is it doesn’t. You can add a dehumidifier that will not fit in a mini fridge. That’s it. The item listed above, is a controller only. It only reads the humidity. You have to add other equipment to actually adjust humidity. There was a great video link poster here a few months ago about a guy, in England I believe, talking about all the issues involved in trying to make a cheap dry age fridge.Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
The EvaDry is small, mine sits in the shelf on the door doesn't take fridge space, the controller controls the temp and dehumidifier, no other controls with this one
USB fan
That inkbird controller can do cooling and humidity at the same time or heat and cool or humidify dehumdify ...when I was setting this up with no load I could get it in the 30s but it was cool out, I ran it into the 90s as well with a reptile heater
Or try this before investing
https://youtu.be/gbgAzJgcEXY
Visalia, Ca @lkapigian -
Looks like a science project. But it works. Great post.lkapigian said:The EvaDry is small, mine sits in the shelf on the door doesn't take fridge space, the controller controls the temp and dehumidifier, no other controls with this one
USB fan
That inkbird controller can do cooling and humidity at the same time or heat and cool or humidify dehumdify ...when I was setting this up with no load I could get it in the 30s but it was cool out, I ran it into the 90s as well with a reptile heater
Or try this before investinghttps://youtu.be/gbgAzJgcEXY
Purchase a good mini fridge, the controller, fan and dehumidifier. Cost would run close to the same price as a ready to go small home fridge/freezer that still has lots of room for beer?
Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
That's correct @PhotoEgg , I got a deal on buying 2 of these, my cost per cubic foot would be less with a larger one for sure..i think I am a little over $200.00 complete setup fridge controller heater fans etc X2 as I did 2 of everything .i wanted the ability to have both fermenting and drying , I'm finding now fermenting at room temp is just fine with no chamberPhoto Egg said:
Looks like a science project. But it works. Great post.lkapigian said:The EvaDry is small, mine sits in the shelf on the door doesn't take fridge space, the controller controls the temp and dehumidifier, no other controls with this one
USB fan
That inkbird controller can do cooling and humidity at the same time or heat and cool or humidify dehumdify ...when I was setting this up with no load I could get it in the 30s but it was cool out, I ran it into the 90s as well with a reptile heater
Or try this before investinghttps://youtu.be/gbgAzJgcEXY
Purchase a good mini fridge, the controller, fan and dehumidifier. Cost would run close to the same price as a ready to go small home fridge/freezer that still has lots of room for beer?Visalia, Ca @lkapigian -
so I am interested in doing this. I have a full size fridge in the garage that stays 80% empty. is there a good resource to read up on the process, start to finish? I have something I am cooking for in almost exactly 2 months so starting now would be idealBoom
-
If it were me,I would start with the Dry Age Steak Wraps as they overcome the pitfalls of low RH in the fridge, while you are doing that you can monitor the RH and see how it settles in....If not using a product like that I would still look @ the inKbird controller and humidifier/dehumidifier one or both depending on how your set up settles inVisalia, Ca @lkapigian
-
Thanks for all the responses!!
I have a wine fridge that I'd like to use. No room in the garage for another full size fridge (I have a 20 cu' freezer already)
My concern with the wine fridge was temp's. Got it for free, plugged it in and ill see what temp it get down too.
Dont have space in the kitchen fridge to do this.
Ill look into the controller and humidifier, Thank you for those.
XL aka Senior, Mini Max aka Junior, Weber Q's, Blackstone 22, Lion built in, RecTec Mini 300, Lodge Hibachi, Uuni, wife says I have too many grills,,,,how many shoes do you have?
IG --> matt_86m -
That all very cool.lkapigian said:
That's correct @PhotoEgg , I got a deal on buying 2 of these, my cost per cubic foot would be less with a larger one for sure..i think I am a little over $200.00 complete setup fridge controller heater fans etc X2 as I did 2 of everything .i wanted the ability to have both fermenting and drying , I'm finding now fermenting at room temp is just fine with no chamberPhoto Egg said:
Looks like a science project. But it works. Great post.lkapigian said:The EvaDry is small, mine sits in the shelf on the door doesn't take fridge space, the controller controls the temp and dehumidifier, no other controls with this one
USB fan
That inkbird controller can do cooling and humidity at the same time or heat and cool or humidify dehumdify ...when I was setting this up with no load I could get it in the 30s but it was cool out, I ran it into the 90s as well with a reptile heater
Or try this before investinghttps://youtu.be/gbgAzJgcEXY
Purchase a good mini fridge, the controller, fan and dehumidifier. Cost would run close to the same price as a ready to go small home fridge/freezer that still has lots of room for beer?
If you get a short power loss does your controller hold memory or default to some standard numbers?Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
@photoegg it does have built in memory but I could not tell you how long it is ...I have one on the spare fridge I will unplug and check, I would imagine, but will confirm,it will hold quite along time.............since this model does so much IE it will do only humidity control, only temp control, or both ( its why the plugs are labeled work 1 work 2 ) there would be no standard defaultPhoto Egg said:
That all very cool.lkapigian said:
That's correct @PhotoEgg , I got a deal on buying 2 of these, my cost per cubic foot would be less with a larger one for sure..i think I am a little over $200.00 complete setup fridge controller heater fans etc X2 as I did 2 of everything .i wanted the ability to have both fermenting and drying , I'm finding now fermenting at room temp is just fine with no chamberPhoto Egg said:
Looks like a science project. But it works. Great post.lkapigian said:The EvaDry is small, mine sits in the shelf on the door doesn't take fridge space, the controller controls the temp and dehumidifier, no other controls with this one
USB fan
That inkbird controller can do cooling and humidity at the same time or heat and cool or humidify dehumdify ...when I was setting this up with no load I could get it in the 30s but it was cool out, I ran it into the 90s as well with a reptile heater
Or try this before investinghttps://youtu.be/gbgAzJgcEXY
Purchase a good mini fridge, the controller, fan and dehumidifier. Cost would run close to the same price as a ready to go small home fridge/freezer that still has lots of room for beer?
If you get a short power loss does your controller hold memory or default to some standard numbers?Visalia, Ca @lkapigian -
Thanks for all the information!lkapigian said:
@photoegg it does have built in memory but I could not tell you how long it is ...I have one on the spare fridge I will unplug and check, I would imagine, but will confirm,it will hold quite along time.............since this model does so much IE it will do only humidity control, only temp control, or both ( its why the plugs are labeled work 1 work 2 ) there would be no standard defaultPhoto Egg said:
That all very cool.lkapigian said:
That's correct @PhotoEgg , I got a deal on buying 2 of these, my cost per cubic foot would be less with a larger one for sure..i think I am a little over $200.00 complete setup fridge controller heater fans etc X2 as I did 2 of everything .i wanted the ability to have both fermenting and drying , I'm finding now fermenting at room temp is just fine with no chamberPhoto Egg said:
Looks like a science project. But it works. Great post.lkapigian said:The EvaDry is small, mine sits in the shelf on the door doesn't take fridge space, the controller controls the temp and dehumidifier, no other controls with this one
USB fan
That inkbird controller can do cooling and humidity at the same time or heat and cool or humidify dehumdify ...when I was setting this up with no load I could get it in the 30s but it was cool out, I ran it into the 90s as well with a reptile heater
Or try this before investinghttps://youtu.be/gbgAzJgcEXY
Purchase a good mini fridge, the controller, fan and dehumidifier. Cost would run close to the same price as a ready to go small home fridge/freezer that still has lots of room for beer?
If you get a short power loss does your controller hold memory or default to some standard numbers?Thank you,DarianGalveston Texas -
I've had great success with bags from umai. Vac seal it in there and stick in a fridge for 60 days. Couldn't be easier. No worries about temp, air circulating or smells.
-
If you want to waste some coin
~ John - Formerly known as ColtsFan - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
XL BGE, LG BGE, Med BGE, BGE Chiminea, Ardore Pizza Oven
Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers! -
I just ordered the dry steak wraps, thinking about using a Filet Mignon. What piece of meat works and tastes the best?Retired Navy, LBGE
Pinehurst, NC -
Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?Napoleon Prestige Pro 665, XL BGE, Lots of time for BBQ!
-
I can't remember...the joys of getting old...Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?Retired Navy, LBGE
Pinehurst, NC -
Since Sausages are cased, no need , I just hang them as is ….if fresh, hang at room temp overnight, then into the fridge…Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?
That’s parsley not green mold lolVisalia, Ca @lkapigian -
They offer special bags for charcuterie.Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?Re-gasketing the USA one yard at a time -
What about the humidity control? I don't mind hanging a few sausages in my basement fridge, but I don't want to have to rig a ventilation and humidity control system. Unfortunately my house does not have a cantina.lkapigian said:
Since Sausages are cased, no need , I just hang them as is ….if fresh, hang at room temp overnight, then into the fridge…Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?
That’s parsley not green mold lolNapoleon Prestige Pro 665, XL BGE, Lots of time for BBQ! -
I picked up this stainless steel fridge in new condition off of Craigslist for $300. Added a small humidifier, dehumidifier, plant heat mat, and two controllers. I use it as a Shark Choocie chamber, but could easily lower the temp for dry aging.
MMBGE / Large BGE / XL BGE (Craigslist Find) / SF30x80 cabinet trailer - "Ol' Mortimer" / Outdoor kitchen in progress.
RECOVERING BUBBLEHEAD
Southeastern CT. -
With dried sausage ( smaller casing than salami ) humidity is really not an issue , they fry within a few weeks … when you get to larger diameter it is, but I don’t even use a humidifier then, there is enough moisture in the product to raise the humidity, I only have a dehumidifierMark_B_Good said:
What about the humidity control? I don't mind hanging a few sausages in my basement fridge, but I don't want to have to rig a ventilation and humidity control system. Unfortunately my house does not have a cantina.lkapigian said:
Since Sausages are cased, no need , I just hang them as is ….if fresh, hang at room temp overnight, then into the fridge…Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?
That’s parsley not green mold lol
Visalia, Ca @lkapigian -
Thanks for this ... so I went ahead and bought a biltong box ... we buy a lot of it, and I have the itch to make cured meat. You just gave me a thought ... I could also use that to hang the sausages in. I can start at room temp overnight as you say, then just move the whole box into the fridge. If I don't need humidity control, that saves me a bit of grief. How many weeks you need to cure your sausages in the fridge? Any need to ventilate the fridge from time to time?lkapigian said:
With dried sausage ( smaller casing than salami ) humidity is really not an issue , they fry within a few weeks … when you get to larger diameter it is, but I don’t even use a humidifier then, there is enough moisture in the product to raise the humidity, I only have a dehumidifierMark_B_Good said:
What about the humidity control? I don't mind hanging a few sausages in my basement fridge, but I don't want to have to rig a ventilation and humidity control system. Unfortunately my house does not have a cantina.lkapigian said:
Since Sausages are cased, no need , I just hang them as is ….if fresh, hang at room temp overnight, then into the fridge…Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?
That’s parsley not green mold lolNapoleon Prestige Pro 665, XL BGE, Lots of time for BBQ! -
Casings under 42MM will be done in a few weeks, no need to ventilate, just open the door once a day in the beginning of the process, love to see the resultsMark_B_Good said:
Thanks for this ... so I went ahead and bought a biltong box ... we buy a lot of it, and I have the itch to make cured meat. You just gave me a thought ... I could also use that to hang the sausages in. I can start at room temp overnight as you say, then just move the whole box into the fridge. If I don't need humidity control, that saves me a bit of grief. How many weeks you need to cure your sausages in the fridge? Any need to ventilate the fridge from time to time?lkapigian said:
With dried sausage ( smaller casing than salami ) humidity is really not an issue , they fry within a few weeks … when you get to larger diameter it is, but I don’t even use a humidifier then, there is enough moisture in the product to raise the humidity, I only have a dehumidifierMark_B_Good said:
What about the humidity control? I don't mind hanging a few sausages in my basement fridge, but I don't want to have to rig a ventilation and humidity control system. Unfortunately my house does not have a cantina.lkapigian said:
Since Sausages are cased, no need , I just hang them as is ….if fresh, hang at room temp overnight, then into the fridge…Mark_B_Good said:Will those dry age bags for steaks work to dry cure sausages?
That’s parsley not green mold lolVisalia, Ca @lkapigian -
Ok.I have a kegerator that holds six kegs with only three kegs in there.You’re saying I’m wasting space not dry aging?
I need to LEARN!Large BGE and Medium BGE
36" Blackstone - Greensboro! -
@MaskedMarvel , if you have room, use it… qualifying this thread has vas vacillated from dry aging to dry curing, 2 different beasts at 2 different temp ranges, dry aging should be 35 f range while curing 55-60f , that being said you can dry cure at lower temps but not dry age at higher tempsVisalia, Ca @lkapigian
Categories
- All Categories
- 184K EggHead Forum
- 16.1K Forum List
- 461 EGGtoberfest
- 1.9K Forum Feedback
- 10.5K Off Topic
- 2.4K EGG Table Forum
- 1 Rules & Disclaimer
- 9.2K Cookbook
- 15 Valentines Day
- 118 Holiday Recipes
- 348 Appetizers
- 521 Baking
- 2.5K Beef
- 90 Desserts
- 167 Lamb
- 2.4K Pork
- 1.5K Poultry
- 33 Salads and Dressings
- 322 Sauces, Rubs, Marinades
- 548 Seafood
- 175 Sides
- 122 Soups, Stews, Chilis
- 40 Vegetarian
- 103 Vegetables
- 315 Health
- 293 Weight Loss Forum