DIY mini-fridge is just big enough for a can of soda, just odd enough to scare the FBI

Full-sized refrigerators are awfully easy to come by. Your average yard sale has one keg-sized example sitting in the corner (probably with the door removed), but what if you need something smaller? That's when you turn to instructables and learn how to put together this peltier-powered mini fridge. It has a trio of coolers (under)powered by a 55 watt, 5 volt power supply sprouting enough exposed transistors, wires, and fans to make it all look like something the Department of Homeland Security warned you about. It'll drop a can of soda down to a perfectly frosty 46F, but sadly nobody bothered to mention exactly how long that process takes -- hopefully a little less time than was required to stick the thing together with expanding foam.

[Via Hack A Day]

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:05AM]

/facepalm I want news on the commodore 64 not foam!

[jmuchrisf Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:08AM]

This is definitely not engadget front page worthy. Come on. If I put a case fan on my cooler, throw ice in, and put in a soda can, maybe two, will I get on engadget?

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:16AM]

only if it will run Crysis.

[John Doe Posted Aug 27th 2009 4:09PM]

Never mind the fact that this thing doesn't have ice in it.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:16AM]

How is 46F frosty?

[NHAnimator Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:20AM]

(does anyone else what to explain sarcasm to Jason?)

[rclightboy197 Posted Aug 27th 2009 11:52AM]

@rock
LOLZ

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 3:32PM]

@Rock

You sir, deserve a prize!

[LAY Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:19AM]

Not quiet District 9, but still very clever.

[One Love Posted Aug 27th 2009 12:17PM]

Are we going to start comparing everything to district 9 now? Please god, no.

[StinkyPete Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:23AM]

All that and it doesn't explode or run on batteries?! FAIL.

[Ed T Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:32AM]

Looks like a gadget for nerdy shake-n-bake meth-heads. Ka-f'ing-boom!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:42AM]

This is like the G-rated Ted Kaczynski.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:45AM]

Hmm, not sure whether this is great or the guy has too much time on his hands!

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 1:49PM]

Pretty frosty Jason. Most things freeze at 28 to 32. However Ice Cream needs to me closer to 18. For you masters of Sarcasm, perhaps this pick was a bit from the Editor? Might be useful as a emergency travel container for spur of the moment organ donations.

[IceTheGreat Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:53AM]

needs a little bit of red paint and it will also work as your dog's pee station

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 10:00AM]

This is why you recycle those old computer parts....

Or add more fans...

[the steven Posted Aug 27th 2009 10:25AM]

Must. Build. Now.

[cashclientel Posted Aug 27th 2009 10:26AM]

the below is on the same link and is better:
http://www.instructables.com/id/5-Mini-USB-Fridge!/

although this one featured does look a lot like a pipe bomb.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 10:28AM]

*Every* peltier based fridge I have ever known anyone to own including has never lasted more than 2 years. They are throw away fridges IMO...

Not to mention they take forever to pump out the heat....

Anyone have a different experience?


Yes, I'm in the market for a small compressor driven wine fridge now :(

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 27th 2009 10:30AM]

Whoops, "to own including has" should be "to own including myself has"

[magallanes Posted Aug 27th 2009 11:17AM]

Peltier works only if exist a delta in temperature, otherwise is just a effective way to increase your electric bill.

[bebop Posted Aug 27th 2009 9:38PM]

Like any other refrigerator, Peltier works by increasing your electric bill to create a delta in temperature.

[SirNoDroin Posted Aug 27th 2009 11:21AM]

*in Duke Nukem voice* "mmm...Cool"

[Wwhat Posted Aug 27th 2009 11:50AM]

Needs a LED countdown display surely?

[MacBandit Posted Aug 27th 2009 12:58PM]

I dare someone to try to take this on some sort of public transportation.

[HektikLyfe Posted Aug 27th 2009 1:01PM]

Where is the port connection for the Flux Capacitor?

[LegoGuy23 Posted Aug 27th 2009 5:26PM]

It looks like a fire hydrant.

[(Unverified) Posted Aug 28th 2009 2:27PM]

Great Title!