www.sausagemaking.org

I am only in the initial planning stage to build a curing chamber and was thinking along the lines of obtaining a double-glass door refrigerator (the ones used as cool drink refrigerators in shops) at an auction house. They come up on auction on a regular basis here and would be ideal to be able to see the product without opening the door and loosing all the cold air and humidity each time I would want to take a "peek". I am a bit of an inquisitive sod!

However, I was wondering what effect light may have on the curing process? Is a dark environment needed or does light have little or no effect on the process or chemical reactions? Anybody with experience in this on the forum?

John in Cape Town

In answer to your question: it's said that light will make it go rancid.

I'd check the fridge before buying as I had one where an internal fan, that was something to do with the cooling process, made everything have case hardening.

However, if the fridge is suitable, you could always cover the glass.

HTH

Phil

Thanks Phil, that's what I thought. Also, I had a look a a few of the units and see that they all appear to have rather large circulatory fans and large compressor units. They are, however, a good size and maybe I can get one that is not working and do some modifications to convert it. I am not going to rush into this but still look for other alternatives.

John

John

I've recently had a comment on my blog post about curing chambers that may be of interest:

http://www.localfoodheroes.co.uk/?e=783 ... 1309020836

Basically, if the fridge is running a lot because of constant high temps, the humidity is always low and so empties the humidifier in double-quick time.

Graham who commented solves this by creating a chamber for drying within the fridge.

HTH

Phil

I have a converted fridge I've used for curing. It works, but is tempermental. You have to fuss with the settings too much. I'd love a professionally made home curing chamber. Does anyone make such a unit? Are there any smaller commercial units? I've googled, but you get a lot of modified fridge links or multi thousand dollar units for a large operation.

Yes, people make the units you describe.

In the UK, they can be bought here:

http://www.weschenfelder.co.uk/content/ ... i-cabinets

...but expect at least three noughts on the price tag!

Phil

Hmmm, interesting. Doesn't look like the sell in the US. How much is a nought?

Thanks,
jb

Sorry, I didn't realise that you were in the US. I think they cost about £3,500 if I recall correctly. That's about $5,600.

Phil

JuniorBalloon wrote:Hmmm, interesting. Doesn't look like the sell in the US. How much is a nought?

Thanks,
jb

Depends on how you look; granted it took me a few passes but I did come up with this but agin no price but one could get hold of them to make an enquiry

HTH

http://www.marraforni.com/wp-content/up ... ecsLOP.pdf

Have just sent an inquiry off

JuniorBalloon wrote:Hmmm, interesting. Doesn't look like the sell in the US. How much is a nought?

Thanks,
jb

A "nought" is zero 0. 3 noughts will run 1,000 to 9.999

Al

What temps and humidity percentages are you looking at? Think on the opposite end of the spectrum for a moment, what about a Holding and Proofing Cabinet? They usually have a small fan in the bottom for air and humidity movement. I don't think case hardening would be a problem.