Hello first post here thanks for taking a look.
I modified this fridge with an Inkbird Temperature and Humidity Controller ITC-608T (the all-in-one) and its been great but now that the fridge is filling up its hovering around 90%, id like to be around 80. My fan is plugged in with the humidifier so it only cuts on when the humidifier cuts on. I should have gotten the separate temp and humidity controllers and I may still but im trying to work with what I have. I did add 2 tiny USB computer fans on top and they are always-on, (very low air movement but at least some).
Is there anything I can put in the fridge to lower humidity without reconfiguring the entire setup? I was thinking of trying some sort of desiccant dry bag/silica or something like that.
Will 90% humidity affect the quality of the meats? or just the dry time?
You're looking at some 'nduja, soppressatta, and some new ventricina. Yes im experimenting with different diameters and natural/synthetic casings, and that Ventricina should be in a pork bung but I didn't have one :). Thanks for looking! Please help I would hate to ruin these projects!
Disregard the temp/humidity readout – the door was open for a few minutes
by bensc236
4 Comments
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Just to be clear you are running the humidifier, but you want the humidity to be lower?
When you first fill the fridge with fresh items, there is a LOT of moisture leaving, it could be good to do a complete purge of the air by opening the door a few times a day, for the first week or so.
Also don’t forget that the conditions inside go in cycles, as the fridge turns on and purges air inside when it runs the compressor, causing the air to dry out. Also when the temperature drops, moisture condenses, dropping the humidity inside.
First thing I would do if you are struggling with too much humidity, is take that humidifier out. I doubt you will need it til you are a couple weeks in. Not sure if I am misunderstanding the problem.
If you decide to change the controller, I would recommend the wifi ones even if you don’t need that functionality, as you can see the humidity logs over time on your phone which can be very helpful for understanding the function of the fridge.
edit2: I can’t actually even see a dehumidifier in that setup, only a humidifier. Do you not have a dehumidifier at all? go get one of these or your region’s version, theyre about 20 quid generic dehumidifiers available everywhere. the brand name doesn’t matter. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CFTZP1Q5?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_18&=&crid=2EN7E00A5MSDS&=&sprefix=small+dehumidifier
edit3: I would also turn those mini fans off after the first week or so, or at least run them very intermittently as I would think that even those 2 aimed directly at your cures will be enough to cause case hardening.
I have seen the first week or so explained as the “sweating” phase, which you should treat as separate to how you treat the rest of the cure, like a quick purge of the overly moist meat before you settle in to the “curing” phase.
What do you have the temp set at? Is it 60 in there because you have the door open?
Lower the temp to 55 and the compressor will work a little harder and lower the humidity. Overall it isn’t a big deal as long as you have airflow – these cabinets will always run high humidity when first loaded. Good advice to remove the humidifier. if it kicks on when the compressor cycles it’s not needed.