Replacing glass shelves in fridge with wire shelves

[concretebox]

I want to replace the glass shelves in my mini fridge with something that will allow more airflow. I was thinking of making some wire shelves myself but I'm not sure where to start. Has anyone done something like this before? Any other suggestions?

 

[greybeard23]

Wire shelves would be nice, but most in a fridge are coated with plastic.

What is the chance of getting some plexiglass and drilling lots of holes for circulation? Seems it would be easier than trying to build some wire shelving.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

If you know how to braze or weld, it is doable. But it is very putsy work. Then you could have it powder coated for rust protection.
I'd go to a RV boneyard with the dimensions and see if you could find something that works.

-- Spiff

 

[highdesertranger]

go to a metal supply place and get punch plate. you could then get it painted, powder coated, anodized, or you could get it in stainless and not have to get it coated. highdsertranger

 

[concretebox]

I've used this unit for three months before. Then I noticed anything near the freezer compartment near the top was frozen (even if it wasn't inside the freezer). I even bought one of those battery powered mini fans that RV fridges often use. No luck, freezing at the top, too warm at the bottom.

 

[Spaceman Spiff]

go to a metal supply place and get punch plate. you could then get it painted, powder coated, anodized, or you could get it in stainless and not have to get it coated. highdsertranger

Very good suggestion, highdesertranger. Goes by different names and different methods of manufacture: Punch plate, perforated sheet, expanded metal all come in different thicknesses, with a multitude of patterns.

If you bring in your glass shelf, the supplier probably get you the correct thickness and cut it to size for you.

-- Spiff

 

[Patrick46]

Good ideas here. I like the plexiglass idea with holes drilled in it...but would be sure to use pretty thick material. (at least 3/8" minimum)
It won't rattle on the road like metal shelves will.

 

[concretebox]

You'll never guess, but I found something that works perfectly. Cooling racks! As in cookies and pies cooling racks. I had two in my van, one I set the laptop on during the summer when it was really hot, and the other I had, but never used (I don't do any baking without an oven!).

I put one rack in the top, it was the perfect fit, no modification needed. For the lower shelf, I just cut it with a wire-cutter, and put the cut end on the inside so it wouldn't cut me.

That's it! K.I.S.S!