I have heard many positives about a Cool-Bot. I would like to check out that option.

My idea is this. I am currently using two fridges stuffed full every week for cool storage. My wife wants her basement space back. I see all kinds of metal shipping containers around. I was wondering about getting a smaller one of those, put up a small stud wall and door and insulate the heck out of all six sides. Put a cool-bot out the side or on the door end and leave the outside container doors open to let out the hot air. I don't have a garage or a space to put one in my house, so that isn't an option.

Would something like this work? The smaller containers are 8 by 8 by 20. Sometimes smaller. We could use the rest of the space for storage.

Would something like this work?

Just wondering.

I was thinking about your idea. I like it. Could you set the building on a platform in-filled with straw bales, to superinsulate the floor (which should be cheaper than fiberglass)? Maybe the same treatment for the roof, depending on where you live. We have little rain, and a tarp would keep them dry here. Could save a lot of money, lumber, work, etc.

If you own a backhoe (or trade with someone who does) you could bury it and save your self all the framing, etc. Our friend's buried storage requires very little additional cooling, as it maintains about a 55-60 degree temperature with no inputs.

I was thinking about getting some big steel container from the local salvage yard and doing the same thing.

Good luck...

You CAN get semi-trailers/truck beds that were formerly 'cooler-trucks' and they would already be insulated. Any small hole just fill with 'great stuff' or caulking.