Refrigerator thermostat location

[Dwayne Oxford]

Need to know if any other than Hotpoint/GE have it in freezer.

In cabinet stops compressor if it's 40F or so ambient, causing freezer thaw if any colder.

Have mine on porch.

[citizenX]

Most newer units either sense the refrig temp and/or use electronic thermistors in both sections so it's hard to find that, other than a purpose built garage refrigerator which are $$$. I know much older Amana side by sides used a freezer temp control to cycle the compressor. There is other option I am aware of though: Frigidaire makes a basic top freezer unit that has the old school mechanical temp control in the refrigerator section, but there is a garage heater kit available that installs around the temp control to add heat to the control so it will force it to run in cold ambient temps. I suppose you could adapt the heater kit to any unit with a mechanical control. One thing to keep in mind though, if it's super cold ambient temps, you may need to also install a heater kit that wraps around the compressor because the oil can get thick and can cause damage to the compressor valves. I've never actually seen that happen but if its cold enough it is a possibility.