Best Option Based on Climate:
- Hot, dry climates: Evaporative / Zeer fridge, Coolgardie safe, swamp cooler.
- Moderate climates: Root cellar, underground storage.
- Regions with access to water: Spring or well house.
- Regions with access to ice: Ice box or chest.
Evaporative Clay Fridge
Pro’s
Nomad City Experience
Con’s
We build an evaporative fridge and used it during the summer of 2023. It works quite well when the humidity is low, but as soon as this rises, some mold appeared on the inside of the fridge. Because the inside was not glazed it was difficult to clean this mold. We therefore no longer use this system.
Evaporative Wool Fridge
Pro’s
Con’s
Zeer Fridge
Pro’s
Con’s
Root Cellar
Pro’s
- Great for storing root vegetables, fruits, and preserves.
- Keeps a consistent temperature, usually around 10-15°C (50-59°F).
- Can store large quantities of food.
Con’s
- Requires digging and construction.
- Not suitable in areas with high water tables or flooding risks.
- Temperature can fluctuate with extreme outside conditions.
Coolgardie Safe
Pro’s
- An evaporative cooling system made from a wooden frame with mesh sides and shelves. Water is poured over the cloth or mesh, and as it evaporates, it cools the interior.
- Simple design and easy to build.
- Effective in dry, hot climates.
Con’s
- Requires regular watering to keep the evaporation going.
- Doesn’t achieve refrigeration-level cooling; best for short-term storage.
- Not as effective in humid climates.
Spring House or Well House
Pro’s
- Traditionally, food storage areas were built near a cold stream or well. The cool water or air from the spring helps to lower the temperature of the storage area.
- Consistent cooling if built near a flowing spring or well.
- Effective for perishable items like dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
Con’s
- Location-dependent; requires proximity to a natural spring or well.
- May not work in very dry or hot regions.
- Needs regular monitoring for water levels and cleanliness.
Water Bucket Fridge
Nomad City Experience
Similar to the Spring House principle we currently use a big stainless steel bucket filled with water to store our food in the summer. This is only possible for food which you can store in glass or plastic pots or containers. It keeps the food really cool. We refresh the water every month. The downside is that your hands get wet and that you don’t always see what is inside the bucket.