An iceless refrigerator depends for its efficiency on the cooling effect of evaporating water. An open framework of shelves is surrounded by a cloth kept moist by means of a large pan of water on the top. A good current of air to evaporate the water is essential. The refrigerator will work wherever the cloth will dry readily, but it must be kept in a shady place since a low temperature is the main object. A temperature of about 55° F. can be maintained.

Directions for making an iceless refrigerator are as follows (Figs. 50, 51):

Make a strong set of shelves open on four sides with a solid top and bottom. Raise it on short legs. Screen this on three sides, and fit a screen door to the fourth side. The efficiency will be greater if the shelves and the bottom are made of reinforced screening to allow freer circulation of air.

* U, S. Bur. Standards, Circ. 55.

Cover the four sides entirely with canton flannel, smooth side out, buttoning it closely to the frame. This may be done easily by sewing buttons on tape and tacking this tape firmly around the upper edge of the case on three sides, also down each side of the framework next the door and on the upper and outer edges of the door. Allow a flap of flannel to extend past the outer edge of the door to be buttoned over on the framework. It will be necessary to unbutton and button this flap when opening the case. Make buttonholes in the flannel covering corresponding to the buttons on the case. Around the top of the covering sew four flaps of canton flannel a little narrower than each side of the case and large enough to extend up over the top and dip into the pan of water. These will serve as wicks to keep the entire surface of the flannel moist. If the refrigerator is to be set on the porch, a pan must be placed underneath the refrigerator to catch the water that drips down.

Fig. 50. - An iceless refrigerator.

An extra flannel covering should be made for the case so that one may be washed each week.

It is desirable, but not essential, to paint the case with enamel paint. A non-rusting wire must be used for the screening.

The following dimensions are suggested, and the amount of material required is indicated.

Height: 4 feet, 8 inches.

Base: 24 inches square.

Space between shelves: 11 inches.

Fig. 51. - Removable canton flannel cover for the refrigerator. The buttonholes are placed to correspond with the buttons on the framework.

Materials: 3 yards of 24-inch opal zinc screen wire, 1 pint of flat coat white paint for first coat, 1 pint of white enamel paint for second coat, 50 feet of board 3/4 X 3 inches for frame and door, 16 feet of board 1 x 12 inches for 4 shelves, 4 feet of board 1 x 24 inches for top and bottom, 46 feet of screen molding, 2 hinges, 1 cabinet catch, 2 3/4 dozen white china buttons, 10 yards of white cotton tape, nails, tacks, 13 yards of 30-inch canton flannel (two covers).