Outdoor refrigerator operation

[def]

Many of us have a second refrigerator in an unheated location.    I've got both a refrigerator/freezer and a chest type freezer out in my 1600 sq/ ft. steel building. The chest freezer performs fine.

However, the refrigerator/freezer does not. When ambient temps approach freezing, the freezer portion seems to drift up to near freezing while the refrigerator temperatures remain cold.

Is this normal? I have the thermostats adjusted to the factory recommended settings. The freezer control is nothing more than a vane that directs refrigerated air to the freezer at the top.

Is there anything I can do to help keep the freezer section below freezing when ambient temps get near freezing? I have thought of moving all the freezer contents to the chest unit and using the refrigerator portion only. Is this my only alternative?

Thanks for the help. 

[bigbuck]

Yes, not designed to be in garage, to cold temp., manual say 58-87 degrees.
Whirlpool makes a refrigerator/freezer that works well in the garage called a garagerator.                  Only cost about 2,500.00.

[niobrara]

Only to 32 degrees I think any colder and not worth it my thoughts only

[domain]

I am unsure of your direct model but Frigidaire calls for 55-95 degrees for the unit to work properly. The thermostat is located in the fresh food section, and at normal set point will cycle around 38-40 degrees. The unit does NOT know the temp of the freezer, it is a direct ratio of cooling. In normal operating conditions, when the unit calls for cooling, the direct ratio of cooling will keep the freezer frozen. Frigidaire makes a COLD KIT for their top mounts manufactured after 2001. The chest freezer does just fine because THAT thermostat is calibrated for roughly 0 degrees at normal set point.

[def]

I am unsure of your direct model but Frigidaire calls for 55-95 degrees for the unit to work properly. The thermostat is located in the fresh food section, and at normal set point will cycle around 38-40 degrees. The unit does NOT know the temp of the freezer, it is a direct ratio of cooling. In normal operating conditions, when the unit calls for cooling, the direct ratio of cooling will keep the freezer frozen. Frigidaire makes a COLD KIT for their top mounts manufactured after 2001. The chest freezer does just fine because THAT thermostat is calibrated for roughly 0 degrees at normal set point.

Yup, you're correct.

I guess I'll just have to heat the garage so that the refrigerator is happy...(now let's see, a new heat pump,  air handler, some additional insulation  .....or, maybe a wood burning stove or a LPG setup...    ).