I would love to build one too, but it will have to wait. I have a walkout basement and an unfinished corner that we could run the AC outside, but it is a hard sell for my wife.

In my future garage/workshop/wash and packing shed/lean to greenhouse/walk-in cooler building. I have it all planned out.

Jay

I would be leery of storing fresh veggies (in various stages of rinse/wash) and prepared foods (pasta) in the same cooler without checking out what your state requires first.

I am going to buy a used cooler/freezer (panels & door only) or build a cooler this winter and use a coolbot/air conditioner. Just can't seem to find the perfect one on Craigslist yet that's in my price range (cheap).

If your basement has an underground corner, can't you do a root cellar?

Root cellar needs ventilation, among other things so a basement may or may not work.