Building a Kegorator... Need your advice.

[rushrich]

You are probably right, but I wanted to clarify:

I meant if there would be a difference btwn an Energy Star Chest Freezer and a regular Chest Freezer?

It could just be a wash like you said since we are keeping it at a constant temp that is well above freezing. . . . I am just trying to see if there are potential savings (cash and environment) to having an energy star vs a regular one.

[Rob Martin]

I have one serving regulator and make do. Multiple regulators would be nice, but I didn't think I needed it when I started out.

I have my CO2 tank sitting outside of the refrigerator. My first one, I drilled a hole in the side of it, and got lucky that I didn't hit a freon line. You can drill a small pilot hold and then fish around with your finger (while not cutting yourself) or a piece of wire to make sure you are clear of freon. After that unit burnt out (it started to cook my beer) about 5 years later, I built my second one. This time I drilled the gas line through the front door (no freon lines there) and have enough hose flex to open and close the door. I have one tap through the door.

I now wish I had multiple regulators/manifolds, etc., but can't justify spending the money on my current budget. I've had up to 4 different beers 'on tap' at once. I open the door, and just switch the beer and gas lines. Not too much of a problem unless your beers have significantly different carbonation levels. Most of the time my beers are carbed pretty closely, but currently I have a Scotch 80/- that is low-med carb (8-10 psi), a dark Czech that is med-high carb (15 psi). In cases like this, I keep my regulator set at 15 and on the higher carbonated beer and just 'hit' the lower carb one once in awhile without letting it fully gas up to 15. I also tend to drink only one style per evening, so I don't switch the lines multiple times a day.

Again...multiples would be nice, but I make do with a single.

My only 'have to have' advice is this: use forward sealing faucets like a Perlick. You will eventually regret it if you don't.

BTW - my current kegerator is a side-by-side refrigerator. It has it's pros and cons. I've built a very heavy duty shelf inside of it with 1 1/4" PVC pipe for legs and 3/4" plywood for the shelf. The inside of my kegerator is tall enough where I can get carboys plus kegs in there when I lager. During the summer, I like to alternate brewing ales and lagers. When lagering I tend to have ales on tap and turn the temp up to 42-45. From Dec - March I lager in a basement closet that is at 50 deg. Enough rambling

[Rob Martin]

You are probably right, but I wanted to clarify:

I meant if there would be a difference btwn an Energy Star Chest Freezer and a regular Chest Freezer?

It could just be a wash like you said since we are keeping it at a constant temp that is well above freezing. . . . I am just trying to see if there are potential savings (cash and environment) to having an energy star vs a regular one.

Not positive - but I think when you use a freezer that is not constantly at a freezing temp, it may actually lose efficiency.

[Blktre]

Not positive - but I think when you use a freezer that is not constantly at a freezing temp, it may actually lose efficiency.

Just be aware that freezer compressors are meant to run alot colder than the warmer temps you will be using it for beer. Therefore the life of the compressor is shortened. I cannot put a time stamp to that, but the old greenboard back in the day was full of chest freezer/kegerator conversions shitting out after a said amount if time. I personally don't have any experience with that, but just passing info Ive read over the years.

[Bill]

Not positive - but I think when you use a freezer that is not constantly at a freezing temp, it may actually lose efficiency.

Just be aware that freezer compressors are meant to run alot colder than the warmer temps you will be using it for beer. Therefore the life of the compressor is shortened. I cannot put a time stamp to that, but the old greenboard back in the day was full of chest freezer/kegerator conversions shitting out after a said amount if time. I personally don't have any experience with that, but just passing info Ive read over the years.

Been using my chest freezer as a kegerator for about 3 years now, no problems (I better not F myself with this post).
The chest freezer is of unknown age, but since it belonged to my in-laws, I'm assuming it is at least 15 years old, of not more. Running it on a Love temp controller at 35° with a four degree temp swing when used for storage. When I use it for fermentation I lock it in with a 2° temp swing. I know that isn't good on the compressor, but hey, it was free

I think Belden is on his 3rd chest freezer, what's your typical life span vs abuse Sean?

[phil6253]

With a temp controller you are just rasing the cut in and out of the compressor, the freon system would remain the same and give the compressor the same amount of suction line cooling it had before. The majority of residential models have the condensor looped throughout the outer case to allow for ambient cooling by the surrounding air. I'm sure some movement from the interior of the freezer occurs to help in that cooling and that might shorten the life without those freezing temps. Keeping an airspace around the outside and not pushing it up against the wall should help as well. The caution regarding the drilling is spot on, some electrical can also be strung through the walls as well.

I'm in the process of converting a refrigerator to a couple tap system. Austin HB store had a pretty decent price on some forward sealing faucets, shanks, all in one package.

Phil

[BourbonDrinker]

I've got everything I need, except for one thing... Ball locks for my kegs.

Is there anyone I could buy/borrow/steal a couple from tomorrow or Sunday?

[Rob Martin]

I've got everything I need, except for one thing... Ball locks for my kegs.

Is there anyone I could buy/borrow/steal a couple from tomorrow or Sunday?

I know we could buy a couple of kegs. How much interest is there in another keg buy? We could organize it like a grain buy, etc.

I'll start a thread to find out interest.

[BourbonDrinker]

Kegorator is up and running. Thanks to all for the advice. Thanks to Matt for hooking me up with the regulator. Super thanks to Jason for being the alpha brewer that you are and kicking ass and taking names.

If anyone has spare taps, etc. in the next few months P.M. me. I'll probably be interested.

[Jdl973]

You are on your way. Was my pleasure to serve ....great hummus!

Jason

[Matt]

Also happy to help out! It's always great to get another brewer kegging. You're going to love it.

And ditto on the hummus. Good stuff! Nice seeing you all. Let's get together again soon.

Matt

[BourbonDrinker]

I'm feeling ready to start the next phase in the kegorator build.

I've already got 3 faucets.

Right now I'm looking for 3 three-inch shanks with barbed nipples to mount the faucets.

Eventually I plan to expand to 8 taps (1 being stout) and a couple internal gas lines to carb 2 liter bottles of soda.

If you've got any old parts and piece sitting around let me know. I'd much rather go with used and recycled before buying new.

I figure I'll need:
6 to 10 Gas ball-lock quick connects
6 to 10 Liquid ball-lock quick connects
Additional manifold assembly (would like to have up to 10 gas lines)
Additional regulator
+4 faucets
+1 stout faucet
36" drip tray