Fridge vs. Chest Freezer for lagering/kegging?

[Nealz]

A local appliance store has a couple of smokin' deals on both a small, under-counter 'fridge and a small chest freezer. I know a fridge will work but has anyone used a chest freezer, with a temp controller, for lagering or kegging? The freezer has better insulation and space inside for 3 cornies and a 5 lb. co2 bottle. The fridge could hold 2 cornies and a 5 lb. co2 bottle. Both of 'em could easily be fitted with a tower on top. Cost is about equal. Any thoughts or opinions on which way to go? Thanks and cheers!

-Nealz

[Jeff]

The following link is a desciption of a chest freezer conversion for kegging and lagering. I think it says that you can even keep the seperate compartments at different tempertures (+/- 15*F).

http://www.oregonbrewcrew.com/freezer/freezer.html

[Nealz]

Jeff-

Thanks for the link. Good info. My main concern is the compatibility of the temp controller with the freezer. Maybe it's a non-issue but I wonder if the higher cooling capability of a freezer is somehow going to stress-out the controller. The guy in your link didn't seem to have a problem tho.

-Nealz

[toneyc]

Chest freezer all the way!!

I have two freezers, an upright and a chest freezer. I sometimes (ok, once) use the upright for lagering and the chest unit for day-to-day beer storage and dispensing. The temperature controller doesn't care what temperature you set it for, it just works. All the temperature controller does is turn the power on and off in response to temperature changes, I don't think that any appliance that you would find in the average home would stress it out at all. I have also heard (read: take it for what its worth) that the compressors in freezers are more heavy duty than the ones in refridgerators and therefore last longer. Besides, go for the capacity, you won't be sorry.

:)
Toney.

[Jeff]

I just checked out a temp controller on Morebeer.com. The controller allows for a four degree range in temp above the set point. This will allow the compressor to run longer and less frequently. Short cycling is what kills a compressor, this should help some.

There should also be some balance, as you have the set point higher there is less temperture differential from the outside air, less heat loss, longer time inbetween running.

[danno]

think of the physics. If you're in a warm climate, every time you open the door of a fridge, all the cold air pours out onto the floor. with a converted chest freezer, all that cold air stays down, inside the freezer, making it more efficient...

plus, a temp controller offers you much more flexibility in temp ranges, it's tough to keep a fridge at a consistent 45º...

[Nealz]

Thanks guys for the input. I was leaning towards the chest frezer anyway and I think that's the way I'll go. Good point about cold air staying low in the freezer too. Prost!

-Nealz

[BucksBrew]

My next move is to buy a chest freezer with a nice collar. The question is what size?

I've read some guys store bottled beer, 4-5 Cornys, 5-20lb. CO2 and room for Lagering.

Ideally I'd like to have room for 2-4 Cornys for drinking, room for 2 Carboys Lagering, CO2 and 1-2 cases of Bottled Micro Brews.

I need to go measure some freezers. Anybody know where I can get measurements for thinking this through? Or I'm off to Lowe's with a pencil, pad and tape measure!

[Nealz]

Originally posted by BucksBrew
Ideally I'd like to have room for 2-4 Cornys for drinking, room for 2 Carboys Lagering, CO2 and 1-2 cases of Bottled Micro Brews.


Nice combination, that would be ideal. Lowes is where I saw the freezers on sale. There were larger ones on sale too. I can't remember the brand but I think it was White/Westinghouse. I was there with my tape measure as well and the sales guy was plenty interested in why I was measuring the dang things. Good luck.

-Nealz

[BucksBrew]

I went to lowes for Lunch. Man am I hungry, they don't serve food there!

I measure up 3 sizes from the 8.8 cu. ft. to the 14.8 cu. ft. units.

I think the 12.8 cu.ft. might be the smallest ideal unit for what I want to do.

Fridgidaire $227.00 294 KWH annual use = $24.00 per yr.

42 3/4'' Outside width

30 1/4'' Outside depth

35'' Outside Height

Inside Dimensions

37 1/2'' Wide @ Top with 28'' wide on floor

22'' Deep

28 1/2'' Height (27'' is good for Corny & Carboy-2x4 Collar will add 3 1/2'')

Compresser Cover Dimensions

9 1/2'' Wide

10 1/4'' Height from floor

22'' Depth

18'' Height from top of shelf to underside of lid.

This leaves about 28'' in width on floor of freezer and 22'' Deep.

This allows 2 Carboys width wise @12'' diameter for lagering.

22'' Depth minus 12'' leaves about 10''. My Cornys I think are max 9 1/2'' in diameter. I could fit I think 3 cornys width wise.

The CO2 Tank will fit on the compressor shelf, not sure of the height, but think it will fit in the 21'' I expect to have.

The compressor shelf will hold I think 1-2 cases in 6-Pack holders, not full cases unopened.

Now I need to research all the fittings I'll need to isolate all the corneys as well as the Taps and shutoffs and etc.

This is Rain Man checking out.