Chest freezer vs. Refrigerator

[batkins]

I started looking for a used fridge for my kegs today. Then I started thinking about using a chest freezer. I read once of some device that would turn a freezer on and off to keep a higher temp. Is this how a freezer is converted? What is the device called? Where can I get one? What other way is there to convert a freezer? What's the best way to keep kegs? :confused:

[paul84043]

The way you mentioned is the only way that comes to mind. It's probably easier on a refrigerator, but to get temps below 40 degrees, I guess you would pretty much have to use a freezer.
The problem with a chest freezer it that I have a hard time visualizing how you would use it to ferment due to the physical layout. Now, if you're only talking about aging and storing kegs, it would be perfect and much more energy efficient.

The device is a Temp controller made by Ranco ETC-111000. I found one at a Johnstone Supply for 35$, (actually, I bought 2)you have to wire your own pigtails, but it's a no brainer.

The online shops are charging 80 to 110$ for this controller.

They even have a 2 stage model that will simultaneously do both heat and cool. You can pick up a small 100W heater to do warmer fermentation in a refrigerator during the winter.

Kegs are trickier to store, I don't fully have a handle on it myself.
For longer term storage, bottling is probably better.

[batkins]

I just did a little searching on the net and found the temp controllers. Also said you can change thermostat with a fridge. Any other tips?

[CaptHook]

My choise was a chest freezer.
In a 15 cu ft you can put 8- 5 gal cornys with room for smalls.
A new one w/o frills a sears was $270.
New means, lite weight,quiet and no repairs.
That went into the basement and became the lager ferment.
I went back and bought a 7 cu ft , 3 -5 gal. and 2- 3 gal kegs.
covered the shell with a wall covering,so it does not inhibit heat loss.
Made a 4'x3' cherry top, cut in a brass 4 tap tower and thats the bar.
The controller is a kick at $50, I can get you part #s if you like
at Grainger or McMaster. But you now have a bar that seats 6,
has 4 beers on tap and easy upkeep.

[toneyc]

Go with the chest freezer. I used a refrigerator and a stand-up style freezer for a while before getting my chest freezer and it is just so much more convenient, things just fit a whole lot nicer.

Here's the link to the $50 temperature controller that I bought:

http://www.stpats.com/kegsupp.htm#controller

:) Toney.

[paul84043]

The controller by Johnson controls is perfect (and cheap) if you only need to control the "cold" function of your refrigerator, but if you wanted to do a warmer (ales) controlled fermentation in the same refrigerator, or freezer during the winter in your garage for example, the Ranco has 2 settings, one that runs the fridge or freezer to cool things off, and one that will run a small heater to warm things up. (It also costs 10$ less)
There is also a full function 2 stage unit that's a bit more expensive that will do both at the same time.

The Ranco also allows you do set your own "deadband" or deviation from the setpoint. Of course, the tighter the tolerance, the more your freezer is going to be kicking on and off, but some people may want tighter control than the Johnson gives you.

It all depends on how you see yourself using the unit. I intend to do both cold fermentation and warm fermentation in my extra fridge.

Can't really go wrong either way. I wish I had known about this forum a while ago, I could have answered so many of my questions instead of having to figure them out myself!!

[danno]

I also heartily recommend a chest freezer. I have a 15 cu ft chest freezer, I built a collar through which I run 6 taps. I can fit eight kegs, plus a 20lb co2 tank, along with assorted manifolds, etc... Mine is in my garage, and since I'm in Minnesota, it neccesitated a small heater. I ended up buying an analog thermostat from Grainger for about $35 that does the same thing Toney's does from St. Pats. If you're interested in a digital controller, check out this link: Johnson A419 (http://energyequipment.com/Components_Division/Manufacturer_Line_Card/Johnson_Controls_Products/Johnson_A419/johnson_a419.html)

[CaptHook]

The big advantage I find with the chest freezer is fermenting.
I switched to corny kegs with a blow-off. The blow-off is a very small pet
bottle hanging from the top hand hold. The pressure relief valve is removed. The hole can be tapped, or use a cork. The soft tube bends low to clear the lid when closed. The out tube(in the tank) is shortened
1" to not disturb the trub. At seven days, hook a jumper tube(out to out)
to a clean keg(that has the same modifications) remove the blow-off and insert a solid cork. Add1-2 psi co2 and transfer. Be sure to
purge the tank with co2 before you start filling. Because lagers only need gas relief, you can use 1/4" line. It's tight but 8 will fit.
Being old and lazy, I have an overhead track and 4 to 1 pully.
I also use cories for mash and laurdering. If anyone is interested,
by glad to share.
Chuck

[paul84043]

I wish I could have a full blown setup, but in the interests of world peace, we have to hide our beer manufacturing from the in-laws.....they just don't understand and I try not to rub it in thier faces.

[CaptHook]

Originally posted by paul84043
I wish I could have a full blown setup, but in the interests of world peace, we have to hide our beer manufacturing from the in-laws.....they just don't understand and I try not to rub it in thier faces.
Sorry Paul, "peace is better than beer" could we sell it as a bumper sticker? Truely, If you lived near to West Dundee, IL. you could share mine.
Chuck

[paul84043]

I don't know if it's actually better than beer....if I were FORCED to choose, it might get ugly!!

Maybe that's what we should drop into the Middle east? A whole crapload of Homebrew!!

That ought to mellow those folks out!!