Making a Kegerator

[kgaugler]

I am looking into building my own kegerator (the wife wants the spare fridge back:confused: My question is, am I better off starting with a chest freezer or a mini fridge? Does it make that much difference? I am looking at 2 ball lock cornies. Thanks for your input.

[Jughead]

There are many factors to consider: cost, size, floor space, existing equipment, ease of use etc.

Chest freezers can give you lots of room, some of which could even be used for fermenting, but you say you are only interested in two kegs. Freezers usually require some modification to the thermostat, or the purchase of a temp contoller so that the beer does not freeze.

The mini fridge takes up less floor space, and does not require any modifications to the thermostat. However it can be tough fitting your kegs into one of them. Measure carefully. And don't forget about full size fridges. They are cheap to pick up used. If you have the space for a freezer, you likely have the space for a fridge.

And what about mounting the taps? Are you looking at buying a tower, or using shanks to go through the fridge door or maybe building a collar under the freeze lid?

I currently have a full size fridge with three kegs. If space and cost were not a concern, I think I'd lean toward a freezer, but it comes down to whatever works for you.

[fuji6100]

I have a 7.2 cubic food chest freezer that I can hold 2 corneys in, as well as have room for a rack that holds 15 twelve oz bottles and a hanging rack that I keep my hops in.

What I like about the chest freezer is that the cold air mostly stays put when you open it, as it tends to flow down and out of a fridge every time you open it. I have mine set on 42 F and it only runs about once every hour or two. Very energy effecient.

I did have an old fridge that I thought about converting, but it pooped out just before I got my keg setup. I would have had to build a shelf on the inside to keep the kegs level, and I would have had to drill through the doors to mount the taps. If you search this site, you can pull up a LOT of discussion, and quite a few pictures of people's different approaches to kegerators. (Including pics of my own)