Building a Kegerator - need advice/tips

[majestic_brew]

I've decided to move from bottling my home brew to storing it in a keg (a Cornelius keg specifically), and building a kegerator. I've done some research, and have started buying some parts. I purchased this earlier this week:

Kegco Delux Door Mount Kegerator Conversion Kit

This weekend I need to get the keg itself, find where I can fill up the CO2 tank, find a suitable fridge, etc.

If anyone has any suggestions on a good counter high/compact refrigerator (I don't have room to convert a full sized refrigerator) I'd appreciate it. A tutorial I've bookmarked cites this refrigerator as a good one - Sanyo SR-4912M. Can anyone confirm that?

Thanks!

 

[JoshuaWhite5522]

Since you are in seattle area try the cellar home brew supply, or larrys brewing supply in kent i believe both do a one for one exchange on co2 tanks, plus you can buy a reconditioned keg there for around 40 bucks. I converted a 7.1 cubic foot freezer to a kegerator, a smaller one say 5 cubic feet should do you nicely

 

[SDBreWs0624]

I would convert a freezer and build a keezer. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/keezer-v1-9-a-383788/ this is are keezer. You can use a smaller one. We get are Co2 from a welding supplier.

 

[jro238]

I converted a chest freezer (in sig). Well am converting since I got lazy with the tile work.

I get my tank filled at a paintball store. $1/lb to fill there.

There is a great thread around somewhere with now many kegs fit into specific brands of freezer. You can also trace the bottom of a keg on some cardboard to see how many fit. I based my freezer size on this method (I wanted 3 taps).

 

[majestic_brew]

Thanks for the feedback everyone, and thanks for the location tips Josh!

 

[acidrain]

The Corny keg prices have gone up around here... it's more like $50 if you can find one.
You will have problems finding a counter height fridge that doesn't have a freezer compartment. I agree with SDB that a counter height freezer may be easier to find, or you may have to build your own box and chill it with a mini-fridge.
$1 per lb for Co2 is a killer deal. It's $18 to exchange a 10 lb tank at Central Welding.

 

[majestic_brew]

From everything I've read here and elsewhere, I think I'm going to go the keezer route. It seems a better investment, I get more room for additional cornys, etc.

I'm looking into a 5 cu ft freezer which it looks like will hold 2 corny kegs, which will be plenty for now. Anyone recommend a particularly good brand? I'm looking at this...

GE 5.0 cu. ft. Chest Freezer in White

As always, thanks again for all the thoughts and advice.

 

[BeerGrylls]

You really need to have a look at this thread. Thadius has put together some very valuable information.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/chest-freezer-specs-layouts-377518/

Good luck.

 

[majestic_brew]

Thanks! Will do.

 

[Stealthcruiser]

You really need to have a look at this thread. Thadius has put together some very valuable information.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/chest-freezer-specs-layouts-377518/

Good luck.

Thanks.........That is an EXCELLENT wad of info!

 

[NathPowe]

Check Thadius' size/layout thread, but I believe you can fit 3 ball locks in the GE 5.0 freezer with a collar >10". Trust me, once you get this thing up and running you'll want capacity for the third keg, even if it's just to have one carbing while two are on tap. I think if you get that freezer, it's in your best interest to just make the taller collar to begin with and have space for keg #3. Just my two cents.

Good luck with the build and enjoy the brew.

 

[majestic_brew]

Hi all! Just wanted to give you an update on my keezer project.

I've made it for two kegs. While I could do three, I'm just not that far along in the homebrew process to make that much. 2 is plenty for now.

Today I drilled the tap holes, screwed the collar pieces together, previewed the spout, and applied the collar to the freezer with sealant. In a couple of days I'm going to paint it with black and chalkboard paint so I can write what's on tap and in bottles on the outside. Stay tuned, and thanks for all the advice so far!

Thoughts?