So, second post in 2 years! Anyways, I'm looking to do a portable kegerator home-build project with my dad in the next couple of weeks. I'm bringing at least one keg of homebrew to my friend's 4th of July picnic this year, and want ya'lls opinions on the best way to hold/chill/serve the beer. From looking around, it seems like the best ways to do this would be either a jockey-box, or a cooler conversion (based off these two designs).
The pros of each:
Jockey box:
Now, the questions:
for the Jockey box:
Also, last random question: is there a difference in the CO2 quality that you would get from a paintball shop vs LHBS?
Thanks for the help guys
The pros of each:
Jockey box:
- Easier for two+ kegs (no switching out and re-chilling)
- Don't need to buy a new CO2 tank (I have a 5 lbs)
- Can use for any keg size (Corny or commercial).
- More of a DIY feel for me
- Self contained (no tubing running around)
- Tubing and installation I'm already knowledgeable with (no metal tubes)
Now, the questions:
for the Jockey box:
- Almost every rig I've seen used stainless steel coil coolers instead of copper. Since copper is so much cheaper and easier to use in DIY, is there a trade off in taste going with copper?
- Do you have to keep the keg in a trashcan of ice when using, or would just the shade do? Keep in mind I'm going to mostly be using this in the Texas summer.
- How much cooling efficiency/ice lifespan does it lose if you upgrade to two or three coils/taps/kegs?
- Is it better to put the CO2 canister inside the box or outside?
- How long does it take to cool down a keg (corny or 1/6 barrel)
- Anyone know how easy it is to fit a 5lb CO2 tank and regulator in with the corny keg? The example I linked to above used a specialty, smaller canister.
Also, last random question: is there a difference in the CO2 quality that you would get from a paintball shop vs LHBS?
Thanks for the help guys