building a tap system over a chest freezer

[TheMortReport]

I'm finally getting into kegging, and it being my offseason I want to build a kegerator. The plan is to get a 7 cu ft chest freezer, able to hold 2 halfs or 4 ponys. Im going to have 4 taps, and I hope to build basically a bar over the freezer with the taps. Now here is my question. Obviously chest freezers opens up, so I either have to hinge the top build or allow the freezer to slide out... Or someone here who has experience building a similar setup has a fantastic idea for me!

 

[hillhousesawdustco]

Hey pal you're in the right place. There are a couple zillion builds doing the same thing right here in the DIY forum. Look around.

First tip- probably a lot easier to work from the top hinge than slide the keezer around. That's what 99% of us do (me including), in many different configurations and hinge varieties. I just built a (beautiful) collar and then reattached the (otherwise stock) painted lid. Other folks get all kindsa sophisticated.

First warning- it is super difficult to get a 1/2 keg into a chest freezer by yourself. Don't do it. They are very heavy.

 

[TheMortReport]

thanks for the tip, a hinge seemed like a better way to go about it. Ill search more, just got a little too far into my stash tonight haha.

Ive been a bartender for over 10 years, got 30 beers on tap where I've worked for the last 4... lift with your back, right?

 

[TheMortReport]

I finally figured out what a collar was, that is even better. did you attach it to the lid or the base?

 

[hillhousesawdustco]

Here is what I did: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/incorporating-keezer-into-existing-bar-236053/

Never did finish that thread. Originally was going to incorporate it into the structure of the bar, but ended up just letting it be a standalone unit so I could move it around seasonally. I love my collar (except for 1/2 bbls, seriously awful) but check out some "coffin" builds too.

 

[pannell77]

Tons of build threads on here to do exactly what you are looking to do. Good luck.

 

[Chattan]

Search for Coffin boxes.

 

[cyberbackpacker]

Look in this thread for inspiration:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/show-us-your-kegerator-29053/