Yes, it is possible to use a chest freezer as a kegerator. A kegerator is a refrigerator which holds and dispenses beer from a keg. When converting a chest freezer into a kegerator, it is important to make sure that the location has access to a power outlet and enough space to work with.
In addition to the chest freezer, there are other items that are needed to complete the project, such as a keg, beer tower, drip tray, CO2 tank, regulator, gas tubing, a picnic tap, and a wall-mounted thermometer.
If you have all of the materials needed, the steps for converting a chest freezer into a kegerator typically involve drilling a hole for the beer tower, attaching the tower to the outside of the freezer, connecting the drip tray to the bottom of the tower, connecting the gas tubing to the regulator, connecting the regulator to the CO2 tank, adjusting the regulator, placing the keg and beer lines inside the freezer, and adding the picnic tap.
After the kegerator setup is complete, it should be checked with a multi-meter to ensure that it is working properly.
Can you put kegs in the freezer?
In general, it is not recommended to put a keg in the freezer to chill it. The drastic change in temperatures can cause the keg to burst, potentially leading to severe injury or damage from the resulting pressure.
Freezing causes beer to lose its carbonation, which reduces its flavor and aroma, the primary reasons people enjoy beer. Additionally, the extreme cold can create condensation on the outside of the metal keg, causing it to rust over time.
If you need to chill a keg quickly, you may want to consider using other methods such as using a cooler filled with ice and water or purchasing coolant packs. These methods are considered safer and will not cause damage to the keg or your beer.
If you do choose to use the freezer, it is important to ensure the keg does not drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, as that is the freezing point of water.
What is the capacity of a chest freezer?
The capacity of a chest freezer depends on the model, size, and brand. Chest freezers range in size from approximately 2.5 cubic feet, up to 22 cubic feet or more. The capacity of a specific chest freezer can be found in the specifications listed in the product description.
Popular brands such as Frigidaire and GE offer chest freezers between 4 and 18 cubic feet. Keep in mind, if you plan on storing bulky items such as large turkeys, a larger capacity chest freezer may be needed to accommodate them.
Additionally, it is important to take into consideration the amount of space in the room where the chest freezer will be placed. Chest freezers require sufficient airflow in order to function properly, so the surrounding area should be clear of furniture, walls, or other obstructions.
Can I drill holes in chest freezer?
Yes, you can drill holes in a chest freezer, however it is not recommended. Drilling holes in any type of freezer can cause problems with the cooling system and drainage of condensation, as well as introducing an area where dust and dirt could build up, causing the freezer to become less efficient.
If you do decide to drill holes in your chest freezer, make sure to take extra precautions and make the holes as short and small as possible. You should also use the proper insulated sealant for the best results, as it will help keep the freezing unit intact.
Additionally, it is best to leave the interior of the freezer untouched and only drill the exterior to protect the cooling system.
How can I make a cheap kegerator?
Making a cheap, homemade kegerator is a relatively easy DIY project. The first step is to get a used refrigerator, either from a yard sale, flea market, or even free from a friend or family member. You can also sometimes find refrigerators from stores like Craigslist, or you can purchase a brand-new mini fridge.
Make sure the refrigerator is tall enough to fit a keg.
Once you have a refrigerator, the next step is to build a removable shelf so you can fit a keg. Depending on the width and depth, you may want to use some wood or plastic to build out the shelf.
Now that the shelf is complete, you’ll need to drill a hole into the refrigerator and fit it with the proper draft tower. This is necessary to connect the keg to the refrigerator and to manage the flow of the beer.
To save money, look for a second-hand draft tower at a second-hand store or on Craigslist. You may also look online, where you can often find deals on new towers. Install the draft tower, attach it to the keg, and connect it up to the CO2 tank.
Finally, set the temperature on the refrigerator and wait for the beer to chill. Then plug it in, adjust the CO2 pressure, and you should have cold beer flowing from your new kegerator!
How do you make a kegerator freezer or keezer?
Making a kegerator freezer or keezer is a surprisingly straightforward process. The first step is to choose the freezer or refrigerator you’ll be using. Choose a suitable size for the number of kegs you’ll be using, and make sure to check that the unit is designed for food storage and not industrial use.
A chest freezer is often used for this purpose.
Next, you’ll need to modify the freezer for the project. Measure and mark for the shank and drip tray opening, then cut out the mounting holes for the faucet, shank, and air line tubing. Attach the shank, faucet, and air line tubing to the outside of the freezer.
Make sure to use a sealant around the openings to prevent cold air from escaping.
Once these modifications have been completed, it’s time to set up the components inside the freezer. Connect the CO2 tank to the regulator and keg coupler and fit the pieces in the freezer. Then, attach the gas line to the coupler and regulator and connect the liquid line to the shank.
When the lines are in place, you’re ready to open the kegs and install them into the freezer. Place the beer line into the top of the keg. Activate the regulator and turn on the CO2 tank to begin pushing the beer into the line.
Finally, turn on the freezer, adjust the thermostat, and allow the refrigerator to reach the correct temperature. After approximately 24 hours, the kegerator should be ready for use.
Which is better keezer or kegerator?
The question of which is better, a keezer or a kegerator, largely depends on the situation and specific needs of the individual. A keezer is a chest freezer that has been converted for use as a beer dispenser.
Generally, a keezer is easier to set up and less expensive than a kegerator, and it offers greater flexibility for where it can be located and how it can be used. For example, a keezer does not require a power outlet and the exterior can be customized according to your preferences.
A kegerator is a stand-alone unit that already includes the necessary components and requires only minimal assembly. It is usually more expensive than a keezer and usually requires access to electricity and must be placed in a specific area.
However, the benefit to a kegerator is that it is designed specifically for dispensing beer and the components are usually of higher quality than those recommended for a keezer.
So, ultimately, the choice of which is better – a keezer or a kegerator – depends on the individual’s specific needs and preferences. The keezer offers flexibility and lower cost, while the kegerator offers higher quality components and the convenience of minimal assembly.
What size freezer do I need for a keezer?
When shopping for a freezer to use for a keezer, the size you’ll need will depend on the size of your CO2 tank, the number of taps you want to include and the capacity you need for your kegs. Generally, you can expect to need a chest freezer that is at least 7.
0 cubic feet in size to accommodate a single 5-gallon keg and a CO2 tank, including space to attach the components for the taps. If you want to host multiple kegs, you’ll need to go up in size to accommodate them.
For example, if you want to host two 5-gallon kegs and a CO2 tank, you’ll need a freezer that is at least 8.0 cubic feet. Additionally, you’ll need to ensure that the freezer is deep enough to fit the kegs.
If you want to include more taps or you have a larger CO2 tank that you’d like to include, you may need to go up in size even further. As such, it is important to make sure that you measure and consider these variables to determine exactly what size freezer you’ll need for your keezer.
Is a keg cheaper than cans?
Overall, buying a keg of beer is usually more economical than buying the same amount of beer in cans. A standard keg contains approximately 165 twelve-ounce beers, which works out to be about 7.5 gallons of beer.
Depending on the type of beer, a keg will cost you between $85 and $120, which typically makes it cheaper per ounce than buying individual cans or bottles. For example, you can often buy a keg of beer for around $100, while the same amount of beer in cans or bottles would cost upwards of $200 or more.
Furthermore, part of the reason that a keg might be cheaper than cans or bottles is that you don’t have to pay a deposit on the keg like you do with cans. Some stores that sell kegs might require a small deposit, but it’s usually much less than what is charged for cans.
Of course, you should factor in the cost of renting a keg tap and bucket, if applicable.
Overall, when you compare the cost of a keg of beer to the same amount of beer in cans or bottles, you’ll usually find that the keg is cheaper.
Can a keg be stored on its side?
Yes, a keg can be stored on its side. To ensure the proper functioning of the keg (especially if it’s been carbonated and tapped with a party pump) it is important to make sure it is stabilised securely when it is stored on its side.
In most cases, storing a keg on its side is also easier, as it takes up less space in a refrigerator or cooler and reduces any spilling of beer from taps. The easiest way to keep the keg in place is to use two sturdy straps or bands with a secure fastening method.
Beer can still be poured from a keg that has been stored on its side, although it is important to remember that the orientation must not be changed once it has been tapped, as this can cause it to foam, sputter and even lose all of its carbonation.
How do you store a keg?
Storing a keg is a fairly simple process, but it is important to adhere to certain guidelines in order to ensure that the keg is properly maintained. Before the keg is stored, it should be thoroughly chilled and set to the optimal pressure.
To store the keg, it should be placed upright in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, and away from any sources of direct sunlight. It is recommended to keep the keg between 32 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve the taste and quality of the beer.
The keg should also be tilted slightly toward the tap when stored so that the liquid is held at the bottom of the keg, ensuring a smooth flow of beer. During storage, the keg should not be moved as this can damage the internal components and reduce the quality of the beer.
Finally, the tap should be unplugged from the keg and stored separately in order to preserve the seal of the keg and maintain the proper pressure.
How long can you keep a keg unrefrigerated?
In general, beer should not be stored unrefrigerated for more than a few hours. Unrefrigerated storage can result in beer losing its flavor, aroma, and carbonation. When stored at a temperature above 70 °F (21 °C), beer can begin to spoil in as little as a few hours.
Storing beer at warmer temperatures will cause the beer to spoil more quickly. In warmer climates, kegs should not be left unrefrigerated for more than a couple of hours.
In cooler climates, you may be able to keep a keg unrefrigerated for up to four days before the beer begins to go stale. However, it is important to keep in mind that even when stored in an unrefrigerated, temperature-controlled environment, the flavor of the beer can begin to deteriorate after a week or two.
It is also important to note that beer shouldn’t be stored in direct sunlight, as this can have a negative impact on both the taste and quality of the beer. Therefore, keeping a keg unrefrigerated for any length of time may not be ideal.
