Fridge or Freezer?

[wheats100]

Hi,

I've searched through the topics but can't find what I'm after.

Just starting back into home brew and going the keg system. While reading through topics I've noticed mention of freezers for storage of kegs.

I have seen kegs stored in fridges but never freezers.

Could someone please explain the reasoning and pros cons of either?

I was going to buy a 120-150lt bar fridge as I'll only be using 2 kegs at a time.

 

[scooterism]

Join me in the wait for the Aldi chest freezer to come back..

Maybe search for 'keezer'

And I'll say a freezer is better, more 'customizable'

 

[Phoney]

Freezers have better insulation.

 

[nosco]

I love my keezer. The only draw back i find is having to lift full kegs into it which is made worse because i made a frame on the bottom and put it on casters. You make any any mods reversible with a collar if you really want so no permanent damage.

 

[wheats100]

So I'm assuming a freezer (keezer) doesn't freeze the beer, so long as you set the temperature correctly?

 

[roastinrich]

STC 1000 temp controller is your best friend.

 

[user 35653]

+1 for a freezer with a collar and a STC-1000.

 

[spog]

So I'm assuming a freezer (keezer) doesn't freeze the beer, so long as you set the temperature correctly?

A keezer doesn't freeze the beer like a freezer would. Correct.
A keezer is a freezer that has a temp controller attached to it in some way or the thermostat has been replaced to stop the freezer from...well freezing the contents.
It's basically a freezer that has been altered to act like a fridge.

 

[hooper80]

What's the point of a collar? Do the kegs not fit into the chest freezer with out one?

 

[Bob_Loblaw]

Most times the collar is added to allow taps to be installed on the front of the freezer without cutting any holes in the freezer itself. It also puts the taps at a better pouring position. The collar can be made out of lacquered ply, painted fancy colours or even blackboard paint so that you can label each beer on tap with chalk.

 

[Ciderman]

Depends on the size of the freezer and how many kegs you have. The smallest chest freezer which is essentially a 55cm square (thereabouts) will fit two kegs side by side on the bottom. All chest freezers will have a lip that covers the motor, hence the reason for the collar. I can fit two more kegs there by increasing the height with a collar.

I'm happy with my build of four kegs with a collar. But had I built it again, I would certainly get a bigger freezer and not worry about the collar. I would still plan on having four taps but increase the gas manifold to six so I could carbonate them whilst standing in queue.

I've got a font, but the other feature of the collar is you can safely drill through it should you which to mount your taps directly.

 

[wheats100]

Thanks for the info guys. The STC 1000 seems cheap, I'll search here for info on the instal also what temps are recommended.

 

[mstrelan]

If you don't want to do any wiring you can also get a cheap unit from Hong Kong like this one: http://m.ebay.com.au/itm/190699641356?_mwBanner=1