Foamy Beer Still

4 1/2' of 3/16" ID tubing is 9.9 pounds of resistance.
Try 6'. Verify tubing ID, it must be 3/16". And it must be beverage PVC and not hardware generic.

The thermometer inside is probably not calibrated correctly and since we need to be good within 1 degree you should invest $12 on a good thermometer or at least calibrate the one you do have (ice bath). You'll need it later.

What brand kegerator? Depending on the manufacturer it could be an easy fix or could be one of 10 things related to crappy parts.
Cheers.

 

What is the return policy at Best Buy?
Cut your losses with that Insignia. We recently had another BA go through the same issues.

Return the Insignia. Sorry. It's just not worth the trouble. Just awful, really terrible junk they are selling.
Cheers.

https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/new-kegerator-please-help.489117/#post-5273005

 

You should be fine, I keg on a homebrew setup, second hand mini fridge with parts from the homebrew shop. When I get foamy I usually dial down the psi. That said, you should be using the aforementioned tubing ID size, I have 5' in mine for the tower, and 6' might help set you straight. I usually carbonate my beer/cider at 11-15psi and then drop to 8 to serve.

 

You carbonate at 11-15 psi but dispense at 8 psi?
That ain't right. In fact it makes no sense.
Cheers.

 

Well it works- you can speak to my kegerator about it if you like

I pressurize it at 11-15 for force carbing homebrew, usually takes about a week, week and a half to fully carb, then I drop it to ~8 to serve.

 

If your kegerator could speak it would be confused.
What makes the 8 psi dispense pressure hold the 11 psi carbonation pressure?

If you are interested it is real easy.
Cheers.

 

Make sure it is 3/16 ID and 7/16" OD and actual beverage line.
Get 14'. Install 7'. Keep the rest for when you replace the lines.

Taprite would be our first choice. Cornelius, Norgren, Economy and Micromatic are all very good. Avoid anything that is not branded. Micromatic is very good equipment but terribly overpriced.

What brand did this Insignia ship with?

If you want. If you are willing to find out the proper way to balance your system. If you are interested in finding out the proper carbonation level of each keg you have. If you are like 99% of kegerators owners it makes no difference.

You're going to need a new faucet. Probably new shank. Faucet removal tool. You already paid for and installed a tower cooler. New line. Oh, you'll need new gas line. Get red.

What's left? A weak compressor and half the insulation you need.

OR return it, save your money and buy the right one.
Cheers.

 

Have you read these two threads?
https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/foaming.193492/
https://www.beeradvocate.com/community/threads/help-with-balancing-my-system.248243/

This is where I disagree with the Sage-poster from the Empire State: I would get 20' and install 10' . . . then whack off a foot at a time till the beer looked pretty.

FWIW, My guess is your reg is getting more hurtful comments than it probably deserves . . .

 

1. 7' is good. 10' is better? Solution? Start with 10' then reduce to 7'. I think.

2. This guy is crazy from the heat. Or the booze. Probably both. I hate that regulator with a burning passion. I am sure of it.

3. Listen to the man from the Keys. He has time to study while we slowly freeze to death in Upstate. I am sure of it.

Cheers.