I'm planning to build my first keezer soon and would like some advice. So far I plan to follow the instruction from this video by Northern Brewer: My main question is what size freezer do you use? A quick search of Amazon (I'd prefer new if possible) turned up a 7.2 cu ft freezer as one of the largest they had. I'd like to fit at least 4 kegs and the CO2 cylinder inside. Additionally, Northern Brewer mentions mounting a drip tray but does not show how. They also mention that drilling into the side of a freezer could ruin it. If you've mounted a drip tray on yours what was your method? Finally, I'd like to have one line dedicated to a sankey coupler for commercial kegs. Is there any reason this would be difficult/unwise? Any other advice is welcome, thanks.
If you're going to bother with putting on a collar, I'd leave the C02 tank on the outside. If you're putting the tank in there for aesthetic reasons there is plenty of room on "the hump." That said I have a 5.3cu/ft chest freezer and: Each bowl is the same diameter as a 5 gallon corny. As you can see, it can fit 3 kegs, with one on the hump...the left over space on the hump is plenty big enough for a tank. So I should think that a 7.2 cu/ft freezer should fit your needs quite well. However, you can consult this thread for more information: http://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/sizing-your-chest-freezer-corny-kegs-75449/
I mounted (sort of) my drip tray by building an "L" shaped support shelf (finished oak, to match the collar) that sticks to the side of the keezer by means of strong rare earth magnets epoxied into a routed pocket in the back of the shelf. Words suck...here's a picture of it in action...
I've got a... 7 ft something? Can't remember off hand. I can fit 4 ball locks in there with room for bottles around the kegs. The hump is clear save for the 5# bottle of Co2 that I store in there. Made a collar for it, mounted the manifold to that and stained it all up. I'm in the process of deciding what to do to finish the outside. I'll probably use some bead board and then attach my two SS drip trays to that beadboard via some screws that will be screwed into the board. If you want a commercial keg, I'd get some measurements and make sure you can work it in there. I think a sixtel would work in there with 3 kegs, but I don't get commercial kegs, so I can't be sure. I think your best bet for a parts list and draw up/video is from BillyBrew.. He's got some good stuff there.
I don't have time to homebrew a ton so I foresee maybe fitting a 50L keg and a single keg of homebrew if I go that large commercially, but more specifically I work at a brewery and our 1/6 bbl kegs are the skinny ones and would actually be shorter than a homebrew ball/pin lock with the handles. Mainly, I would just like the option of hooking up a commercial keg without having to take anything apart. I'm more worried about issues with hose/pressure than room as far as commercial kegs go. Also, as far as a collar, I don't have a kegerator or other dispensing system so I'll need one (would like one is maybe more accurate) for that reason. Edit: I like the magnet idea for a drip tray.
My 7.2 cu ft keezer holds four cornies comfortably plus six 6-packs on the hump. Faucets are mounted on the bar. 20# CO2 tank (about the size of a corney) is in a nearby closet. My only concern about a commercial keg is lifting 160+ lbs over the top (I assume you're thinking 1/2 bbl).
Commercially or on my own I don't really see myself using beyond a 1/6 bbl keg but you never know. My brewery uses 50L kegs which are less than 1/2 bbl. Two people can move a keg relatively easily (around 112-125 lbs). Since several leave their CO2 outside of the freezer, what is the reasoning? Is it merely a space issue?
That's why I do it. That and it allows me (with a dual regulator) to condition/age kegs on gas outside of my fridge, as well as fill and purge kegs before racking without opening the fridge.
It simply never occurred to me to put it inside. It would displace a corny, so that would limit me to three active faucets at any given time. And since it doesn't need to be refrigerated, it just makes no sense to store it inside (do you store your grill's propane tank on the cooking grate? ). This also allows me to easily upgrade to a 50# tank if one should land in my lap.
I think I just saw the above video mention it and it had never occurred to me that a keg would fit on the hump. Btw, has anyone ever put casters on their keezer? The best spot in my apartment is in front of a broom closet. We don't open it often but some wheels would sure make things nice. This is another reason for me to put the CO2 inside - limited space.
I put casters on mine. Non-swiveling worked for me since it only needs to move straight in and out. A word of advice - don't cheap out on the casters. If you buy the cheap ones, you'll be replacing them with the good ones anyway. Save yourself the time and expense of doing it twice.
Seems like sound advice. Were you able to just mount them where the feet were or did it take some additional drilling?
I drilled a couple of holes - piece of cake, really. I would recommend nuts, bolts, and lock washers rather than sheet metal screws.
What is that on the left side tap. Is that a plug? It looks like some kind of adapter, like a sparkler. Just curious. I've never seen one.
I don't exactly remember, it as awhile ago. I am searching now and some people say you might get a little more when it is warm, but didnt find any science behind it. Some say it is a myth
One would ponder what manner of sorcery would be the source of the bonus CO2. You'll get higher pressure, but not quantity -- the important part. It's a myth.
I'm putting together a keezer using the same video as an example. The chest freezer I picked up measures 48" wide, 27 1/2 inches deep. (outside dimensions) It will EASILY hold 6 corny kegs. I built a collar as per the video. 5 taps in the front, and a 6th hole drilled on the side that I plan to use for a "nitro" tap. IMHO, I'd scrap the notion of dedicating space for a commercial keg, especially if you live near any of the THOUSANDS of craft breweries. Most of them will fill a corny for you for a nominal price. As for mounting a drip tray without drilling holes in your keezer,..... I plan to use magnets.
