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magnj · 07-27-2009, 08:19 PM

So I'm looking for a fridge on Craigslist or a local appliance store scratch-n-dent special. There are a few parts of my procedure I'm looking to improve and I can't decide which would be more worthwhile. Should I buy a fridge and a temp controller and dial in my ferm temps or should I go the kegging route and save myself the hassle of bottling.

I'm leaning in a direction but a little push wouldn't hurt. Really I want to make better beer and more consistent beer.

Deuce · 07-27-2009, 08:25 PM

You can control your fermentation temps in other ways than a fridge. I would go towards the keggereator!

BreckBastion · 07-27-2009, 08:25 PM

If you're not worried about bottling and you are just trying to make a more consistent and better brew...I think you already answered the question. Ferm Chamber

carnevoodoo · 07-27-2009, 08:29 PM

I agree. Controlling your temperatures will give you better beer. Kegs can't do that.

bdnoona · 07-27-2009, 08:36 PM

Getting out of bottling is the best decision you will ever make. No more hassles, lots more enjoyment of this hobby.

My $0.02.

cvstrat · 07-27-2009, 08:37 PM

I did the Sanyo kegerator, and it's awesome. It only holds 2 kegs though and I have already found myself wishing I could get at least 4 batches at a time. So now I keg when a spot is open, and bottle when one is not.

Even if you have a fridge big enough for a carboy and a keg or two, it's not appropriate for fermentation control. Say you wanna serve your beer at 43 degrees. Odds are you're going to be fermenting in the low 60s, maybe down to 30 at some point, or anywehre in between.

You'll want two separate fridges. IF I had the space I'd do two craigslist specials. A cheap old fridge and a cheap old chest freezer. Drill through the door on the fridge for the taps and you could probably do 5 beers on tap. Install the temp controller in the freezer and use that for fermentation.

If you had to choose one I'd do the kegerator. I'm getting to the point in my brewing career that I'm ready to do repeat batches w/temp control to try and improve the beer flavor, so I defiantely see the appeal of that. However kegging is so much better than bottling for so many reasons. It's faster, cleaner, and gives you infinite carb control. Plus you can still bottle if you want.

Just my 2 cents!

magnj · 07-27-2009, 08:48 PM

Well I have a small Sanyo now, but it's the one with the Freezer, so Corny's won't fit. I really want to repeat recipes and make consistent batches, plus a ferm chamber is cheaper. I know there are cheaper alternatives to a fridge but I feel like they require too much upkeep and I can't make them do exactly what I want without getting fancy.

david_42 · 07-27-2009, 09:36 PM

Kegging is great, but the only way kegerator will improve your beer is by forcing you to brew more often.

OMJ · 07-27-2009, 09:40 PM

I agree with others that a kegerator isnt going to improve your beer but I would still go that way. There are plenty cheap and effective ways to control ferm temp

Boerderij_Kabouter · 07-27-2009, 09:48 PM

Easier access to worse beer, or slightly harder access to better beer? Those are your choices.

I have always chosen to my upgrades to improve the quality of my beer. Bottling isn't very hard and ferm control will make a big difference in your beers.