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Old 06-02-2012, 02:52 AM   #1
new2brew1221
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Default Picnic v/s Tower tap

so, i am going to build my first kegerator, but was thinking of trying to save a few bucks by using a picnic tap, instead of a tower tap like i would like to have. i cannot find any information online, so hopefully someone here will know the answer to my question, Can I build a kegerator with a picnic tap and then convert to a tower tap? and, is it worth it or is it better for me just to go ahead and drop the few extra bucks and build the tower kegerator?


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Old 06-02-2012, 03:05 AM   #2
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Sure you can.

I used a picnic tap for a couple of years just fine. It's a minor inconvenience to open the fridge every time but you get used it. Certainly nothing wrong with it.

My wife bought a tower a few years ago for my birthday. It's pretty easy to add it if you are willing to drill a few holes in the fridge.


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Old 06-02-2012, 03:45 AM   #3
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nothing wrong with picnic taps. i still use them in my 1 tap tower kegerator so i can have 2 more cornies on tap, til i can save up for a few more perlicks. but the downside is that instead of spilling a little beer in the drip tray, you are spilling it inside your fridge.
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Old 06-02-2012, 03:59 AM   #4
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Originally Posted by 1342 View Post
nothing wrong with picnic taps. i still use them in my 1 tap tower kegerator so i can have 2 more cornies on tap, til i can save up for a few more perlicks. but the downside is that instead of spilling a little beer in the drip tray, you are spilling it inside your fridge.
I solved this problem with a plastic beer cup (like you used in college) and a short piece of double sided velcro. I cut a slot in the cup near the rim and threaded the velcro through it, and then wrapped it around the keg handle. Picnic tap goes in the cup between uses - catches the drips nicely.

...I am SO cheap!
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Old 06-02-2012, 02:10 PM   #5
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Hi

Each time you want a beer, you open the fridge. In comes hot wet air. You may not be saving as much money as you think. Doubly true if you then buy a dehumidifier to go in the fridge. (shank at $13, faucet at $12 vs dehumidifier at $21).

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Old 06-02-2012, 02:18 PM   #6
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Hi

Each time you want a beer, you open the fridge. In comes hot wet air. You may not be saving as much money as you think. Doubly true if you then buy a dehumidifier to go in the fridge. (shank at $13, faucet at $12 vs dehumidifier at $21).

Bob
You talking fridge or Freezer? Fridges are made to be opened. I don't have this problem in mine and my fridge is in the garage.

To the OP. I have picnic taps and would love to have perlicks, but its not in the budget right now. I made the decision to have more kegs and use picnic taps than have less taps and a nice faucet....over time you can upgrade
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Old 06-02-2012, 02:21 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by carlisle_bob
Hi

Each time you want a beer, you open the fridge. In comes hot wet air. You may not be saving as much money as you think. Doubly true if you then buy a dehumidifier to go in the fridge. (shank at $13, faucet at $12 vs dehumidifier at $21).

Bob
Was never an issue for me. Maybe if you keep the fridge outside in the hot ass summer. But most folks keep them indoors.
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Old 06-02-2012, 03:18 PM   #8
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You talking fridge or Freezer? Fridges are made to be opened. I don't have this problem in mine and my fridge is in the garage.

To the OP. I have picnic taps and would love to have perlicks, but its not in the budget right now. I made the decision to have more kegs and use picnic taps than have less taps and a nice faucet....over time you can upgrade
Hi

If you have an expensive fridge (as in one that self defrosts) it won't be a problem. The cheap fridges I buy don't come with that "feature".

Bob
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Old 06-02-2012, 03:54 PM   #9
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Hi

If you have an expensive fridge (as in one that self defrosts) it won't be a problem. The cheap fridges I buy don't come with that "feature".

Bob
Got ya, that makes sense. I got my extra free for "Cheap" ($20 on craigslist) but it is a really nice fridgeaire that was only a few years old and probably worth hundreds if not a thousand new


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