Kitchen Friendly Keezer Build (GE 7.0 Model # FCM7SUWW)

I did a bit of research on HBT when I was designing my keezer build. So here is my contribution back to the community.

There is no such thing as a basement in my house, so I had to improvise and get SWMBO on board. It was either the garage or the kitchen. Kitchen won because I pitched a kitchen-friendly design.

I have a 4 keg setup. The CO2 is inside on the hump. The kegs were tight to fit, but I found once it cooled off, I could get the 4 kegs in with less struggle. I would pay attention to the shanks and make sure that you don’t have too much extra hanging off inside. I have 5 1/8” and I found that it makes it hard to get the front kegs out.

I used a 2x8 collar, and that allows for a potential keg on the hump, but probably for only cold crashing or chilling. The QDs probably won’t allow the lid to close tightly.

I got a STC-1000 temp controller from ebay, and just hung the probe in the keezer. I was having trouble with temp control, so I added a thermowell. The sensor on the STC-1000 isn’t submersible (as far a I know). I took a gallon jug and filled it with water. Inserted a 12” pipe nipple and capped the end. Put the probe in the pipe and then you have a nice stable temp. (no pics of the thermowell are in the album, but will add them later)

I used oak veneer for the finishing touches. I glued it directly to the freezer with liquid nails. Problem was that the freezer isn’t square. So I had to use some duct tape to make sure that the liquid nails adhered properly. I stained and poly’ed the wood to match the existing cabinetry. I also put press tile on the cover that I put over the lid.

Well enough of the explanations……here is the link to the photos. Feel free to PM with any questions.
https://plus.google.com/photos/107210390586112786126/albums/5850008424433704417?authkey=CJGRy6_dv86fPg

The veneer looks great

I would probably also use a thermowell on an STC-1000 probe rather than immerse it. Must be some kind of thermoplastic but I don't know what.

No drip tray?

Very cool. What? No drip tray? How do you manage that?

Haha, I actually have one, but it's only out when needed. I added this pic to the album. This is the drip tray I got http://www.foodservicewarehouse.com/curtis/dtp-20/p1456537.aspx

Ok. That explains it. Was wondering how you dealt with that. Nice setup.

We don't have space inside so I have to go the garage to refill.

You guys are aware that the probe on the STC 1000 is made for aquariums, right?

Love the tap labels.

pabloj13 said:

You guys are aware that the probe on the STC 1000 is made for aquariums, right?

Click to expand...

So what does that tell us? Not whether it stands up to the required temps.

alien said:

So what does that tell us? Not whether it stands up to the required temps.

Click to expand...

So you think a sensor with the range of -50C to ~99C can't stand up to keezer temps? Its not like he's submerging it in liquid nitrogen...

alien said:

So what does that tell us? Not whether it stands up to the required temps.

Click to expand...

The sensor is submersible.

sazerac6 said:

I would pay attention to the shanks and make sure that you don’t have too much extra hanging off inside. I have 5 1/8” and I found that it makes it hard to get the front kegs out.

Click to expand...

++to this. I used 2x 5 1/8" shanks in my initial build and they really get in the way when you try to put 4 kegs in. I used a 4 1/8" when I added my third tap and it is a little easier to work around. With a 1x6 collar and a piece of 1" foam insulation plus a sheet of hardboard backing, there is exactly 1" of exposed shank left after you add the beer nut so I believe it is possible to go all the way down to 3 1/8" but that would be pretty tight.

At a maximum 4 1/8" shanks should be used. If you're ordering from Keg Connection, they'll be happy to swap the default shanks in their kit (5 1/8") to any size you want if you call them.

Beauty - love the tap markers.

sazerac6 said:

....I glued it directly to the freezer with liquid nails. Problem was that the freezer isn’t square. So I had to use some duct tape to make sure that the liquid nails adhered properly....

Click to expand...

I forgot to mention that although the duct tape worked for the most part to allow the liquid nails to adhere, the veneer still pulled away where I didn't put the molding. So I cut a couple of strips of the extra veneer and nailed some them to pull it all together.

I have still yet to figure out what to put over the compressor where the original vent was. Right now I just have it open. I may get a wooden vent cover and then stain it.

CapnBry said:

...I believe it is possible to go all the way down to 3 1/8" but that would be pretty tight.

Click to expand...

I think you're correct here. I helped out in a keezer build last month with a very similar collar. I think that 3 1/8" were used.

mjdonnelly68 said:

Beauty - love the tap markers.

Click to expand...

Thanks. Used some extra oak I had, and then painted with chalkboard paint. Drilled a couple holes and used some twine.

sazerac6 said:

Haha, I actually have one, but it's only out when needed. I added this pic to the album.

Click to expand...

My dog would come running every time I poured a beer. Hoping to get a few licks out of the drip tray.

Its a very good idea you have - make it look as part of the house.

BeardedIdiot said:

So you think a sensor with the range of -50C to ~99C can't stand up to keezer temps? Its not like he's submerging it in liquid nitrogen...

Click to expand...

Yes you are right. Not sure quite what I was thinking.

I swapped out a keg this morning and while I had it open, I snagged a pic of my thermowell. It's not the best looking, but it serves it's purpose. I drilled a hole through the cap for the gallon jug and then put the 12" nipple through that. Then plugged the top with a wad of Press and Seal wrap that I had in the kitchen.

Do you notice a big difference in the number of times your compressor cycles on/off with the thermowell?

I sure do. I used to have the probe in a 50mL tube that was filled with salt. The compressor used to cycle ~every 2 hours and run for about 5-10 min. Once I put the thermowell in there, I'd say it cycles about 2 times a day and runs for about an hour each time.

I have the controller set at 4.4*C w/ 3*C differential. (~40*F to ~45*F)

That is an Awesome Keezer !!!! I hope you dont mind if I copy your build. I just bought that exact freezer off Craigs List.

How did you attach the trim around the edge of the lid? That really makes it nice looking....

I don't mind at all. Did you get a good price on the freezer?

The piece that goes on the lid is a separate piece that I framed off. It just rests on the collar part of the keezer. Hopefully you can make it out from these two pics.