Since I'm stubborn and cheap, I'm sticking with carbonating inside the 35 degree kegerator. It hasn't been a problem yet.
I hooked up the cream ale to 20#s of Co2 and did a taste test every two hours to determine when it had reached a pleasing low carbonation level. I figure that since carbonation happens over time, even if it happens quickly in a cold environment, it still would have to ramp up. It's not like it's going to instantly carb to 2 levels once connected... After eight hours of these taste tests and little carbonation improvement, I left it overnight and checked again after about 18 hours. Still needed a bit more. I checked again after 24 hours, and at this point I was happy with the carbonation level. Although not scientific, it tasted like the same amount of carbonation I enjoy in Boddingtons. I then switched to the Beergas line and served at 30 PSI. I'm happy to report that this method was a complete success, and I chalk up all previous failures to overcarbonation. Perfect cascading action, thick creamy head, and easy drinking. Might need to get the next batch going quickly...
I hooked up the cream ale to 20#s of Co2 and did a taste test every two hours to determine when it had reached a pleasing low carbonation level. I figure that since carbonation happens over time, even if it happens quickly in a cold environment, it still would have to ramp up. It's not like it's going to instantly carb to 2 levels once connected... After eight hours of these taste tests and little carbonation improvement, I left it overnight and checked again after about 18 hours. Still needed a bit more. I checked again after 24 hours, and at this point I was happy with the carbonation level. Although not scientific, it tasted like the same amount of carbonation I enjoy in Boddingtons. I then switched to the Beergas line and served at 30 PSI. I'm happy to report that this method was a complete success, and I chalk up all previous failures to overcarbonation. Perfect cascading action, thick creamy head, and easy drinking. Might need to get the next batch going quickly...