When my beloved wife gave me the green light to build a keezer, I spent hours researching for not only the how to build one, but also one that I liked to look of it. My wife had one request - to make it not look like an appliance.
In an effort to pay it forward to future keezer builders, here's my build based on a new $200 Idylis chest freezer from Lowes that fits up to 4 taps, although I currently only have 3. Total, to include the purchase of kegging equipment, I spent around $850. I designed the frame around the keezer to accommodate air flow around the freezer. Also, the back of the keezer is open so I can just slide the freezer out the back if needed. Lastly, the wood paneling is something I picked up from Home Depot. Very convenient and very reasonable priced for the knotty pine look.
The one issue I have is the looooong reach inside the keezer in case I drop something small down there. I have no problems getting kegs in/out, but if something falls to the bottom I use my 2 yr old to help me retrieve it. If I were to do it again, I would investigate putting the hinges between the freezer itself and the wooden collar. The factory hinges wouldn't support the weight, so more research would be needed.
If you'd like more detailed info, just let me know and I'll pass along the details.
In an effort to pay it forward to future keezer builders, here's my build based on a new $200 Idylis chest freezer from Lowes that fits up to 4 taps, although I currently only have 3. Total, to include the purchase of kegging equipment, I spent around $850. I designed the frame around the keezer to accommodate air flow around the freezer. Also, the back of the keezer is open so I can just slide the freezer out the back if needed. Lastly, the wood paneling is something I picked up from Home Depot. Very convenient and very reasonable priced for the knotty pine look.
The one issue I have is the looooong reach inside the keezer in case I drop something small down there. I have no problems getting kegs in/out, but if something falls to the bottom I use my 2 yr old to help me retrieve it. If I were to do it again, I would investigate putting the hinges between the freezer itself and the wooden collar. The factory hinges wouldn't support the weight, so more research would be needed.
If you'd like more detailed info, just let me know and I'll pass along the details.