Here's the story. I've been looking into a bar build including a 2 or 3 tap draft tower and am considering a multi-line chill plate in an ice machine bin instead of a keezer/kegerator keeping the kegs cold.
Pro-wise, I've got instant cooling instead of waiting for a swapped keg to get cold, using the ice machine for a second purpose, lower power usage overall since I can leave the ice machine off when the bar is closed and lower cost on the build.
Con-wise, carbonation/flavours being affected by higher storage temps in the keg and no ice-temp cold crash while the keg is carbonating under pressure then standing while being served.
Cleaning-wise, both solutions seem to be the same, flushing lines with BLC and water until clean.
Can the wise out there advise me of anything I have missed in my thoughts, pitfalls encountered, warnings etc.
American equipment/appliance prices don't apply here, new freezers are in the $300 to $400 range and old ones that are usable are incredibly scarce. Appliances are run until they die properly for economic reasons down here in South Africa.
Pro-wise, I've got instant cooling instead of waiting for a swapped keg to get cold, using the ice machine for a second purpose, lower power usage overall since I can leave the ice machine off when the bar is closed and lower cost on the build.
Con-wise, carbonation/flavours being affected by higher storage temps in the keg and no ice-temp cold crash while the keg is carbonating under pressure then standing while being served.
Cleaning-wise, both solutions seem to be the same, flushing lines with BLC and water until clean.
Can the wise out there advise me of anything I have missed in my thoughts, pitfalls encountered, warnings etc.
American equipment/appliance prices don't apply here, new freezers are in the $300 to $400 range and old ones that are usable are incredibly scarce. Appliances are run until they die properly for economic reasons down here in South Africa.
