keg cooling questions

[Captainfester]

this should probably be in the keg forum, but since its my newb question of the day i posted here.

what is considered the better way to cool and dispense kegs, freezer or fridge?

and why if there are reasons?

 

[Bmorebrew]

I would say freezer - if you make the investment into either, you probably would also want to make the investment in temperature control, so you don't gain much by using a refrigerator over a freezer.

But a chest freezer would allow you to fit more kegs into it.

 

[helibrewer]

I would say the chest freezer, especially if you are crafty enough to modify the lid and add some taps. With a temp controller they are great for fermenting and aging lagers.

 

[krazydave]

I have both, but dispense from my fridge and ferment in my freezer.

Fridge-
Pros:
-I can still fit four corny kegs in my fridge and run the taps out the door. No additional work in building a tap tower or collar.
-Usually easier to find exactly what you want used on craigslist for less money (at least in my case)
-I still have a freezer to use up top for keeping my mugs frosty (though I tend to use room temp mugs these days, and the freezer is full of frozen baby food... lol)

Cons:
-If you mount the taps through the door, you have to be careful using long tap handles or you'll open the taps along with the freezer door.

Chest Freezer-
Pros:
-You can fit a crapload of corny kegs in there, depending on the size freezer you get.
-Easier to be customized into a bartop setup, if that's what you're looking for.
-Can be used for fermenting and serving, if you space your brews out enough.

Cons:
-Moisture builds up inside... a lot. Products such as damp-rid help, but don't fully eliminate.
-Usually harder to find if you're looking for a cheap used one. YMMV
-You need spend additional money on a temp controller to keep it at serving temps. Which you can either build yourself (search ebay temp controller on here) or buy a pre-built one such as a Johnson.

 

[RogerMcAllen]

Refrigerator"
-You don't need a temperature controller
-Cheap refrigerators are all over the place, especially old dorm fridges


Freezers:
-Better insulation, more efficient
-More/better use of space

If you are on a tight budget, go with a cheap refrigerator. If you can afford it make a keezer.

 

[Captainfester]

thanks guys, i def want to get into kegging a bit but think maybe wll only keg one batch at a time. so the fridge sounds best for me.