Condensation in my keezer

So I've researched through Google how home brewers are handling the problem, and as a result I've bought a huge tub of Damp Rid. Seems to be working great, however the space it takes up is rather annoying. I'll be looking into packets or smaller means of condensation control, but thought I'd see what some of you have had success with? There's an "Eva-Dry" on Amazon for < $20 that seems to have good reviews. Any input?

 

IMO, relying on Damp Rid to suck up the excess condensation is much like putting buckets under a leaking roof. Much better to find and fix the source of the problem, which is probably an air leak somewhere. It only takes a pin hole sized leak to cause condensation problems. Some condensation is to be expected and the Damp Rid will help with that, but you really need to make sure everything is well sealed. Obviously, the condensation problems will be worse during the humid summer days and especially so if it's not in an air conditioned area. Check you lid or door seal closely first. That's the most common source of air leaks. Avoid running any wires or probes under the lid gasket.

 

I use an unmodified freezer as a kegerator. So, no leaks that aren't part of the original engineering. I suppose the small temp probe wire that goes under the lip could be considered a modification, but that can't be helped.

Anyway, Eva Dry works really well for me. I liked the fact that it is reusable. Been using the same one for two or three years. Get the 500 model, not the smaller 300. The 500 lasts quite a while, the 300 seems to need recharged quickly.

 

I read somewhere that condensation in keezers is a necessary evil, due to the design being for below freezing temperatures as opposed to 33-37 (which is where I have it set with a Johnson controller). I don't know if this is 100% true or not, but if I can eliminate the problem through airtightness then I would prefer to go that route.

 

I don't believe this is true, but I could certainly be wrong. I have an upright freezer for food storage (not self defrosting) and it builds up considerable ice over a relatively short period. I go about six months between de-frostings. the ice is nothing more than frozen condensation. Frequent opening of a freezer will admit a lot of humid air very fast and most of us brewers will be accessing the kegs fairly often for one reason or another. That's a lot of opening and closings relative to mom getting a can of frozen orange juice or a roast out now and then. Making sure that the integrity of the OEM gaskets are intact and sealing properly. I get very little condensation accumulation in my 7.5 cu ft. freezer with a 2 x 6 collar. I don't even need to use the Damp Rid or any other dessicant and I'm in a fairly warm, humid climate with no air conditioning most of the time. I'm into the freezer typically once or twice a day briefly. You can use an ifra-red remote read thermometer to check around suspected areas for leaks. You need to get close up to do this right as those thermometers read an average temp withing a circular zone. The zone gets much wider as you move away from an object at something like an 8:1 ratio (I'm sure this varies from mfg to mfg, but they all have a spread ratio or whatever you call it).

 

I posted a thread just like this, I was getting pretty good build up of condensation in my newly made keezer. Catt pretty much said the same thing about making it air tight and I have sence covered my 2x8 collar with pink insulation and added a "top" between the side insulation and the top of the keezer. just a piece of insulation that fits in kinda tight as another lid so to speak. my condensation has decreased a ton after filling in the holes and adding the insulation. I had the same problem when i was using my temp probe just like you are, over the edge. maybe look for a different entry point or a spot in the gasket that will work better.

Thanks for the tips Catt.

 

I'm happy that I can be of some help. Regarding the temp probe wire under the gasket. I did this with the freezer and a thermometer probe for awhile. I immediately noticed a huge icicle forming on the inside where the probe wire entered. I could not believe that such a tiny opening could cause any kind of significant problem, but it certainly did. Heat wants to get inside that freezer really badly it seems and it brings a lot of moisture along for the ride.

 

I suppose if you never open your keezer and the air is dry inside you would get no condensation. But in my world I have to open up the keezer to change a keg, adjust pressures, clean beer lines, etc. I spray sanitizer on my posts and lids when putting a new keg in, this adds moisture. There is no way you are going to keep moisture out of you keezer. So the idea that if it's all sealed and you will have no condensation is IMHO bad info.

I use a few yellow micro fiber drying towels that come from Costco. I put these down on the floor in the corners. Every time I change a keg I take them out and dry them them put them back. These seem to really suck up the moisture in my keezer.

 

No one ever claimed that you can completely eliminate all condensation. That would be absurd. Yes, in your little world you have to open your freezer just like everyone else. Eliminating air leaks on your freezer is bad info IYHO? That makes absolutely no sense at all. Using towels to sop up condensation is probably a fairly common procedure among many of us. I rely on common sense myself now and then. My freezer is well sealed and very little condensation accumulates. You should check your seals. That could be your problem.