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What can I do with this fridge (small GE ~3.7cuft)

Discussion in 'Kegerators & Keezers' started by Tiredboy, Sep 8, 2012.

 

  1. #1
    Tiredboy

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 8, 2012
    I have the fridge in the image below (if I manage to attach it!). It is a small GE fridge, similar to GE TA04Y07EXSO. I did keep bottles in it but recently moved to kegging. I have a chest freezer with temperature control for fermentation chamber and am currently using it as a kegerator with picnic taps. Therefore I wondered whether I could do anything with my old fridge and convert it to a kegerator (possibly with tower for dispensing, alternatively with shanks through the door). This would free up space in the freezer so I could always have something in the pipeline ready to keg. The problem is it seems like it might be too small, especially as the compressor (?) makes a hump at the bottom back and the cooling plates are the ice box at the top (I think). I wondered whether I could bend the metal cooling plates to give me some extra height or remove them and place them at the back rather that top.

    Approximate internal dimensions (in inches):

    width - 16
    depth in front of hump - 6 (although I could get another 3.5 if I tear down the
    door to remove the shelves)
    depth of hump - 5.5
    height at front - 23.5
    height if ice box removed/moved - 30
    height of hump - 8.5

    Based on the above it looks like if I stripped the door and "modified" the ice box I could get a 5G keg in, possibly with a 3G on the hump.

    I had thought about removing the components and making a new chamber but I can't get good insulating material here so that's probably not an option. I suppose a collar might work to give me some extra depth in front of the hump to get two 5 gallons in but I'm not sure of the extra strain on the fridge and potential insulation issues.

    Any thoughts or suggestions ("buy another fridge" isn't an option I can go for right now!).

    Frigobar_G-E_TA04Y.jpg
     
  2. #2
    SweetSounds

    Well-Known Member

    Posted Sep 9, 2012
    You're close to getting a keg in there.

    The biggest problem is the ice box is the evaporator for the cooling system in that fridge, so to move it, you'll have to risk cracking a cooling line and ruining the fridge.

    The safest and probably easiest way around all that would be to build a collar on the front of it like you suggested. Insulate the crap out of it and serve away! +1 for removing the shelves on the door as well.
     
  3. #3
    thargrav

    Banned

    Posted Sep 10, 2012
    By the time you a collar you will have far more into the fridge than it's worth. I suggest using it to store hops & liquid yeast.
     
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