2 Tap kegerator

[redrocker652002]

Ok, so just finished my first cup of coffee and got to thinking. I have seen lots of used stuff but since I have most, if not all, the parts to make a 2 tap setup myself I am wondering what size dorm style or smaller fridge would work? I have two that are on the smaller side and while space is a bit limited I can probably get away with moving some stuff around. I would prefer no freezer on top as that will limit the tower placement and I already purchased tower and taps from someone here and got what I thought was a smoking deal. So, all wise and knowing, what size smaller fridge should I be looking at that will fit two kegs and not have a freezer compartment on top? If I am looking for something that does not exist I am ok with that but I think it is out there, just need a bit of guidance in where to look. I might be taking a quick trip to the local HD and Lowes just for the heck of it.

 

[Broken Crow]

I would prefer no freezer on top as that will limit the tower placement

....You're talking about entirely different fridge types here. This the "Trap" I warned you about previously:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/keezer-with-a-tower-on-it.737188/#post-10482631
Will it serve you in the long run, or might you wish later you'd gotten something that fit 3 or even 4 kegs? ..might you realize that you might have use of the freezer space as well as having a high-aesthic value item to show off such as @odie 's glorious vintage units? https://www.homebrewtalk.com/threads/frozen-kegs-pressure-related.735583/#post-10443288
Do yourself a huge favour and don't think to yourself; "What can I do with these bits I have?"..keep thinking: "What do I want in the long run, regardless of bits I have that may or may not be appropriate for this?"
I bet you could easily trade in that tower for a set of long shanks for a keezer..... try and think of parts you 'happen to have' as currency among your fellow homebrewers and don't let possesion of a specific item limit you and feel like you have to use it just because you have it.
...just sayin

 

[Deadalus]

You are looking for a mini-fridge without freezer approximately 4.4 cubic ft. Sometimes they are 4.3 and maybe 4.5. I just had one die that was a used one that was about that size. (I am going to double check however as I didn't track my exact model number and size down.) Mine was sold as a possible kegerator without the accessories. It fits 2 ball lock kegs. I had to take off the door molding. So what I have seen so far is that if you were to buy a specific model, it would be better to have very basic door shelving. Many this size are on sale now for back to college sales. As an example of cost on sale, I found one 4.4 for $149 new at Lowes. But you would still want to confirm 2 kegs will fit, as there is still a compressor hump.

I tried investigating kegerators used, which are easier to get keg fit numbers. Kegerators start out considerably higher in price. Then used, still higher because of tanks, taps, regulators, and towers. Sometimes a deal is available but hard to find near me. I don't need any of that extra stuff, I just want to have one mini to condition 2 kegs.

Plus I still need to run the diagnostics as I may be able to fix mine. The compressor does not appear to be turning on. I swapped out controllers just in case it was that but didn't get farther yet.

I think you also have to worry about drilling the top though if getting a minifridge vs a kegerator. There are basic kegerators without the extra equipment but hard to find and seem premium priced still. Could be better quality I don't know, perhaps more commercially designed (or priced!).

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

After building two keezers, two repurposed fridges to serve beer I just came to terms and bought a commercial beer cooler from Iron Mountain Refrigeration.

Mine is a 48" model that can hold eight corny kegs. It was a great purchase. After looking at others and weighing building another repurposed unit I decided to just buy this and be done.

A purchase like this isn't for everyone but I have been down the road of building something and didn't want to do that again.

 

[redrocker652002]

OK, so another opportunity has come up for a 4 tap setup for 100 bucks. It is a Komos kegerator that will hold 4 kegs. According to the seller he is moving and wants it gone. He started at 400 and has dropped down to 100. According to him it works great and gets cold. No taps or tower is included which is fine because I don't need them. My only issue is that I am reading that it can be a loud unit while running. Some posts say it is really loud while others say not so much. I don't need 4 kegs, but for 100 bucks I am thinking of giving it a go. Here is the ad for it:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplac...wse_serp:407ade03-8fea-4c83-9409-02dd8c79b122

Any thoughts, experience or input is always welcome.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

OK, so another opportunity has come up for a 4 tap setup for 100 bucks. It is a Komos kegerator that will hold 4 kegs. According to the seller he is moving and wants it gone. He started at 400 and has dropped down to 100. According to him it works great and gets cold. No taps or tower is included which is fine because I don't need them. My only issue is that I am reading that it can be a loud unit while running. Some posts say it is really loud while others say not so much. I don't need 4 kegs, but for 100 bucks I am thinking of giving it a go. Here is the ad for it:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1214460047091903/?ref=search&referral_code=null&referral_story_type=post&tracking=browse_serp:407ade03-8fea-4c83-9409-02dd8c79b122

Any thoughts, experience or input is always welcome.

For 100 bucks is worth checking out, looks ok from the pictures. The add says four taps included. If you need them great but if not you could sell them to reduce your cost.

Check the thing over in person, ask how long he's owned it, look for questionable damage. It might be a great deal for a small investment.

 

[IslandLizard]

Have the seller plug it in a few hours to half a day before you show up. Then you'd know it's cooling. Or not.
You can also hear how much noise it makes, especially when the compressor starts up (open the door, or turn the thermostat down).

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

Great suggestions, check the door seal too. Around back check to see if anything looks dinged up, that's where all the working parts are.

Don't be afraid to walk away if it doesn't seem right. He selling it for $400 but dropped it to 100, might be a great deal, might not.

 

[redrocker652002]

Well for better or worse I now own the unit. He had it down to 35 degrees when I picked it up and we sat and chatted a bit and it stayed there in his garage, so I feel pretty confident about that. Also, he included a 4 post manifold that slides into the groove of the shelf so that is a plus. He also has a duotight setup for the gas line I think, so I should be good to go, but we will see. It is plugged in now and at 50. I have it set to 40 to see how long it takes to get to that. It has some dents and dings, but overall not too bad for 100 bucks. I am pretty stoked to get a multi keg setup to enjoy. Thanks to all who replied, I appreciate all the info

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

Well for better or worse I now own the unit. He had it down to 35 degrees when I picked it up and we sat and chatted a bit and it stayed there in his garage, so I feel pretty confident about that. Also, he included a 4 post manifold that slides into the groove of the shelf so that is a plus. He also has a duotight setup for the gas line I think, so I should be good to go, but we will see. It is plugged in now and at 50. I have it set to 40 to see how long it takes to get to that. It has some dents and dings, but overall not too bad for 100 bucks. I am pretty stoked to get a multi keg setup to enjoy. Thanks to all who replied, I appreciate all the info

Congratulations my friend!

 

[redrocker652002]

It took about an hour to get from 50 to 40 and then about 45 mins to get from 40 to 34, so I am pretty happy about that. It does seem to go from 34 to 36 or so every hour or so, but other than that it seems to be working ok. It is not the prettiest of units, but it works.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

It took about an hour to get from 50 to 40 and then about 45 mins to get from 40 to 34, so I am pretty happy about that. It does seem to go from 34 to 36 or so every hour or so, but other than that it seems to be working ok. It is not the prettiest of units, but it works.

Looks aren't as important as cold beer.

 

[Deadalus]

Legions of ugly and decrepit garage fridges have dutifully provided cold brews to thirsty peoples around the globe for generations. Raise a glass to their somewhat quiet service, tonight and every night!

---

 

[redrocker652002]

I would like to try and find the plastic pan that fits on top of the unit. Other than that, the door has residue from different stickers on it, but like I said, it seems to be working, and it runs pretty quiet so that should keep the wife happy. All in all, right now, I am pretty pleased.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

I would like to try and find the plastic pan that fits on top of the unit. Other than that, the door has residue from different stickers on it, but like I said, it seems to be working, and it runs pretty quiet so that should keep the wife happy. All in all, right now, I am pretty pleased.

Sounds like you got a good deal. Some "goo-b-gone" will take that residue off. Paint thinner will do the trick too but has some hazardous issues. If you don't mind, put your own stickers all over it. A menu board is a nice addition too.

 

[redrocker652002]

Sounds like you got a good deal. Some "goo-b-gone" will take that residue off. Paint thinner will do the trick too but has some hazardous issues. If you don't mind, put your own stickers all over it. A menu board is a nice addition too.

I was thinking the same thing. The upper plastic tray is my focus. It is cracked and not in the best shape. As I understand it, kegco used to make these so I might reach out to them and see what they say. Either way, I am stoked. My tower will fit on it, it will hold at least 3 kegs, although two is all I think I am going to need, and it is quiet so the wife won't complain. But, in all honesty, she was the one who pushed me to go get it, so I guess I owe her a thanks and maybe a dinner. LOL.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

I was thinking the same thing. The upper plastic tray is my focus. It is cracked and not in the best shape. As I understand it, kegco used to make these so I might reach out to them and see what they say. Either way, I am stoked. My tower will fit on it, it will hold at least 3 kegs, although two is all I think I am going to need, and it is quiet so the wife won't complain. But, in all honesty, she was the one who pushed me to go get it, so I guess I owe her a thanks and maybe a dinner. LOL.

That plastic tray should be an easy find, it doesn't even need to be for a kegerator. It just catches drips from your pours. I have seen plastic and stainless steel kinds some with the rounded part to hug the tower. Search for "tap tower drip tray", several styles come up, loads on Amazon. Tap tower diameter is the only determining factor and most are standard.

 

[jschein]

That plastic tray should be an easy find, it doesn't even need to be for a kegerator. It just catches drips from your pours. I have seen plastic and stainless steel kinds some with the rounded part to hug the tower. Search for "tap tower drip tray", several styles come up, loads on Amazon. Tap tower diameter is the only determining factor and most are standard.

I got a nice stainless drip tray from Amazon, currently it’s about $30

 

[Broken Crow]

If you really want 'the original' drip tray as ships with that model, here it is:
https://www.williamsbrewing.com/Hom...pment/Drip-Trays/Molded-Wrap-Around-Drip-Tray
It's the same base model as the Kegland Series.

EDIT: trouble organizing my thoughts this morning... I should have included:
The KOMOS and Kegland's are the same unit; The regulator is also the Kegland Mark IV.
When that model first came out there were some issues with the compresser cycling too often and occasionally killing itself in so doing. The solution was simple: Keep the temp setting on Celcius and the recirc fan always on and it cycles less often and keep a perfectly uniform temp thoughout...I spent days testing this myself and that's how I keep mine, also: remember to 'complete' the tower insulation..the foam is the same stuff used for packing material. make sure and fill in the space up to the shanks and cut a nice round one to fit the cap.
Here's the Kegland Series-X manual which you'll see for yourself is the same;
https://www.olbryggning.se/media/mu.../en_series_x_kegerator_instruction_manual.pdf

 

[redrocker652002]

Thanks guys, but I am looking for the plastic cover that covers the whole top, not the tray. I also need the hose for the tower cooling fan inside, but I can probably work something out using just old shop vac hose or something like that. It is purely esthetics but the plastic tray that covers the top of the unit is cracked on the corner and it is going to bug me a bit. I was thinking, if I cannot find anything else, I could probably do something using wood to make a decent top out of it and put a gasket to seal the tower hole. But, that is for another day. I have to get all the lines run for the taps and get it cleaned up a bit.

 

[Broken Crow]

https://www.williamsbrewing.com/Hom...Kegerators/Series-X-Kegerator-Replacement-Top
They don't list the recirc tube but a shop-vac tube will be too large....maybe one of those tiny vacuum cleaners for electronics/computer benches....anyway, mine shipped with too large a hose and I cut a bit off so here's the size you're looking for:

EDIT: again, more still:
Here's the manual specifically for your KOMOS:
https://komosdraft.com/images/file.php?file_id=54237
If you haven't already, make sure and leave plenty of air space around it as the condenser coils are in the side walls and it uses R-600 (Isobutane) which is about 30% more efficient that R134 so while that's great for your electric bill, it does mean more heat in a shorter span of time and if you've just loaded a couple room temp kegs, the sides can get pretty hot.
Here's a potential air-hose:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1464143088...jLBrdXzlNgOIOwsUfoKbRuaQ==|tkp:Bk9SR-SP4oOZZg
If you do remove the plastic cover, could you do some of us on here the great favour of taking pictures of what's underneath it? Kegland informed me there's a coolant line across the top right at the back where I wanted to bolt a bracket for secondaries...it'd be nice to see what's actually in there since checking myself will involve removing my tower and all.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

Thanks guys, but I am looking for the plastic cover that covers the whole top, not the tray. I also need the hose for the tower cooling fan inside, but I can probably work something out using just old shop vac hose or something like that. It is purely esthetics but the plastic tray that covers the top of the unit is cracked on the corner and it is going to bug me a bit. I was thinking, if I cannot find anything else, I could probably do something using wood to make a decent top out of it and put a gasket to seal the tower hole. But, that is for another day. I have to get all the lines run for the taps and get it cleaned up a bit.

Sounds like an opportunity to build a nice custom topper.

 

[redrocker652002]

https://www.williamsbrewing.com/Hom...Kegerators/Series-X-Kegerator-Replacement-Top
They don't list the recirc tube but a shop-vac tube will be too large....maybe one of those tiny vacuum cleaners for electronics/computer benches....anyway, mine shipped with too large a hose and I cut a bit off so here's the size you're looking for:
View attachment 882610

EDIT: again, more still:
Here's the manual specifically for your KOMOS:
https://komosdraft.com/images/file.php?file_id=54237
If you haven't already, make sure and leave plenty of air space around it as the condenser coils are in the side walls and it uses R-600 (Isobutane) which is about 30% more efficient that R134 so while that's great for your electric bill, it does mean more heat in a shorter span of time and if you've just loaded a couple room temp kegs, the sides can get pretty hot.
Here's a potential air-hose:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/146414308892?_skw=1-inch+corrugated+hose&itmmeta=01K343RGYY8EFEDRX6EB3AYDGX&hash=item2216f90e1c:g:koQAAOSwpDNnvhnL&itmprp=enc:AQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1coe1OUzvw2Ow4Im/yPlVl8fj8Ieq/6aIFKxz/avkcdHG1NLs9FO4m2fzfaTdf+Z7TiPezfEBYmKQDyvnJ2AcA3g48VSL5Dl4eYHMznsYWceH3aziexuAjtl2gTQElcWMqdzPvG3xk0pC0GL1/sivc6fXw/asQR0qcPoVpkpldg2rs2eASlD4afH7GL/RbrY+MEJ006uTmX0FVTJWHORyVxnLnL9mmuIZQihsm8L2UVu987ZFPw37YF1U0qlxJBMOD4TaTY6PYcu7WgIAW5odjLBrdXzlNgOIOwsUfoKbRuaQ==|tkp:Bk9SR-SP4oOZZg
If you do remove the plastic cover, could you do some of us on here the great favour of taking pictures of what's underneath it? Kegland informed me there's a coolant line across the top right at the back where I wanted to bolt a bracket for secondaries...it'd be nice to see what's actually in there since checking myself will involve removing my tower and all.

Will do on the pictures. It looks like it just snaps on, but I have to get my nose in there and really look at it.

 

[redrocker652002]

Here is the picture as requested. Only thing I can see is the wiring for the panel but it's solid so there might be lines there i cannot see.