Anyone using a chest freezer to store their beer? Temp control?

[NitrouStang96]

A mini-fridge isn't quite right for me, and I don't currently have space for a whole new fridge. I'm hoping a chest freezer has enough control to actually pull it above freezing temps and let me store my beer in it as if it were a fridge. Anyone else doing this or know if it is possible?

I also like the idea of getting a full size fridge in the future and using this chest freezer for kegging/beer on tap.

 

[ColoradoXJ13]

search temperature controllers...Johnson and Ranco

 

[NitrouStang96]

No thanks, I'm just wondering if a chest freezer can be go above 32F with its stock controller and no additional expense.

 

[Sea]

Don't think so, but it probably depends on the model what the high temp setting is.

 

[Scimmia]

some might be able to, but you can pick up Johnson controllers for ~$25 on ebay, much better option IMHO.

Are you talking about just storing beer for serving? That's all the stock controller would be good for, it allows too much variation for anything else.

 

[Nyxator]

Yeah, I have two chest freezers, one for fermentation and one for my kegs. I needed temp controllers for both.

 

[Bobby_M]

No, chest freezers are designed to run even colder than a standard freezer on a combo unit. The stock thermo on mine only went as warm as 20ºF.

 

[rabidgerbil]

I picked up one of these http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/B000E7...5-2321445?SubscriptionId=09FVDRT8TEJ64C2A7Y02 at my local hardware store for about $25, and use it to control my freezer, and it works perfect.

 

[Brew-boy]

I use a chest freezer to store and serve my tasty brew.

[/IMG]

 

[malkore]

I use a freezer. get a controller. the only other way you could do it is with a household timer, lots of experimenting, and only sub-standard results at maintaining a stable temp.

even if you don't look hard, you can get a controller for $30-$40...its worth it.