Building keezer...need components

[OmegaRed]

I just bought a 7cu ft. freezer.

Need everything except a temperature controller (I'm gonna mess with the freezer this weekend to see if I can use the existing thermostat).

Plan on starting with 2 kegs. At least once a year I have a party where I use half barrels, so I'll also need a sankey coupler. Is there a coupler that you can use with both sankey and ball lock or is it easier to switch back and forth?

So I believe this is a comprehensive list.

• 2 Perlick taps / shanks etc.
• c02 tank
• regulator (for multiple kegs)
• Beer / Gas line (may just end up buying new)
• 2 or 3 ball lock kegs (haven't read up enough yet on the best way to clean the system, but saw something about using a spare corny - worth the expense?)
• Drip tray

Let me know what you have. Thanks

 

[b-boy]

First off - I highly recommend a tempurature controller. It will allow you to really dial-in your tempuratures. There are some $20 models in e-bay that do the trick.

There are adapters that allow you to use a sankey tap and connect your existing ball-lock QDs. The adapters just attach to your sankey tap. I've never used them, but I've thought about getting a kit.
http://stores.kegconnection.com/Categories.bok?category=*Commercial+to+Homebrew+Conversion

Get as many kegs as you can afford. I have 8. You'll want a few in the keezer and a few more filled and waiting in line. Having one for cleaning is nice, but I wouldn't dedicate a keg for cleaning.

Don't forget clamps for all your hoses and liquid/gas QDs. You'll want at least 3 of each.

How are you mounting your taps? Are you adding a collar? Since you have a 7cu ft freezer you could probably get at least one more keg/tap in there on the hump if you add a collar.

 

[OmegaRed]

First off - I highly recommend a tempurature controller. It will allow you to really dial-in your tempuratures. There are some $20 models in e-bay that do the trick.

There are adapters that allow you to use a sankey tap and connect your existing ball-lock QDs. The adapters just attach to your sankey tap. I've never used them, but I've thought about getting a kit.
http://stores.kegconnection.com/Categories.bok?category=*Commercial+to+Homebrew+Conversion

Get as many kegs as you can afford. I have 8. You'll want a few in the keezer and a few more filled and waiting in line. Having one for cleaning is nice, but I wouldn't dedicate a keg for cleaning.
Ok good to know

Don't forget clamps for all your hoses and liquid/gas QDs. You'll want at least 3 of each.
Noted.

How are you mounting your taps? Are you adding a collar? Since you have a 7cu ft freezer you could probably get at least one more keg/tap in there on the hump if you add a collar.

I am adding a collar. I figure I have room for 2 half barrels and co2 or 4 corny's or combo of the two of freezer space. I am gonna drill two more holes for taps and plug them...but for now am just starting with 2 taps to try and keep costs down.

As far as a regulator, could you send a link of what I need. I haven't had a chance to read about carbing yet so don't quite understand the different requirements for that and having your normal served beer still hooked up. I'm not against spending upfront, but don't want to get something, realize it's a PITA and then have to rebuy. I'd rather buy it right the first time. Thanks for the help

 

[b-boy]

You generally need a regulator and some type of manifold to distribute the CO2 to all your kegs.

The manifold allows you to split your CO2 lines. You can get away without one using simple splitters, but the manifold allows you to turn on and off CO2 lines as needed. That's good for leak detection, or when you don't have a keg hooked up to a line. Manifolds are pricey, so buy the biggest one you think you'll need.
http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shop/gas-side/4-way-air-distributor/

The simplest setup is a single-stage regulator which allows you to regulate pressure for all your beers. With this all your beers are at the same CO2 pressure.
http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shop/gas-side/co2-primary-regulator-dual-gauge/

Another option is a dual-stage regulator, which will allow you to have 2 different CO2 pressures at the same time.
http://www.rebelbrewer.com/shop/gas-side/double-co2-regulator/

I have a single-stage regulator and run all my beers at the same CO2 level, which works fine for me. Here is a picture of my keezer. You can see the manifold with the single CO2 line coning in from the right. I have a 3-way splitter. The CO2 tank and regulator are just barely visible. I keep them inside the keezer.

You'll notice I have a commercial 1/6 sanke keg and 2 5-gallon corny kegs inside the keezer.

 

[BrewOClock]

Amazing setup but I have to ask if that's a carbon monoxide detector shoved down in there on the right side.

 

[westo2]

Amazing setup but I have to ask if that's a carbon monoxide detector shoved down in there on the right side.

No - it is a mini-dehumidifier. I have one in my keezer and one in my ferm chamber. Definitely necessary unless you want to be having to mop up the bottom of the freezer. They work best with air circulation, so it is a good idea to wire up a fan.

Here is the one I use: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H0XFD2/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Here is the thread I based my build on: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/keezer-build-tips-lessons-learned-301204/

 

[OmegaRed]

Hey Guys...thanks for the help thus far.

I have my keezer regulating at 40 degrees right now with a few meat tubs full of water in there. Now just to find some components and get busy