Condensation issues with my kegerator

[Zeppman]

Hello all,

So I converted a standard mini fridge into a single keg, kegerator. The fridge was the style where the top portion is a freezer (the coil is in the shape of a U and acts as the shelf to hold frozen items). So, in order for this to work, I had to detach one side of the "U" coil, and bend it down, so it is now parallel with one side of the fridge. This works great, as long as I have the thermostat turned down enough to keep ice on the coil. But of course this results in beer being too cold. So if I have it turned up (say 38-40F) condensate forms on the coil, and begins to drip into the bottom of the fridge and then eventually leaks out and on to the floor.

Anyone got any ideas on how to fix this? Thanks!

 

[Catt22]

Excessive condensation is an indication of an air leak somewhere and that somewhere is usually at the door seal. Some condensation is unavoidable as humid air will enter the keggerator any time you open the door. It only takes a tiny pinhole leak to cause condensation problems. About all you can do is check the door seal gasket integrity and repair or replace it if you find a problem. There is always the hillbilly approach where you use a bungee or something similar to hold the door closed with more force.

 

[DustinHickey]

Agreed... I have a kegorator and used to run the lines up out of the top of it without a good seal....condensation everywhere..... Plugged it up with some of that foam insulation spray and that did the trick.... Plus my beer is colder now.

 

[michiganbob]

I had a similar problem caused by my basement just being too humid this time of year. I fixed that issue with a towel.

 

[Catt22]

I'm still trying to figure out how to eliminate the condensation in the refrigerators I use for fermentation temp control. It rains in there! The problem seems to be that the CO2 coming out of the air lock must be very humid and warmer than the evaporator plate where it condenses and drips. Not a big deal as the run off goes to a nearby floor drain. I don't see any way to prevent this.

 

[DustinHickey]

Yea, nothing I can think of considering your source of humidity is already in the fridge. The only other item I can think of is if the drain line isn't trapped properly.

 

[AiredAle]

I bought one of these from Amazon, based on a recommendation from someone here on HBT, can't remember who, so can't give credit to him/her. It works great in my keg freezer. No more condensation. When it gets saturated, plug it into the wall outlet overnight and put it back in the freezer next day.

"Eva-dry EDV-E-500 Renewable Wireless Mini Dehumidifer".

 

[Dr1nkBeer]

I have the same issue i actually see a slight puddle at the bottom of the freezer. I'm thinking it has something to do with where my i have the freezer thermostat set.. where should it be? If i'm using the freezer as a fridge... should the freezers native temp controller be at the highest or lowest?

 

[Catt22]

I have the same issue i actually see a slight puddle at the bottom of the freezer. I'm thinking it has something to do with where my i have the freezer thermostat set.. where should it be? If i'm using the freezer as a fridge... should the freezers native temp controller be at the highest or lowest?

Where you set the freezer control doesn't matter so long as it is not set to off. I turn mine to max cold as there is really no reason not to. You will inevitably accumulate some condensation in the freezer. It's only a problem when it becomes excessive. Most times excessive condensation is caused by an air leak somewhere. It only requires a small pin hole size leak to cause problems. Sometimes this can be traced to running the controller probe lead under the lid gasket or an imperfect lid seal. You can use a desiccant like Damp Rid etc to suck up moisture, but if it's substantial you might find yourself replacing it often. I use a shop vac now and then to suck up excess condensation that accumulates on the floor of the freezer. I'm pretty well sealed, so I don't have much accumulating. Fermenters will blow off a lot of moisture when active. That's when I use the Damp Rid stuff.

 

[Dr1nkBeer]

yea i dont mind the condensation as much as i mind any mold or off smells to develope. I have about a few tbs collecting at the bottom every 6 days or so. I dont think its a big deal.. i'll shove a towell in there and wash out with a bleach solution to help any mold.

On the temp thing thats what I thought. Its on the high setting. I will however look it over for any leaks and plug up anything I think could be an issue.

thanks.