Converting the Frigidaire 7.2 cu ft Chest Freezer

[flabyboy]

I was sort of joking. Lol. I haven't completely emptied mine out yet because I don't want to jostle around the others kegs when one finished up. When I take a keg out I dry the condensation up around the area. I've used a towel wrapped on a broom

 

[Quaffer]

Had my wedding last night, and the brews and keezer were a smashing success! Now I just have to wait another week for my ESB to finish fermenting to get some more beer in the lines.

I took out all the guts of the system to move it back to my house and clean it out. First time I've had it empty in a few weeks, and trying to figure out a good way to clean out the bottom. There is some beer/moisture in the cracks of the interior and wondering if anyone has some cleaning tip or tricks for reaching down in there to comfortably clean the crevasses.

The moisture can be a problem if it is allowed to collect for too long. The bottom will eventually start to rust. I have two ways to clean it up. If the kegerator is empty I wrap a small towel around a Swiffer mop. If I have kegs in there I attach the towel at the end of a claw pick-up tool and dab it around the kegs.

Lately I have installed a DampRid Moisture Absorber hanging from one of the gas manifolds. It is helping, but there is still some moisture on the bottom. Got to get after it with a towel still.

 

[SkiNuke]

Recently got my hands on 4 pin lock 5 gallon kegs and I am trying to find out the best way to make a kegerator. I am leaning towards this freezer, and I was wondering how many 9.25" (short and squat ones) diameter kegs you could fit in there. And how heavy is it?

 

[BiteSize]

Recently got my hands on 4 pin lock 5 gallon kegs and I am trying to find out the best way to make a kegerator. I am leaning towards this freezer, and I was wondering how many 9.25" (short and squat ones) diameter kegs you could fit in there. And how heavy is it?

Not sure about the pin locks, but fairly confident that you will be able to fit 5 in there if you so desire. If you build a collar, and have the CO2 tank mounted outside of the freezer, there should be plenty of room for the kegs. I have three ball locks on the floor, but there is room to spare. I also have my PVC tube with my fan mounted placed on the floor.

As far as the weight, that depends on many factors. How many full kegs are inside, how large and dense is the wood for your collar, etc.? I will say that mine was pretty damn heavy when I was transporting it to my wedding. That was with three full kegs, my 2x8x10 Poplar collar, as well as the CO2 tank/regulator/ and gas/beer lines. I would suggest getting the sturdiest casters you can find/afford. It rolls easily on hard surfaces and carpets, but the softer and larger the carpet, the harder it is to move around. It's totally manageable, and totally worth it. Go ahead, build yourself one of these... you won't regret it. Good luck! Cheers!

 

[2puttbird]

Recently got my hands on 4 pin lock 5 gallon kegs and I am trying to find out the best way to make a kegerator. I am leaning towards this freezer, and I was wondering how many 9.25" (short and squat ones) diameter kegs you could fit in there. And how heavy is it?

9.25 is the same size as a commercial sixtel, I believe, in which case I fear you will only be able to get two on the floor, according to my paper circles ... but others have gotten three 9" kegs on the floor, so it's close

 

[SkiNuke]

Well when I measured them I think they actually were just barely over 9 inches (rounded up to 9 and a quarter), whatever a standard corny pin lock keg would be. But if I can only fit 2 in there I might need to look for a better alternative, because I don't want a ton of wasted space.

And as for weight I was thinking more unloaded. Could I get my girlfriend to help me move it up a flight of stairs or should I get a buddy of mine to help?

 

[BiteSize]

Well when I measured them I think they actually were just barely over 9 inches (rounded up to 9 and a quarter), whatever a standard corny pin lock keg would be. But if I can only fit 2 in there I might need to look for a better alternative, because I don't want a ton of wasted space.

And as for weight I was thinking more unloaded. Could I get my girlfriend to help me move it up a flight of stairs or should I get a buddy of mine to help?

You and your girlfriend will probably be able to manage. The weight isn't too bad, it is quite bulky obviously. I had to move it up some stairs, but had my beast of a brother around to help. Good luck!

 

[2puttbird]

Well when I measured them I think they actually were just barely over 9 inches (rounded up to 9 and a quarter), whatever a standard corny pin lock keg would be. But if I can only fit 2 in there I might need to look for a better alternative, because I don't want a ton of wasted space.

And as for weight I was thinking more unloaded. Could I get my girlfriend to help me move it up a flight of stairs or should I get a buddy of mine to help?

There are picks of this freezer with 3 cornies on the floor, maybe in the big freezer thread.

And empty, it's a piece of cake. I handled it by myself with a 2-wheel cart and a strap, so you and your girlfriend will be fine ,but be a nice guy and take the end with the compressor ;-)

 

[trent]

thanks for this thread. With these pictures the swmbo allowed beer to come into the house given that I used a spare wall and built shelving around it. Pictures soon.

 

[bengerman]

Major components:

• Zinsser wood stain Cabernet, Lowes (I cannot find it anymore)

FWIW, Zinsser and Varathane are both made by Rust-oleum, and Varathane has a color called Cabernet, if you need touch-ups or anything

 

[TheBusterBrew]

Thanks Quaffer for the great thread. I attempted to build my own kegerator as illustrated. Only a few finishing touches remain. However, I was so excited to have a kegerator in the house I've been using it ever since I verified the electric wiring was functional. Two five gallon kegs on tap and room to lager or room for cases of bottled brew. Thanks!

 

[Quaffer]

Thanks, and you are welcome.
Your keggerator is looking good!

 

[mikelikesit2000]

Very nice job. Thinking about getting rid of the "beer refrigerator" and doing this. I think it looks nicer.

 

[greatschmaltez]

What type of screws are you using to reattach the lid to the collar?

Wanted to also thank Quaffer for the original post, like so many here, this has been my inspiration for building a keezer... And the clean design is the only reason my wife will let me have it in the house.

 

[fckwalm]

Personally I used heavy duty Velcro to hold mine on... May not be as strong, but, it holds really well and in the event I need to remove it, there is no real damage to the freezer..... Also the silicone sealant adds some additional strength.... I haven't had any issues yet and had a bunch of drunk ******** at the house for Halloween with no issues

 

[bourgeoisbee]

I just used the screws that originally attached the lid to the freezer. Silicone the collar to the freezer and then screw into the wood of the collar to attach the lid. I used exterior wood screws to attach my valves inside the collar.

 

[greatschmaltez]

What specific adhesive/caulking product did you use to attach the collar to the freezer?

 

[bourgeoisbee]

I just used regular clear silicone bathroom caulk. On the top of the freezer I put done a solid bead where the middle of the wood would sit and then where the middle of the foam would sit and placed it on. I put some weight on it to let it set overnight and then I sealed up the inside between the foam and the freezer just to be sure it was an airtight seal. You can use liquid nails or something like that to secure the wood collar to the freezer, but the caulk has been more than strong enough for me.

 

[TheBusterBrew]

I made use of a basic construction adhesive compound between the base of the collar and the freezer. Then I used silicon to seal any gaps in the foam insulation as well as around the base of the collar.

 

[Quaffer]

What specific adhesive/caulking product did you use to attach the collar to the freezer?

I used adhesive caulking from Lowes/HD, I don't remember the brand any more. Any adhesive caulking would do as well.

 

[greatschmaltez]

Just finished this weekend. Quaffer, thanks for the great blue print. I'm sure we'll have many festive gatherings with family and friends with this keezer.

 

[Eisendrath]

The unvieling party at our house had scenes where folks were having their picture taken standing next to it......... Thanks again Quaffer!

 

[fpweeks]

this is sweet......subscribed.....

 

[DariusFresh]

Thanks Quaffer for the excellent blueprint. Thanks to everyone else who contributes to this thread! Here is my setup, I had forgotten to post the completed project.

 

[Quaffer]

Thanks Quaffer for the excellent blueprint. Thanks to everyone else who contributes to this thread! Here is my setup, I had forgotten to post the completed project.

Nice. Five taps! Have you had five kegs in there yet? I have not yet on mine, but in theory it should be possible.

 

[DariusFresh]

Yup! I've got five kegs in there, the 5th one hangs off the hump by about .5 inch or so, but I feel pretty safe about it.
Tap1:BIPA
Tap2:Coffee Stout
Tap3:Belgian Pale
Tap4:Seltzer
Tap5:Apfelwein

Thanks again for everything, I probably wouldn't have followed through with it if it wasn't for this thread.

 

[Rick500]

How'd you attach the drip tray? Beautiful job.

 

[Phillypharm]

How'd you attach the drip tray? Beautiful job.

not sure how he did it but i have the same drip tray. will be getting two 4" L brackets and epoxying them to 2" x 1" rare earth magnets so that i don't have to drill into the freezer. will use velcro to attach the tray to the bracket so it stays in place but can be removed easily for cleaning. the magnets i got have an 18lb pulling force so should easily hold a full pint or two if someone places it on the tray accidentally.

 

[DariusFresh]

Actually, I just used l-brackets with the mounting tape. I just hit the brackets with some black gloss spraypaint first. They blend in with the freezer really well! I did just get some rare earth magnets in the mail today, but they just kind of slide down the freezer. To rectify this, I am going to put a sliver of drawer liner in between the magnet and the freezer. That should do the trick!

 

[bob1852]

Yup! I've got five kegs in there, the 5th one hangs off the hump by about .5 inch or so, but I feel pretty safe about it.

Yep, same here....

My keezer is packed full with 5 kegs, 5lb CO2 bottle, fan, and dehumidifier...

Though, I only have 4 taps drilled right now. I really wish I had a 5th valve on my CO2 set up so I could carb that fifth keg, and be serving four...