Fridgenstein Side-By-Side Kegerator / Fermentation chamber

[mistercameron]

I reused the rubber stopper my water line was held in my. I just had to make a small cut on the inside and force it to fit my gas line. Snug as a bug in a rug.

Huh. I'll have to look for that. I saved a bunch of parts for "just in case" but I don't recall that one.

 

[Jupapabear]

I haven't added taps, but it is completely functional. Thanks for the great write up!

 

[mistercameron]

Looking great!


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[mistercameron]

Looking great!


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[Jupapabear]

Thanks. It holds up pretty well with the 100 tough bulb during the past freezes.

Jupapabear

 

[DrunkMonkAbbey]

I also just created a side-by-side fermentation/serving set up using 2 STC-1000s. Freezer side is holding steady at 5C but I'v having trouble getting the fermentation side to hold at 19C. The temp keeps creeping down a couple of degrees. I'm using a dual fan set up with one at the top blowing towards the freezer and one at the bottom blowing into the fridge and both are covered with louvered dryer vents. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm located in San Diego so it doesn't have anything to do with the outside air temp. I'm trying to avoid needing to add a heater if I can help it.

 

[Jupapabear]

Surely you will need a heat source. I just blew the last bulb I will buy as my heat source. Ceramic heaters are cheap on amazon and at big box stores.

Jupapabear

 

[bluedog_Brewing]

I also just created a side-by-side fermentation/serving set up using 2 STC-1000s. Freezer side is holding steady at 5C but I'v having trouble getting the fermentation side to hold at 19C. The temp keeps creeping down a couple of degrees. I'm using a dual fan set up with one at the top blowing towards the freezer and one at the bottom blowing into the fridge and both are covered with louvered dryer vents. Has anyone else noticed this? I'm located in San Diego so it doesn't have anything to do with the outside air temp. I'm trying to avoid needing to add a heater if I can help it.

Mine had another vent down low in the back that opened up to the evaporator in the freezer side. I found that a lot of air was being pulled in there since it opens directly into the evaporator space behind the metal panel in the freezer.

It looks like you may have something similar, level with your low fan and towards the back. I pulled the cover off, plugged it with insulation, and replaced the cover. Haven't needed a heater, and I can maintain 72°F on the ferm side and 35°F on the freezer side.

 

[maierhof]

Mine had another vent down low in the back that opened up to the evaporator in the freezer side. I found that a lot of air was being pulled in there since it opens directly into the evaporator space behind the metal panel in the freezer.

It looks like you may have something similar, level with your low fan and towards the back. I pulled the cover off, plugged it with insulation, and replaced the cover. Haven't needed a heater, and I can maintain 72°F on the ferm side and 35°F on the freezer side.

Hmmm - that is interesting to know. Perhaps that is the problem with mine. I am noticing a loss of temp over a short amount of time... time to get into the back of mine to check that out. Thank you for posting!

 

[Jupapabear]

I finally added some shelves. E's Haus Pale Ale is on top, I'll be adding in a bucket of RIS in a few hours.

 

[chessking]

I finally added some shelves. E's Haus Pale Ale is on top, I'll be adding in a bucket of RIS in a few hours.

The shelving looks sturdy enough. Can you get a bucket fermenter on the bottom shelf? It looks like a tight fit.

 

[Jupapabear]

=)

 

[Jupapabear]

My 7.8gallon bucket would never fit down there. But I have 5 X 6 gallon buckets to use up before using that would ever be necessary.

 

[chessking]

Right on. I should have known you thought it through.

 

[jrubins]

How is the vent controlled? As I understand it the compressor turns on and cools the freezer and the fridge just siphons off air from the freezer to get cold.
If that's correct, how can you ensure that the fridge stays cool, while the freezer gets cold but neither gets as cold as they are actually designed?
Does it make more sense to hook up the freezer to the compressor so the freezer temp triggers the compressor, then only have the fridge temp controller operate the blower? Or is that how it operates already?
Thanks!

 

[Jupapabear]

Finally added a pair of Perlick faucets.

 

[mistercameron]

Congrats! Feels great finishing, doesn't it?

 

[Jupapabear]

Yes it does. Now I just need to finish my keg carbing chest so I will no longer have dead taps while carbing

 

[KPSquared]

Don't know who may see this, but for you guys that want your Co2 outside the fridge but want a clean look, try this:

http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Thick_Wall_CO2_Gas_Bulkhead_p/gas-bulkhead-thick-wall.htm

Ball lock on the outside, barb on the inside. Clean pass through the wall of the fridge (or any kegerator) Planning to grab one of these when I convert my side by side this winter.

 

[mistercameron]

Don't know who may see this, but for you guys that want your Co2 outside the fridge but want a clean look, try this:



http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Thick_Wall_CO2_Gas_Bulkhead_p/gas-bulkhead-thick-wall.htm



Ball lock on the outside, barb on the inside. Clean pass through the wall of the fridge (or any kegerator) Planning to grab one of these when I convert my side by side this winter.

That's pretty neat. I don't know if I would do the ball lock on one side, but it would be a clean way to get multiple lines in at different pressures. Barb-barb would be enough.



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[mistercameron]

ChiCompany has the adapter parts if you want to make your own bulkheads. I read some of the product comments said the nipple was too long. I think it's all 1/4".

 

[mistercameron]

The newest development - I started putting shelves in. Bottom in first. I bought some scrap 1" aluminum T and 0.080" plate from the metal supply warehouse. I haven't put full kegs on yet, but it feels extremely sturdy. I can post some photos this weekend.

Unfortunately, the morning after turning it all back on, the freezer evaporator fan sounded like it bit the dust. It revs up, then stops. Thankfully it seems the compressor is working fine (it does get cold, just no blowing air around inside while it's on).

On the fridge side, both of my computer fans are almost toast (again). I bought the AC fans from Fry's electronics (there's only one option). After about a year, it seems the bearings lose lubrication and they make this horrible whining sound. Possibly it's just too cold or humid for them. My project this weekend is going to involve adding an AC outlet so I can plug this 12V molex ac adapter in and hook it up to new fans.

Molex AC Adapter
Fan 1, Silenx - has a 3yr warranty (at this rate... why not?). If it dies prematurely, maybe I'll actually get a free replacement.
Fan 2 is an Antec (I think) - it's the cheap option.

While I hate the idea of having to use AC adapters, I think it's clear that these Link Depot AC fans aren't going to cut it. Seriously - stay away. I also saw the CoolTron, but it looks suspiciously similar to the Link Depot fan. I'll pass.

As long as either the Silenx or Antec fans last longer than a year, I'm already break-even for a cheaper replacement fee. If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears.

 

[mistercameron]

Another update:

The computer fans don't blow as much air, but I think it's probably OK.

I've since replaced the control board and the evaporator fan with no luck whatsoever. Something else is amiss, but I don't think I have the patience to figure it out when picking up another Kenmore on Craigslist would run less than $200. A keeper wouldn't cost that much different.

SO... I'm bummed out. I don't think a fix is in store for this one. Too bad - I really liked it.

 

[maierhof]

That doesn't sound good - You were the one that inspired me to do mine and it bums me out to hear that you lost your kegerator!

All that work down the drain - but alas - you can rebuild it and maybe even use the old door on the new one - if you get the exact version again or just get plain lucky... The good thing is that you can strip your electronic parts off the old one so that should help also. Best of luck in your upcoming search!

 

[mistercameron]

That doesn't sound good - You were the one that inspired me to do mine and it bums me out to hear that you lost your kegerator!

All that work down the drain - but alas - you can rebuild it and maybe even use the old door on the new one - if you get the exact version again or just get plain lucky... The good thing is that you can strip your electronic parts off the old one so that should help also. Best of luck in your upcoming search!

I appreciate the support and I'm glad I was able to help, even if only inspirational. Part of me wants this to "just work" again by buying another, but as we know - these models are getting up there in age. The thought of trying again (and all the work it takes) to have it fail makes me shy away from the idea. When the chest freezers and mini fridges are common and simple, the decision to move on becomes a little easier.

I've seen several of the Kenmore 106 models on Craig's List, which I think all have the circuit board on the refrigerator controls (freezer still uses the simple thermistor). I believe these are a couple years newer than my 256(?) model with the dual thermistor. Even newer models have digital controls, which is something I don't want to deal with.

Thanks again

 

[maierhof]

I hear you on that one - I actually bought a square chest freezer (around 1980s in age) and converted it to my be my kegerator - but was saddened by the lack of cooling it performed - which is why it was on the market for $30. It became my fermenter box and serves me quite well in that regard but you are right - these things are getting old -

My kegerator is the side by side fridge that was in the house when we moved in - my wife wanted me to toss it (before I brewed) and I said no we can use it for beers, and drinks in the rec room as the kids get older. Now I have four kegs in there two 7.75s on the bottom and two 5 gal cornies on top. With your help I put the line in correctly the first time and I still get a good defrost cycle too - which scared the shyte out of me when it first kicked in - the power went out on my stc box and when I opened the door the light was still on. Waited a few hours and the box lit up again. Big smile then - so thank you (and a few others up here too) for your detailed help on the build!:rockin:

Come on - do it again - but this time make a video and inspire the next batch of new brewers to do the same...

 

[mistercameron]

The Fridgenstein has been put to rest at the city recycling center, but not before I scavenged a few parts.

I picked up a 10.2 cu ft Igloo from Best Buy on sale for a keeper build, and a freezer less Kenmore mini fridge that's more or less the same specs as the legendary Sanyo. Big enough for my 6.5gal carboy. The keeper can fit 6 ball lock cornies, though I won't have more than 4 going at any time. I went for the extra space so I could lager if I wanted, or sky least have cold storage for aging.

 

[mistercameron]

And by the way, this photo of the dead fridge is rather concerning. It's the cold air port in the partition wall, next to the condenser & defrost coil.

Melted styrofoam. I'm glad it didn't catch fire!
View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1419304553.071633.jpg

I think it's a pretty safe bet this is related to the demise.

 

[maierhof]

uh - that is scary for sure - who thinks of their fridge going up in flames?

 

[chessking]

The Fridgenstein has been put to rest at the city recycling center, but not before I scavenged a few parts.

I picked up a 10.2 cu ft Igloo from Best Buy on sale for a keeper build, and a freezer less Kenmore mini fridge that's more or less the same specs as the legendary Sanyo. Big enough for my 6.5gal carboy. The keeper can fit 6 ball lock cornies, though I won't have more than 4 going at any time. I went for the extra space so I could lager if I wanted, or sky least have cold storage for aging.

If I'm reading this correctly, you are moving on to a separate kegerator and fermentation chamber. Although its sad to loose an old friend, I think you will like having those operations separate. Don't give up on a side by side for kegging. Inspired by you and others, that is what I built. and am loving it. 8 keg capacity with room for bottles (and the occasional loaf of bread. Thanks a lot SWMBO!). Also, no lifting kegs up over the keezer wall. Smaller foot print than a keezer with the same capacity. I'm a side by side convert. Wouldn't think of doing otherwise.