Future Upgrade to a Keezer

[brew703]

I'm already thinking about a future project. I would eventually like to build a keezer to put in my future man cave. I would like a three tap system but two would work.
I have a few questions and would appreciate some assistance.
- CO2 tanks. is it best to buy used or new? Does any welding supply store fill tanks or is there another source?
- for a two or three tap system (prob 3 gallon kegs) how long will a 5 lb CO2 tank last?
- beer lines>> I've read that 10' is minimum (3/16"). Is 10' for each keg? So to visualize, one 10' line from keg to distributer correct? and this would be duplicated for each keg right?

Here's my cart.
https://www.birdmanbrewing.com/cart.php

I need to add faucets and tail assemblies. Should I go with the all stainless Perlick or something else?
Is there anything else to add besides the co2 tank and kegs?

Thanks
Eddie

 

[noggins]

Here's my cart.
https://www.birdmanbrewing.com/cart.php

That's not how the internet works. Take a screenshot of your cart and post that instead.

 

[atom]

buy used kegs and tanks if you can. most places will fill or swap anything.

maybe 10 kegs...it's hard to say.. are you force carbing or naturally carbing...are you using co2 to flush before filling...i'd really recommend a spare tank.

correct... 10' from faucet to keg.

go with perlick.

 

[wilserbrewer]

I would suggest a full size fridge over a keezer...JMO. 10' of beer line per keg should be plenty, 10' is not the minumum IMO, but a good length to eliminate foaming.

 

[KegHead]

Regulator, manifold, co2 lines, clamps, couplers, beer nuts...etc.

I cant see your cart so im not sure what your actually planning to buy.

And yes, its X' lines for each keg depending on serving pressure and faucet.

 

[firerat]

I would suggest a full size fridge over a keezer...JMO. 10' of beer line per keg should be plenty, 10' is not the minumum IMO, but a good length to eliminate foaming.

Just for sake of conversation, can I ask why?

 

[MrFancyPlants]

A temperature controller is clutch. I got mine for cheap and wired it up myself, but I was working with a $100 craigslist kegerator. I'll hold off on advice on faucets etc since I have limited experience.

 

[Gonefishing]

Just for sake of conversation, can I ask why?

Yeah, me too. Why?

 

[brew703]

buy used kegs and tanks if you can. most places will fill or swap anything.

maybe 10 kegs...it's hard to say.. are you force carbing or naturally carbing...are you using co2 to flush before filling...i'd really recommend a spare tank.

correct... 10' from faucet to keg.

go with perlick.

Probably going to force carb but may also try naturally carbing. I would use co2 to flush so I guess a spare tank is a good idea.

 

[brew703]

That's not how the internet works. Take a screenshot of your cart and post that instead.

didn't really think it mattered but thanks for the insight.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Just for sake of conversation, can I ask why?

I prefer a large refrigerator over a chest freezer for a few reasons:

1. A fridge does not sweat inside and get wet in humid weather, and stays nice and clean. A freezer run at fridge temps sweats inside and gets moldy wet and nasty....this is more prevalent in a humid climate / season. Yes, you can get a dehumidifier unit to install in your keezer, but that requires a maintenance interval, aka another mouth to feed. My keezer, between the condensation / mold, and the few drips of spilled beer would get nasty, and require a good cleaning / bleaching every couple / few months. The fridge stays much cleaner, and requires a 10th the effort to clean periodically.

2. A fridge does not require an external thermostat.

3. A fridge gives you bonus freezer space for hops, ice, etc.

4. It is easier to load kegs into a fridge than a freezer.

5. Easy to install shanks in the fridge door, no collar or tower required. Or one can simply open the door and serve w/ picnic taps.

6. Con - A fridge will not hold as many kegs as a large keezer.

7. Con - A fridge may use more energy.

I've had both, and for my 2-3 keg serving unit, I prefer a fridge over a freezer. I currently have a large fridge w/ bottom freezer. YMMV

 

[jayway]

Great points! I'm with the fridge vote, plus they can look just a nice as a keezer

 

[ericbw]

I have a fridge and it works great. EXCEPT that a 3 tap tower would be really cool looking. But it's in the basement anyway.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Not having to clean out a moldy nasty keezer on a regular basis...priceless

 

[brew703]

Going to keep the fridge in mind. Thanks for the replies.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Plus, used fridges are free or cheap on my local craigslist...seems lots like to replace appliances for cosmetic reason.

 

[jplowe]

what temp controller is best for a Kezzer? I'm getting my Brother in laws freezer and the fiance is letting me keep it in the kitchen. Super awesome. I don't know what kinds work best or if certain freezers need specific controllers. Thanks

 

[brew703]

I have a freezer I use for a ferm chamber and I use a Johnson Controls A419. I also have a ITC 1000 that I had prior to the A419.

 

[brew703]

Plus, used fridges are free or cheap on my local craigslist...seems lots like to replace appliances for cosmetic reason.

Never been fortunate to find a free fridge or freezer on Craigslist or anywhere else.

 

[wilserbrewer]

what temp controller is best for a Kezzer? I'm getting my Brother in laws freezer and the fiance is letting me keep it in the kitchen. Super awesome. I don't know what kinds work best or if certain freezers need specific controllers. Thanks

It may be possible to just adjust the freezer thermostat, there is a popular thread on the forum.

The Stc 1000 and the ranco are options as well.

 

[aprichman]

Great points! I'm with the fridge vote, plus they can look just a nice as a keezer

That's one of the nicest builds I've seen. A kegerator like that might be enough to convince my wife that we should build one