help with direction for a newbie

[jcalisi]

So after bottling my first batch last night I have decided that pretty much sucks... and wanted to hear from you on the pro's and con's of either going the Kegerator or Keezer route. I want to start ordering parts and hunting craigslist soon because I just put another batch in the primary fermentor this afternoon and like to have it on tap.

 

[Shonuff]

Kegging rules. There are a couple setbacks. The first being the intial cost to start kegging. The second is your beer isn't as portable (it's hard to take a six pack somewhere unless you have a beer gun or a similar contraption). I did buy a keg glove though and this is perfect to take an entire keg to a party.

The pros is that you are not washing 5,334 bottles all the time.

If you truely love brewing and see yourself brewing a lot I would highly suggest going into kegging.

 

[jcalisi]

Thanks for the feed back.
I would want to get something to allow me the ability to fill bottles when I needed to.

I guess my real question is why would I want to use a refrigerator over a freezer or use a freezer over a refrigerator? I can see a problem lifting kegs out of a chest freezer or it would be cheaper to use a refrigerator since you don't need to purchase a temp controller.

Just wanted to hear from folks why they chose what to use?

 

[Baumgartner]

Imo The fairest price is always a good option. If you could get one over the other for significantly less go for it. Unless you don't like it. It is a matter of how many kegs,faucets, and space.

 

[ombre42]

Thanks for the feed back.
I would want to get something to allow me the ability to fill bottles when I needed to.

I guess my real question is why would I want to use a refrigerator over a freezer or use a freezer over a refrigerator? I can see a problem lifting kegs out of a chest freezer or it would be cheaper to use a refrigerator since you don't need to purchase a temp controller.

Just wanted to hear from folks why they chose what to use?

to bottle from keg see this thread:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/we-no-need-no-stinking-beer-gun-24678/
as for keezer vs fridge it depends on what your needs/wants are
even if you use a fridge I would suggest using an external thermostat
I use a keezer and moving full kegs into it is not that bad for an average adult. You don't have to do it often.

 

[jcalisi]

thanks for the info. I think I'm sold on the Keezer over the others. I like the collar style since you don't have to drill holes in the freezer itself. At this point I'm shooting for a 3 tap system.

Would it be better to buy a kit or just buy the parts piece at a time. I do want to use good stuff opposed to something I will have to replace in a year or so.

Prior to having a keezer I'm in pretty good shape... so lifting the kegs in and out shouldn't be a problem.

 

[MoRoToRiUm]

The basic kits you can get cheaper as far as gas hook ups regulators and such (Still recommend dual gauge reg, and distribution manifold if you are going keezer). The typical disadvantage of kits are CHEAP FAUCETS! Go with perlicks- you won't regret it! I pieced mine together and got some really good deals, so it can be done- I still had to upgrade my faucets after a couple months to perlicks (didn't like the stickies). Happy brewing! Get ready to ramp it up once you start kegging (and get more kegs) !

 

[jcalisi]

thanks again for the info. I think I already have the brewing bug. I'm still not confident enough to go the all grain route but as I get a better feel I'll ramp it up.

 

[wilserbrewer]

Just so you know, you can set up a basic kegging system and expand as your desire grows. Simple picnic taps work well and are very inexpensive. You will have to open the freezer / fridge to tap a draft, but you can get started for less money and labor, not having to build a collar and purchase shanks and taps.