Is there a way to build a kegerator that can survive outdoors full time?

[DParcade]

I have a small outdoor area that I'd love to have a permanent kegerator, but it is fully outdoors. Does anybody know of a way that a mini fridge could be wrapped, or otherwise protected, to survive outdoors full time? I'm in the southwest, so there's no snow and not much rain throughout the year (though when it rains it'll linger for a week or two at a time). I've got the parts to make a kegerator, but have been a bit stuck on this bit.

 

[Yooper]

If it's not going to be subjected to freezing temperatures, I don't think there is all that much to do to it unless you want to really "pretty it up". You may want some faucet covers, to keep out insects. Shade would be great, to avoid having the fridge running constantly, but you don't have to close it in unless you have neighbors or teens in the neighborhood to put you at risk of negligence.

 

[DParcade]

It'd be tucked behind a shed, so it doesn't need to be pretty. You think if it's given a bit of shade and bug protected that it'd be okay outside? If so that'd be amazing!

 

[SanPancho]

while you may not get snow, you might still have some nearly-freezing air temps. it can mess up the refrigeration. i can never remember why that's so, but it can happen. maybe it applies to bigger, more complicated systems but i know its possible. call up a refrigeration repair company, tell them your plan and just ask, if you're nice people will usually give you the explanation.

--electrical supply- all connections should be outdoor/wet rated
--minimal covering to at least keep compressor compartment from getting wet
--screening the compressor compartment to keep out critters that might want to sleep somewhere warm.

 

[casualbrewer]

Keeping a kegerator out in elements probably won't end well long term unless you can make a nice cover for it. My keezer is outside all year under my carport but it is a bit more of a pain sometimes. Definitely have to have faucet covers and take apart and clean faucets more often. Mold is also a concern due to condensation issues at times but a bleach spray can help. Biggest help for me keeping faucets clean is I keep a spray bottle of star San next to keezer and flush out faucets after every pour. And after that I put covers on which will force some liquid out the front of faucet and I spray that with star San also.

 

[DParcade]

Phenomenal information here, thank you all so much. Going to keep doing some digging, but this has absolutely put me on the right track. I'm going to take your advice SanPancho, hopefully a repair tech has some good info!

 

[John Paul Stoddard]

A Pub Shed

 

[millsbrew]

Any updates?

Edit: also, what’d you do for insulating the liquid lines?

 

[Mic Carp]

I'm curious too. I live in So Cal, have a keezer on 10" pnumatic casters. She's been outside for 4+years and still will freeze my stuff in 2-3 hours if i space out and forget to replace the sensor or something stupid.

 

[LittleRiver]

...--screening the compressor compartment to keep out critters that might want to sleep somewhere warm.

Yep!

I just paid a repair bill for replacing a blown capacitor on my shop A/C unit. A mouse was crawling across the capacitor terminals when he fried himself, taking the capacitor with him into the afterlife.

 

[Dland]

Mice and rats would be my biggest concern. Sometimes they take to chewing wires too, and they would love the insulation. Maybe some fine meshed hardware cloth could be fashioned. Then there is the mud dobbers.

Rodents have killed many a standby generator by chewing and crossing wires.

 

[TallDan]

Maybe too obvious:

https://www.kegerator.com/outdoor-kegerators/

OP didn't really state whether they're looking to build or buy. (yes, thread title is "Is there a way to build..." but that doesn't specify WHO is building it) Sometimes buying something that's actually designed for the task is easier than trying to adapt something that isn't really intended for the purpose.

 

[TallDan]

...and if you are looking to build, any appliance is going to have specs on for it's operating environment.

For example this one:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Maytag-14-8-cu-ft-Chest-Freezer-in-White-MZC31T15DW/205736970
says "Your freezer operates most efficiently when located in an area where the temperature is normally between 32°F (0°C) and 110°F (43°C)."

Beyond that, others covered the insect/rodent/neighbor/children concerns.

 

[passedpawn]

The paint on the freezers is unsuitable. I've kept on in my Florida garage and one on my back patio (not in the rain) for 10 years. The only solution to avoid rust was to sand it down, prime then paint with rustoleum. This worked 100% for me. There will be a vented compressor compartment that you'll want to weather-proof. The starter relay/cap will be in there and won't live through getting soaked while powered. If you ever have rising/standing water, consider that also.

 

[501irishred]

As for operating in cold temps, the viscosity of the oil is really the only concern. These little compressors are tough as nails compared to some of there bigger brothers, but can still succumb if abused in too harsh of conditions. A small heat band could easily be added around the compressor to combat this if need be. Many commercial AC units have heaters that are active anytime the compressor is not energized just to keep the oil preheated.

I built my my collar out of fiberglass to withstand outdoor abuse (camping, tailgates, etc...), however it lives most of its life indoors, so maybe not the ultimate test environment. Still, so far, it’s held up well. https://www.homebrewtalk.com/forum/threads/fiberglass-a-twist-on-an-old-faithful-design.639796/

To bad to OP hasn’t been seen since the the day he/she started this thread a year and a half ago. Guess we may never know the outcome.....