Kegerator build

[KDBrewer]

I'm researching on building a kegerator and can't seem to find any info on what size mini fridge will fit 3 corny kegs.
I found this fridge at a decent price. It's 4.4 cubic feet. Will this hold three kegs and a 5lb co2 tank? I'd like to have a three tap tower on this kegerator.

http://m.bestbuy.com/m/e/product/detail.jsp?skuId=4580049&pid=1218492334865#


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[KDBrewer]

It would cost around $460 to build. I can buy a haier two tap for around $550. Would it be worth it to just purchase the haier already made?


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[Topher79]

I had a Haier single tap with a stainless steel front. They aren't bad kegerators, and mine even faired well in the garage in the hot GA summer. These lil' puppies can hold (3) of the standard ball lock kegs (not ball lock converted) with the Co2 tank on the hump. I was only able to fit (2) pin or ball lock converted kegs (shorter and fatter) with the tank on the hump. Soooooo.....all depending on your keg type this might be ideal for you. If you plan on going with three taps, you can do the add-a-tap deal to the top of the tower, or sell your 2 tap tower on here after you buy a three tap tower. The thing with the tower setups is that the first pour is usually really foamy, but there are several threads on how to install a computer fan to solve that issue on the forum.

Building a kegerator vs. buying one is your call. I guess it all depends if you like building things and waiting for the build to be finished before you can keg, or having one delivered, plug it in, and go to kegging right away. It also depends on if you have to build a collar, have the tools, and the know-how. With the build route there is also the "I made this" cool factor, lol. I recently sold my $75 Haier CL find after I found a 1969 Bev-Air commercial on CL for $315 delivered, and spent 5 weeks refurbishing/polishing/painting. So, there's another option. See what CL has to offer and get one on the cheap.

 

[KDBrewer]

Thanks for all the advice. I do like to build things. I've built most of my brewing equipment so far but just buying one outright just seems like a better deal.


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[Topher79]

I'm a fan of building anything, and working with my hands in general. Buying one outright is a good option, and puts you into kegging right away, without waiting on a build to finish. You can also be on the hunt for bargains on this site, CL, and ebay for parts/components to build a bigger kegerator/keezer. The last bit of advice I have about the Haier is that they don't auto defrost, and the cold plate eventually gets covered in ice. A manual defrost for an hour or so does the trick.

Good luck and post us some pics of whatever you buy/make!

 

[KDBrewer]

The only thing better than building it is showing it off! Thanks for the good advice.


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[Yesfan]

One thing to consider is space whether you buy or build. I made mine using a chest freezer. It is a four tapper and unfortunately I have just enough room for three 5 gallon ball locks and a 2.5 gallon ball lock on the hump. I hate not having space for a new keg to sit and condition while I'm still working on the older kegs.

 

[KDBrewer]

I've considered that. I'm in college so I don't brew all that much. Maybe a batch per month. By the time I have a batch ready to bottle or keg my last batch is almost gone. I figure space for three kegs should be plenty.


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