Kegerator Dilemma

[FNDelta]

I have been going back and forth on what type of kegerator i should build/buy. I have scoured the forums for answers and have a final few questions. Here is a little background info, i have somewhat tight quarters to work in.(its an apartment) roughly 30inch w by 24 inches d. The height doesn't matter though.

First thought was look at the pre-built ones(Haier, Sanyo/summit, Danby)

Pros: Fit the space perfectly, allow 1/2 barrel and i could expand the taps to work with 2 1/6s

Cons: Cooling issues, high failure rate, the parts aren't always the best quality, most need modification, expensive the summit/sanyo is going for just under 700 before shipping(thats only 300 less than a bev air) plus if i want to double tap, i need to replace some parts.

Second thought, build my own using either a collar or tower,

Pros: Guaranteed to stay cold, energy efficient, cheaper, better parts(most customizable) i can reuse parts, i already have a co2 tank i can use

Cons: Given space requirements, a 1/2 barrel will not work? Could i even fit two 1/6s in a 5.x freezer? That is with out putting one on the hump and building a 8inch collar.

Final Thoughts:
Which route would you go?
Additionally, what chest freezer with my dimensions would fit two 1/6s?
What if i only wanted 1 1/6? What would be the smallest i could go?

Thanks!

 

[37OliveStBrews]

I am very interested to hear what people say. I am in your same boat. I want to build/buy a kegerator but for the build don't know where to start. I am unsure of what model refrigerator will be best. All see to have freezer compartments. The kegerators off the shelf are of suspect quality based on reviews I have read on the web. I too want a dual faucet and I am completely capable of doing the build if I knew which refrigerator to purchase.

 

[mosquitocontrol]

If you want to fit a halfbarrel, your only options are:

- chest freezer
- full size fridge
- storebought kegerator.

Standard mini fridges will not fit a 1/2 barrel because of the compressor hump. Take a look at the sizing chest freezer thread to find the interior dimensions of standard model chest freezers to find one which will fit a 1/2 barrel without the hump. Looking quickly I think the smallest freezer that will safely fit a 1/2 is the Magic Chef 7.2cf freezer (since diameter 16.5" or slightly less then 2 cornies).

See thread here: https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/sizing-your-chest-freezer-corny-kegs-75449/
See standard keg sizes here: http://www.micromatic.com/beer-questions/sizes-keg-draft-beer-available-aid-11.html

When talking about fitting two 1/6 barrels in a mini fridge it MIGHT be possible but I think they will be a hair too big. Typically you can fit two corny kegs exactly into the larger ones. 1/6th kegs are slightly wider in diameter then cornys so I doubt you will be able to fit two in most mini fridges that people are converting. I know my 4cf has two cornies with not even a quarter inch to spare.

 

[daugenet]

read this thread....i didnt check the dimensions but it has a pretty good write up and LOTS of people converted it

 

[daugenet]

oops didnt read the half barrel portion...

 

[FNDelta]

Thanks for the quick replies! I might of mispoke in my first post but hopefully it has helped out mosquito. I would be building a keezer not a kegerator. (Chest freezer conversion) I would imagine a "dorm" fridge would have the same problems that the prebuilt kegerators would have.

I have looked at the Cornelius keg sizing thread and it provided a lot of useful information. The only problem is a Cornie is smaller than a 6th, right? So I don't know if it would work. I think a half barrel is out of question...for a 5.x freezer....so the question is, can I do the 2 1/6s or should I go for something that only does 1, that is even smaller in size?

Thanks again!

 

[mosquitocontrol]

Any chest freezer that can fit four cornies in a square on the floor will fit a half barrel. Just like the model I pointed out.

If you looked at the keg sizing chart I pointed you towards. A 1/6 keg is only about an inch larger in diameter then standard ball lock cornies (the circles in the freezer thread). So as long as you don't pick one of the chest freezers where the circles are all touching, you will be fine.

Also, 7cf freezers aren't as large as you think. So if you really would like the half barrel option I would suggest this versus a 5cf. 7cubic feet are approximately 35" wide, and 24" deep which seems to be within reason from the dimensions you gave.

 

[FNDelta]

Any chest freezer that can fit four cornies in a square on the floor will fit a half barrel. Just like the model I pointed out.

If you looked at the keg sizing chart I pointed you towards. A 1/6 keg is only about an inch larger in diameter then standard ball lock cornies (the circles in the freezer thread). So as long as you don't pick one of the chest freezers where the circles are all touching, you will be fine.

Also, 7cf freezers aren't as large as you think. So if you really would like the half barrel option I would suggest this versus a 5cf. 7cubic feet are approximately 35" wide, and 24" deep which seems to be within reason from the dimensions you gave.

I looked over the chart, and have pretty much given up on having a 1/2 barrel. Lets throw that out until i get a bigger apartment. I would definitely get a 7.x if i could fit it. I included some pictures to help you understand my dilemma better. The first picture is of the layout, with the dimensions(the 7.x wont fit =/ ) Also the blueprints are mirrored..

The next is an actual picture of the corner

My thought now it to just get 2 1/6s into a 5.x cu chest freezer. And looking at the picture from the thread you suggested, the only 5.x freezer that is still in production is the GE. http://www.krach.org/Homebrew/ChestFreezer-GE-5.0.jpg If the discs are in fact 9 inches than it would appear if they were 9.25 they would fit..... but i am worried.

My current calculations suggest that if the 1/6 barrel is 9.25 inches than i will need roughly 15.45 inches squared on the floor of freezer. And unfortunately, the one (new holiday from Lowes) measured at just around 15... PS it is apparently a Haier in disguise, model #lvm050lc

And that is where my confusion is

Again i really appreciate your patience mosquito and assistance thus far

 

[daugenet]

I dont know how open you are to the idea but you could put in a 1/6 barrel and 2 cornys in there. (3 and 5 gal)

Buy 2 1/6 barrels and take one of them and transfer it into the two cornys. It is not ideal but should work.

I believe this is correct but i rushed to look since i am getting ready to go home!