Kegerator Issues

[musicman1789]

I recently bought a "fridge" on craigslist for $50. Yesterday was my first time kegging. Everything went smooth. I set my CO2 at 30 psi and went to leave it overnight. This morning, I went to check on it and everything in the "fridge" was frozen. The keg was rock solid. Turns out the "fridge" I bought on craigslist is actually a freezer.

I'm assuming the beer can be fixed, based on the research I've done. I've turned the freezer off, but left the door closed, allowing it to thaw out a bit. Should I leave the CO2 on or turn it off?

Also, money is kind of tight. Should I buy a temp controller and convert the freezer into a fridge or should I sell the freezer and buy a fridge in it's place? What is a good, cheap temp controller?


So, my main questions are.. What should I do to thaw out my keg and be able to serve? and How do I go about fixing my problem?

 

[shortyjacobs]

Let it thaw slowly. Turn your CO2 down to 12 PSI so it doesn't overcarb as it thaws.

For temp controllers, either follow this guide:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/gu...mostat-32f-eliminate-external-control-249612/

Or buy an ebay aquarium temperature controller:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f51/ebay-aquarium-temp-controller-build-163849/
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Digital-Te...ultDomain_0&hash=item2c5a19c2d2#ht_4651wt_888

If you don't buy the exact one I linked to, make sure the one you get is 4 buttons like the one I linked, and make sure it's 110/120 volt, (not 220/240!).

Or buy a more expensive temp controller.

 

[musicman1789]

Should I release the pressure in the keg or no?

 

[shortyjacobs]

Should I release the pressure in the keg or no?

I would....I never like having a keg with positive pressure compared with the line pressure...can lead to beer backing up into the line if you are unlucky/don't have a check valve.

 

[musicman1789]

Thanks!

So now I'll just let it sit for a week or so at 12 psi in the freezer while it's turned off? (until I get a temp controller)...

 

[shortyjacobs]

Thanks!

So now I'll just let it sit for a week or so at 12 psi in the freezer while it's turned off? (until I get a temp controller)...

Sure won't hurt it.

 

[Nashbrewer]

Upright freezers tend to cost more than fridges and chest freezers, you may be able to sell the freezer for more $ than you paid for it and turn around and get something else.

 

[musicman1789]

Upright freezers tend to cost more than fridges and chest freezers, you may be able to sell the freezer for more $ than you paid for it and turn around and get something else.

Thanks! I'll try that!