My kegerator is dying!

[Yooper]

My kegerator is running like crazy, but not getting below 50 degrees. It's an old apartment sized fridge that really was great for quite a while.

But the idea of getting another fridge and drilling holes, etc, just makes me feel a bit overwhelmed. I'll be drowning my sorrows tonight with slightly warm beer. So, in homage to the dying kegerator, I repost this photo:

 

[Bopper]

Ohh man! Sorry to hear of your loss Yooper!

 

[nealf]

Are you considering going to a keezer? There is nothing wrong with having 8 beers on tap...

 

[Joker]

Not sure how old yours is or how long you have had it but this is a major part of the reason I went with a new keezer instead of an old kegerator. Although the old fridge has the nostalgia look going for it I was afraid of having one die and figured that are less efficient also.

 

[eriktlupus]

i have a friend who works at the local menard's, home improvement store, who is keeping an eye out for a used 3/4 fridge like that. they do install and removal of old appliances and put them up for sale for anywhere from $9-$69 bones. just have to beat the used appliance stores to the deals.

 

[the_bird]

This just means that you're serving at cellar temp, which is how beer SHOULD be served!

At least you've got basically all the pieces to build a new one. If I were re-doing my kegerator, I'd probably make a keezer; cheaper, more room, and I *think* more energy-efficient.

 

[Yooper]

I don't know what I'm going to do for a replacement. I love the 3/4 size fridge- it's easy for me to change kegs and the size fits nicely in the home office. I'll probably stick with a fridge, just because it's easier for me to change kegs without bending down into a keezer. I'm a weakling, and I'm old besides.

 

[the_bird]

When I built mine, I went with a new fridge/freezer (I know spending more money than I needed to). Only like $350 for a very model, but free delivery (I don't have a pickup, and it needed to make its way into the basement). Full-size, but barely (something like 18 or 19cuFt). JUST big enough for five kegs (four taps, though), but it is nice having the functional freezer for hops, etc. (and just more freezer space).

 

[Yooper]

When I built mine, I went with a new fridge/freezer (I know spending more money than I needed to). Only like $350 for a very model, but free delivery (I don't have a pickup, and it needed to make its way into the basement). Full-size, but barely (something like 18 or 19cuFt). JUST big enough for five kegs (four taps, though), but it is nice having the functional freezer for hops, etc. (and just more freezer space).

Well, I will be looking for a used fridge. No way can I get a new one right now- we've had car repairs, bought a new car, college tuition is due in 2 weeks, etc. I'd much rather get a new one, of course- then I wouldn't have this problem with an old one dying on me.

If I can find one for < $50, I'll be back in business.

On a side note, I apparently had a leak overnight, too, and now I'm out of gas. So, I have semi-cool beer but it's all on the flat side and no way to push it out anyway! ARGGGGHHHH!

 

[BrothersBrewing]

craigslist

 

[Rhoobarb]

craigslist

FTW! I got my freezer for my keezer that way. $75.00 and the thing was like brand new. Makes next to no noise.

I understand your concern with a freezer and lifting the kegs in and out, though. I suggest looking for an upright freezer on CL. All the benefits of a keezer with the convenience of a fridge. May take you longer to find one, but probably worth it.

 

[Mainebrew]

Yoop, if you know anyone if the hvac trade they might just throw a charge in the there, the compressor probably is low on refridgerant. If I lived closer I'd help a sister out!!!

 

[Yooper]

craigslist

Craigslist? You guys crack me up. There is a Craigslist that covers the whole UP, and even then only 2 people post on it. Green Bay has an active Craigslist, but if I'm going to spend $100 on gas, I might as well buy a new fridge.

Yoop, if you know anyone if the hvac trade they might just throw a charge in the there, the compressor probably is low on refridgerant. If I lived closer I'd help a sister out!!!

That's what I was just saying to Bob. I wish I had a friend/relative/neighbor who could do it. The problem would be getting someone to do it cost effectively for us.

 

[BrothersBrewing]

i didnt look at your location...

 

[jerryodom]

No craigslist??? Darn Yooper time to get out of BFE.

 

[Baldy_Beer_Brewery]

But the idea of getting another fridge and drilling holes, etc, just makes me feel a bit overwhelmed.

Make the guy drawing that beer do it.

 

[Hambone]

My condolences go out to you Yoop. I'll raise a glass for you and your fridge.

 

[Yooper]

Make the guy drawing that beer do it.

Well, he's a beer lover, but he's not mechanically inclined.

Well, we don't have Craigslist. But, we do have "Telephone Time". (Listen live to WIKB.com from 9 CDT to noon to see what I mean). There's all kinds of random stuff on there. So, yesterday, I sent an email asking for a cheap fridge. I got a call from a guy with a newer full sized fridge for $50. So I bought it.

I left it in my truck, and took a ride up north to my buddy's house. He's the guy I know with all the tools. I grabbed the faucets and drip trays, and one co2 tank (the other is at my cottage) and 4 kegs. In a little while, I'm building a kegerator.

The only problem is that I haven't seen him in about 4 months, so we stayed up until 4 AM talking. We're both having coffee now, and then we've got to get to work. I pulled my truck into one of his bigger garages, so we could just leave the fridge in the back in case it rained. (He has at least 5 garages- one for his big boat and one for his plane).

Anyway, I think I'll be back in business (except with no co2) later today!

 

[Homercidal]

Awsum! Did you check to see if the old fridge had a buildup on the coils or the fan was stuck or something? Someone told me to ask. That can sometimes make them run more and less efficient.

 

[GilaMinumBeer]

This is just not your month for electronics.

Glad you got a replacement to get up and running again.

 

[Yooper]

Awsum! Did you check to see if the old fridge had a buildup on the coils or the fan was stuck or something? Someone told me to ask. That can sometimes make them run more and less efficient.

This is just not your month for electronics.

Glad you got a replacement to get up and running again.

I did. There wasn't any kind of dust, and the fan ran when it was on. The compresser was hotter than hell.

Anyway, here's the "new" one:


I'm still wearing the clothes I wore to bed last night, but the kegerator is in its new home in my office. It still only has three taps, but it easy holds four-five kegs and the co2 tank. Now, I have to wait and get some co2 in the 10# tank, but I have quite a bit in the 5# tank. Hopefully, I'll be in business for a while!

 

[eschatz]

Nice Job Yoop!!! Now you'll be able to cold crash your beers before you put them on tap!


Grand Theft Auto San Andreas FTW! :rockin:

 

[Yooper]

Nice Job Yoop!!! Now you'll be able to cold crash your beers before you put them on tap!


Grand Theft Auto San Andreas FTW! :rockin:

LOL- those are my son's "old" PS2 games. He just bought a new XBOX 360, so he's selling those games. Interested?

Oh, yeah, and if you look up above my copy machine, that's a signed Gretzky photo that says, "To Lorena, Your Friend, Wayne Gretzky 99". Korndog had him sign that for me!!!!!!!!

 

[the_bird]

Woot! Looks like a win all around, Yoops! Good thing your kegerator died!

 

[jaynik]

Wow, so you have nice new kegerator AND a SIGNED Gretzky poster! Is that the Kings period?