Outdoor Under-counter Kegerator

[rsnewman]

I'm planning an under-counter kegerator build for an outdoor BBQ island. I'm trying to do this on the cheap, so using a standard outdoor fridge instead of a front venting model. I did build the island oversize and installed vents so there's plenty of space for air flow.

The questions I have are particular to the details in going from the fridge to the tower. There isn't much space between the fridge and the underside of the counter. Is it preferred to mount the tower directly above the fridge or offset and bring the plumbing out the side of the fridge? How large should the hole in the countertop be to run the hoses?

 

[MBN]

From what i have read, it seems to get better pours from the tower you want to try and cool it. As far as how to route it you can do whatever you can imagine in keeping with trying to cool the lines to the tap/s. I would be careful going out the side as some refrigerator run the cooling lines through the sides. If you damage them you may break the fridge. A piece of pvc and some foam around the lines with help with heat. Also, both will help protect the lines from the outside of the fridge. Hope I helped a little.

 

[day_trippr]

I recommend the shortest run possible, which means straight up, through the fridge "ceiling" and countertop to your chosen faucet tower.

The countertop hole will be dictated by the tower ID vs mounting flange bolt pattern. Go as large as those dimensions allow so you can fit the lines plus an active tower cooler should it prove necessary (and in all likelihood, it will).

For the fridge top, give thought to how you can keep the lines cool between fridge and tower. I think I'd use a piece of 4" PVC pipe (with flanges at the ends if the run is long enough, otherwise just wedge the short piece of tubing in place) to provide plenty of room to run lines and a 1" ID tube for the tower cooler plus allow for return air. Then I'd insulate the hell out of the PVC plumbing.

In any case, you need to be sure the fridge itself doesn't bring the whole plan to a halt. If you've already bought one of those mini-fridges with a cold plate at the top, you'll need to bend that out of the way without crimping the lines. If you haven't bought the fridge yet, find one with the cold plate at the back...

Cheers!