Should I Buy this used Keezer?

[Foureyes2020]

Currently I bottle my home brew but found this online today. Listed for $200. Says it includes everything.

What should I asked before purchasing ?
Is this a fair price ?

 

[OG-wan Kenobi]

clearly a faucet and handle are missing

if it has the co2 tank and regulator it's fair kegs included is even better


ask if it works and if the co2 tank and regulator are included, ask about the missing faucet and tap handle and ask why they are selling it also ask if it has any leaks as well

 

[don_bran321]

Worth it if it works. You can always make it more presentable.

 

[mongoose33]

A 2-gauge regulator is worth, new, about $50. Used corny kegs, if ball-lock, are worth about $50 each. A CO2 tank is worth anywhere from $40-100 depending on capacity (5# to 20#). A further issue with a CO2 tank is they need to be recertified every 5 years; if you can swap it for a filled one at a LHBS that may not matter. My LHBS swaps 5# CO2 tanks for $20.

The faucet is probably worth $25-35. The freezer is probably worth $50-80, give or take. The advantage is the collar is already built.

So, if you have a 2-gauge regulator, 5# tank, plus freezer, plus one faucet, you're just about at the $200. If it includes lines and kegs, it's a deal.

Assuming it all works, of course.

And find out where the second faucet is.

 

[Foureyes2020]

Wow, thanks guys

 

[microbusbrewery]

I realized this post is a couple weeks old, so you may have already pulled the trigger, but one more thing to consider is the age of the freezer. Real old freezers are built like tanks and will likely last a long time. Newer residential freezers are not built to last and will almost always cost more to repair than replace (engineered obsolescence). So it doesn't hurt to look at the manufacturer date on a used freezer.

Mine just died on me...I think it was made in '99, so it had a really good run. For ***** and giggles, I looked up the cost of a replacement compressor; $450. The startup relay isn't even made anymore, but the last price I was able to find for it was $125. This was a 7.1 CF keezer and you can find brand new ones in the $200-300 price range.

 

[VirginiaHops1]

I bought a brand new 6.9 cf on sale at Home Depot for $170 earlier this year. If you keep an eye on sales you can get a new one for pretty cheap. But they are total junk now. I bought an old used, smaller one on craigslist for $25 and it feels 3x as heavy and much more sturdy.

 

[AJinJacksonville]

Agreed with microbus and VAHops...all the equipment could make it a great value, but how old is the unit and where did he/she keep it? Also, how does the inside look (rust, mildew/mold, etc.)? Also, are they the first owner or did they purchase it used? Temperature control included?

Lots of variables. Either way, good luck and make it or a new one built to your specifications built to your demands.

Cheers!

 

[Foureyes2020]

I end up pulling the trigger and getting it. Got it home and seems to be working great. I have a batch brewing right now that will be my first keg. Wish me luck. I’m sure I’m going to have many more questions in the coming weeks.

 

[AJinJacksonville]

Congrats! It's tempting to keg every batch after you get into that from bottling time after time...haha. Cheers!