Sizing your Chest Freezer for Corny Kegs

[thadius856]

I don't think I want to use picnic type tap's....

They're $4 or so. Pick one up so you can test the force carb keg, or as a spare just in case one of your faucets break.

 

[BadgerBrigade]

They're $4 or so. Pick one up so you can test the force carb keg, or as a spare just in case one of your faucets break.

Good call

 

[thadius856]

I predict that the GE 7.0CF FCM7SUWW is going on sale again next week. Next week for Home Depot starts 01/06/13. Anybody know where I can find the ad ahead of time?

Previous sale dates indicate it may be cyclical:

11/24/12
06/21/12
01/06/12
11/10/11

Crossing fingers. Will try to track one down locally tomorrow at Home Depot. That way, if it does go on sale, I can just get the difference credited back.

 

[BadgerBrigade]

I predict that the GE 7.0CF FCM7SUWW is going on sale again next week. Next week for Home Depot starts 01/06/13. Anybody know where I can find the ad ahead of time?

Previous sale dates indicate it may be cyclical:

11/24/12
06/21/12
01/06/12
11/10/11

Crossing fingers. Will try to track one down locally tomorrow at Home Depot. That way, if it does go on sale, I can just get the difference credited back.

When I went to Home Depot that model was $220..... I think I saw it at Home Depot Online for $189...
But I ended up going to Walmart, and got it for $139. Maybe it will be that price on their website as well?
I dont like Walmart but at almost $80 difference I just couldn't resist, And the money I saved will allow me to have all Perlick taps

 

[limulus]

Here comes a long response. The short answer is you can do it however you want.

You do not need a separate tank to force carbonate (speed up the natural carbonation process). It's just a pain in the ass, unless you make some concessions. Force carbing requires you to up the target keg to 30 psi, then ramp it down. To do this, you need some way to prevent from giving the serving kegs 30 psi.

The cheapest way to force carb on the same tank as serving kegs is to disconnect them. You can still get some pours off before the pressure drops in the serving keg, at which point you could disconnect the force carb keg and reconnect the serving keg to goose their pressure. Repeat as needed. Personally, that's the type of inconvenience I wanted to avoid by building a keezer.

Stepping up in price, if you have a manifold or distributor with shutoff valves, you can just shut off the valves instead of disconnecting kegs. This is easier, but still, not ideal. If you have a party, you'd have to man the CO2 tank.

Continuing up, the next option would be a dual-body primary. This is a primary on the CO2 tank that has two separate pressures and out ports. I went with this setup. I'm going to run the 1st primary to my force carbing keg at 30 PSI. The 2nd primary will be set to much lower serving pressures and connected to a distributor that feeds the serving kegs.

Another step up is to buy a secondary for each keg so you can dial in exactly what pressure they should get. This is probably the most expensive option, but gives the most flexibility. A 4-port secondary array will set you back $200, about the same price as the freezer.

The last option is to run two tanks, one for the serving kegs and one for the force carbing keg. If bought at the right price, a 2nd tank and 2nd primary isn't all that expensive. And it allows you to screw up and empty your CO2 tank while having a spare leftover. Note that this option takes up a bit more real estate in the keezer; you won't be able to fit 5 kegs in the GE 7.0 CF if you put a 2nd CO2 tank inside.

I bought a spare 5# tank because I live 45 minutes from the preferred tank filler, but it's on the way to work. I don't want to have to make an extra trip that far if I don't have to. Indeed, if I avoid 3 unnecessary trips, that pays for the spare tank in fuel savings. Mine won't be stored in the keezer.

I have a two-gauge regulator with wye connectors. I'm going to add one of these to the system so I can control the pressure in each keg.
http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=609

 

[thadius856]

I have a two-gauge regulator with wye connectors. I'm going to add one of these to the system so I can control the pressure in each keg.
http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=609

Very valid setup. I hadn't written up that option because he'll eventually want something like you're planning to get, which may end up being a washer after separate shipping and the cost of the parts he's no longer using.

 

[thadius856]

When I went to Home Depot that model was $220..... I think I saw it at Home Depot Online for $189...
But I ended up going to Walmart, and got it for $139. Maybe it will be that price on their website as well?
I dont like Walmart but at almost $80 difference I just couldn't resist, And the money I saved will allow me to have all Perlick taps

Walmart doesn't list any GE chest freezers on their website.

Can you confirm it's the 7.0 CF model? That's a really big price difference. Sounds like you picked up the 5.0 CF model.

 

[BadgerBrigade]

Walmart doesn't list any GE chest freezers on their website.

Can you confirm it's the 7.0 CF model? That's a really big price difference. Sounds like you picked up the 5.0 CF model.

I guarantee you it is 7 cubic model...
Call want Walmart in Marina California.. (831)883-9138
Model FCM7SU (WW)

I called Home Depot and they had the very exact model for $220 in the store... But I am pretty sure I saw the same model on their website for $189
But before I ordered, just for the hell of it, I called Walmart and target to see if they had chest freezers... Target had nine but when I called Walmart the girl told me it was a seven cubic and then she told me the price and I just about choked... I had her reread me the model number about three or four times, Then I took her name down and said I was coming there in an hour and I hoped she was correct.... When I got there I confirm the model number on the side of the box and then pulled out my trusty iPhone to do a little further research to make sure I was not getting something different.

GE makes two different 7 cubic models...
The FCM7SUWW
AND THE FCM7DUWW
I don't quite know the difference between these two, I think it has to do with defrost, but both say they have manual defrost....

P.s. Walmart also had a pretty good deals on Black & Decker 7 cu ft models

 

[BadgerBrigade]

I guess the FCM7DUWW Model has a drain pan and the locking lid... Seems to be the only difference.

 

[thadius856]

I guess the FCM7DUWW Model has a drain pan and the locking lid... Seems to be the only difference.

It has a larger hump. Owners of it say that you cannot get 4 kegs on the floor, as I presume you can't fit two poly buckets on the floor either, making it less desirable as a fementation chamber. Other than the Igloo FRF472 (Best Buy), it's the only 7 CF model that cannot get 4 ball locks on the floor.

It's the "Sam's Club" model. I'm surprised they're selling it at Walmart now; but then again, I'm not, consider they have the same parent company. I'd expect at the lower price point that it's made to a lower mechanical specification, but I'm unable to confirm that.

 

[BadgerBrigade]

All I know is that's a a great price considering the only 7 cu ft chest freezers at the other stores around started at around $200 and on Craigslist people were asking $100 for used ones. I'm happy with mine

 

[BadgerBrigade]

And Thadius, Your CAD images helped me so much dude, I really appreciate it! I had to return a pin lock yesterday and I ordered four ball locks..

 

[limulus]

All I know is that's a a great price considering the only 7 cu ft chest freezers at the other stores around started at around $200 and on Craigslist people were asking $100 for used ones. I'm happy with mine

Maybe Home Depot will have another Magic Chef Special Buy. It is pretty lightweight and I lifted the thing into and out of the back of my Tahoe. I think it weighs about 75lbs. But, for $!58, I'm satisfied. I did not even flinch when I had to cut holes into the top. I figure for $158, it is a disposable freezer... I just hope it is not a total turd.

 

[2BeerSpeer]

Is there a CAD drawing for the inside of a 19.8 cu ft Kenmore elite...I have a new one and would like to see the options.

 

[thadius856]

Is there a CAD drawing for the inside of a 19.8 cu ft Kenmore elite...I have a new one and would like to see the options.

Not yet. But I'm pretty bored right now and can make one up. Here's what I need to make you one:

Model number
Interior Width
Interior Depth
Interior Height to lid
Which side the hump is on
Hump Width
Hump Height, or Height from top of hump to lid

Any specific layouts you'd like to see? You can cram a whole lot in a 20 CF freezer.

 

[thadius856]

All I know is that's a a great price considering the only 7 cu ft chest freezers at the other stores around started at around $200 and on Craigslist people were asking $100 for used ones. I'm happy with mine

I wish you the best of luck.

The extra money was worth it for me to have the peace of mind that it's probably less likely to die and screw up 5 fermentations on me. Think of the cost of ingredients alone in 5 fermentations.

 

[passedpawn]

Just an FYI, I bought the Magic Chef 7 around Thanksgiving and put my Kill-a-Watt on it.

It has cost me about $1.15 for the month of december to run. That is with a cost of power of $0.10 / kWh. The average temp was about 65F (it's on my back patio). I keep it at about 35 internally. Also, I have 4 kegs, a CO2 tank, and an uninsulated 6" collar.

I suspect that cost will go up in the summer heat.

 

[2BeerSpeer]

Not yet. But I'm pretty bored right now and can make one up. Here's what I need to make you one:

Model number
Interior Width
Interior Depth
Interior Height to lid
Which side the hump is on
Hump Width
Hump Height, or Height from top of hump to lid

Any specific layouts you'd like to see? You can cram a whole lot in a 20 CF freezer.

Sent a pm....here's a pic

 

[limulus]

2BeerSpeer, that is one big keezer! Too bad you had to deface it and the room with those dookie stickers.

 

[2BeerSpeer]

2BeerSpeer, that is one big keezer! Too bad you had to deface it and the room with those dookie stickers.

Ha! Be nice....Yooper said the same thing. Trying to figure out how to add 2013 to that banner

 

[limulus]

Ha! Be nice....Yooper said the same thing. Trying to figure out how to add 2013 to that banner

It could be the year for Dook and Coach Krewsaweski. My names for him used to be waaay more suitable for censorship. But, I have mellowed

 

[2BeerSpeer]

Thanks, and it looks like your guys should do pretty good in the NIT this year...

 

[limulus]

Thanks, and it looks like your guys should do pretty good in the NIT this year...

Challenge accepted! We now return to brewing related material. By the way, you mentioned yooper in an earlier post. I believe there is a little town up in the U.P. named Chapel Hill and everything is Carolina Blue. I passed through there back in 1985/86.

 

[thadius856]

The Kenmore 14.8cf model 16542 just went on sale today at Sears. Normally $424, it's now on sale and $326 with coupon code SEARS35OFF300AFFILIATEDEALS. Local pickup is free.

15cf-class models typically sell for $440-495 new. This one does have a lighted lid, but I personally do not like but some may. Sears website will tell you if you qualify for any local rebates.

 

[D_Nyholm]

The Kenmore 14.8cf model 16542 just went on sale today at Sears. Normally $424, it's now on sale and $326 with coupon code SEARS35OFF300AFFILIATEDEALS. Local pickup is free.

15cf-class models typically sell for $440-495 new. This one does have a lighted lid, but I personally do not like but some may. Sears website will tell you if you qualify for any local rebates.

That is a great price, home depot had the ge 14.8 for $299 at one point last year. I waited and waited for it to drop back down but it never did. Wish I could have bought this one but I am currently building a 7 cu ft right now and plan to get another 7 cu ft for fermentation. 2 7 cu ft freezers cost about the same as one 14.8 model so I decided to go that route.

 

[jOitheboat]

Professional Series 7 cu ft from Menards. $170 on sale. 3 kegs and extra room with no collar.

Ps72731 model number.

 

[Yesfan]

Thadius,

If I could like all your posts at once, I would but I thought a personal "shout out" was more appropriate. I really appreciate you posting all this info on these freezers. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that. Thanks man!


Does anyone know if the hump in the Magic Chef HMCF7W goes all the way front to back like other freezers or is it just in the rear corner like the Maytag 14.8CF Thanks.

 

[passedpawn]

Thadius,

If I could like all your posts at once, I would but I thought a personal "shout out" was more appropriate. I really appreciate you posting all this info on these freezers. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that. Thanks man!


Does anyone know if the hump in the Magic Chef HMCF7W goes all the way front to back like other freezers or is it just in the rear corner like the Maytag 14.8CF Thanks.

All the way, front to back.

 

[Yesfan]

All the way, front to back.

Ok, thanks. I was hoping it was like the Maytags with just a corner hump.

 

[thadius856]

Thadius,

If I could like all your posts at once, I would but I thought a personal "shout out" was more appropriate. I really appreciate you posting all this info on these freezers. I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that. Thanks man!


Does anyone know if the hump in the Magic Chef HMCF7W goes all the way front to back like other freezers or is it just in the rear corner like the Maytag 14.8CF Thanks.

Thanks! I appreciate this.

Unfortunately, this thread's getting a bit too jumbled up and disorganized to keep a ton of my drawings. I'm only addiing to the chaos.

I'll be removing my posts and images from this thread in a few minutes. I've made a comprehensive thread for the drawings, where I can control the formatting and layout a bit better. Check it out:

[thread=377518]Chest Freezer Spec Sheets and Layout Drawings[/thread]

I don't want to take away from the discussion here, so I'll try to keep my thread as on-point as possible.