So You Want to Build a Kegerator - A Handy Pamphlet

[olllllo]

I am going to post my thoughts on kegerator solutions.
If you have feedback, corrections or clarifications, identfy the solution clearly and add your notes. I'll add them to the appropriate post at the top. In many cases, I'm just speculating or placeholding.
Eventually we'll have enough info to move this process to the wiki.
I was reluctant to identify the HBT Guru/Writeup person because I dont want to have you get innundated with PMs.
If you want to be identified, please let me know.
Format -
Type
Typical Model:
Typical Capacity:
Cost:
This kegerator is for you if:
This kegerator is not your best choice if:
Notes:
Links:
Pics:
HBT Guru/Writeup:

Outstanding- still need to add The Coldbox and The Walk-In.

 

[olllllo]

The DIY Sanyo
The popular DIY solution
Typical Model: Sanyo 4912
Typical Capacity: 2 cornies; 2 1/6 kegs?

Cost: $149 - $199.
Still need to buy tank, reg, manifold, faucet(s), tower, fittings, hoses.

This kegerator is for you if :

• You are handy and unafraid to risk making a $199 paper weight.
• Making stuff is part of why you love this hobby.
• You are pressed for space or have a small footprint requirement.
• You have have a smaller budget (and want to throw money at it over time).
• You need a presentable unit for SWMBO signoff.
• It needs to have some mobility.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You have broken stuff before.
• Your competence has been questioned and if you blow this, SWMBO will cut your hobby budget.
• You require more than 2 taps.
• You want to store bottled beers as well or use it to ferment/lager on occasion.
• You have more money than time.
• You need results NOW dammit.
• This unit will go in a garage or other extreme environment. It has a small compressor and if you have that kind of room, go big!

Notes:
Applies to the Sanyo 4910,11,12.
Almost all other Sanyo models have a freezer tray including those currently being sold at HD, Lowes and Costco.
The freezer tray makes it difficult to use these models without the risk of permanently damaging the freon line and effectively making it a paperweight.

Links:Sanyo 4912 at Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7046118&st=sanyo+4912&type=product&id=1099397015586
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19762
http://community.livejournal.com/homebrewing/413981.html
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=19596

 

[olllllo]

The Consumer Kegerator
Easily tweekable for more capacity
Typical Model: Danby, Haier, Sanyo
Typical Capacity: 1 commerical 1/2 barrel; 3 corny kegs. 4 on some models.

Cost: $500 - $700
Typically comes with tank, reg, hoses, tower and one faucet.
If more than 1 faucet is desired, the tower must be upgraded, manifold employed.
Commercial fittings need to be replaced with corny fittings.

This kegerator is for you if:

• You have more money than time. Results NOW dammit.
• 2 is clearly not enough!
• You want to possibly store some bottled beers as well or use it to ferment lager on occasion.
• You need a presentable unit for SWMBO signoff.
• You are pressed for space or have a small footprint requirement.
• It needs to have some mobility. Often these have wheels.
• Generally quieter than it's commercial brethren.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• The unit will go in a garage or other extreme environment.
• 4 taps will convince your SWMBO that you need 12 step type of help.
• Space is a consideration as it's a little larger then the Sanyo.

Notes:
Links:
Danby at Best Buy http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8193527&st=danby&type=product&id=1164157296116
Sanyo at Costco http://www.costco.com/Browse/Produc...=1&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[olllllo]

The Commercial Grade Kegerator
Pretend you own a bar!
Typical Model: True, Beverage-Air
Typical Capacity: 1 commerical 1/2 barrel; 4 cony kegs.
Caution - some older models do not have the headroom to support cornies without considerable (potentially damaging) modification.

Cost: $1000 plus
Typically comes with tank, reg, hoses, tower and one faucet.
If more than 1 faucet is desired, the tower must be upgraded, manifold employed.
Commercial fittings need to be replaced with corny fittings.

This kegerator is for you if:

• You need a heavier duty cycle/compressor.
• You want to achieve a professional bar atmosphere.
• You need a mobile situation. Many are wheeled, but heavier.
• You crave Stainless. Many of these use a higher grade stainless steel than the alternatives.
• You have an inside source on used restaurant equipment.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You need quiet. Will probably be louder then other small form factor models.
• 4 taps will convince youe SWMBO that you need 12 step type of help.
• You have weak floorboards. Usually heavier than the consumer grade.
• You are a global warming activist. Probably not energy star efficient.
• You do not have $$$.

Notes:
Links:
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[olllllo]

The Commercial Beer Cooler
Why don't you just own a bar!
Typical Model: True, Beverage-Air, Perlick
Typical Capacity: 2-4 Half Barrels. An undetermined amount of cornies.

Cost: ?
May not come with tank or reg or manifold. Might have tower and/or faucets.

This kegerator is for you if:

• You are rich.
• You need a heavier duty cycle/compressor.
• You can suss out a good used one on craigs.
• You are single and want to have huge parties.
• You want to use it for Bottle storage, fermenter/lagerator.
• You need to put it in a garage or other extreme environment. Possibly outdoors.
• You have an inside source on used restaurant equipment.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You have been screwed over on craigs before.
• You are impulsive.
• You are compensating for something. Get to the bottom of it.
• You value quiet time. LOUD.
• You don't have alot of room.
• You are recently married and want to stay that way.
• Your SWMBO likes to hunt Dust Bunnies. Way Heavier, probably not very mobile.
• You hoard CO2 credits. Probably not energy star efficient.
• You can complete this sentence, "Hello, my name is ____ and I am an ____"
• Your uncle has not passed on his fortune to you. $$$$

Notes:
Links:
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[olllllo]

The Full Size Fridge
The SWMBO approved upgrade gambit
Typical Model: Whirlpool, Kenmore, et al.
Typical Capacity: 1 commercial 1/2 barrel and 1-2 cornies; 5 cornies (approx)

Cost: ? Used is usually <$300 or perhaps free.
Replacing your old fridge with a new (SWMBO approved upgrade gambit) may run as much as $1500+
Still need to buy tank, reg, manifold, faucet(s), tower, fittings, hoses.
Need to replace the crisper with a sturdy floor.

This kegerator is for you:

• You already have the fridge or your current one could use an upgrade.
• You can suss out a good used one on craigs and ou have no qualms about replacing this on a every few years basis if need be.
• You will visit this kegerator in a garage or other extreme environment, but not outdoors.
• You want to store bottled beers as well or use it to ferment/lager on occasion.
• You are a Greenie. The newer models are very energy efficient.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You don't have the room.
• You are skillless. This is a DIY that requires you to drill through the door or wall. However, this does not have the same risk as the Sanyo 4912.
• You are not handy enough to design and replace the plastic crisper.
• You have a long handle tap marker collection. You must use short tap handles or rig the freezer door to open with the main door or you will tap all at once.
• You need a mobile solution.

Notes:
Links:http://www.ihomebrewsolutions.com/TheGreatFridgeProject.pdf
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[olllllo]

The Keezer
Chest Freezer- The Capacity King!
Typical Model: Whirlpool, Kenmore, et al.
Typical Capacity: 4 - 8? cornies; varies by model. (See notes bleow)

Cost: $199 - $499 (See notes bleow)
Still need to by tank, reg, manifold, faucet(s), tower or possibly a collar, fittings, hoses.
Requires temp controller

This kegerator is for you if:

• You are a Greenie. The newer models are very energy efficient.
• You have some DIY ability, especially if employing a collar.
• You are savvy wheeler-dealer, an unending supply of these is available on craigs.
• You require Mondo Capacity.
• You want to use it as the platform for a bar.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You have a weak back. Chest freezers are top loading.
• You have more vertical space than horizontal space.
• You ant to serve BMC. Commercial 1/2 barrel... unlikely.
• You are clumsy and careless. Tower can be problematic when loading.
• You need a mobile solution. Generally not considered mobile, but can be wheeled.

Notes:
Specific Model example-

Whirlpool 8.9 cuft
$268 at Lowes
Capacity: (5) five gallon ball or pinlock cornies plus 3 gallon or 5lb CO2 tank on the compressor hump.
No wasted space. Kegs fit snugly. Smallest footprint possible for 5-keg system​

Links:
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup: Bobby_M

 

[olllllo]

The Vintage
Usually acquired / seldomly bought
Typical Model: Kelvinator
Typical Capacity: 4? cornies. Possibly a 1/2 barrel with a door shelf modification.
Cost: ?

This kegerator is for you:

• You are a retro hipster.
• You are frugal. Often abundant and possibly free.
• You like some character in your appliances. Has most of the appeal of the Full Size Fridge.
• Usually crisper free.

This kegerator is not your best choice:

• You value your peace and quiet. It's Loud
• You want to save on utilities. Inefficient compressor.
• You are not handy or ambitious. Usually requires plenty of clean-up/repair.
• You want to save on utilities. Door seals are usually attrocious.
• You want to save on utilities. Inefficient insulation.
• You do not have a garage. Unless it's a tip-top model, may have to exist in a garage.
• You need interior space. Ugh! Sometimes has the freezer in the main compartment.

Notes:
Links:
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[olllllo]

The Soda Cooler
Pimp your Garage or Basement
Typical Model: Pepsi or Coke True, Beverage-Air
Typical Capacity: varies by model.
Cost:In the 1000's new.

This kegerator is for you if:

• You have an inside source on used restaurant equipment.
• You need a heavier duty cycle/compressor.
• You need easy access. Sliding doors make it happen
• You want a multipurpose unit. Supports kegging, bottle, longterm storage, et al.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You need quiet. Loud
• You have a budget. $$$$$
• You need to move it. Heavy
• You want a front mounted solution. Usually limited to side mount taps or taps (or cobra taps) inside the unit.

Notes:
Links:
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[olllllo]

The Jockey Box
The Road Warrior
Typical Model:
Typical Capacity: 1-4 kegs serving.
Cost: ?
Cooler and chill plate or coils.
Still need to buy tank, reg, manifold, faucet(s), tower, fittings, hoses.

This kegerator is for you if:

• You are a party guru.
• You like to take your show on the road.
• You already have cold storage.

This kegerator is not your best choice if:

• You need a place to store and carbonate your beer. This is not a storage solution.
• You are lazy. Must be cleaned after each use.

Notes:
Links:
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/showthread.php?t=36564
Pics:

HBT Guru/Writeup:

 

[Bobby_M]

Cool... edited out my space clogging post... good start!

 

[dblvsn]

BRAVO!!! :rockin: This is exactly what this forum has been missing.

 

[ohiobrewtus]

Excellent posts. I've already added it to my favorites and will be referencing back to this many times once I finally start kegging.

 

[olllllo]

Thanks. It's a work in process.
I hope I can keep up with the editing.

 

[RadicalEd]

Very nice! Really seems to get just about all of the basics in.

 

[Thalon]

Did I hear.... STICKY?

 

[Grimsawyer]

This thread is awesome. Please Sticky it!!!! Oh, and ya forgotTHIS ONE. Ok, so it's not a Kegerator, but drill a hole, add a shank co2 and a corny, dial the temp down and it could be, maybe?

 

[olllllo]

This thread is awesome. Please Sticky it!!!! Oh, and ya forgotTHIS ONE. Ok, so it's not a Kegerator, but drill a hole, add a shank co2 and a corny, dial the temp down and it could be, maybe?

I have to write up The Cold Box and The Walk-In, but I just might add the Frankenkegger.

 

[TheFlyingBeer]

Woot!! Awesome thread you got going here, maybed I am biased because my kegerator made it into it.

I don't know if you know this but that picture is just a little forethought I made in photoshop while I was home from school. Now that I am back and in the swing of things I am planning on finishing the construction of the three taps and CO2 distribution early next week when the rest of the parts come in. I can take some photos of it when I am finished and you could update it in your thread. I also wouldn't mind doing some kind of how-to write up when I get a break from classwork.

 

[ohiobrewtus]

Agreed! This post is most certainly worthy of being sticky-fied!

 

[WOP31]

This thread Rocks! I am one of the biased ones though, I will have to send you a picture of my kegerator, now that I have her all cleaned up. The picture that is posted is pretty old and she's kinda dirty. I am definatly one of the "vintage guys" though, i love old things, Cars, appliances, houses, beers, but oddly enough SWMBO is pretty young
Thanks for starting this thread, I do agree that it should be a sticky, but would it better be suited here or in the Kegging section?

Cheers

 

[Shockerengr]

i'll have to upload some pics of my frankenkegger

 

[Rpwallace1]

I just stumbled across this. This is thread is fantastic! I am actually at work and laughing out loud. It's even better when someone asks what you are laughing at. Ahh homebrew humor