compact freezer for keg box

[Anonymous]

I am building the straight kegger bar. I was wondering if you could substitute a compact freezer for the compact fridge in the keg box? I did not see anything on the forum in regards to this. Could this bee too cold? Thanks in advance!

[mckdelbu]

Good question.

I’d say you’ll be just fine.

The biggest complaint is that some fridges don’t get cold enough (99% of the time it’s because of poor insulation job and no air circulation – that’s what those fans are for!).
A freezer is prefect since you can just set it on the lowest setting and use less power.

Keep me posted on how it works.

What model freezer and if I may ask how much did it cost?

Thanks!
Sam

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the reply! I will keep the forum updated. It is a bit smaller than the compact fridge the plans call for. That is my only concern. I think it should work though. The EdgeStar CRF150SS Stainless Steel convertible freezer is one of the smallest zero degree freezers available allegedly. It can be used as a fridge or freezer.

http://www.amazon.com/Compact-Freezer-R … B000RHWT3M

[mckdelbu]

Wow! that’s a nice inexpensive unit!

This may be the next best recommended cooling unit for a keg box.

No freezer plate, but the heat transfer unit is fully hidden, just like a regular chest freezer.

I might recommend loading that unit with two 1 one gallon jugs of water or even a few old six packs of beer just to increase surface area for the fan.

I still highly recommend the use of a circulation fan.

[attachment=1:1q6nh9mj]L11587621_edgestar_freezer.jpg[/attachment:1q6nh9mj]

[attachment=0:1q6nh9mj]210885020_edgstar_freezer.jpg[/attachment:1q6nh9mj]

[mckdelbu]

For those wondering if the freezer will work, I say absolutely yes.
I doubt it will get “too cold” and if if ever does, you can buy a simple plug & play thermostat switch that simply shuts off the freezer power when it gets too cold.
Once it warms up again the power is restored. This is how you convert a large chest freezer to a keg box.

[mc_bittn]

Just want to let everyone know that I bought the Edge Star compact freezer and am using it in my keg box. It works great. I put three led 80mm fans in the box: Two are in the fridge circulating air (one aims inward while the other is outward) and one is pushing air into my tap tower to keep supply lines cool. The fridge is very quiet. Though is says compact freezer, it’s thermostat can be set to use as a fridge. I am now fine-tuning the temp to get it to 38-ish. The unit is also about 8 inches shorter than the recommended fridges.

[howard81]

i was wondering what you would place in that extra 8 inch gap if you do choose this model? in order to properly insulate the unit

[mc_bittn]

I just made a backer board the size of the space and then put two 1.5″ rigid insulation pieces, cut to fit, against the backer board. I cut the insulation to fit up into the two cross studs. A very easy mod.

[mckdelbu]

exactly what mgchip said – the backer board can be 1/2 plywood, the two 1 1/2″ panels of pro pink insulation gives you a total of 3″ insulation to block that opening.
Fill any seam opening with ample amounts of “great stuff” spray foam insulation.

TIP: when applying “Great Stuff” foam insulation, don’t try to spread it around like butter to make it flush because it will just make a mess. Use the straw to spray it deep into the seam, then let it expand. Once it dries, THEN you can easily trim it with a razor blade.

[mckdelbu]

is anyone using one of these for their keg box? looks like I’ll have to spring for one so I can do a little R&D myself.

[mc_bittn]

Yes. ASee above post 29 March

[mckdelbu]

thanks mg! I didn;t see that (duh!) 😉

A couple questions…

I am guessing the evaporator plate (freezer plate ) is not exposed inside the fridge, just like a chest freezer, right?
Did you do anything to increase surface area? like add water bottles or beer cans? and if so, any bulging or exploding cans from freezing?

What’s the lowest temp you’ve gotten out of your keg box using this puppy?

I’m getting eager to rip out my old fridge and retro fit my keg box with this unit.

Glad I save the door and door hardware cause I can still use that for my back garage.

[mc_bittn]

I put this in and sealed it and put it a bit above, I think, medium. Next morning, with an empty box I had 26 degrees. It now sits on 38. I now have a 1/2 barrel, a corny keg, and some misc bottles in the fridge and box and it works great. I have 3 fans going as explained earlier. The inside of the fridge is molded plasvt like a chest freezer. Bottom line: I love it as it is quiet and does a great job.

[mckdelbu]

^^^^ I’m sold ^^^^^
Thanks!

[esanchez]

Are there any updates on this? I’m going to be building a straight kegger bar soon and I’m considering the compact freezer vs fridge route.

Also, does anyone have pictures of their fan setup?

Finally, how hard is it to remove the freezer/fridge if it breaks down?

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