Has anyone ever built a kegerator?

[Frank the Tank]

We have aquired the fridge, and I have a keg shell. Now I am debating ordering the conversion kits available online. Has anyone ever used one of these? If not where did you get the needed parts. Finally, any suggestions for drilling through the door, or any other tips you may have learned the hard way?

Thanks,
Frank
mmmmmm beer!

 

[DMLonghorn]

did it sophomore year in college. are you in austin? is austin home brew still around? it was on 53rd or something east of guadalupe a ways. we bought all the equipment there and they told us how to everything. sophomore year in college is still prob the best time i have ever had

 

[Mrmyke709]

Austn Homebrew is on North Burnet Rd. They will have everything you need at a reasonable price.

 

[Boozehound]

I built one right after I graduated. We didn't go the fridge route though, we used a chest freezer and added an external thermostat that turns the compressor on/off so it acts like a fridge. Ours holds 4 5 gallon soda kegs, or 3 5 gallon soda kegs and 1 conventional half keg with a domestic tap (different for imports). I did all the drilling with a hole saw, but you've got to be careful about making sure you don't drill through things you're not supposed to. For example, on ours, it didn't have a series of coils on the back of it, the coils are built into the walls - hence we had to be REALLY careful not to knick one, or it's bye-bye freon.

The only other things I can think of are, be sure to seal everything well, as openings will cause moisture to get in and condense, leading to pooling and rusting down the line. Additionally, consider where to run your "catch can." This would be to catch all the crap you over-pour, or any drippage. Said drip tray should be cleanable as well.

And by all means, use the homebrew shops as your resource - most places are excellent (but not all <cough> st.pats <cough> )

 

[Frank the Tank]

Thanks I will keep these suggestions in mind.

Unfortunately I am in Dallas. Any suggestions on DFW homebrew places?

 

[DMLonghorn]

my suggestion would be to move to houston

 

[Sasquatch69]

Frank - Try Homebrew HQ on Coit Road in Richardson. They should be able to help you out:
The Link

 

[Frank the Tank]

I grew up in houston, it is no better than dallas. Honestly I want to move back to austin or get the F out of Texas, but grad school will prevent that for a few years. Appreciate the help from everyone.

 

[Son of a Son]

Frank check out the Austin HomeBrew site atThe Link Even if you don't want the parts shipped, they should be able to give you plenty of info, and they have an 800 number if you have any questions.