Fridge or freezer?

[JimH]

Which is better for a kegerator? I like the idea of a fridge so I can have freezer space as a bonus, but a small chest freezer would work, too. SWMBO wants me to get a vintage fridge and modify that. Sounds great, but that does have issues. My friend was able to do it, but he was super lucky to find the fridge where he did, and the owner didn't know what they had. They are hard to find and expensive when they are.

I am thinking I want to (eventually) build a three keg system. That way I can have a light/IPA type beer, a dark beer, and a cider on tap to keep everyone happy.

[Beer-lord]

Don't know if it matters but I've read that freezers used with temp controllers use less electricity than fridges but I don't see how. To me, it depends on space constraints and how many kegs you want to fit in them. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Why not get both?

[Inkleg]

Here is a good read for freezer size and a wealth of information here.
I'd say plan 2 kegs more than you think you want (ask me how I know this ). With a fridge some kegs will be in the front that may have to be moved if the one in the back kicks, not a problem with a chest freezer. Freezer will require some sort of moisture control, not needed with a fridge. There are trade offs any way you go.
I have a chest freezer with a 8 inch hinged collar. So both my top lid and collar will raise. Makes it easier for putting kegs in.

[RickBeer]

The older, the more inefficient.

[JimH]

The older, the more inefficient.

Another reason why I am not focused on that idea.

[BlackDuck]

I've got a fridge in the basement that is currently holding all my bottles. When I keg my first batch in about 3 weeks, the keg is going in the fridge. I figure I'll have plenty of room since it won't be holding bottles anymore.


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[JimH]

Here is a good read for freezer size and a wealth of information here.
I'd say plan 2 kegs more than you think you want (ask me how I know this ). With a fridge some kegs will be in the front that may have to be moved if the one in the back kicks, not a problem with a chest freezer. Freezer will require some sort of moisture control, not needed with a fridge. There are trade offs any way you go.
I have a chest freezer with a 8 inch hinged collar. So both my top lid and collar will raise. Makes it easier for putting kegs in.

Thanks for all the great info Ink!

So, for those that have a fridge, do you have to modify the temp control at all? Not that I don't think I can do a freezer mod, I know I can, I just kind of like the idea of a fridge already being at beer temps and saving me from having to do that mod since I already have a lot on my plate to build my keg system.

[Stinkfist]

I have mini fridge type kegerator and I do not have a temp controller, just did some adjusting to get it to the temp I wanted, and has been working great for years.

[FedoraDave]

I think it depends on your needs, rather than what's strictly "best." I think it would take an awfully large refrigerator to accommodate three kegs, whereas a relatively modest-sized chest freezer will hold three kegs. I've got a keezer, and can fit three kegs and the CO2 tank with no problem.

My biggest concern was space. For the spare bedroom (or whatever it was) that I use as my ManCave, space is limited, so I had to be picky. I prefer the horizontal set-up of a keezer to the vertical set-up of a fridge, also.

Investigate your options, mull them over, and I'm pretty sure you'll find the method that will work the best for you and your space.

[Whamolagan]

I have used both. The convenience of keg exchange in a chest freezer is nice feature. I have used a top freezer fridge and now I use a side by side. I like the fridge vs freezer. I use a lot of ice on brew day to chill wort, and recycle the water for next brew day. I also store all my hops in the freezer. It helps keep the fridge more efficient. I use a johnson control (manual) and it works good. The side by side is a little tough to get the kegs in and out, but I didn't pay for the fridge. If I had my druthers, I would get another top freezer fridge. there is a lot more room in there. I can get 4 kegs in the side by side if I put the co2 tank outside. 4 in a top freezer is no problem. 2cents