[my99thtry]

I was wondering if anyone here uses a kegerator for temperature controlled fermentation.  I have had issues finding a compact refrigerator that would work.  [I live in an apartment so things like chest freezers or full size refrigerators are out].

Obviously the dual fermentation/beer serving functionality also makes it appealing, even if I can't always do those at the same time.

If you do use a kegerator:
- Do you have a brand/model suggestion?
- Were there any problems with hooking up a secondary temperature controller?

[bluesman]

I have two chest freezers. One is a 7.5cf Kenmore that I converted into a kegerator and the other is a 7.2cf Magic Chef equipped with a collar that I use for a fermentation chamber.

They both serve me well and I haven't had any issues with either of them. They are easy to use with a temperature controller like a Johnson Digital Controller A419 or a Ranco Digital Temperature Controller - Wired FE610. I have two Johnson DC A419's Just plug the freezer into the controller and then plug the controller into an outlet and away you go.

[tumarkin]

your only concern will be whether you can fit the carboy/s into the kegerator. I'd imagine you can fit at least one. then as long as you're using a temp controller, you can easily keep it at your chosen fermentation temp.

[dano14041]

I have a Haier mini-fridge I use. It is just big enough to accommodate a 6 gal Better Bottle. A 6.5 gal bucket fits with plenty of room.


I don't think a corny keg will fit between the compressor hump and door tho. Works great as a fermentation chamber, but won't do the double duty as a kegerator.

The towel covers the glass door to keep the light out, until I get around to painting it.

[my99thtry]

@dano14041, I like that mini-fridge setup. Can you pass along the model number of that fridge?  And if you have an estimate on the internal dimensions then that could also be helpful. 

Thanks

[dano14041]

Sorry took so long.
The Fridge is 4.0 CF Model HC125FVS
The outside dimensions are 33 1/3" X 19 3/4" X 19 3/4."
Inside dimensions are 29 1/4" X 17"X 14 1/4" (H x W x D)
The compressor hump takes up 5" of depth and 8 1/2" of height from the back and the actual usable width is about 16 1/2"
I don't know the price for the fridge new or used. I took this one out of my sisters storage shed and she hasn't missed it yet. 

On a whim I tried to put a keg in the fridge......

It Fit! for some reason I had it in my head that it wouldn't so I had never tried to put one in it. 

Unfortunately, with the flanges for the shelves, a second keg will not fit. (Well ball lock kegs, I don't have or remember the dimensions of a pin lock keg.)

Hope this helps!

[my99thtry]

Great information.  That really helps.

Anyone else out there use a similar setup?

[Pi]

Ditto on the Johnson controller. I took the shelf panel out of the door on one of my "college style" refridgerators and a carboy just fits. when lagering 2 carboys or a larger batch i switch to the chest freezer. I rigged a block & tackle harnessed to a Beer Hauler for lifting. Works pretty sweet.

[triturtle]

I want to do the same thing, but only have one of the really small min-fridges. Has anybody had any luck in "blowing this out" to make a large enough box to put a carboy into?
I was thinking of just making an insulated wooden box using the cooling system from the mini-fridge and a digital controller to keep the temp at 68ish.

[a10t2]

I want to do the same thing, but only have one of the really small min-fridges. Has anybody had any luck in "blowing this out" to make a large enough box to put a carboy into?

Yup, there are quite a few discussions out there, and I'm pretty sure I've even seen some parts lists/plans.

http://www.google.com/search?q=mini+fridge+fermentation+chamber