@bagpiperhipple I like to have a little more room in the fridge for kegs and other beers. Plus a larger reason is I can check/adjust the CO2 pressure w/o having to open the fridge door. But either way should work fine.
Don, I've watched many of your videos (some many times over). And thought I'd ask you a question... What is the length of your drip tray? I'm moving from a 2 tap kegerator to a 4 tap, and was wondering what the minimum length should be for a 4 tap set-up. I believe my holes are drilled at 2 inches from the center lines. Thanks!
@rayy5 It is 16". It was custom made for me and I don't know if you can find one easily (or cheaply) around that size. But, it's the perfect size for me. :) Thanks for watching the vids. Glad they are of use. Oh, let me measure the distance between my taps... from center to center they are 4".
I'm getting into home brewing after Santa comes this year. Your videos have definitely been a huge inspiration! I'm starting to think that my basement fridge may be due for a conversion really soon. Thanks for posting this stuff man.
@JohnManTiki Nice. I like the sound of that. Enjoy getting into it. It can be addicting. You'll see. But in a good way. I still enjoy it quite a bit, maybe more than I should. thanks for the post. cheers.
@MrKilldread I mostly got them used through a friend who did a large club purchase. But you can also buy them at a homebrewing store or maybe Ebay. cheers.
@MrBobobuddy Well, the beer stays fine indefinitely if you had good sanitation and cleanliness. As far as how it tastes, that depends on the beer. IPAs are only super fressh for 4 weeks or so (but still find to drink until they are gone). But something like a big stout can be on tap for months and perhaps only get better.
@MrBobobuddy You can do that if you have plenty of room. Having mine outside gives me more room inside the fridge, and it also allows me to monitor/adjust the psi setting w/o having to open the fridge door.
@ingest111 With 5 lbs I am able to push out maybe like 15-18 batches I'd guess. So, maybe double that? It last me about a year before it runs empty and then costs me around $11 to fill. cheers.
When pushing the beer tubing onto the back of the taps. If you are using plastic tubing you can dip the end of the tubing into hot water (which softens it) and then it is much easier to push onto the taps
@thestunna100 What size are the shanks? 4". As for taking off the back, I don't know. If you know more about fridges than I do, go for it! I just did it this way to make sure I would not hit a coil. cheers.
Don, Are those Perlick faucets? also, i've seen a few other methods where that plastic molding on the inside of the door can be removed.. do you have any experience with that?
@xsavethesporksx Yes they are. I was not going to try to remove the plastic on the inside but maybe it can be done. I think most people just drill through it like I did but I am not sure. So, no, I don't have any experience with that. :(
@donosborn no problem. I have a chest freezer that i took the lid off and added an insert.. i was just wondering. Those perlick taps sound like they're amazing, a bit expensive. Thanks for the video
@xsavethesporksx They are expensive. I was lucky to get them for half price, and that was what allowed me to buy 4. Otherwise I might have had to go a cheaper route and get something else. But they never stick and feel nice when using them (they don't feel like a cheap tap).
Awesome video! One bit of FYI for everyone. If you put the ends of the hoses your going to install on the handles into boiling water for a minute, they will soften up a little and are going to be easier to install on the fittings. I use that method alot when Im working with rubber hoses.
@higgy6966 Good tip about the boiling water. I'm sure that helps. It was a little tough to get them on without doing that, but still possible. cheers.
Just curious Don. What size shanks do you need to use? Is it ok if you use shanks that are 4 inches, but you might only need 3 inch shanks. I dont want to buy something thats not going to work. Can I buy bigger if I'm not sure what size to use?
@westernwisconsin I have 4" shanks. Yes you can have them a little bit longer than you need and it shouldn't be a problem. Much better to have them a little longer than too short!
Once again excellent video mate.... Cheers for that. Once I get the parts I need I'm going to get to work on this. I think I might go with leaving the CO2 tank (if I've got the room) inside the fridge. If it becomes a hassle I can always move it out at a later date. By the way what size CO2 bottle is that and how long does it usually last you..... Thanks again mate....
I like your board idea, think I'll try that. Looks like you could have your CO2 tank in the fridge, do you just prefer having it outside of it? Is there a problem if the CO2 tank is kept in the fridge? The tank & CO2 should not be a problem, but would that make the regulator setting less accurate if it was in the fridge?
@bjcpc0337 I like to be able to check on the pressure (too high? too low?) anytime I am by the fridge and it is nice to not have to open it. I don't think the regulator is affected either way. I know the CO2 tank can be inside w/o any problems. Works fine outside too. It is just my preference but it is true that some fridges would maybe not have quite enough room to have it inside. This one probably is big enough. I didn't even really think of leaving it inside but I could have.
if you have a condenser on the back (black pipes) then its VERY unlikely to have the condenser coils around the fridge. if you dont have a condenser coil on the back to find out where the coils are turn the fridge on for about 30 mins with the door open and then feel the outside of the fridge. the condenser coils will much warmer than the rest of the fridge. (some of the newer models only have them on the sides and low down on the back so you can go through high in the backside, but test first)
I've been looking for a video where someone sets the co2 on the outside for some time now. Thanks for this, it is the best video out there on coverting a fridge to a kegerator.
@JoshTheProfit I bought Perlick faucets but I don't think they are made any more. They are forward sealing, which prevents the sticky build backup that can happen with the older style. I suppose you would just search for "forward sealing" faucets and try to find something similar. They are stainless steel. good luck.
Nice job.. I just moved my C02 tank outside as well.. i started drilling on the inside and picked away at the plastic until i was sure of no lines but looks like your way worked great too.. I also need to build a platform on the bottom like you did.. I'm using my original drawers, which i can't pull out because of the weight on them and that could be some useful space!
How did you seal the hole you made for the co2 tubing? I've wanted to move my tank outside the fridge, but wasn't sure how to seal off the hole without it looking too ghetto.
@JoshTheProfit In the past I have just put a little caulk around it, but looking at it this time, it is a pretty tight fit as it is. I could probably do without the caulk, but maybe I will just apply a little. It does not look the greatest, but I like being able to look at/adjust the CO2 tank w/o going into the fridge.
BEER FRIDGE!!! NOOOOO! We all loved that fridge. My first video I ever saw of you you were using that fridge. Looking forward to getting to know the new fridge. You could call it Tre.
@xxparsley Thanks man. It was a bummer for sure but glad to be back in the saddle. I almost had some Phish on but thought I would change it up. For background noise we had some Cut Copy, Kanye, and screaming banshees. :) cheers. Oh, I will see if I can transfer some stickers but I don't have much hope. If they come off in one piece, maybe I could glue them on.
Lol. Little dude in the background doesn't like the loud sounds, sounds like my son! Dad! Great vid
jfinley01 2 weeks ago
why don't you just keep the CO2 tanks in the fridge? i have seen other people do that
bagpiperhipple 1 month ago
@bagpiperhipple I like to have a little more room in the fridge for kegs and other beers. Plus a larger reason is I can check/adjust the CO2 pressure w/o having to open the fridge door. But either way should work fine.
donosborn 1 month ago
Good Vid,
You just need a meat hook in the middle of your kegs and hang a slab of Ribeyes to dry age them for 30 days. Good job!
EclecticDiscus 1 month ago
Don, I've watched many of your videos (some many times over). And thought I'd ask you a question... What is the length of your drip tray? I'm moving from a 2 tap kegerator to a 4 tap, and was wondering what the minimum length should be for a 4 tap set-up. I believe my holes are drilled at 2 inches from the center lines. Thanks!
rayy5 2 months ago
@rayy5 It is 16". It was custom made for me and I don't know if you can find one easily (or cheaply) around that size. But, it's the perfect size for me. :) Thanks for watching the vids. Glad they are of use. Oh, let me measure the distance between my taps... from center to center they are 4".
donosborn 2 months ago
You can spot a man with good taste in beers when he has a Samuel Smith's driptray riveted to his kegerator. Much respect!
TreacleMary 2 months ago
I'm getting into home brewing after Santa comes this year. Your videos have definitely been a huge inspiration! I'm starting to think that my basement fridge may be due for a conversion really soon. Thanks for posting this stuff man.
JohnManTiki 2 months ago in playlist More videos from donosborn
@JohnManTiki Nice. I like the sound of that. Enjoy getting into it. It can be addicting. You'll see. But in a good way. I still enjoy it quite a bit, maybe more than I should. thanks for the post. cheers.
donosborn 2 months ago
where do you get your kegs?
MrKilldread 3 months ago
@MrKilldread I mostly got them used through a friend who did a large club purchase. But you can also buy them at a homebrewing store or maybe Ebay. cheers.
donosborn 3 months ago
Thanks bro.
MrBobobuddy 4 months ago
Cool, how long does the beer stay fresh after you tapped them? I'm thinking i'll have two taps on mine.
MrBobobuddy 4 months ago
@MrBobobuddy Well, the beer stays fine indefinitely if you had good sanitation and cleanliness. As far as how it tastes, that depends on the beer. IPAs are only super fressh for 4 weeks or so (but still find to drink until they are gone). But something like a big stout can be on tap for months and perhaps only get better.
donosborn 4 months ago
Why don't you leave the CO2 tank inside the fridge? I will be making one soon, need tips.
MrBobobuddy 4 months ago
@MrBobobuddy You can do that if you have plenty of room. Having mine outside gives me more room inside the fridge, and it also allows me to monitor/adjust the psi setting w/o having to open the fridge door.
donosborn 4 months ago
I just made this same fridge. How many kegs do you think you can go through on a full 10 pound CO2 tank?
ingest111 6 months ago
@ingest111 With 5 lbs I am able to push out maybe like 15-18 batches I'd guess. So, maybe double that? It last me about a year before it runs empty and then costs me around $11 to fill. cheers.
donosborn 6 months ago
For next time, or for other people.
When pushing the beer tubing onto the back of the taps. If you are using plastic tubing you can dip the end of the tubing into hot water (which softens it) and then it is much easier to push onto the taps
JudgeNik 6 months ago
Awesome.
ArtemisAG06 7 months ago
Hey man, I just completed my own kegerator using your ideas. Thanks man. I linked your vid in mine.
manosaxy 7 months ago
wat size are those? an when drillin on the side cant you take off the screws off the back so you could see where the coils are?
thestunna100 7 months ago
@thestunna100 What size are the shanks? 4". As for taking off the back, I don't know. If you know more about fridges than I do, go for it! I just did it this way to make sure I would not hit a coil. cheers.
donosborn 7 months ago
Thanks for the upload Don. Better than a lot of the other vids which don't offer tips or advice.
It will definitely help for mine which I am building soon.
Thanks again.
snazzydevil 8 months ago
DON O you da man... wish i could be on btv! lol...nice jobe on the newer fridge!! verry insightful
!! kudos!
ShaneDog
tehbigjiga 8 months ago
I have the components to make my own kegorater and I should be putting that together tomorrow. Thanks for all the good info.
manosaxy 8 months ago
If you have four kegs going at once what do you set the PSI at to run through your manifold?
EsteroHomeBrewer 10 months ago
@EsteroHomeBrewer Usually right at 10 psi. I don't like my beers particularly carbonated.
donosborn 10 months ago
You Da Man
EscapePlan71 10 months ago
Don, Are those Perlick faucets? also, i've seen a few other methods where that plastic molding on the inside of the door can be removed.. do you have any experience with that?
xsavethesporksx 10 months ago
@xsavethesporksx Yes they are. I was not going to try to remove the plastic on the inside but maybe it can be done. I think most people just drill through it like I did but I am not sure. So, no, I don't have any experience with that. :(
donosborn 10 months ago
@donosborn no problem. I have a chest freezer that i took the lid off and added an insert.. i was just wondering. Those perlick taps sound like they're amazing, a bit expensive. Thanks for the video
xsavethesporksx 10 months ago
@xsavethesporksx They are expensive. I was lucky to get them for half price, and that was what allowed me to buy 4. Otherwise I might have had to go a cheaper route and get something else. But they never stick and feel nice when using them (they don't feel like a cheap tap).
donosborn 10 months ago
Awesome video! One bit of FYI for everyone. If you put the ends of the hoses your going to install on the handles into boiling water for a minute, they will soften up a little and are going to be easier to install on the fittings. I use that method alot when Im working with rubber hoses.
higgy6966 11 months ago
@higgy6966 Good tip about the boiling water. I'm sure that helps. It was a little tough to get them on without doing that, but still possible. cheers.
donosborn 11 months ago
Thanks for the video. Good stuff!
aliennetworkRecords 1 year ago
Just curious Don. What size shanks do you need to use? Is it ok if you use shanks that are 4 inches, but you might only need 3 inch shanks. I dont want to buy something thats not going to work. Can I buy bigger if I'm not sure what size to use?
westernwisconsin 1 year ago
@westernwisconsin I have 4" shanks. Yes you can have them a little bit longer than you need and it shouldn't be a problem. Much better to have them a little longer than too short!
donosborn 1 year ago
470 people don't know how to use the like button. :)
terenceg81 1 year ago
Once again excellent video mate.... Cheers for that. Once I get the parts I need I'm going to get to work on this. I think I might go with leaving the CO2 tank (if I've got the room) inside the fridge. If it becomes a hassle I can always move it out at a later date. By the way what size CO2 bottle is that and how long does it usually last you..... Thanks again mate....
dannymosquito 1 year ago
@dannymosquito It is a 5 lb tank and I get it filled about once a year. Good luck getting your set up.
donosborn 1 year ago
How did you like that Ninkasi Total Domination IPA?
NWXpress 1 year ago
@NWXpress I'll send you a link to a short review I typed up. :)
donosborn 1 year ago
I like your board idea, think I'll try that. Looks like you could have your CO2 tank in the fridge, do you just prefer having it outside of it? Is there a problem if the CO2 tank is kept in the fridge? The tank & CO2 should not be a problem, but would that make the regulator setting less accurate if it was in the fridge?
bjcpc0337 1 year ago
@bjcpc0337 I like to be able to check on the pressure (too high? too low?) anytime I am by the fridge and it is nice to not have to open it. I don't think the regulator is affected either way. I know the CO2 tank can be inside w/o any problems. Works fine outside too. It is just my preference but it is true that some fridges would maybe not have quite enough room to have it inside. This one probably is big enough. I didn't even really think of leaving it inside but I could have.
donosborn 1 year ago
still bottle.. but motivates me to push the wife to letting me keg :)
unfun72 1 year ago
if you have a condenser on the back (black pipes) then its VERY unlikely to have the condenser coils around the fridge. if you dont have a condenser coil on the back to find out where the coils are turn the fridge on for about 30 mins with the door open and then feel the outside of the fridge. the condenser coils will much warmer than the rest of the fridge. (some of the newer models only have them on the sides and low down on the back so you can go through high in the backside, but test first)
HomeDistiller 1 year ago
I've been looking for a video where someone sets the co2 on the outside for some time now. Thanks for this, it is the best video out there on coverting a fridge to a kegerator.
paleowarrior2 1 year ago
Nicely done!
yambor44 1 year ago
Don...you motivated me to tackle my lagering fridge today...built an installed the platform...next step moving the co2 tank outside.
Where did you buy your faucets from?
JoshTheProfit 1 year ago
@JoshTheProfit I bought Perlick faucets but I don't think they are made any more. They are forward sealing, which prevents the sticky build backup that can happen with the older style. I suppose you would just search for "forward sealing" faucets and try to find something similar. They are stainless steel. good luck.
donosborn 1 year ago
great video as always, Don! Keep it up!
HokieHomeBrew 1 year ago
Nice job.. I just moved my C02 tank outside as well.. i started drilling on the inside and picked away at the plastic until i was sure of no lines but looks like your way worked great too.. I also need to build a platform on the bottom like you did.. I'm using my original drawers, which i can't pull out because of the weight on them and that could be some useful space!
jakecpunut 1 year ago
Thanks Don. I'm still serving off of picnic taps...it's time to pimp my fridge.
JoshTheProfit 1 year ago
DEEZ NUTS
.... are what screw onto the shank.
;)
kranitationdepartmen 1 year ago
Don,
How did you seal the hole you made for the co2 tubing? I've wanted to move my tank outside the fridge, but wasn't sure how to seal off the hole without it looking too ghetto.
Thanks for the great vid.
JoshTheProfit 1 year ago
@JoshTheProfit In the past I have just put a little caulk around it, but looking at it this time, it is a pretty tight fit as it is. I could probably do without the caulk, but maybe I will just apply a little. It does not look the greatest, but I like being able to look at/adjust the CO2 tank w/o going into the fridge.
donosborn 1 year ago
BEER FRIDGE!!! NOOOOO! We all loved that fridge. My first video I ever saw of you you were using that fridge. Looking forward to getting to know the new fridge. You could call it Tre.
xxparsley 1 year ago
@xxparsley Thanks man. It was a bummer for sure but glad to be back in the saddle. I almost had some Phish on but thought I would change it up. For background noise we had some Cut Copy, Kanye, and screaming banshees. :) cheers. Oh, I will see if I can transfer some stickers but I don't have much hope. If they come off in one piece, maybe I could glue them on.
donosborn 1 year ago