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Need to turn Refrigerator into a keg cooler

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Posted: Wed Mar 1st, 2006 04:01 am

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1^st Post

momfixit?
Senior Apprentice Appliantologist

Joined:	Sat Feb 4th, 2006
Location:	North Carolina USA
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I have a Hot Point 20.6 cu ft refrigerator that I hate. The glass "spill proof" shelves are encased by cheap plastic frames that have broken, even the tabs that hold them into the side of the fridge broke. I replaced the tabs with carved wooden dowels, but the shelves will not hold together. It has a top mount freezer with an internal ice maker which also stinks. I believe the serial number is 162D4835P069. I would like to justify the purchase of a new fridge by turning this one into something useful, a beer :gimmebeer:

keg cooler. We have an old Superior brand keg cooler that struggles to keep the beer at a 42-48 degrees. If you reside in Germany or Ireland that may be acceptable, however we are looking for a nice 36-38 degrees My thoughts are to turn this albatross of a refrigerator into a much more efficient beer haus (our friends drink a lot). We have the tank, tap and a new fan motor, or so I am told. Have you any words of wisdom in this area?

Humble and broken, again,

momfixit?

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Posted: Thu Mar 2nd, 2006 04:56 am

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staygreen
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Joined:	Wed Mar 1st, 2006
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I converted an ancient Philco fridge (circa 1950) into a keg cooler in 1972. Paid 25 bucks for it, best money I ever spent. It still runs great, zillions of brewskis later, hic. I just drilled a hole in the side to accomodate the tap, and another hole to run the CO2 gas tube into the fridge. Some people put the gas tank inside the fridge, but I don't like that idea for two reasons. It leaves less room in the fridge for extra six packs when the keg runs dry, plus the gas pressure is reduced due to the cold.

I drilled through the side of my fridge, since the heat exchanger coils are on the back. That's the main thing to watch out for. You don't wanna drill into a refrigerant line or an electric wire, so just make sure you know where you are drilling. Good luck and here's mud in yer eye!

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Posted: Thu Mar 2nd, 2006 11:51 pm

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Samurai Appliance Repair Man
Fermented Grand Master of Appliantology

Joined:	Mon Mar 21st, 2005
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Good advice, Staygreen. I agree, too, with the CO2 tank arrangement-- it should not go inside the fridge because you'll just incur increased costs for CO2 tank changeouts.

Just putty up the gaps in the holes for the tubing and you'll be GTG!

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Posted: Wed Mar 8th, 2006 01:47 am

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momfixit?
Senior Apprentice Appliantologist

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Thanks Guys! This may be a very Happy St Patty's day for this household. Get your green on!

Great advice..all of the schematics I have seen had the tap on the door of the fridge. Side mount makes more sense. Once again, warriors rescuing those in need.

Thanks so very much!

momfixit?

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Posted: Fri Mar 10th, 2006 05:43 pm

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5^th Post

staygreen
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The reason you see plans to drill the holes in the door is that's the least likely to run into problems with hitting any critical parts (ie. electric or refrigerant lines). Especially if it's an older fridge, ie. not a side by side.

Trouble with that is, when you open the door, the hoses get in the way when changing a keg. Tap on the side is also easier to put a drip pan under the spigot than it is in front. I like drilling holes in the side if you can be sure you won't hit anything critical. If you are unsure, drill a tiny hole first through just the outer skin of the fridge, and with fridge unplugged, probe into the insulation behind the hole with a stiff wire like a coat hanger to be sure you aren't going to be hitting anything critical.
Good luck, and enjoy the brews.

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Posted: Fri Mar 10th, 2006 06:37 pm

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TomBBY
Master Appliantologist

Joined:	Wed Jul 6th, 2005
Location:	Lakeland, Florida USA
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"...If you are unsure, drill a tiny hole first through just the outer skin of the fridge, and with fridge unplugged, probe into the insulation behind the hole with a stiff wire like a coat hanger to be sure you aren't going to be hitting anything critical..."

Please to be sure the unit is UNPLUGGED from wall before probing with wire hangers!

May your beer always be cold, and your tap never leak! AMEN!

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