Brewing your own beer is an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do you get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, but you also get to create unique and delicious beers that you won't find anywhere else. However, creating great beer requires more than just a recipe; it also requires the right equipment. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any home brewer is a keezer.
A keezer is a specialized type of fridge that can be used to store and dispense draft beer. Unlike standard refrigerators, keezers are designed to keep beer at the optimal temperature for serving – between 37 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit – as well as providing easy access to taps mounted on the front or top of the unit. And while they come in various sizes and styles, they all share one thing in common: their ability to make homebrewing easier and more enjoyable.
Building your own keezer doesn't have to be complicated or expensive – all you need is some basic knowledge, a willingness to learn, and a few essential components. In this blog post, we'll explain what these components are, how they work together, and provide step-by-step instructions on building your own keezer from scratch. So let's get started!
What You Need To Build Your Own Keezer ?
At its core, a keezer is a combination of several different components: an outer enclosure (typically made out of wood), insulation material (usually foam board), an interior liner (wood or plastic), taps (for dispensing beer), CO2 tanks (for carbonating and dispensing), and other accessories such as drip trays or shanks for attaching taps. Let's take a closer look at each one:
- Outer Enclosure: The outer enclosure serves two main purposes: protecting the interior components from external elements such as moisture and dirt; as well as providing structural support for everything inside. Common materials used for this component include plywood, MDF (medium density fiberboard) or even solid wood like oak or pine depending on personal preference.
- Insulation Material: This is what helps keep your beer cold by preventing heat transfer from outside sources such as direct sunlight or ambient heat in the room where your keezer is located. Typical insulation materials include styrofoam sheets with foil backing; however some people prefer spray foam insulation due to its superior insulating properties.
- Interior Liner: This component provides an additional layer of protection against wear-and-tear due to frequent use of taps; it also helps reduce condensation buildup inside the enclosure which can cause mold growth over time if not properly addressed. Common materials used for this purpose include stainless steel sheet metal; however some people opt for plastic liners due to their lower cost and lighter weight.
- Taps: These are what allow you to dispense beer directly from your keezer without having to pour it into glassware first – simply attach them onto the front or top of your unit using shanks (metal tubes) that fit over the tap faucet stems.. There are many types available depending on personal preference including lever handles, pull handles, foot pedals etc.; most commercial units come with pre-drilled holes in order accommodate 2-4 taps although larger models can accommodate up to 8+ taps if desired..
- CO2 Tanks & Regulators: Carbon dioxide helps keep your beer fresh by ensuring it doesn't lose its carbonation over time; it also allows you control how much pressure is applied when dispensing so you can adjust according to taste preferences accordingly.. Tanks come in all shapes & sizes ranging from small 5lb cylinders up large 20lb tanks depending on how much beer you plan on serving/storing at once.. Regulators help monitor pressure levels & prevent over-carbonation which can cause foamy pours & other problems..
- Other Accessories All other accessories such as drip trays & shanks should be purchased separately according instructions specific model/make.. Some higher end models may even feature digital temperature/pressure readouts allowing users fine tune settings without having open up unit manually every time..
If you're looking for a way to store and dispense your draft beer, a Keezer may be just what you need. They're also relatively affordable, making them an economical option for businesses that serve or sell draft beer. And if you're a homebrewer, a Keezer can be a lifesaver; it'll let you keep your home-brewed beers cold and dispense them with ease.
How Much Does It Cost To Make A Keezer?
The cost of making a keezer can vary depending on the size and features of the keezer. In general, the cost will include the price of a refrigerator or freezer, a thermostat, tubing, a CO2 regulator and CO2 tank, and a tap system. The most expensive component is usually the refrigerator or freezer, which can range in price from $100 to $1,000 or more. The thermostat is also an important component and can cost aroud $30. Tubing, CO2 regulator and tank, and tap systems can be purchased for around $50 to $200. So, in total, the cost of making a keezer can range from $200 to $1,300 or more.
What You Need To Build A Keezer?
To build a keezer, you will need a chest freezer, a temperature controller, enogh 2×6 (or 2×8 or 2×10) wood to go around the freezer's top, called a collar, enough taps, CO2 regulators, CO2 manifolds and lots of vinyl or silicone tubing.
What Is The Best Size Freezer For A Keezer?
A standard corny keg measures approximately 9 x 23 inches. In a 7 cubic feet chest freezer, 3 to 4 of thee will likely fit. Note that you have to make room for your CO2 tank in the freezer when measuring. A CO2 tank is necessary in a Keezer, mainly to dispense the beer.
How Many Kegs Can I Fit In A Keezer?
A keezer is a refrigerator that has been modified to store and serve beer from kegs. The size of a keezer will determine how many kegs it can hold. A standard keezer will hold between four and six kegs.
What Do I Need To Build A Keezer?
The most basic materials you'll need to build your own keezer are: Chest freezer, minimum of 7.0 cu. ft., temperature controller such as an Inkbird, enough 2×6 (or 2×8 or 2×10) non-treated wood to go aroud the freezer's top, called a “collar”, enough taps, CO2 regulators, CO2 manifolds and lots of vinyl or silicone tubing.
Additional items you might need include: drill with hole saw bit, jigsaw, clamps, T-bar clamp, belt sander (or sandpaper), wood screws, wire nuts, beer line and fittings.
How to Build a Keezer or Kegerator for Serving Beer at Home
Where Do You Put The Temp Probe In Keezer?
There are a few different options for where to place the temperature probe in a keezer. One option is to tape the probe aginst the metal wall near the bottom of the keezer. This will help to smooth out the temperature changes and prevent the probe from being damaged. Another option is to place the probe into a bottle of water or Starsan. This will help to keep the probe moist and accurate.
Which Is Better Keezer Or Kegerator?
A kegerator is a refrigerator that has been modified to include a keg tapping system. This system includes a CO2 tank that is used to carbonate and dispense the beer. A keezer is a kegerator that has been modified to include a temperature controller and insulation. This allows the keezer to be used to store and dispense beer at colder temperatures.
The main difference between a kegerator and a keezer is that a kegerator does not have a temperature controller. This means that the beer will be stored at the same temperature as the surrounding environment, wich could be too warm or too cold for some beers. A keezer can be set to store beer at different temperatures, which can help maintain the flavor and quality of your beer.
The main difference between a pre-built kegerator and a custom built kegerator is that a pre-built kegerator cmes with all of the parts you need to start dispensing beer immediately. A custom built kegerator requires you to purchase additional parts, such as a temperature controller and insulation, which can increase the overall cost of the build.
How Long Does A Keezer Last?
A keezer can last indefinitely as long as the temperature is kept consistent and it does not have any leaks.
What Is A Kegerator Cost?
A kegerator is a refrigerator that has been modified to convert it into a beer dispenser. The cost of a kegerator can vary depending on the size and features of the unit. A full-sized kegerator can run you from on average about $700.00 with all full dispense kit. This includes the refrigerator, keg tap, CO2 tank, and regulator. You can also find smaller kegerators for around $200.00, but thee will only hold a single keg and may not have all of the features of a larger unit.
How Long Does Beer Last In A Keg?
Most beer styles will last in a keg for two to thre months. However, some like pasteurized beers can last up to six months. For unpasteurized beers, it will usually only last for about two months.
Can You Use A Freezer For A Kegerator?
A freezer can be used for a kegerator, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure the freezer is big enough to fit a keg. Second, you need to make sure the freezer can get cold enough to keep the keg cold. And third, you need to make sure the freezer has a tap system so you can dispense the beer.
If you're able to meet all of these requirements, then a freezer can be a great way to convert a regular refrigerator into a kegerator. Just make sure you leave enough space in the freezer for the keg and that it will be able to get cold enough to keep the keg cold.
