King Keg Kegerator Setup - what do I need?

[conorm]

Apart from the obvious... what is the minimum I need for a kegerator setup? Sick of warm, foamy beer... temp in garage is perfect in winter but not in summer!!

First question, will a king keg (with co2 bulb fitted) fit in a standard under counter fridge (with shelving removed of course)? I'm assuming it wont fit in to one with an icebox. Width and depth should be ok?

I'm thinking of this:

King Keg - 1 meter of 3/8" hose fitted to the standard drum tap (with jubilee clip). I know the diameter of the nozzle on the tap is more like 5/8", but a bit of hot water and gentle persuasion should be enough. I have a 1/2" garden hose on it at the minute to reduce foaming, was easy enough to fit.

http://www.homebrewmegastore.co.uk/shop ... -pipe.html

leading to a 3/8" to 5/16" reducer then a meter of 5/16" hose

http://www.homebrewmegastore.co.uk/shop ... ector.html
http://www.homebrewmegastore.co.uk/shop ... -pipe.html

leading to a 3/16" plastic Dalex tap fitted to the door.
http://www.homebrewmegastore.co.uk/shop/dalex-tap.html

Is that it??!!! Not seen any Dalex taps (or similar) with 3/8" fitting. If you don't think I could get the 3/8" hose over the drum tap, can I get 1/2" or 3/4" line and reduce it to 5/16" for the Dalex tap?

Emphasis is on cheap and simple. I have a fresh brew in the keg so keen to use the existing drum tap so I can convert without having to wait between batches.

Many thanks :)

 

[Vossy1]

First question, will a king keg (with co2 bulb fitted) fit in a standard under counter fridge (with shelving removed of course)? I'm assuming it wont fit in to one with an icebox. Width and depth should be ok?

No idea, they're all different, but you will be able to get a fridge that does take it and probably free too
Before buying any lines I'd be tempted to try with just 3/8th as the colder beer is less likely to foam anyway. The lines/lengths to use will depend on your carbonation, if carbed to low levels say 3psi you can just use 3/8th, higher pressure and you will have to start to think about reducing the size from 3/8 to 3/16 probably.

If you don't think I could get the 3/8" hose over the drum tap, can I get 1/2" or 3/4" line and reduce it to 5/16" for the Dalex tap?

3/8th is very stiff, I think you'll struggle to get it on the drum tap, I don't have one handy so don't know the size.

what is the minimum I need for a kegerator setup?

Fridge/barrel/controller for fridge as fridge temps are too cold.

 

[conorm]

Cheers. Got measurements of keg and should fit in a larder fridge easily enough, going by the fridge I have. Hopefully getting one today off gumtree for £20.

Flatmate is a electronic engineer and he will work his magic with the temp control :)

 

[Vossy1]

Sounds like you'll be enjoying a nice cold pint in no time :drink:

 

[conorm]

Missed out on the fridge... will have to try again. Down to my last few bottles of IPA so need the chiller to take over asap!! It's a long summer...

 

[Kevin Wood]

I have my King Keg in the fridge at the moment. Set the 'fridge to 8 degrees C and once the beer's in the glass and being consumed the temperature and condition is spot on. It's a fairly light summery beer, though. Might need to have it a bit warmer for a more traditional ale. Luckily my 'fridge has a digital temperature controller that covers quite a wide range so no modifications required there.

I would probably keep it simple and use the tap on the Keg. OK,you have to open the 'fridge door to pour a pint but I would worry about the plumbing slipping off the keg tap and filling the 'fridge with beer otherwise.

In addition to that, my King Keg tap leaks a little from around the knob when open. Not a problem if pouring straight from the tap but it would need to be better sealed in your setup.