Hey guys. Quick question on carbonation. I’ve got a full size top to bottom refrigerator that will fit two cornies and a 20 lb. CO2 tank. I’ve always force carbonated in the refrigerator, but I just came across an article that said to carbonate at 72 degrees. Have I been going about this wrong or is carbonating in the fridge OK? Haven’t ever noticed anything out of the ordinary but wanted to check.
Thanks!
I have never heard of carbing warm, could it be referring to natural carbonation/bottle conditioning? That should be done at 72.
Also, this may help you too (at least to fit more beer in your kegerator), most say its best to keep your tank outside of the fridge (I think). Keeps it from rusting anyway. Just drill one more hole with a coupler and insulate it.
[quote=“Pietro”]I have never heard of carbing warm, could it be referring to natural carbonation/bottle conditioning? That should be done at 72.
Also, this may help you too (at least to fit more beer in your kegerator), most say its best to keep your tank outside of the fridge (I think). Keeps it from rusting anyway. Just drill one more hole with a coupler and insulate it.[/quote]
+1- Keep tank outside.
It will carb but take longer. The colder the solution the quicker and easier the CO2 is absorbed.
Edited to add: to get the appropriate volumes of CO2 you’ll really have to crank up the pressure. If the keg is 60° and you set your gauge to 20psi you’ll only get 2.27 volumes of CO2. You’ll have to go much higher at 72°.
Great stuff. Thanks for the help!
