Do the temp controllers on a freezer need to be replaced to make a Kezzer? Are they too cold by default?
You need to buy an external temp controller. Many on the market. I have 3 Ranco units for about 6 years now with no problems.
Is it really a keezer or more of a kegerator?
On a ‘keezer’ you’re converting a freezer which is designed to run at sub-freezing temperatures. The controller with the unit will likely just leave you with frozen beer and a busted keg/bottles. If you’re using a refrigerator as your build, yeah you can get away with using the built in temp controls. That wouldn’t really be a keezer though.
I guess depending on your freezer, it is at least possible that the warmest settings may be above freezing, but I personally wouldn’t risk it. You don’t want things freezing on you accidentally, bad business.
You can do an STC-1000 temp controller build for pretty cheap and then set your keezer at the temp you want. This will also help with nailing your desired carbonation levels, as the pressure you need to reach a particular carbonation level changes depending on the temperature.
I have a ranco system for my keezer. Works like a charm and keeps my beer at just the right serving temp (38-40). I like my beer a little colder.
Lots of options out there too.
If you’re a bit handy it is also possible to pull out the freezer’s built in temp controller and adjust the ‘coarse adjust’ screw to make the freezer keep your desired temp. If you do some Google work you’ll see some examples of how to do it. Took a few iterations for me to get the adjustment right but it did work and with the savings of buying a temp controller I bought other brewing stuff. :cheers:
What Flip said.
Freezer and Fridge thermostats are often the same, just adjusted differently.
You can remove the freezer thermostat and there is a course adjustment screw. I can’t remember what way you have to turn it but mine took about 12 full turns and it’s keeping at 52F +/- 4F
Toss a 5 gal bucket of water in there(or 2) and a thermometer with the probe in the water. Then make the adjustments till you’re happy. It took me 4 day’s get it right.
Good luck. Use the $$ you’d use for the controller twards stainless perlicks
[quote=“eichen323”]What Flip said.
Freezer and Fridge thermostats are often the same, just adjusted differently.
You can remove the freezer thermostat and there is a course adjustment screw. I can’t remember what way you have to turn it but mine took about 12 full turns and it’s keeping at 52F +/- 4F
Toss a 5 gal bucket of water in there(or 2) and a thermometer with the probe in the water. Then make the adjustments till you’re happy. It took me 4 day’s get it right.
Good luck. Use the $$ you’d use for the controller twards stainless perlicks[/quote]
Yes!! I just stumbled across a thread discussing the course adjustment screws last night. Ace!!
When we convert freezers, we use a a second FRIDGE stat. and an A/B switch, freezer stat. -15 for making ice blocks , or fridge stat 38 for keg chilling,
