Tom the Newbie

Tom · November 04, 2014, 03:05:45 PM

Hello All,
I'm just getting setup with my first Keg system (Hop Dawgs) and will no doubt have a ton of questions you guys are tired of answering. I'll try my best to search the answers first.

Here is my current plan, let me know if I'm on track please.

Got the Hop Dawgs Keg/tap/shank/lines etc...
Got a Danby Designer bar fridge from Costco.
Going to drill hole in center of door for tap, if I get a second keg down the road I think I can use one hole for 2 taps.
Going to get a 10lb CO2 tank from Praxair as they have a swap program so don't have to wait as it is sent away to fill.
Brother makes the beer for now but will get into making it once I get that end setup, phase 2.

Cheers!

jdueck · November 04, 2014, 03:06:50 PM

Welcome Tom

Fhilo · November 04, 2014, 03:20:49 PM

Greetings... Looks good!

Two Wheeler · November 04, 2014, 03:36:25 PM

Welcome Tom!

Just a word of caution, I drilled 3 holes in the center of my kegerator for my three taps. I want to add another, but it would be lopsided. Purely aesthetic though.

Here's an option for you... you can pick up a double tap tower for $84 (select no taps) from Everwood in Halifax https://www.everwoodavebrewshop.com/product/polished-chrome-tower-double-faucet/

Put that on top of the kegerator, and it will look more like a traditional unit!

Any way you slice it, you're going to have a fridge that serves beer so it will be awesome!

Tom · November 04, 2014, 03:49:43 PM

Thanks!

I had thought about the tower option but saw some builds on youtube that got into trying to push cold air up into it and it looked overly involved. I figured I would go with a door shank so that all the line is inside the fridge making it easy. Then perhaps I could use something like this http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/faucets/shanks/BE-DF4-3.shtml if I need it down the road.

As you said though, beer comes out of a fridge = happy!

Two Wheeler · November 04, 2014, 03:52:41 PM

That's neat Tom, I've never seen something like that... that would easily solve the problem!

pliny · November 04, 2014, 04:11:42 PM

Hey @Tom , I don't have the same fridge as yours but they are the same dimensions as your fridge.
I put a 5lb co2 tanks and two kegs in there.
Two taps. It's a tight fit but it is two taps.
The 5lb tank goes on the ledge in the back of the fridge.
There are a few mods you have to make to the fridge. e.g.Take a dremel tool or sharp knife to take out inside the door and put some refelectix to insulate.

Tom · November 04, 2014, 04:21:41 PM

@pliny I like your setup. I was also looking at the 5lb tanks just for that reason but it seems like they are harder to get filled in Fredericton. Where do you get it filled?

Tom · November 04, 2014, 04:24:11 PM

@pliny Another thing, I was also looking at those trays but didn't think I wanted to put screw holes in the door. It looks like you have yours glued, on or magnets?

pliny · November 04, 2014, 04:29:29 PM

Magnets. I don't always use the drip tray. It get in the way after a few beer.

I've put the drip tray away for now. Use the $25 for something else. Some guys have some innovative setups on here.

CO2 - Glen Kennedy (458-9750). He lives towards the airport.
5lb isn't harder to fill than any other size. Shouldn't make a difference to anyone. It's discrimination dammit!

Al-Loves-Wine · November 04, 2014, 04:40:53 PM

+1 for Glenn Kennedy, he fills the cheapest and isn't to sticky on your tank either.

DandyMason · November 05, 2014, 07:52:29 AM

Welcome Tom, sounds like you're well on your way!

jamie_savoie · November 05, 2014, 08:16:16 AM

Welcome to your new obsession Tom

Tom · November 05, 2014, 08:37:50 AM

@Al-Loves-Wine
When you say he isn't sticky on your tank you mean he isn't picky about what brands/condition he will fill or he doesn't keep it long? Does he fill it on site or have to send it away? I'm now looking at the 5lb tank from OBK as it would leave room in my fridge for a second Keg. I'll call him later today to make sure he will fill those ones.

Roger · November 05, 2014, 08:57:47 AM

Quote from: Tom on November 05, 2014, 08:37:50 AM
@Al-Loves-Wine
When you say he isn't sticky on your tank you mean he isn't picky about what brands/condition he will fill or he doesn't keep it long? Does he fill it on site or have to send it away? I'm now looking at the 5lb tank from OBK as it would leave room in my fridge for a second Keg. I'll call him later today to make sure he will fill those ones.

He fills on site. He might even have a tank you could buy. You might want to give him a call before you order a brand new one from OBK.