Refrigerator modification

[Speyedr]

So we're building a bar here shortly and I'm trying to decide what to use for the kegs. I don't want to use the Chest Freezer 'cause I'd have to pull it out to load/unload, clean, etc.
I'm thinking of using a fridge and keeping it in the area adjacent to the bar, that is behind a wall and out of view. From there I'd use insulated PVC piping and run the lines to the bar. I'd hook up a PC fan or two to circulate the air into the pipe and keep the lines cool. This way I can also use the extra fridge space for bottles.

Any thoughts, comments, suggestions? Anyone done this sort of thing before and have a better idea? My main concern is drilling into the side of the fridge. I know freezers have coils running in there. Do fridges have these as well, or is the cabinet mostly insulation?

My other option was to buy a nice commercial back bar system, but they are quite pricey and I'm starting to think I could us e that cash for other bar-related things.

Thanks,

Rob

[Push Eject]

Older fridges have coils in the walls, but anything made in the last, say, 15 years is going to have nothing but foam in the walls.

Sounds like a great project. Post pictures!

I recently moved my co2 tank out of the fridge to make room for more beer and drilled through a wall too.

Push Eject

[keggermeister]

I have drilled a bunch of fridges and have encountered no cooling coils. Like Push said, They were all under 15.
Instead of Air, what about a glycol tank in the freezer and a small circulation pump? I think it'd be more efficent than air.

Just my .02 cents.

[Push Eject]

Instead of Air, what about a glycol tank in the freezer and a small circulation pump?

MoreBeer GLY200 : Glycol System #2
Price: $1695.00 (Product Does Not Qualify For Free Shipping)
Weight: 140.00LBS
Features
•2900 btu
•Max distance of glycol "out" line - 125 Feet.
•Gear-type pump
•115V Compressor
•12-gallon bath capacity
•32"H x 18"W x 26"D

WOW - I say just stuff those pvc pipes with foam!

Push Eject

[keggermeister]

Home made Glycol system:

100 feet beer line
1 gallon plumbers antifreeze
1 gallon resovoir
small pump
-----------------
Not a thousand dollars ifyou build it yourself!

Use your imagination!
Craft Brewing would have never existed without craftiness!

[Speyedr]

That's all good news guys, thanks! The fridge wouldn't be more than 10ft from the taps, as the lines fall. While Glycol sounds cool, it may be overkill for the application. Good news is, I can try the PC fan technique and if it doesn't work I'll try the homemade glycol.

I may be in touch Keggermeister!

..Now if I can only figure out how to make Green Dragon...

[Push Eject]

I am totally intrigued by your homemade line chiller, kegger...

Have you done it? What were the results? Do you have pictures and a how-to?

Cheers,
Push Eject

[Brancid]

Home made Glycol system:

100 feet beer line
1 gallon plumbers antifreeze
1 gallon resovoir
small pump

Tell me, Tell me, Tell me

I see temp controlled carboys in my future