Beer Fridge Temperature

[TunaCan]

I've repurposed an old outside fridge to hold my kegs. I've never paid much attention to it, but now that I'm monitoring the temperature, I've noticed that it runs for a really long time, and only shuts off the compressor when it gets down to 34°. I've read that this can be due to the coils being dirty, which they were. . . really dirty. So I tipped the thing over and cleaned the coils underneath really well, removed the dead rat, (no joke) and let er rip.
She still gets really cold, regardless of where the temp dial is set to. The next step would be I assume to replace the thermostat, but at $75 for the part, I might as well hook up an external temp controller and be able to really dial it in.

My question is, should I even bother? Should I just serve really cold beer? I am a little worried about things freezing up, that would be bad.

[Bugeater]

You should probably go with an external controller. Here is a link to one someone told me about. It might be worth checking out. http://kkontrols.com/pothwse.html

Wayne

[coloradojay]

I'd recommend the same thing. Here's another version: http://morebeer.com/view_product/16663/102282/Analog_Temperature_Controller

[SKymax]

You could just make that your fridge for serving lagers...or you could use it for lagering. That's what I do with my colder fridge, but I've got another one (with a good thermostat) that I use for serving ales and stuff. If this is your only fridge for kegs, yeah...I'd say probably get a controler for it.

[jomebrew]

I'd recommend the same thing. Here's another version: http://morebeer.com/view_product/16663/102282/Analog_Temperature_Controller

The analog temp controller is part of the July Kegging Push at B3. 20% off. That'll keep the chilled to the right temp (+/-4). ~$44 beans. I pulled the trigger. Didn't bother to shop around. Supporting my local sullpier and BN supporter.

http://morebeer.com/search/103671


In the primaries: ether
secondaries: more ether
last brew date: never
next brew date: seems like this day will never come

[TunaCan]

Doh! I just ordered it three days ago before the special. Oh well. Happy to support More Beer. (currently sipping a double IPA at standing stone brewery in Ashland OR.) Gotta love the iPhone.

[Brewchief]

So where is the picture of said deceased rodent, and what are those silver and red cans doing in there?

[beerdrinker]

You might even be able to save money on electricity by buying an external temperature control (it's gotta be taking a lot of juice to keep that fridge pumping

Atleast that is a great way to justify the investment that should improve your serving control at the same time.