Beer Forum

Driving home the other day we happened to pass a 20 cu.ft. upright freezer on the side of our street. The sign on it read "Free works." I loaded it up and parked it in my garage. After spending 3 hours cleaning out the crud inside I was pleased to find that it works perfectly. It is ten years old and a little rough on the outside but I think I can make it work. It has sturdy adjustable shelves and plenty of space for kegs and lagering.

My question is what is the best option as far as temperature control? My local shop has options ranging from $40-$200 and I am not sure what is best. I know the plug in options cycle the freezer off and on and I am a little worried about putting a 10 year old compressor through that. Has anyone tried changing out the thermostat? Was it difficult and did it work well?

The narrow range people get upset about is usually associated with fermentation where you want to maintain tighter controls on the temp. For dispensing or lagering you just want it cold, so you can live with a larger range. A replacement thermostat will cost you around $50.

If you can splurge get a Ranco 2-stage. You'll never regret having the option. If this is strictly for dispensing then a Johnson will do.

If it is only for dispensing beer, then use the built in thermostat. Set it and check it over a period of a few days and get it to the temperature you desire, say 38F. If for lagering, then you may want to upgrade to a standalone.

Kbar wrote:If it is only for dispensing beer, then use the built in thermostat. Set it and check it over a period of a few days and get it to the temperature you desire, say 38F. If for lagering, then you may want to upgrade to a standalone.

You know I never thought of that. I have a freezer as well (chest) and just assumed that it would not operate at anything close to 40F.

CPADRE - I'd be interested to know what temps and swings you get setting the thermostat to the highest setting.

I am hoping to use it as both a lager and dispenser so I will be trying to keep it in the 40-45F range.

Right now I have it at its highest setting and it is holding at 20F.

I like having an external and digital temp control like the Johnson or Ranco. I can move it from fridge to fridge depending on what is going on. If you have the bucks the 2 stage Ranco is the way to go. I love my Johnson, who doesn't, but its a pain to switch between heating and cooling. Brewmasters warehouse will give you 10% off if you use the bnarmy coupon code and they have the 2 stage Ranco.