37 replies to this topic

[ChicagoWaterGuy]

I need to put a collar on my chest freezer. Some are as simple as 2x4's to extremely complex. I've seen some with insulation attached to the wood collar, others are just wood. If it's just wood inside, what would be the best way to resist mold?

 

It's a large chest freezer that fits 15 kegs. I use it mainly for conditioning and cold storage. I'll be putting in a few taps, trying to get away from picnic taps.

 

School me, please.

 

 

[positiveContact]

I would think a paint intended for moist environments would help.

[positiveContact]

just a note though - I mostly only get condensation on the walls of the keezer where the coils are.  if you are just serving out of this thing it won't be too bad.  it's when i'm fermenting in it that a lot of humidity gets in there.

[ChicagoWaterGuy]

Did you use 2x4 or larger?

[positiveContact]

I was just talking in general.  I did not modify my freezer at all.  I just open it up and use a picnic tap.

[HVB]

Did you use 2x4 or larger?

I used 2-1*6 pine sandwiched together.  I am thinking of rebuilding my collar seeing I no longer have the taps on the front and have the holes blocked with insualtion.  this time I will just got with a 2x6 and be done with it.  Mine is in the basement and I do not care if it looks pretty.

[matt6150]

The freezer I currently ferment in has a collar as it used to have taps in it. Now they are just removed and the holes plugged. I never had a problem with mold or condensation on the wood. With either configuration. Like morty said I only get condensation on the walls where the coils are.

[realbeerguy]

3 or 4 coats of polyurethane should do it.  That's what I have on mine.

[positiveContact]

I used 2-1*6 pine sandwiched together.  I am thinking of rebuilding my collar seeing I no longer have the taps on the front and have the holes blocked with insualtion.  this time I will just got with a 2x6 and be done with it.  Mine is in the basement and I do not care if it looks pretty.

 

are you going to have a collar with no taps?  do you just need the extra height?

[HVB]

are you going to have a collar with no taps?  do you just need the extra height?

I have a trunk like that exits my freezer that goes to taps mounted to a wall.  I would rather not drill though the side of the freezer for that.  I may be able to just use a 2x4 but not sure.  The hole is pretty good sized to get the hoses + insulation out.

[positiveContact]

I have a trunk like that exits my freezer that goes to taps mounted to a wall.  I would rather not drill though the side of the freezer for that.  I may be able to just use a 2x4 but not sure.  The hole is pretty good sized to get the hoses + insulation out.

 

sweet!  is the tube insulated or does it have active cooling?

[HVB]

sweet!  is the tube insulated or does it have active cooling?

Right now it is just insulated.  When I re-do the collar I plan to add some more hose so that I can add some cooling if I need to.  So far it has not been an issue.

[Poptop]

I would absolutely love to change from simple inside picnics to a collar and 3 taps.  I am reluctant due to the sanitation of the taps since my keezer is in the garage.  I just don't feel comfortable pouring and then having the taps exposed to Florida garage heat and what might begin growing in said taps.....

[positiveContact]

I would absolutely love to change from simple inside picnics to a collar and 3 taps.  I am reluctant due to the sanitation of the taps since my keezer is in the garage.  I just don't feel comfortable pouring and then having the taps exposed to Florida garage heat and what might begin growing in said taps.....

 

I think you are making the right call given the location of your keezer.

[ChicagoWaterGuy]

I used 2-1*6 pine sandwiched together.  I am thinking of rebuilding my collar seeing I no longer have the taps on the front and have the holes blocked with insualtion.  this time I will just got with a 2x6 and be done with it.  Mine is in the basement and I do not care if it looks pretty.

Mine's in the basement too. Would you use a single 2x6 or double it up?

[SchwanzBrewer]

Insulate it. Seal it the best you can. Get some damp rid and change it often. 

[realbeerguy]

I would absolutely love to change from simple inside picnics to a collar and 3 taps.  I am reluctant due to the sanitation of the taps since my keezer is in the garage.  I just don't feel comfortable pouring and then having the taps exposed to Florida garage heat and what might begin growing in said taps.....

I have mine in the garage.  Bottle of Star San & the tap spout covers work well.

 

My Collar has 2x6 Poplar on the outside, 2x6 pine cut down on the inside.

[HVB]

Mine's in the basement too. Would you use a single 2x6 or double it up?

I plan to just go with one

[matt6150]

I have mine in the garage.  Bottle of Star San & the tap spout covers work well.

 

Yep that's what I do.

[djinkc]

Single 2 X 6 - Kilz and polyurethane.  Butt joints.  Both the kegerator and carbing freezer were done the same.  Not pretty but they're in unfinished basement.