Chest Freezer dying...

carrisr · Post by **carrisr** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 10:50 am

This weekend, my chest freezer that I use for serving and lagering stopped cooling. I can hear the compressor running (albeit I think is sounds quieter than normal) and it feels warm to the touch.

Does anyone here know anything about freezers? Should I see if it can be repaired or should I just replace it? It's probably about 10 years old.

tony b · Post by **tony b** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:45 pm

Sound of TAPS being played in the distance!

Since the compressor is most of the cost of the freezer, plus given its age, it's probably not very energy efficient. So, you're probably better off getting a newer one.

BrewHound · Post by **BrewHound** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 6:19 pm

If you have a friend in the refridgeation business. I would have it charged with coolent first. If that does not fix. Then follow above suggestion and ditch the pig.

The only reason I say friend in the refridgation business is the cost of coolant is fairly cheap, However, they rape you because it requires licencing to handle. A friend would do it for the cost of coolient.

tompb · Post by **tompb** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 6:25 pm

It's actually harder on a freezer then a fridge to run at the warmer temps. As Tony said it's probably cheaper to buy a new one. Though the way the new crap is made you'll be lucky to get 10 years from the next one.

carrisr · Post by **carrisr** » Mon Apr 04, 2011 7:45 pm

Well I may just move on to Plan B. We want to replace the side-by-side fridge in our kitchen eventually. That was in a the longer term plan, but it may get moved up. That would allow me to use the old fridge as my kegregator and get some bonus freezer space too. Just didn't really want to spend the cash right now, but that option gives me a lot more utility than another $200 chest freezer.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:00 am

I really like my side by side for a kegerator. If I move the gas outside the fridge, I could get up to 6 cornies in there and still have a lot of beer storage room on the inside of the door. It is nice to have the extra freezer space. I keep hops, meat and girl scout cookies in mine. No temp controller needed but I run it at the warmest setting I can. I have bumped the switch without knowing a few times and a keg on the bottom shelf froze. Iced hefeweizen anyone? I keep the kegs I want the coolest on the bottom and others on top.

hoboscratch · Post by **hoboscratch** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:09 am

So I'm assuming you had to build some sort of reinforced shelf to be able to keep kegs on the top and on the bottom? Does the thermostat let you get warm enough to ferment a lager?

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:41 am

I made a shelf out of 2x4s. Basically a deck of 2x4s supported by two legs on each side. I cut is so it fits tight enough against the side walls it doesn't move much. There is a slight lip on the front of the fridge that keeps it from sliding out. I added it about 8 years ago and it hasn't failed me yet. You can fit a carboy on the bottom in place of kegs. Just need a few 2x4s underneath to raise it up enough to clear the angled wall at the back of the fridge. I haven't done a lager in there because I have a separate fridge for fermenting, but I use to cold crash my ales before kegging them with the beer fridge. runs anywhere from 32 to 38 F depending on the setting. I can post some pictures if you like. Pretty low tech modification.

hoboscratch · Post by **hoboscratch** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:47 am

No worries, I was just curious. I have about a 5 year old freezer I'm using right now. When it goes I will just replace it with a regular fridge, but that's a ways out. Interesting about the side by side, I like that idea.

Matt F · Post by **Matt F** » Tue Apr 05, 2011 8:58 am

I ended up with a side by side when my mom remodeled her kitchen. She had no takers so I got it at my favorite price, free.