Just got my first kegerator. Could use some advice.

[dmottram]

I recently acquired a frigidaire kegerator, all black with a stainless door (it can be seen here Deals on Frigidaire Beverage Center Kegerator at PriceSCAN.com ) It also came with a 12 pound co2 tank equipped with a micromatic dual co2 gauge setup ( http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-...s-pid-342.html ) and a stainless 'ergo-handle' d system coupler ( http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-...d-7485S-S.html )

I got everything listed above for $100 all said and done. I work at a hotel that was privately owned for a year until it was bought out by holiday inn. Corporate told the new GM to get rid of the kegerator... thus leading to me buying it for $100. At first I thought $100 was steep for a 'fridge' until I priced out the whole setup and it seems like I got one incredible deal.

Now on to a few questions...

1. The co2 tank is presently inside the kegerator, does it matter if it is inside or outside? I'm aware that the temp will effect the co2 gauge that represents how much is left in the tank.. but will it effect the gauge that shows how much co2 your pumping into the keg? And if so, by how much?

2. The kegerator also has a couple shelves on the inside. One is a liqour bottle rack and the other is a beer mug holder. If the k-rator is being opened multiple times throughout the evening for the liqour and such, will this really effect the temperature of the keg itself? I read the best temp for beer is 34-38 but i'm afraid if the k-rator is opened frequently it might leave the keg 40 degrees +.

3. The hose from the keg to the tap (faucet?) is pretty gross because it hasn't been used for a month and the k-rator was left unplugged. Is there a way to clean and sanitize this hose or is it more worth my time to just replace it?

4. What's the deal with co2 and/or nitrogen? Do you use one or the other or can you 'mix' them? Do you need separate tanks? Is there really anything beneficial with using a nitro/co2 combo?

5. Should I get a co2 filtration system? Is this common for most home k-rators? Is it necessary?

Sorry for all of the questions I didn't realize there was so much involved with k-rators. I have no problem admitting I'm clueless about this, I'm hoping some of you more experienced members of the kegger community can help me out. I appreciate your time, happy drinking!

Dale

[cubby_swans]

Originally Posted by dmottram

I recently acquired a frigidaire kegerator, all black with a stainless door (it can be seen here Deals on Frigidaire Beverage Center Kegerator at PriceSCAN.com ) It also came with a 12 pound co2 tank equipped with a micromatic dual co2 gauge setup ( http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-...s-pid-342.html ) and a stainless 'ergo-handle' d system coupler ( http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-...d-7485S-S.html )

I got everything listed above for $100 all said and done. I work at a hotel that was privately owned for a year until it was bought out by holiday inn. Corporate told the new GM to get rid of the kegerator... thus leading to me buying it for $100. At first I thought $100 was steep for a 'fridge' until I priced out the whole setup and it seems like I got one incredible deal.

Now on to a few questions...

1. The co2 tank is presently inside the kegerator, does it matter if it is inside or outside? I'm aware that the temp will effect the co2 gauge that represents how much is left in the tank.. but will it effect the gauge that shows how much co2 your pumping into the keg? And if so, by how much?

2. The kegerator also has a couple shelves on the inside. One is a liqour bottle rack and the other is a beer mug holder. If the k-rator is being opened multiple times throughout the evening for the liqour and such, will this really effect the temperature of the keg itself? I read the best temp for beer is 34-38 but i'm afraid if the k-rator is opened frequently it might leave the keg 40 degrees +.

3. The hose from the keg to the tap (faucet?) is pretty gross because it hasn't been used for a month and the k-rator was left unplugged. Is there a way to clean and sanitize this hose or is it more worth my time to just replace it?

4. What's the deal with co2 and/or nitrogen? Do you use one or the other or can you 'mix' them? Do you need separate tanks? Is there really anything beneficial with using a nitro/co2 combo?

5. Should I get a co2 filtration system? Is this common for most home k-rators? Is it necessary?

Sorry for all of the questions I didn't realize there was so much involved with k-rators. I have no problem admitting I'm clueless about this, I'm hoping some of you more experienced members of the kegger community can help me out. I appreciate your time, happy drinking!

Dale

1) won't affect your low level guage whether it's inside or out.

2) probably not a great idea to be in and out of the unit all night, but it depends on what you're beer temp is, or if you're having a hard time getting it to the proper temp. As long as the keg reaches the proper temp, opening the door for beers will just keep your compressor running more often. The keg won't warm up that fast.

3) Micromatic sells a cleaning kit I would buy. (I did buy it). It's like 40 something dollars, but the detergent that comes with it last for 32 cleanings. You should clean every two weeks. I'm not so dilligent, I run through a keg in 3 weeks, so I clean after every keg. Beer line isn't that much. I'd go ahead and order some replacement beer hose at the same time.

4) co2/nitrogen mix is for dispensing Guiness. Otherwise you want straight co2 which you can get at a welding supply store, or a paintball store. If you're dispensing Guiness, you will need to replace the faucet.

5) You shouldn't need a co2 filter. Any place that sells gas and wants to stay in business isn't peddling contaminated gas.