Kegerator options for outdoor use

[RicAnd]

I'm looking for a kegerator that is ok for outdoors, can handle 100 degree plus ambient heat and be built into a counter with my grill. I'd prefer a double beer tap model or something easily modified to be a double tap. Anybody have one built in and hooked up outside that they love?

[THE ICEMAN]

I would stick with the commercial models. You didn't mention your budget or how much space you have so here are a couple options. The Beverage Air BM23-2 will handle up to two 1/4 kegs. The Bev Air DD48 will handle two half kegs. True Mfg. also makes similar models.

The key to outdoor operation is to give the unit plenty of air circulation. If you wish to build it into the bar leave a vent in back or the sides & you might also consider putting it on wheels to make service easier. You will have to eventually clean whatever you decide upon.

Later, THE ICEMAN

[RicAnd]

Thanks a bunch for replying to me IceMan. Do you think those would be alright built in outside?

I actually called BevAir and they said that these were not 'certified' for out door use and can not be used as a built-in. I'd order those now if I could, since the only option I've found is the H1T-O-SR2 from Perlick for well over twice that amount. Sometimes manufacturers can't say those are OK for outdoor use due to UL issues etc., but actually will work fine. That's why I'm asking the group here if someone has experience with a unit working fine, outside, built in.

Do you know of anyone using these BevAirs in this application with successful results? I need real world input. Thanks again for your input and assistance.

[cubby_swans]

I don't think the Iceman would steer you wrong. Especially since you've given the expected conditions. He's the resident HVAC expert here, in my opinion, and either has or does work on these things for a living.

You definitely made the smart move in asking before buying. Most people buy something, then figure out it's the wrong choice but try to make it work anyways. A few people have asked about keeping the home use models outdoors, and he's flat out told them it probably won't work.

[THE ICEMAN]

Thanks for the backup cubby. And for the record I don't do HVAC. I'm into Low Temp Refrigeration. (splitting hairs, I know)

Once again, RicAnd, air circulation is the key. Think of it in terms of driving your car though Death Valley in the summertime with your A/C full blast vs. driving through someplace like Tahoe the same time of year. The A/C is going to work a lot harder & less efficiently in Death Valley.
I live in the Phoenix area & have a small commercial ice machine on my back porch. I have it on a timer to run only at night in the summer. If I were to run it during the day it would never shut off - it would work too hard. I mention this to give you an idea what you are up against.
Most of the companies will tell you to run those things at 85 to 90 degree ambient temp max. Once you start getting above that the efficiency starts to drop big time & will stress the compressors. It's not impossible to run a kegerator outside during the summer heat, just don't expect miracles.

[BigBadJohn]

I usually put alot of stock in old refrigerators. The 50s and 60s fridges are great for withstanding the elements and even in the winter can actually keep your beer from freezing

[Skinsfan1311]

My kegerator is on a screened in back porch, and is mostly protected from the elements. The person that I inherited it from had it outside too.

I think that there's something to be said about older refrigeration units and they just don't make 'em like they used to.

It's an older Kenmore unit and it is not designed for outside use, but it's never been an issue here near Baltimore, where we go through hot and humid summers. It works great and the beer dispenses at 36 degrees.

I don't use it in the dead of winter and, in the summer, and keep a small fan, (on a timer), pointed up at the back of the unit to keep air circulation going over the coils and compressor. This helps keep the compressor from running all of the time.

Of course, I wouldn't suggest this, but the unit was given to me.

If I would've had to purchase one, I would've gotten a model specifically rated for the outdoors.

[RicAnd]

Originally Posted by THE ICEMAN

Thanks for the backup cubby.
Once again, RicAnd, air circulation is the key. Think of it in terms of driving your car though Death Valley in the summertime with your A/C full blast vs. driving through someplace like Tahoe the same time of year. The A/C is going to work a lot harder & less efficiently in Death Valley.
I live in the Phoenix area & have a small commercial ice machine on my back porch. I have it on a timer to run only at night in the summer. If I were to run it during the day it would never shut off - it would work too hard. I mention this to give you an idea what you are up against.
Most of the companies will tell you to run those things at 85 to 90 degree ambient temp max. Once you start getting above that the efficiency starts to drop big time & will stress the compressors. It's not impossible to run a kegerator outside during the summer heat, just don't expect miracles.

I would agree and have done some AC stuff myself. So the Perlick that has a front vented, forced air, condensor coil would be my best shot at cooling in a cabinet. It also uses an energy star variable speed compressor that produces ~3 times the BTU at the same energy consumption as most other models. I guess you get what you pay for in some applications. I was hoping someone knew of another unit would be close to it at less than the $3,500 price tag. I know the outdoor Viking kegerator is close, but at $ 3,300 and only a single tap, not less expensive.

[oneandonlychaz]

I know summit makes a kegerator UL rated for indoor and outdoor use and ment for built in or free-standing applications. Its all stainless steel and the price tag i found it online for is right under $1400. Its single tap but i mean thats an easy fix. The model number is Summit Kegerator SBC-490-OS

[RicAnd]

Wow, Summit actually looks like they have something that would have been certified to work in my application. They also allow you to order without the tap tower to custom build your own, and have two and three tap towers available as options. I would definitely had looked into those babies and could have potentially saved a couple grand. Unfortunately, I pulled the trigger on the Perlick today and it's on it's way. I'm sure it will do what I want, but perhaps not the best value. Thanks a bunch for your input, unfortunately I didn't wait long enough to have it help me. Perhaps this posting will help someone else in the same situation.

[THE ICEMAN]

Aside from the hit in the pocket book, Perlick is a good choice.

[BigBadJohn]

Speaking of a rfrigerator being outside, I have my kegerator in my uninsulated garage outside and I want to keep the liquid temperature at 32-33 degrees. My freezer has no problem getting down to -10 and below that, but my refrigerator section never seems to get below 38 degrees. Im going by a glass of water sitting on top of my keg with a digital kitchen thermometer in it.

It had no problem in the winter since it didnt have to do much work, but seems like it wont get down to 32 anymore like it was before

I just did this today with some 235 cfm fans I had lying around. Hooked them up in series so I guess theyre doing about half the work (235 cfm together?) and hooked them up in parallel with the stock fan that cools down the compressor so all 3 run when the compressor kicks on

[Kpt42]

You won't regret purchasing the Perlick. It is one of the best if not the best name in commercial refrigeration.

[jackstraw]

Marvel also makes an outdoor kegerator. It's free standing --- not built-in. Also mucho $$$$.