Under-counter outdoor kegerator recommendations

[dmpizzle]

Hi, I'm looking for a recommendation on a quality outdoor kegerator. It's going to go into an outdoor kitchen we're building, and will be under-counter. I *think* I need something with front ventilation, as it won't be open in the back or on the sides. Something like this: bbq-kegerator.jpg

I was looking at the BM-23 but it looks like it won't fit my needs here unfortunately. Any other recommends?

[PointPleasantNJBeerguy]

Anything short of the commercial units outside are a waste. Can't take the weather or hot temps without sacrificing proper temps.
Why won't the bm23 work for you? Because of the rails on top? These units have been customized plenty of times to fit as undercounter units.

[dmpizzle]

I haven't found any examples of the BM-23 being a built-in. Does anyone have a video, picture, or forum post that describes this?

[KillianBoy]

dmpizzle,
Any unit can be made to be undercounter, all you need to do is vent the hot air and have way for fresh air to enter. Could be built like regular refrigerators, several fans at bottom venting the hot air from mechanics in rear. Don't think any member has posted a way to do it but is fairly simple to do.
I was going ask a few questions and offer a different way to get cold beer next to the BBQ without all the drama of a outdoor kegerator, but you didn't come back and post, so...
What will the usage be for the kegerator (daily parties, weekly?, how many people)? What is your budget? How pretty does it have to be?
KB

[PointPleasantNJBeerguy]

I haven't found any examples of the BM-23 being a built-in. Does anyone have a video, picture, or forum post that describes this?

You probably won't see any pics of it in this setup. Only real negative with the bm23 being put under the counter is you lose the nice stainless top and drip tray.

[dmpizzle]

dmpizzle,
Any unit can be made to be undercounter, all you need to do is vent the hot air and have way for fresh air to enter. Could be built like regular refrigerators, several fans at bottom venting the hot air from mechanics in rear. Don't think any member has posted a way to do it but is fairly simple to do.
I was going ask a few questions and offer a different way to get cold beer next to the BBQ without all the drama of a outdoor kegerator, but you didn't come back and post, so...
What will the usage be for the kegerator (daily parties, weekly?, how many people)? What is your budget? How pretty does it have to be?
KB

Usage will be on weekends with friends. We're building a nice outdoor kitchen, so I would like it to look nice. Not as worried about budget, as I am about doing the right thing.

[KillianBoy]

dmpizzle,
If money is no object then buy regular kegerator, do as picture shows and when breaks down, replace with a new one, no need to vent air.
Honestly there must be a limit in expense, but if only on weekends and you plan on killing the kegs that weekend, I'd get a jockey box, faucets can come out of distressed wood, kegs can be stored below jockey box. Cheaper than kegerator, no need to run electrical, all you need is a lot of ice.
KB

[BigKutta]

How about a Marvel MO24BNS1RS? These are made for undercabinet outdoor use. Keeping the tower cooled will be a challenge under any under counter set up in extreme heat

[THE ICEMAN]

You could still use a BM-23 if you built your counter to the same height as the BM-23 & left the counter open so that you could roll the unit in & out if there were any maintenance issues. It may not be as clean a look but the practical factor would offset that IMHO. This would also allow you to move the unit inside if you wished.
What part of the country are you in? Here in Arizona, outdoor units have problems.


THE ICEMAN

[BigKutta]

You could still use a BM-23 if you built your counter to the same height as the BM-23 & left the counter open so that you could roll the unit in & out if there were any maintenance issues. It may not be as clean a look but the practical factor would offset that IMHO. This would also allow you to move the unit inside if you wished.
What part of the country are you in? Here in Arizona, outdoor units have problems.


THE ICEMAN

This is a great idea for the outdoors. Build an open space that will accommodate the kegerator, and match the counter height to top of the kegerator for a clean look. This way the tower cooling issue is also reduced as the tower remains integrated into the kegerator.