keezer |

I didn’t think to document the keezer build until I was a little bit into the project. So, before the first picture was taken, I had already built a base for the keezer to sit on with casters (wheels). This serves two very important purposes. First, I’m a tall guy and I wanted the keezer to sit high so I didn’t have to bend down to pull a pint. Second, the wheels are important if you want the collar to attach to the lid (as opposed to attach to the freezer). The larger lid makes it necessary to roll the keezer away from the wall when opening and closing. I also painted my white freezer black (with appliance spray paint). Hopefully, the pictures below do a good job of illustrating what I did from there on out. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me (kees@mainlinebrewers.com). I would be happy to share some advice!

A shout out to my dad, Matt Pieters, and Cripin May for their help along the way! Also, the good folks at homebrewtalk.com for ideas.

: I easily removed the factory shell from the underside of the lid

: with the shell removed, it fit nice and flush against the 2×4 collar

: Collar made from 2x4s

: I ripped off the casing on the front of the lid that housed the light and lock

: collar fitting nicely on the freezer

: i used “camper” insulation and liquid nails to seal the lid to the wood collar

: the underside of the lid that will sit on top of the 2×4 collar

: 1×6″ boards were used for the sides and front of the “outer collar.

: I tried mitering, but opted for a butt joint

: nice seal between lid – collar – freezer.

: caulked the gap between the 1×6 collar and the top of the lid

: just barely enough room on the inside of the collar for the shanks/tailpiece

: i drilled my holes slightly larger than my shanks

: taped off the collar and painted the caulk black

: taped off the chalkboard area. applied 3 coats of chalkboard paint

: starting to look good

: underside of the lid with the collar attached

: the hinges pulled the lid back a bit but still fit fine.

: I used “Great Stuff” to fill any gaps on the inside to help with insulation

: the collar was almost too think for the shanks. close call.

: 4 kegs and CO2 fit easily

: wifey helping me with the art!

: see the “White Labs Tap Handle” project

: Red Mahogany stain with several coats of poly

A drip tray is definitely necessary for this sort of set-up. I’ll get around to that sometime soon. I also plan on installing a small fan to circulate air inside the keezer.