Collared Chest Freezer Condensation/Ice Conundrum?

Systems, Gear, & DIY
1

I seem to develop ice buildup in my converted chest freezer kegerator rather quickly, as compared to my exact same model chest freezer (for conditioning) albeit without a collar.

The kegerator has a 2x6’ collar built on top, caulked on two separate occasions to ensure gaps were filled, then I put a cut to collar foam insulation strip around, caulked that and filled any large gaps with spray foam insulation.

The lid seats well on top of the collar. I do have a fan inside to push cold air to the tap box.

My conditioning fridge sits outside in the garage, same temp control.  Living in florida, my expectation would be that this conditioning fridge in the garage would have much more frequent ice buildup.  yet exactly the opposite happens.

What gives?  Should I buy weather stripping for the lid?

2

Where is your probe? Do have have any sort of moisture control in place?

3

Probe is generally pinched between two kegs.  I have a damprid container in there.  Beer comes out within a degree or two of what the Rancho temp says too.

4

Is the probe down towards the bottom? If not, it’s likely trying too hard.

5

I’ll try that;  it’s currently just below the rubber on the kegs.

6

I zip tied my probe to a can of Coors Light that sits on the bottom of the chest freezer between kegs. I have had a lot less moisture since doing that. Also, I use reusable hydrosorbent packs to absorb some of the moisture (Amazon.com).

7

I have had zero problems with condensation using 2 EVA DRY 500’s, and recharging them once the beads go from blue to purple.

8

both good ideas!  I think i’ll use a can of seltzer water though - can’t be seen buying the Bullet.

9

Similar situation here, using an Eva Dry too but it doesn’t seem to help.

10

I have damp rid in there now but it doesn’t seem to do much either.

11

I don’t open the chest freezer too often, maybe once or twice a month. The walls are somewhat wet and the bottom grows mold. Not sure how that works since it’s pretty darned cold down there.

What do we do about the mold?

12

You need to tackle the moisture before you can tackle the mold.

13

Eva Dry 500.  One won’t work.  Two works very well, at least for  7.2 CF chest freezer.  And they last for years.

14

I get ice in the bottom corners of my keezer too, though I think Damp-rid slows the buildup. I don’t worry, and when it builds up a bit I sprinkle some driveway ice melt (calcium chloride type) on the ice, wait a bit, and suck out the liquid with my shop vac–works great, and I’m good for a few months!