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  • Walk in options

    Quick background. I’m converting a 30x50 pole barn into a nano/bar that will initially be private with plans to eventually go public when it outgrows the space/ I have to quit my day job. I’m planning on 8 taps on the side of the walk-in with a “pass through” display case for bottles. I’m assuming 15Wx6/7Dx????h (the ceiling is about 25 ft, so height isn’t an issue).

    My question is can anyone point me in the direction of good resources on sourcing walk ins/ finding a realiable installer. I’m assuming I’ll go used since this whole thing is out of pocket, but I’m not sure on that. FYI, I’m in the Portland Metro area, so if anyone has a partner they have worked with, I’m all ears.

  • #2
    Looked into the CoolBot yet?
    Sent from my Microsoft Bob

    Beer is like porn. You can buy it, but it's more fun to make your own.
    seanterrill.com/category/brewing | twomilebrewing.com

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    • #3
      craigslist for used coolers. if you get a bit lucky you'll pick one up for nothing, maybe even free. sometimes its just the box, sometimes its complete. but if there's no mechanical with it, definitely investigate the coolbot option. totally fine for just a basic walkin cooler.

      other option is to talk to local refrigeration companies. sometimes they are asked to remove units from buildings and they end up just tossing them. or selling real cheap.

      but id definitely start with the craigslist search. hit the metros from seattle all the way down to SF bay area/sacramento. those things are easy to dissassemble and toss in the back of a rental truck.

      you could pick one up for probably 1/10th of the cost new. or maybe even free.

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      • #4
        There are several companies in the PDX area that specialize in used walk-in coolers and other food service equipment. Rose's is one we've used frequently, for both new and used eq.

        But our most recent cooler came from asking our refrigeration guy, and was FREE except for hauling and the install.

        When assembling you draught system keep FH Steinbart's in SE Ptown in mind: https://fhsteinbart.com/ They have everything you need for draught systems and more, at very competitive prices. The commercial stuff usually isn't on their website, so give them a call. Tell 'em Timm at TG sent you. They can also help you design a draught beer system for the best possible pours if you haven't done one before.
        Last edited by TGTimm; 07-30-2018, 11:30 AM.
        Timm Turrentine

        Brewerywright,
        Terminal Gravity Brewing,
        Enterprise. Oregon.

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        • #5
          Originally posted by a10t2 View Post
          Looked into the CoolBot yet?
          We did and thats the main reason we are still not open... Simply put running an ac unit for refrigeration doesnt actually meet code and the unit is not UL listed for this use.

          Depending on how picky your inspector is you could end up in our situation where we have to hire an engineer to stamp its use or purchase a traditional setup...
          LG was no help as they do not want liability, they said it was fine over the phone but then told the inspector the opposite. Coolbot provided all they could but in the end its not their AC unit that specifically comes with directions stating the AC unit is not to be used for refrigeration or food, they just sell these units with their controllers... You would think though after 12 years someone would make it legal on paper?
          Just be aware going in and get approval on paper, We got a verbal approval from one inspector and later was told no by another.. after it was built.
          Last edited by augiedoggy; 08-14-2018, 08:11 AM.

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          • #6
            Originally posted by augiedoggy View Post
            We did and thats the main reason we are still not open... Simply put running an ac unit for refrigeration doesnt actually meet code and the unit is not UL listed for this use.

            Depending on how picky your inspector is you could end up in our situation where we have to hire an engineer to stamp its use or purchase a traditional setup...
            LG was no help as they do not want liability, they said it was fine over the phone but then told the inspector the opposite. Coolbot provided all they could but in the end its not their AC unit that specifically comes with directions stating the AC unit is not to be used for refrigeration or food, they just sell these units with their controllers... You would think though after 12 years someone would make it legal on paper?
            Just be aware going in and get approval on paper, We got a verbal approval from one inspector and later was told no by another.. after it was built.
            What about it doesn't meet code? My has been a brisk 37 degree for the last 4 days. Takes 5 minutes to drop from 44 degree to 37 after having the door open.

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            • #7
              Originally posted by augiedoggy View Post
              We did and thats the main reason we are still not open... Simply put running an ac unit for refrigeration doesnt actually meet code and the unit is not UL listed for this use.

              Depending on how picky your inspector is you could end up in our situation where we have to hire an engineer to stamp its use or purchase a traditional setup...
              LG was no help as they do not want liability, they said it was fine over the phone but then told the inspector the opposite. Coolbot provided all they could but in the end its not their AC unit that specifically comes with directions stating the AC unit is not to be used for refrigeration or food.
              I didn’t realize you were storing food in there; in that scenario you’re pretty much at the mercy of your local health inspector. Fortunately our food and beer storage are separate.
              Sent from my Microsoft Bob

              Beer is like porn. You can buy it, but it's more fun to make your own.
              seanterrill.com/category/brewing | twomilebrewing.com

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              • #8
                Originally posted by AmbrosiaOrchard View Post
                What about it doesn't meet code? My has been a brisk 37 degree for the last 4 days. Takes 5 minutes to drop from 44 degree to 37 after having the door open.
                I know they work fine... Code has nothing to do with how well and sometimes even nothing to do with how safe they are. The ac units were never designed or certified to be used as refrigeration units and therefore are not ul listed for that use.. like I said its a technicality but one they can give you a hard time about if they choose.
                Last edited by augiedoggy; 08-14-2018, 02:49 PM.

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                • #9
                  Originally posted by a10t2 View Post
                  I didn’t realize you were storing food in there; in that scenario you’re pretty much at the mercy of your local health inspector. Fortunately our food and beer storage are separate.
                  No food at all. Well technically beer is liquid bread and something you consume but I said refrigeration OR food .. Its the building inspector that held us up due to codes. He saw it when onsite for something else. I was referring to LG's manual that comes with the ac units... They state they arent meant to be used for refrigeration period. Someone with common sense would say thats because they only go to 60degrees without the coolbot but its a legal loophole we are stuck in at the moment. Lg refuses to give us anything to say its ok since they are not going to pay the folks over at UL thousands of dollars to test all their products to be used as such with a third party product.
                  If you do plan on using them either get approval ahead of time or dont let the building inspector see it if you have any work done.. Thats all im saying.
                  Last edited by augiedoggy; 08-14-2018, 03:00 PM.

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                  • #10
                    Originally posted by augiedoggy View Post
                    No food at all. Well technically beer is liquid bread and something you consume but I said refrigeration OR food .. Its the building inspector that held us up due to codes. He saw it when onsite for something else.
                    Sounds like you need to start the legal process of telling him to f*** off and getting a new inspector assigned. Did he inspect your mash paddle to make sure it's UL-listed to stir grains?

                    And sorry; I didn't notice you weren't the OP, hence the food comment.
                    Sent from my Microsoft Bob

                    Beer is like porn. You can buy it, but it's more fun to make your own.
                    seanterrill.com/category/brewing | twomilebrewing.com

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Originally posted by a10t2 View Post
                      Sounds like you need to start the legal process of telling him to f*** off and getting a new inspector assigned. Did he inspect your mash paddle to make sure it's UL-listed to stir grains?

                      And sorry; I didn't notice you weren't the OP, hence the food comment.
                      It doesnt work that way though. They have complete discretion when it comes to this stuff and theres no certification for what we want to do. And that can stop us from getting our Certificate of occupancy...

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by augiedoggy View Post
                        It doesnt work that way though. They have complete discretion when it comes to this stuff and theres no certification for what we want to do. And that can stop us from getting our Certificate of occupancy...
                        The inspector is responsible for making sure you follow code. If codes dictate you have "this style" refrigeration" then you are SOL. If there is nothing in the code for this application you have ground to stand in. Be aware, Inspectors like to act above the law, but almost always stand down when you cite the code book.

                        I've saved thousands by fighting these guys. If you have more money than time then just do what he says.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by AmbrosiaOrchard View Post
                          The inspector is responsible for making sure you follow code. If codes dictate you have "this style" refrigeration" then you are SOL. If there is nothing in the code for this application you have ground to stand in. Be aware, Inspectors like to act above the law, but almost always stand down when you cite the code book.

                          I've saved thousands by fighting these guys. If you have more money than time then just do what he says.
                          We are already hiring an engineer.. by the time it's over it would likely have been cheaper just to go with an actual refrigeration unit. It's not a local code that's my point that your not seeing.. using an air conditioner for refrigeration doesn't meet code period because there is zero recognized testing and certification done for it to be used as such and the code book stated it has to have some form of certification for its intended use. That's the whole point an ac unit is not a refrigeration unit despite being able to be modified into one. Theres no way we can fight that really. Luckily the inspector is at least letting us hire and engineer to look over what we are doing and get it approved in our case. We do not have a scenario where it would be easy to mount a remote condenser outside.
                          Its similar to using something designed for industrial use in a commercial kitchen.. if it doesn't have NSF certification you might not be able to use it.. this is a form of import control used to keep cheaper products from flooding the market.
                          Last edited by augiedoggy; 08-15-2018, 07:29 AM.

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                          • #14
                            You can get a self contained walk in box. What you save in installation cost, you pay for the unit, but they have great warranties. Nor-lake makes the capsule pak refrigeration units.

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