Beatrix Montes
Keeping beer cool in the summer can be a challenge, especially when fridge space is limited. Underground beer coolers are an innovative solution to this problem, utilising the ground's natural coolness to chill beverages. These coolers are typically made from PVC pipes and can be easily installed in your backyard. They can keep beers at a temperature of around 7°C (44°F) without the need for ice or electricity. While the concept may seem unusual, it is gaining popularity, particularly in Germany and Denmark.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To keep beer cool without needing a fridge or ice |
| How it works | Utilises the ground's natural coolness |
| Installation | Requires digging a hole in the ground |
| Temperature | Depends on the temperature of the soil |
| Power source | No electricity needed |
| Capacity | Varies, but some models hold up to 16 bottles of beer |
| Features | Removable rack, built-in bottle opener |
| Construction | PVC pipe, polypropylene or plywood for shelves |
| Cost | $120 to $300 |
What You'll Learn
Underground beer coolers use the ground's natural insulation to keep beers cool
Underground beer coolers are a great way to keep your beers cool without the hassle of ice or the inconvenience of taking up valuable space in your fridge. These innovative devices make use of the ground's natural insulation to maintain your beverages at low temperatures. By placing a tube containing your beers underground, you can take advantage of the cool temperatures found just a few inches below the surface.
The Biersafe Underground Beer Cooler, for example, can hold up to 16 bottles of beer in a plastic tube that installs vertically in the ground. The ground's insulation keeps the beers chilled, and the device even includes a built-in bottle opener for added convenience. With a height of just over three and a half feet, it can be easily concealed with landscaping, making it an unobtrusive addition to your backyard.
For those seeking a more DIY approach, it is also possible to build your own underground drinks cooler using PVC pipes and some basic equipment. This option allows for a customizable solution that can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Whether you opt for a pre-made product like the Biersafe or decide to get crafty and build your own, underground beer coolers offer a clever way to keep your drinks cool without the need for electricity or ice.
It's worth noting that the effectiveness of these coolers can vary depending on your location. The temperature of the soil plays a crucial role, and in places like Denmark, where these coolers originated, the cooler northern climate contributes to their success. So, while an underground beer cooler may not achieve the same frigid temperatures as your fridge, it can still provide a convenient and eco-friendly way to keep your beers chilled, especially if you reside in a region with relatively low soil temperatures.
Do Beer Cozies Work? The Science Behind It
You may want to see also
They can be made from PVC pipe and other cheap materials
Underground beer coolers are a great way to keep your drinks cool without the hassle of ice and electricity. They can be made from PVC pipe and other cheap materials, making them an affordable and simple DIY project. For example, a DIY project from Instructables uses a 16cm diameter, 2-meter-long PVC pipe, PVC pipe end caps, polypropylene board or plywood, and PVC pipe elbows, all of which are easily accessible at your local hardware store.
The process involves cutting the PVC pipe to the right length and diameter, preparing the material for shelves, cutting and installing the shelves, and then creating an outer shell to house the cooler. The cooler is then buried in the ground, leaving a discreet lid that blends in with the surrounding area. This type of cooler utilizes the natural coolness of the ground, especially at depths of approximately 1 meter or more, where the temperature remains constant at around 7°C (44°F).
Instructables' design holds up to 9 drinks, keeping them easily accessible and chilled. It also doubles as secret storage for anything you want to keep hidden in your yard.
Similarly, German engineers have also showcased their innovative underground beer coolers on YouTube, with some even including motorized pop-up features and illumination. The "Beerlift," for instance, is controlled with an Arduino Nano and operated with a mobile app, showcasing the customizable and tech-savvy possibilities of these DIY coolers.
Beer Sleeves: Do They Keep Drinks Cool?
You may want to see also
They can hold up to 16 beers
Underground beer coolers are a great way to keep your drinks cool without the hassle of ice. They utilise the ground's natural coolness to chill your beers to the temperature of the surrounding soil. This means that your drinks will be cooler in the winter and slightly warmer in the summer.
The Biersafe is an example of an underground beer cooler that can hold up to 16 beers. It consists of a tube that is installed vertically in a hole in the ground and a removable rack that can hold multiple bottles of beer. The tube is sealed to prevent moisture from getting inside, and the ground's natural insulation keeps the drinks at low temperatures. The Biersafe comes in two sizes: one with a rack that can hold eight bottles and a larger unit that can accommodate up to 16. The larger unit is just over three feet tall, so it doesn't require a deep hole for installation.
The Biersafe is a great option for those who want to save space in their fridge or need a large capacity cooler for outdoor gatherings. It is also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional coolers, as it does not require any electricity or ice to function.
If you are looking for a more DIY approach, you can build your own underground drink cooler using PVC pipes and some basic equipment. This option may be more cost-effective, but it will require more time and effort for installation.
Beer Foam Stones: Do They Work?
You may want to see also
They can be concealed with landscaping
The Biersafe Underground Beer Cooler is a great option for those looking to save money on ice and fridge space. It can keep up to 16 beers cool inside a plastic tube that is just over three and a half feet deep. This tube is buried in the ground and can be easily concealed with carefully-placed landscaping. The tube utilises the ground's natural coolness to keep your beers chilled, and it even has a built-in bottle opener at the top of the rack.
If you're looking for a DIY project, you can also make your own underground beer cooler using a PVC pipe. This option is simple and can be created with minimal equipment and cheap, easily accessible materials. The process involves cutting and shaping the PVC pipe to the right size, creating shelves to hold the drinks, and then burying it in a hole in your backyard. You can disguise the cooler with landscaping, such as grass and plants, to make it blend seamlessly into your yard.
Whether you purchase a pre-made underground beer cooler like the Biersafe or create your own, these innovative solutions offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to keep your drinks chilled without the hassle of ice or refrigerators. By utilising the natural coolness of the soil, you can enjoy cold beers straight from the ground, concealed discreetly within your landscaped garden.
For those who enjoy spending time outdoors, entertaining, or simply want easy access to chilled drinks, an underground beer cooler provides a unique and practical solution. With careful placement and landscaping, you can create a functional and well-hidden cooler that blends seamlessly into your outdoor space. So, whether you're relaxing in the backyard or hosting a gathering, you can always have cold drinks at hand without sacrificing style or convenience.
Morning Beer: Should You Drink Before Work?
You may want to see also
They don't require electricity or ice
Underground beer coolers are a great way to keep your drinks cool without the hassle of electricity or ice. They are simple to make and can be installed in your backyard with minimal equipment and cheap materials. These coolers utilise the ground's natural coolness to chill your drinks, providing an eco-friendly alternative to traditional coolers.
The process of making an underground beer cooler involves using a PVC pipe, which is cut and shaped to fit your desired number of drinks. The pipe is then buried in a hole, deep enough to maintain a cool temperature. This can be done in your backyard or even on your deck, providing easy access to your chilled beverages.
One popular product on the market is the eCool Underground Beer Cooler, also known as the Earth Cooler. This device uses a vertical conveyor system to lower and raise your drinks, keeping them at a cool temperature without the need for ice or electricity. It can hold up to 24 cans and is a great option for outdoor parties and BBQs.
The beauty of underground beer coolers lies in their simplicity and effectiveness. By harnessing the natural coolness of the earth, you can enjoy cool drinks year-round without the mess of melting ice or the hassle of finding a power source. So, if you're looking for a unique and environmentally friendly way to keep your drinks chilled, an underground beer cooler is a perfect choice.
The Science Behind Beer Koozies: Do They Really Work?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Underground beer coolers are cylindrical devices that are installed in a hole in the ground and use the ground's natural insulation to keep beers cool.
You can build an underground beer cooler using PVC pipes and endcaps, polypropylene board or plywood, and PVC pipe elbows. The process involves cutting the pipes to the right diameter, preparing the material for shelves, cutting and installing the shelves, cutting holes for ventilation, creating an outer shell, and burying the cooler in a hole in the ground.
Underground beer coolers can keep beers cool by utilizing the ground's natural insulation. However, the effectiveness depends on the temperature of the soil. For example, in New York, the soil temperature is around 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is cooler than room temperature but not as cold as a refrigerator.
