Kegerators can be exciting purchases for beer enthusiasts.
Having a kegerator in your home allows for draft beer enjoyment.
A kegerator keeps a tapped keg fresh and carbonated for longer…
…sometimes for up to two months. So, what is a kegerator used for?
For people who want a perfect pour at home, they are a specialized appliance.
Similarly, there are many different types of kegerators, just like craft beers.
This guide explains what to look for in the best kegerator.
Howard will share a few words before we begin...
Occasionally I live in Texas and the kegerator is in the garage without an air conditioner.
It does not have any problems keeping the beer cold.
The tower section stays cold as well. I would highly recommend it.
One problem is that if the power goes out, the kegerator reverts to 41°F, which is very warm.
Resetting the temperature back down is easy, but you should check before throwing a party.
It’s time to get started…
Types of Kegerators
When choosing the best kegerator for your space, there are a few key considerations.
A good place to start is with size and placement.
Some kegerators are small enough to fit on a kitchen countertop…
…while others are large enough to fit in a bar.
Kegerators can be used indoors or outdoors;
…some are installed into the floor while others have wheels for easy mobility.
Mini
Mini kegerators are the best option for small spaces.
Often, they are budget-friendly and are a great option…
…for those who aren’t ready to commit to a larger unit.
They sometimes feature a cooling system built into the countertop design.
There are also options that store in the fridge and are portable.
If you don’t have the space or budget for a full-sized kegerator…
…a mini kegerator is the perfect option.
Freestanding
Freestanding kegerators are a popular option.
Installation of these units does not require any conversions or drilling.
Install the keg, connect all the parts, and plug it in…
…and cold draft beer will be at your fingertips.
Freestanding units often have casters to make moving them easy.
It is important to keep in mind that most freestanding kegerators…
…require some space behind them to ventilate effectively.
Built-In
A built-in kegerator is more permanent. It is perfect for kitchens and bars.
Several draft towers can be integrated into your countertop…
…for a sleek and seamless look.
A front-facing ventilation system is common in built-in kegerators.
Due to this feature, you can install them against a wall without the unit overheating.
Outdoor
Outdoor beer Kegerators are weather-resistant.
Durable materials ensure that they will not rust or deteriorate when wet, snowy…
…or exposed to cold or hot weather.
Outdoor kegerators are ideal for backyard patios…
…unheated garages, and outdoor bars.
They protect their electrical components by being safely sealed.
Commercial
Kegerators are used by bars, restaurants, and event venues.
They are usually larger than residential units.
You can store full-size kegs in them, as well as cold storage space.
These can withstand constant use in a commercial environment.
The materials used in them are durable and easy to clean…
…so they can withstand daily wear and tear.
Perhaps you are wondering…
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Kegerator
It is important to plan ahead when choosing a kegerator.
The available options are varied in size and configuration.
Take into consideration your space and specific needs.
Consider the type of beer you want to have on tap as a starting point.
There are some brands of beer and craft breweries that only offer certain-sized kegs.
Size and Weight
The dimensions of a kegerator’s interior…
…and exterior should be considered when selecting one.
Most full-size home kegerators require a lot of space since they hold a keg of beer.
In addition to the main fridge, you need to include the draft tower.
Some units require additional space for proper ventilation.
Interior dimensions are just as important as exterior dimensions.
You can store a different number and type of kegs depending on the interior space.
When moving the kegerator for events or changing seasons…
…a lighter unit may be a better choice.
Installing a lighter kegerator in a downstairs basement…
…or upstairs den is more convenient.
Tap Configuration
The kegerator’s tap configuration determines how many beers…
…you can have on tap at a time.
A residential kegerator generally comes with a single tap, a double tap, and a triple tap.
Four tap kegerators are also available.
One-tap kegerators might be perfect for those…
…who have a favorite beer they cannot live without.
But if you often entertain your friends or like to change up your drafts…
…you might prefer it more. When you have a multi-tap kegerator…
…you have a few options available at all times.
Kegerators can be converted to add more taps later on with a conversion kit.
Placement and Ventilation Requirements
If a kegerator doesn’t have adequate ventilation, its lifespan may be shortened.
When deciding where to place your kegerator, you should consider ventilation.
The ventilation is usually located at the back of freestanding kegerators.
This type of ventilation requires a few inches of space…
…between the back of the unit and the wall to function properly.
Kegerators built into countertops typically ventilate from the front…
…allowing you to place it flush against the wall.
It is possible to have a more seamless look with front-ventilating kegerators.
Keep reading…
Pressure Settings
Proper pressure regulation is essential to the perfect pour.
The pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi).
Kegerators usually come with a pressure gauge and CO2 regulator.
You can measure and adjust the psi with these.
Depending on the type of beer, temperature, and kegerator setup, the right psi for each kegerator will vary.
An incorrect pressure will affect the carbonation…
…foaminess, and taste of your pour.
Kegerators are equipped with all the equipment needed…
…to maintain and adjust the pressure.
It is important to understand how your new kegerator can be adjusted for psi.
Temperature Control and Displays
The majority of kegerators have a temperature control option.
When browsing, first make sure a store’s temperature range…
…matches the unit you’re interested in.
The best temperature range for a kegerator depends on your personal preferences…
…and the beer you intend to store.
There are some kegerators with digital temperature displays…
…on the outside of the unit.
When these displays are viewed without opening the unit…
…they show the temperature inside. In addition to being convenient…
…this feature also keeps your refrigerator cold.
Some digital displays allow you to adjust the temperature…
…from outside the refrigerator.
Features and Accessories
Kegerators come with a variety of features and accessories.
If mobility is important to you, you might want to consider…
…a kegerator with handles and casters.
Most kegerators feature a digital display…
…for monitoring and regulating temperatures.
Checking the CO2 tank level and output pressure can be done…
…with a dual-pressure regulator.
Extra accessories are also available with some kegerators.
For some kegerators, additional fans can prevent overheating.
Even mini kegerators may have accessories like portable battery packs…
…to keep the unit cold. Kegerators come with a cleaning kit…
…so you won’t have to worry about purchasing cleaning supplies later.
“The upfront cost of a kegerator may seem steep, but you definitely save money on beer in the long run.”
Lucas Coll – Writer
Ease of Use, Assembly, and Cleaning
The majority of residential kegerators are easy to assemble and use.
It’s a simple task that can be done at home by most people if they have basic tools.
Following installation, kegerators must be maintained with regular cleanings…
…including taking apart beer lines and individual components…
…and thoroughly cleaning them.
This prevents mineral deposits, mold, and bacteria buildup.
Cleaning supplies and kits are available to assist with cleaning maintenance.
As this is a chore that needs to be done frequently…
…you might want to choose a unit that is easy to take apart and clean.
Noise Level
When shopping for a new kegerator, you should consider the noise level.
Kegerators are a type of refrigerator.
As with a refrigerator, you can expect some level of noise with most models.
As some fridges are noisier than others, so are some kegerators.
If you have a kegerator on the patio or in the garage…
…noise level might not be an issue. However, for smaller spaces and kitchens…
…noise levels might be more important.
You may want to consider a quieter kegerator…
…if you plan to use it in an area where you spend a lot of time.
Here’s the main part…
Our Top Picks
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Kegco HBK209S-3K Homebrew Kegerator Triple Faucet Keg Dispenser Stainless Steel with Three Ball Lock Kegs | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | NutriChef PKBRTP110 Mini Keg Detachable Aluminum Regulator & Spout Easy Storage Under Pressure-Homebrew Growler Beer Dispenser, 128oz, Powder Coat Black Matte | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
 | EdgeStar KC1500SSOD 15" Built-In Outdoor Kegerator | Prime | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Kegco HBK209S-3K Homebrew Kegerator
- This kegerator comes complete with three home brew kegs and a direct draw kit. Weve thought of everything you will need to begin dispensing homebrew beer - you just fill the CO2 tank and provide the beer! This included kit features an upgraded CO2 tank with glossy red coating, a dual gauge regulator, and a triple faucet stainless steel draft beer tower.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Almost everything you need to start pouring is included in this triple-tap…
…freestanding kegerator. Keg tapping kit includes…
…an empty 5-pound aluminum CO2 tank, a dual-gauge regulator…
…and ball lock keg couplers. This unit has four locking casters…
…for easy movement and measures 26 by 20 by 33 inches.
Up to three 5 gallon Cornelius ball lock homebrew kegs can be stored in the fridge.
The back of the unit has a mechanical temperature control…
…that allows you to adjust the temperature…
…between 35 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, the energy-efficient design provides cooling…
…while reducing energy consumption and costs.
To prevent damage to the cooler’s lining…
…the bottom has a stainless steel plate…
…to ensure the kegs’ weight is evenly distributed.
There is also an easy-to-clean drip tray.
Lastly, when not in use as a keg dispenser…
…you can add the two shelves and use the large interior space…
…as a refrigerator to store food and beverages.
Go on…
NutriChef Growler Beer Dispenser
- 3 MONTH STORAGE: Traditional growler tanks/kegs will let carbonated drink go flat after first pour but not this mini tank growlers. It can keep beer vacuum pressured & fresh for up to 3 months. Perfect for cold home brew or craft draft/draught beer
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Made of durable, food-grade, powder-coated stainless steel…
…this mini portable kegerator is easy to transport.
The pressurized carbonization system…
…uses universally threaded 16-gram CO2 cartridges.
Additionally, it is a great small storage solution that keeps beer fresh…
…for up to three months. The psi can be adjusted with a knob…
…and a mini regulator gauge, despite its small size.
In this design, the spear cap lid allows you to detach the regulator and spout…
…while still keeping the keg contents under pressure for storage.
Despite not having a cooling feature…
…it does come with an insulator sleeve to keep your beer cold longer.
It has handles so you can carry it easily to your next gathering.
A 128-ounce growler holds approximately the same amount of beer as the tank.
The assembled height is 5.3 by 5.3 by 14.25 inches, and the weight is less than 5 pounds.
EdgeStar KC1500SSOD 15″ Built-In Outdoor Kegerator
- Front ventilation; Approved for outdoor applications; Forced air refrigeration; Digital thermostat
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The stainless steel cabinet and weather-proof interior system…
…make this kegerator a great option for outdoor use.
The unit has a compact design with dimensions…
…of 26.06 by 14.94 by 33.44 inches to fit into a variety of outdoor spaces.
Because of the narrow configuration…
…this unit only fits quarter barrels, sixth barrels, and Cornelius kegs.
You can use this kegerator as a built-in unit or a freestanding kegerator…
…by keeping the casters on.
The cooled beer tower provides extra cold beer from keg to glass.
The digital control panel allows you to adjust the temperature and interior lighting.
Due to its narrow configuration…
…it only fits quarter barrels, sixth barrels, and Cornelius kegs.
Having a stainless steel cabinet and weatherproof interior system…
…this kegerator is an excellent option for outdoor use.
A front ventilation system lets you install this unit…
…as a built-in or use it as a freestanding kegerator.
The cooled beer tower keeps your beer cold from keg to glass.
The temperature and lighting can be adjusted with a digital control panel.
Sum Up!
Kegerators pressurize kegs and cycle suds through a draft line into the tap…
…and ultimately, your glass-no hand pumping required.
With so many options and sizes, you can find a kegerator that suits your needs.
You can even use it for kombucha, cider, soda…
…even cold brew coffee or cocktails.
Conclusion
Ideally, a home keg system should do one thing very well: keep your beer cold!
Beyond that, other considerations include its dimensions…
…where the temperature control is located…
…and what type of keg coupler systems it works with.
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Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
