Kegerator Buying Guide

What is a kegerator?

• Air Tank: The air tank is filled with the gas that the appliance uses to dispense the beer. Typically, you can expect a nitrogen gas tank or a CO2 tank. Some kegerators come with a tank, while others require you to purchase it separately. This is important to check before you complete your purchase.
• Air Tank Holder: The air tank holder ensures that your tank stays upright inside the appliance to prevent damage.
• Draft Regulator: The draft regulator connects the gas tank to the air line. This component is responsible for maintaining and adjusting the pressure levels that are sent to the keg.
• Air Line: The air line, usually made of vinyl tubing, carries the nitrogen or CO2 gas from the air tank to the keg coupler.
• Keg Coupler: The keg coupler connects the air line and the beer line to the keg. When you hear someone refer to "tapping the keg", this means they are connecting the coupler to the keg valve.
• Beer Line: The beer line, also made of vinyl tubing, carries the beer from the coupler and the keg directly to the faucet.
• Draft Tower: The beer line begins inside the kegerator cabinet and then travels into the draft tower. There, it connects to the faucet. Draft towers come in various styles and can also comply with multiple faucets.
• Faucet: The faucet is where your beer will be dispensed from the kegerator. They are typically constructed from chrome-plated brass or stainless steel.
• Tap Handle: The tap handle, which acts as a lever, is pulled to both open and close the faucet, as well as manage the beer flow. Tap handles can be changed out easily if you're interested in finding the perfect handle to express your personality.
• Drip Tray: The drip tray is where your glass will sit as the kegerator fills it with beer. The tray is designed to catch any dripping or spilled liquids that come from the faucet.
• Guard Rail: The guard rail is attached to the top of the kegerator cabinet. It prevents any glasses resting on the drip trap from falling and breaking.

Why invest in a kegerator?

• It saves you money: We've done all the hard work for you in this kegerator buying guide, so here's the math. One full-size (half-barrel) keg holds about 15.5 gallons of beer (1984 ounces), while a standard glass bottle of beer can hold about 12 ounces of liquid. Therefore, one full-size keg equates to about 165 bottles of beer. On average, a full-size keg costs about $150-$200. One bottle of beer costs about $4, so to match the 165 bottle-capacity of the keg, you would pay a whopping $660. If you were to opt for a kegerator instead, you'd be looking at over $400 in savings. But we know what you're thinking. No one would purchase 165 individual bottles of beer. If you're stocking up, it's a better deal to get a multi-pack. Typically, one of the largest sizes you can purchase in-store is a 30-pack of beer. 30 packs can cost anywhere from $20-$30. To match the amount of beer you'd get in a keg, you'd have to purchase about six 30-packs, which would cost about $180. While the price generally matches that of a full-size keg, you also have to consider that most refrigerator owners cannot fit six 30-packs into their appliance at a time. Most of this beer will likely get stored in a room-temperature pantry or garage, waiting for its turn in the fridge. A kegerator, on the other hand, will keep all 15.5 gallons or 165 bottles of beer chill and crisp for as long as you need it.
• It reduces waste: If you're not constantly buying bottles or cans of beer, or cardboard box packs of beer, then you won't have nearly as much waste or recycling coming from your residence. Especially because the keg and the glasses you'd most likely drink out of are both reusable. This makes kegerators a more environmentally friendly choice. You also won't need to use precious food storage space on bulky beverages.
• You get to stay in the comfort of your home, where beer is always on demand: More beer at home means less time and gas spent going to your local liquor store, brewery or bar. Cozy on up in your favorite chair, pour a cold one and enjoy. Plus, if you invite friends or family over, you'll have enough to keep everybody refreshed. Spend less time wishing you had your favorite ale in hand and spend more time sipping.
• It allows you to exercise quality control: Kegerators are literally built to store beer at the perfect temperature. While refrigerators have the job of keeping things cool, they must accommodate a variety of foods and beverages. Kegs offer a more curated beer experience. The more control you have over the temperature, the more control you have over the quality and lifespan of your beverage.

What types of kegerators can I buy?

Freestanding Kegerators

Undercounter/Built-In Kegerators

Mini Kegerators

Commercial Kegerators

Outdoor Kegerators

Picking The Size Of Your Keg & Kegerator

• Cornelius Keg: Cornelius kegs, or corny kegs, are typically used by homebrewers interested in crafting their own beer. It has the capacity to hold up to 40 pints of ale, which is equivalent to one-sixth of a barrel. A standard kegerator can hold up to three Cornelius kegs at a time.
• Sixth Barrel Keg: As expected, a sixth barrel keg can hold one-sixth of a barrel or about 41 pints of beer. These kegs can fit inside your appliance one at a time.
• Pony Keg: Pony kegs are also known as quarter barrel kegs. These can hold 62 pints of beer. Pony kegs are shorter and quite squat in appearance. Because of this wider base, most kegerators can only handle one at a time.
• Slim Pony Keg: Slim pony kegs are also known as slim quarter kegs. These are also the equivalent of a quarter barrel, 62-pint kegs, only they are designed to be slimmer and taller than a standard pony keg. Still, standard kegerators can hold only one at a time.
• Full-Sized Keg: Full-sized kegs are also known as half-barrel kegs and they have the capacity for 124 pints of beer. Kegerators can hold one full-sized keg at a time.
• Mini Keg: Mini kegs hold about five liters of ale, which is equivalent to fourteen 12-ounce beers

Kegerator Dispenser Types

Kegerator Tap Configuration

Additional Kegerator Features To Look For

• Deep Chill Mode: Deep Chill Mode is just a cool name for an expedited temperature change. If you want your beer to get super cold on short notice to accommodate last-minute guests, just activate the feature and once your ale is crisp enough, you can deactivate it.
• Digital Thermostat Displays: These temperature displays make it simpler to check the current temperature inside your appliance. You'll also be able to adjust the temperature onscreen should it ever get too high or low. Typically, you can expect kegerators to have a temperature ranging between 32 degrees and 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Interior Lighting: This refers to kegerators that have LEDs located inside the appliance. When you open the kegerator, the space will illuminate so you can more easily switch out kegs when you run out of beer.
• Reversible Door: If the kegerator you're considering has a reversible door, that means you can customize the door to hinge on either the right or the left side. Some appliance cabinetry openings or spaces are tighter and inhibit left or right hinge appliances from opening all the way. Having a reversible door will, in turn, expand your installation possibilities.
• Appliance Handles: While your kegerator having handles may not seem like a huge priority, if you invest in a freestanding model that you want to move around for various parties and occasions, then handles are your best bet. Once you've put your keg inside the appliance, carrying it becomes a tough task so having a good grip on the unit helps.
• Dual Pressure Regulators: As stated previously in our kegerator buying guide, some models have the capacity to hold more than one keg at a time. If you invest in one of these models but wish to keep the ales at different pressure levels, then acquiring a dual pressure regulator is the solution.

Kegerator Buying Guide Q&A

How much does a kegerator weigh?

How long does a kegerator last?

How long does beer last in a kegerator?

How much is a kegerator?

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