How to Choose the Right Kegerator for Your Home or Business

Your Guide to buying the best Kegerators

Overview

A kegerator is a great way to bring the bar atmosphere into your home, allowing you to store and dispense your favorite beers with ease. A kegerator is a refrigerator and beer dispenser combination that keeps beer cold and fresh for longer periods of time. If you are looking for a convenient way to serve your favorite beers, a kegerator is the perfect solution. This guide provides helpful information on the different types of kegerators available, features to consider, and tips for finding the best kegerator for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size: How many beers will you be pouring? How large of a kegerator must you buy to accommodate your requirements?
  2. Features: What features are important to you? Consider the type of storage, temperature control, and other convenience options the kegerator offers.
  3. Design: What type of design is best suited to your needs? Consider the size, shape, and appearance of the kegerator, and whether there are any color options.
  4. Accessories: What accessories are required for use with your kegerator? Do you need additional taps, hoses, or towers?
  5. Cost: How much are you willing to spend? Do research and compare prices to make sure you're getting the best value for your money.
  6. Installation: Do you have the skills and tools to install the kegerator yourself, or do you need a professional?
  7. Maintenance: What type of maintenance is required to keep the kegerator in good working order? Are there any additional parts or supplies needed to keep it running smoothly?

See the most popular Kegerators on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Space-saving – Kegerators are a much more efficient option than storing and cooling multiple cans, bottles, or kegs of beer. This allows for easy access and storage without taking up additional space.
  • Freshness and Flavor – Kegerators can provide a fresher and tastier beer than cans or bottles. Since the beer is stored in a pressurized container, it is not exposed to air or light, which could potentially affect the taste.
  • Cost Savings – Buying beer in bulk is often much more cost-effective than buying cans or bottles. Kegerators help to ensure that the beer will last longer and maintain its freshness, resulting in cost savings.
  • Convenience – Kegerators are designed to be convenient and easy to use. They can be easily moved from one location to another and are easy to hook up and use.
  • Customizable – Kegerators come in a variety of sizes and styles, allowing for customization to fit any needs or preferences. They can also be used to carbonate other beverages, such as soda or kombucha.

Cons

  • Cost - Kegerators can be quite expensive, ranging in price from $200 for a basic unit up to thousands of dollars for more luxurious models.
  • Size and Weight - Most Kegerators are quite large and heavy, making them difficult to move and store.
  • Noise - Kegerators are often quite noisy when running, making them not ideal for quiet homes or apartments.
  • Maintenance - Kegerators require occasional maintenance, such as cleaning and refilling of the CO2 tanks, which can be labor-intensive.

Best alternatives

    Home Keg Coolers - Home keg coolers are a smaller, cheaper alternative to Kegerators. They don't offer the cooling options of a Kegerator, but they can still be used to store and dispense beer. Bar Fridges - Bar fridges are a great option for those who don't require the more advanced features of a Kegerator. They offer plenty of storage space for beer and can provide a simple, low-cost solution for draft beer lovers. Mini Kegs - Mini kegs are an ideal alternative to Kegerators if you don't have much space. These small kegs can be stored in the fridge and can hold enough beer for a few days. Growlers - Growlers are perfect for those who don't have the need for a Kegerator. They offer a convenient way to transport craft beer and can be refilled at breweries and pubs. Beer Dispensers - Beer dispensers are a great alternative to Kegerators for those who want to dispense beer from a bottle or can. They offer a simple and affordable way to serve beer without the extra features of a Kegerator.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • CO2 Tank - A tank of compressed carbon dioxide gas used to dispense beer from a kegerator.
  • Keg - A pressurized vessel typically made of stainless steel, used to dispense beer from a kegerator.
  • Beer Line - A flexible tube used to transport beer from the keg to the faucet.
  • Faucet - A handle and nozzle used to dispense beer from the kegerator.
  • Drip Tray - A trough attached to the bottom of the faucet, used to catch any drips or spills from the beer.
  • CO2 Regulator - A device used to regulate the pressure of carbon dioxide gas, enabling the user to control the carbonation level of the beer.

Common questions

  1. What is a Kegerator? A Kegerator is a refrigerated appliance used for storing and dispensing draft beer.
  2. What is the difference between a Kegerator and a Draft Beer Dispenser? A kegerator combines a refrigerator with a draft beer dispenser, whereas a draft beer dispenser does not have the refrigerator component.
  3. What types of Kegerators are available? Kegerators are available as single-tap, double-tap, and triple-tap models.
  4. What size Kegerator should I get? The size of Kegerator you should get will depend on how much beer you want to store and dispense. Generally, larger kegerators can hold more beer and dispense more draft beer at once.
  5. What kind of beer can I store and dispense in a Kegerator? Kegerators can store and dispense any type of beer, including lagers, ales, stouts, pilsners, and more.
  6. What features should I look for when buying a Kegerator? Some features to consider when buying a kegerator are temperature control, energy efficiency, and CO2 tanks.
  7. Where can I buy a Kegerator? Kegerators can be purchased online or in-store from a variety of retailers, including home improvement stores, appliance stores, and specialty beer stores.

Trivia

It is said that the inventor of the kegerator, Michael Weigand, created the beer-dispensing machine while attempting to keep his homebrewed beer cold while at a party. Although his invention was initially met with skepticism, it quickly gained traction and was widely adopted by bars and restaurants. Weigand's invention has since become a staple in many homes and businesses, and the kegerator has become a popular choice for beer enthusiasts across the globe. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.