Best Kegerators

Review & Comparison, Last Update January 18, 2024
If you would like to always have a nice mug full of fresh and carbonized beer at hand in the comforts of your own home without actually having to go out and buy it, a kegerator is something you should have bought yesterday. Fortunately enough, we have compiled a list of some of the best kegerators on the market, so you can go ahead and fix this little mistake of yours. ...Read more ...Read less
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BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Placement
Application
Cooling System
CO2 Tank
Conveniences
Dimensions
Guarantee
 
PROS

This household appliance incorporates front ventilation, which means that it can be used both as the undercounter built-in or in a freestanding application. Furthermore, the model comes equipped with a top-notch refrigeration system that evenly distributes the cold air throughout the entire thing. Both the heavy-duty door and the professional towel bar handle are fully wrapped in sturdy stainless steel.

CONS

The model is quite heavy, so transporting it wouldn't be easy.

OUR VERDICT

If you don't mind paying a few extra bucks and have enough free space to fit it in, there's no reason not to invest in the EdgeStar KC7000SSTWIN. The appliance in question features an incredibly durable construction and a system that will make sure your beer stays cold from the keg to a glass.

detailed parameters
Placement

Floor

Application

1 Oversized or 1 Full-size Keg or Up to 3 Sixth Barrel Kegs or Up to 3 Cornelius Homebrew Kegs

Cooling System

Present, Adjustable Thermostat (from 32 to 60°F)

CO2 Tank

5 lb. CO2 tank with all necessary hardware

Conveniences

2 Faucets, Electronic Control Panel, LED Interior Lighting, Casters, Door Lock, Reversible Door, Drip tray, Guard Rail

Dimensions

23.7 x 25.3 x 34.3 inches

115 lbs

Guarantee

1 year

PROS

The CO2 tank comes in a glossy electric red epoxy finish that helps protect against corrosion and wear. You can set the temperature as high as 75 degrees Fahrenheit in order to utilize this appliance as a fermentation chamber when home-brewing your own beer. The digital temperature control panel is as simple as it is efficient. 

CONS

Some users find the model to be a bit too noisy. 

OUR VERDICT

Whether you're a beer enthusiast that prefers to have a fresh glass of your favorite brewski by yourself or if you're more of a kind that likes to throw an occasional sizable party or a casual friendly get-together, the Kegco K309SS-2 kegerator will be able to match your needs and preferences.

detailed parameters
Placement

Floor

Application

1 Oversized or 1 Full-size Keg or Up to 3 Sixth Barrel Kegs or Up to 3 Cornelius Homebrew Kegs

Cooling System

Present, Adjustable Thermostat (from 32 to 75°F)

CO2 Tank

5 lb. CO2 tank with all necessary hardware

Conveniences

2 Faucets, Electronic Control Panel, Locking Casters, Reversible Door, Drip tray, Guard Rail, Adjustable Shelves

Dimensions

23.7 x 23.9 x 33 inches

96.7 lbs

Guarantee

1 year

PROS

The double regulator works in conjunction with the O2 tank in order to measure the output and the pressure of the said tank, making it as easy as possible to produce the perfect pour. A high-quality keg coupler will make the beer flow just the way like you like it - quick and easy. The tap incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism, meaning that it won't be difficult to pull and release dispensing.

CONS

The thermostat is inconveniently placed behind the appliance.

OUR VERDICT

The Nostalgia KRS2100 is your garden-variety kegerator that features just the right size and capacity to meet the standards of your average user. But unlike the majority of those middle-of-the-road appliances, this one comes equipped with some top-notch accessories that will allow you to enjoy delicious draft beer.

detailed parameters
Placement

Floor

Application

1 Full-size Keg or 1 Sixth Barrel Keg or 1 Cornelius Homebrew Keg

Cooling System

Present, Adjustable Thermostat (from ~32 to ~60°F)

CO2 Tank

2.5 lb. CO2 tank with all necessary hardware

Conveniences

1 Faucet, Locking Casters, Reversible Door, Drip Tray, Guard Rail, Adjustable Shelves

Dimensions

20 x 26 x 32 inches

75.6 lbs

Guarantee

1 year

PROS

The model includes a reversible door, meaning you will have the option of reversing the door swing, something that often comes in handy when you transport the model from one place to the other. There's also a set of caster wheels that come with a locking mechanism, so you won't have to worry about the kegerator rolling away from you. 

CONS

The faucet's quality leaves a bit to be desired. 

OUR VERDICT

The EdgeStar KC2000 is exactly the sort of full-size home model you ought to be looking for if you would like to complete your man cave and have a virtually infinite source of your favorite alcoholic beverage without paying a king's ransom for it.

detailed parameters
Placement

Floor

Application

1 Full-size Keg or Up to 2 Sixth Barrel Kegs or Up to 2 Cornelius Homebrew Kegs

Cooling System

Present, Adjustable Thermostat (from ~32 to ~60°F)

CO2 Tank

5 lb. CO2 tank with all necessary hardware

Conveniences

1 Faucet, Locking Casters, Reversible Door, Drip Tray, Guard Rail, Adjustable Shelves

Dimensions

20.1 x 24.8 x 35 inches

81.6 lbs

Guarantee

1 year

PROS

The CO2 pressure regulator knob will be helpful in terms of controlling the carbon dioxide pressure. The LED temperature display and the control panel will allow you to effortlessly change the temperature according to your preferences. It also comes with a removable water drip tray that noticeably simplifies the already simple cleaning process.

CONS

The exchangeable CO2 cartridges are relatively expensive. 

OUR VERDICT

If you happen to live in a small one-bedroom apartment, much less in a studio one, but would still like to enjoy the exquisite taste of fresh draft beer on a daily basis without leaving the comforts of your own home, SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator is the only way to go.

detailed parameters
Placement

Tabletop

Application

1 Mini-keg (10.6 pints)

Cooling System

Present, Adjustable Thermostat (from 36 to 54°F)

CO2 Tank

16g CO2 cartridge (3 cartridges included)

Conveniences

1 Faucet, Electronic Control Panel, CO2 Pressure Regulator Knob, Drip Tray

Dimensions

10.7 x 16.3 x 16.9 inches

13.9 lbs

Guarantee

1 year

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EdgeStar KC7000SSTWIN

As Good as It Gets

The EdgeStar KC7000SSTWIN Full-Size Dual Tap Tower Kegerator is a model for those beer connoisseurs that will go to great lengths to indulge their appreciation for fine draft beer. A model for those that do not care about the ridiculous price or the excessive size of the appliance as long as what they get is the best that the market has to offer. And, sure, if you're one of these people, this product may end up costing you an arm and a leg, but you don't really need those to drink beer, do you?

So, if you're willing to spend a few additional bucks, what you'll get in return is the kind of model that delivers in virtually every aspect there is when it comes to these things. For starters, this household appliance incorporates front ventilation, which means that it can be used both as the undercounter built-in or in a freestanding application. Furthermore, the model comes equipped with a top-notch refrigeration system that evenly distributes the cold air throughout the entire thing, regardless whether you use it as an undercounter kegerator or as a freestanding one. Aside from doing an impeccable job maintaining the temperature that you consider to be the most optimal, the system's also structured in a way that eliminates the possibility of hot spots, essentially guaranteeing the perfect pour with every single dispense. Plus, the aforementioned even distribution of cold air ensures that you won't have to deal with half a glass of foam every time you'd like to pour the first mug of beer.

Review of EdgeStar KC7000SSTWIN Full Size Dual Tap Tower Kegerator

Designed to Withstand

With that out of the way, it is time to talk about one of the biggest selling points of this model. As we said earlier, there are quite a few interesting things about this product, but what truly makes this EdgeStar kegerator stand out is its durable construction. Speaking of which, both the heavy-duty door and the professional towel bar handle are fully wrapped in sturdy stainless steel, the kind that will allow you to enjoy a delicious mug of draft beer in a flimsy bunker as the nukes launched by the North Korean government are falling from the sky. Alright, we may be laying it on thick here. The point is, this kind of setup will provide you with an appliance that is both extremely durable and rather sleek-looking on top of it.

As we have briefly touched upon earlier, this is quite a sizable model, featuring precisely 23.7 x 25.3 x 34.3 inches in overall dimensions and weighing around 115 lbs, so it should come as no surprise that the manufacturers included an array of additional conveniences to help you manage the whole thing. In addition to your standard set of accessories, this dual tap kegerator comes with an electronic control panel that will allow you to adjust the settings at a push of a button. Furthermore, the LED interior lighting illuminates your keg and components, all while consuming far less energy and not emitting any heat.

To sum it all up, if you don't mind paying a few extra bucks and have enough free space to fit it in, there's no reason not to invest in the EdgeStar KC7000SSTWIN. The appliance in question features an incredibly durable construction and a system that will make sure that your favorite brewski stays cold from a keg to a glass.

EdgeStar KC7000SSTWIN Full Size Dual Tap Tower Kegerator in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $1,799.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00IKREBYQ

What customers say about this product

Control

Good regulator and love the fact that the tap stalk is refrigerated as well. Very highly recommended.

Features

Best thing on the market for front-vented under-counter kegerator.

Key Specs

It's quiet, temperature stays constant and having the 2 taps is awesome for having 2 1/6 barrels of different stuff.

Size & Weight

Built solid, but looks nice installed.

Capacity

Great way to keep your beers cold.
 

Kegco K309SS-2

A Tank is a Tank

Some people prefer to experience an exquisite taste of fine draft beer in a comfortable solitude environment surrounded by nothing but their thoughts. Of course, to others, beer is a drink that is best consumed in a large company of interesting people, an alcoholic beverage that is more synonymous with a great party than just about any other food or drink out there. The good news is, it doesn't matter whether you belong to the first, the second group, or if you happen to enjoy both of the previously described scenarios, because Kegco K309SS-2 will still be able to match your needs.

If you like to throw an occasional wild shindig or a casual get-together with a close group of friends, the home kegerator from Kegco will have you covered with an array of specs and features designed specifically to cater to such needs. First off, with the size of 23.7 x 23.9 x 33 inches and a large spacious interior, the model will allow you to effortlessly fit in an oversized keg, a full-size one, or up to three Cornelius kegs. Add to that the 5 lb. CO2 tank that comes equipped with all the necessary hardware, including a glossy electric red epoxy finish that helps protect against corrosion and wear, and a couple of faucets and what you're left with is a model that will prove to be simply perfect for providing a considerable group of people with a fresh mug of beer every time they feel like it.

Review of Kegco K309SS-2 Kegerator Digital Beer Keg Cooler Refrigerator

Brew Your Own Beer

Of course, if you do not particularly care for social gatherings, this dual tap kegerator will not disappoint you either. On the contrary, the model comes with a variety of solutions that any true beer connoisseur would be able to appreciate. For instance, this appliance incorporates a cooling system that features what is probably the widest temperature range on the market, something that wouldn't concern your average Joe but those individuals that know a thing or two about beer will be particularly excited about. Not dissimilar to most kegerators out there, you will be able to set the temperature as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit if you feel like enjoying an ice cold beer. But unlike those other models, you can set it as high as 75 degrees in order to utilize this appliance as a fermentation chamber when home-brewing your own beer.

Having said that, adjusting the temperature can often prove to be a rather tedious and annoying activity. Fortunately enough, that isn't the case with this home kegerator since it comes equipped with a digital temperature control panel. All you have to do is simply press one button to change the temperature from one degree to another. And, thanks to the digital display placed on the front, you won't have to guess the current temperature that the appliance is operating on.

Finally, there are also a couple of somewhat obscure features and technical specifications that only the biggest beer enthusiasts will truly be able to appreciate, like a removable built-in drip tray that is surprisingly easy to clean, a chrome guardrail that will be able to prevent glasses from sliding off of the countertop, and a set of rolling casters that are there in order to help you move this mobile unit from the kitchen to the patio. And if you're worried about these casters betraying you and rolling the kegerator away once you reach the desired destination, keep in mind that the casters in question include a locking mechanism specifically to prevent that from happening.

All in all, whether you're a beer enthusiast that prefers to have a fresh glass of your favorite brewski by yourself or if you're more of a kind that likes to throw an occasional sizable party or a casual friendly get-together, the Kegco K309SS-2 kegerator will be able to match your needs and preferences.

Kegco K309SS-2 Kegerator Digital Beer Keg Cooler Refrigerator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $912.54
Stock In stock
ASIN B00E93Y3KM

What customers say about this product

Capacity

Big size compared to many other kegerators. I can fit oversized kegs or two smaller ones (I have heard it can fit 3x 1/6th barrels but have not tried.

Key Specs

I got this as an anniversary present for my husband, and so far it's great! He set it up without issues, and I'm happy I got a system with 2 taps because it's fun to have options!

Control

The super-chill mode to get a new keg cold faster

Features

Comes with all you need, CO2 tank, regulator, couplers, tower and two taps. You might need some other couplers if you plan on having some imports inside. I ended up buying a Euro/S Type coupler.

Size & Weight

Tap hardware is not "top of the line" but not poor quality, either.
 

Nostalgia KRS2100

Quality Garden-Variety Model

If you don't have the space nor the desire for a huge kegerator that will take up too much room and will end up costing you its weight in gold, but feel like a mini kegerator will prove to be somewhat insufficient in terms of meeting your preferences, the Nostalgia KRS2100 might just be exactly what you ought to be looking for. What we have here is one of the most balanced and middle-of-the-road appliances when it comes to things like size, volume, and functionality.

In terms of size, the model adds up to exactly 20 x 26 x 32 inches in overall dimensions and 75.6 lbs of weight. Obviously, you wouldn't be able to place it on a table, but you could easily fit it in the corner of even the most occupied room. By the way, placing it there wouldn't prove to be a problem at all, thanks to a set of casters that make this product far more mobile than the majority of similar appliances. And once you're done moving it, the front casters will lock themselves in order to prevent the unit from rolling away.

As far as volume goes, despite the relatively modest size, the Nostalgia kegerator will allow you to fit a full-size keg, a sixth barrel keg, or a single container of Cornelius Homebrew. Naturally, it wouldn't be worth much without the 2.5 lb. CO2 tank that comes with all the necessary hardware and will provide you with enough carbon dioxide to keep a full-size keg fresh and carbonized.

Review of Nostalgia KRS2100 Full Size Kegorator

The Perfect Pour

Speaking of those pieces of necessary hardware that come with the tank, we'd certainly be remiss not to mention the double regulator that works in conjunction with the O2 tank in order to measure the output and the pressure of the said tank, making it as easy as possible to produce the perfect pour.

Aside from that, other elements that are worth mentioning include a high-quality keg coupler that doesn't require any effort when it comes to attaching it to the valve and the CO2 line, so the beer will be flowing just the way like you like it - quick and easy. There's also the 13-inch tap tower that incorporates a spring-loaded mechanism, meaning that it won't be difficult to pull and release dispensing. Alongside the tap, there's a guardrail made of chrome that will make sure that your beer mug won't be able to fall off the top of the appliance, not to mention helping you avoid spillage or broken glass on your floors. And under that tap is a drip tray made of stainless steel, so it will look just as sleek and sharp after a few years of use as the day you bought it. Furthermore, the tray is easily removable, something that will come in handy whenever it is time to clean it up.

To reiterate our earlier point, the Nostalgia KRS2100 is your garden-variety kegerator that features just the right size and capacity to meet the standards of your average user. But unlike the majority of those middle-of-the-road appliances, this one comes equipped with some top-notch accessories that will allow you to enjoy exquisite draft beer.

Nostalgia KRS2100 Full Size Kegorator in the use

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $0.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B000HJVYDQ

What customers say about this product

Key Specs

The thermostat is backed off about 1/6 turn from max to maintain 34ºF. Max setting took it 29 degrees before I adjusted it up.

Size & Weight

Easy. Anything that was difficult about setting this thing up is just necessary knowledge that you're going to need to have to safely operate a kegerator of any type.

Control

Did you let your keg chill for at least 8 hours (preferably 12-18)? DON'T SKIP THIS STEP! I know it's really tough, but it's unavoidable. If you don't pay attention to this, you will (a) incorrectly set your pressure, (b) get very flat, but paradoxically foamy beer.

Capacity

If you get 1/6 or 1/4 kegs (this unit takes up to 1/2 keg) you still have room for mixers and sodas as well.

Features

Use teflon tape. Especially on the air hoses, but why not everywhere? I don't know if this kit comes with any (I wouldn't expect it to) but do yourself a favor and get your hands on some. It's cheap and easy to use; just wrap clockwise!
 

EdgeStar KC2000

Complete Your Man Cave

If you can't imagine your life without a glass of delicious draft beer at the end of a long day or would like to acquire the final piece of the puzzle to your man cave, there are very few models out there that could rival the EdgeStar KC2000, especially if you take the price-quality ratio into consideration.

Not dissimilar to the majority of kegerators out there, this one comes equipped with a cooling system that will allow you to adjust the temperature inside. You can set it as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit if you like your beer as cold as your ex-girlfriend's heart or all the way up to 60 degrees if you are one of those deviants that prefer warm beer to a cold one. Other components include a reversible door, meaning you will have the option of reversing the door swing, something that often comes in handy when you transport the model from one place to the other.

By the way, now that we have mentioned transportation, the latter won't prove to be an issue either thanks to a set of caster wheels that come with a locking mechanism, so you won't have to worry about the kegerator leaving the room without your approval. These wheels are, of course, located at the bottom, the same place where you will find a protective metal floor plate. As some of you may know, the floor of the kegerator is one of the most important components since it has to be strong enough to support a large keg filled with beer and is definitely not the one to be underestimated when it comes to improving the product's overall durability.

Review of EdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler

Safe and Easy to Clean

It goes without saying that, when talking about a full-size home kegerator, no review would be complete without at least briefly mentioning the size and the capacity of the said appliance. Even though there isn't much to say about its size given that the product features 20.1 x 24.8 x 35 inches in overall dimensions and weighs precisely 81.6 lbs, which is pretty standard as far as the full-size home models are concerned. Having said that, the appliance will be able to fit a single full-size keg, nothing to write home about, but also a couple of sixth barrel kegs or two Cornelius Homebrew Kegs, which is fairly impressive given the size and the price of this product.

Of course, in order to support all the beer inside those kegs, the manufacturer had to make sure that the CO2 tank would be able to provide enough carbon dioxide, which is precisely why they equipped this model with a 5 lb. one that comes with every necessary piece of hardware required for safe and continuous operation. Other than that, the people behind this EdgeStar kegerator also made sure to add a two-piece drip tray which is as useful as it is convenient when it comes to cleaning, and a chrome guardrail that might easily prove to be a savior of beer glassware on more than a single occasion.

All things considered, the EdgeStar KC2000 is exactly the sort of full-size home model you ought to be looking for if you would like to complete your man cave and have a virtually infinite source of your favorite alcoholic beverage without paying a king's ransom for it.

EdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler in the use

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $679.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B0170NWHDM

What customers say about this product

Size & Weight

It is about 1” more narrow than my old one. I think maybe this is by design since the interior has less cubic inches which means less dead space for the compressor to cool.

Key Specs

NO PROBLEM with cooling on this one! I placed a glass of water with a meat thermometer inside the first night and discovered the next morning that it had half frozen with a reading of 30°F!

Control

For the two lager barrels I have gone thru so far, 7lbs of pressure seems to be perfect, tiny head and smooth pressure pouring.

Capacity

This Kegarator KC2000 is amazing. Easy set up, I keep my Kegarator at a 4.5 on the cold on the Kegarator and ouch awsome beer. So you can't go wrong with this Kegarator.

Features

It arrived in perfect condition and works fantastic right out of the box. We are very happy with the convenience of having draft beer in our house and our trash man loves not having all those empty cans and bottles.
 

SPT BD-0538

Smaller Than You'd Expect

A full-size home kegerator is, of course, all well and good, but if you happen to live in a tiny one-bedroom apartment or, "better" yet, a studio one, there's a good chance that even the smallest full-size model out there will prove to be too big of an investment for you spacewise. Of course, you can give up on this idea altogether, or you can purchase a model like the SPT BD-0538, a mini kegerator that will allow you to enjoy a fresh taste of carbonized draft beer whenever you want without taking away too much of your space.

In case we weren't clear before, what we're talking about here is a mini kegerator, the type of countertop beer dispenser that, as the name suggests, you can install on a countertop, put it on a table, or place it virtually anywhere you want. Heck, with just about 10 x 16 x 17 inches in overall dimensions and a measly weight of 14 pounds, there's no need to leave the model at home, just take it with you to the office or bring the appliance to the party, just make sure to arrive there the day before since it takes approximately 20 hours for this product to bring the beer down to an optimal temperature. By the way, despite the fact that what we're dealing with here is a seemingly flimsy product, the housing is actually comprised of a particularly durable stainless steel, so you won't have to worry about damaging this portable appliance during transportation. Plus, unlike those bulky full-size home models, this one actually looks quite attractive, so you'll be able to place it anywhere you want knowing that it will easily fit just about any room.

Review of SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser

Control the Pressure

Naturally, a smaller size and a much lower price do carry with them certain drawbacks. For instance, instead of the CO2 tank that generally comes with the full-size home kegerators, the model utilizes 16g CO2 cartridges. And while that means that you won't have to deal with all the complexities and inconveniences of a C02 tank, that also means that you will have to purchase a new set of cartridges once the three that come included in the package run out. And, of course, this appliance won't be able to fit a full-size keg, given that the keg itself is bigger than the product, but it will be able to keep a mini-keg fresh and chilled for up to 30 days, which is fairly impressive given the circumstances.

Having said that, those individuals that know their way around kegerators will certainly be able to appreciate an electronic control panel that you can use to adjust the temperature or the CO2 pressure regulator knob that will be helpful in terms of, well, controlling the carbon dioxide pressure. In addition to that, the LED temperature display will prove to be rather convenient in combination with the latter control panel, providing you with the opportunity to effortlessly change the temperature according to your preferences. And if you don't feel like the model is as functional as it is convenient, keep in mind that it also comes with a removable water drip tray that noticeably simplifies the already simple cleaning process.

At the end of the day, this is a fairly easy choice. If you happen to live in a small one-bedroom apartment, much less in a studio one, but would still like to enjoy the exquisite taste of fresh draft beer on a daily basis without leaving the comforts of your own home, the SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator is the only way to go.

SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser in the use
Last updated price $177.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B01AYO4QYM

What customers say about this product

Features

You can get beer-branded handles. Makes it easy for party guests to see what they're drinking!

Capacity

I thought that this would be a fun touch for when I have some guests over. It holds 5 liter kegs and the temp adjusts.

Control

Best item I’ve purchased keeps beef cold and added carbonation to my high ABV homebrew I couldn’t carbonate with normal sugar and yeast

Key Specs

It's ok to re-use kegs and decant the beer you like from cans, growlers and bottles you like. The alcohol, refrigeration and carbonation are the three reasons it will stay fresh for weeks.

Size & Weight

I home brew and use the 5 liter kegs to avoid bottling, It works great and keeps my beer cold.... Only problem is the o-ring needs to be replaced every cartridge or two and they are hard to find......
 

What Is a Kegerator?

A kegerator, as you would imagine, is one of those recently made up words that was created using a combination of keg and refrigerator. And, as the name suggests, that is exactly what this appliance does. To be a bit more precise, a product like that is responsible for keeping the keg in a refrigerated and chill environment, all while using carbon dioxide to pressurize and dispense the keg. With the help of this technology, the contents of the keg (generally referred to as draft beer or keg beer) will be able to remain fresh and carbonated for a relatively long period of time, meaning that you will have the opportunity to enjoy a great tasting draft beer without leaving the premises of your own home. Aside from the aforementioned opportunity, a kegerator is a perfect appliance to entertain guests at a nice little social gathering. Furthermore, if you happen to be a beer aficionado that likes to spend money on quality beer, a product like that will also prove to be useful when it comes to saving you a substantial amount of money in the long run. Plus, no one would be able to deny that this is simply the best addition to your man cave that money can buy.

But if you feel that such a massive appliance would be a bit too much, you could always opt for a beer fridge.

What Features to Compare

Size and Place

The first thing you ought to figure out when you decide to go looking for a kegerator is the type that you want. Generally speaking, the majority of kegerators either belong to the mini category or the full-size home one. A mini kegerator is essentially a self-pressured countertop/tabletop dispenser that fits no more than a single mini-keg containing around 10.5 pints of beer. Naturally, the biggest upside of this thing is that it doesn't take too much space, so you can acquire one of these even if you live in a tiny apartment with not a whole lot of free space. Then, there is the full-size home kegerator, a sizable appliance capable of sometimes fitting an oversized keg, always a full-size one, and up to three sixth barrels or Cornelius kegs, depending on the model. They always come with a CO2 tank and a coupler that is used to dispense beer. There are also commercial and outdoor kegerators but we will leave those for another time. As you'd imagine, you'll always have to take into consideration the dimensions of a kegerator, especially if you're going with the full-size one since those tend to take up quite a lot of space, so try to keep in mind how much of it you have left in your garage or your basement.

Cooling System

This one is fairly simple since the majority of kegerators come with a cooling system already preinstalled. Nevertheless, you should always make sure that a proper cooling system is there because, and it should probably go without saying, you wouldn't want to drink lukewarm beer. Furthermore, it is never a bad idea to go for the model that comes with an adjustable thermostat since it will allow you to change the temperature according to your needs and preferences.

CO2 Source

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a chemical element responsible for keeping the beer fresh and carbonated. Which is why a source of CO2 is arguably the most important component of a kegerator. So, if you're going for a full-size home one, make sure to choose the model that comes with a sizable CO2 tank. And if it is a mini-keg that you want, try to find the one that works with the biggest possible cartridges so you won't have to change them every week.

Conveniences

As it is with virtually any product out there, kegerators may or may not include a number of additional features. Some of them are fundamental and essential, like a faucet or a drip tray, while others are more or less optional, such as a control panel, a door lock, or a number of adjustable shelves.

Health Benefits of Beer

The majority of people tend to associate beer with this harmful substance that could lead to alcoholism if you consume it on a frequent basis, make you throw up if you drink too much in one sitting, or "help" you gain weight in those areas where you really wouldn't want to have a few extra pounds of fat. And even a decent percentage of beer connoisseurs and aficionados may tell you that beer isn't the kind of liquid that you can enjoy on a frequent basis, to put it mildly. And while all of these people aren't necessarily wrong, there's actually a slew of surprising health benefits of beer that we bet you didn't know nor ever saw coming. Though we wouldn't be able to cover all of them, we decided it wouldn't hurt to let you in on a few of those that we found to be particularly interesting.

Reduced Risk of Heart Disease

Not dissimilar to wine, your favorite brewski is also capable of lending you a helping hand in the never-ending battle against heart diseases. The alcoholic beverage in question performs such a feat by lowering inflammation in your body, thinning the blood and preventing clots, with the latter being particularly useful since clots are capable of blocking the coronary arteries, and that can lead to the eponymous disease. Furthermore, those beer aficionados that prefer ales and stouts should be especially happy with the news since, according to recent studies, these styles of beer are particularly effective when it comes to preventing numerous heart diseases.

Bones Made of Steel

Osteoporosis, a disease that occurs when your body loses too much bone structure or becomes incapable of producing enough bone marrow, is a point of concern for the absolute majority of aging Americans, but especially women. Once you're stricken by the said disease, your bones become increasingly weak and something as mild as a minor bump or, in the most serious cases, even a sneeze may break one of your bones. "Whats the good news then?", you may ask. The good news is that beer can help you with that. The said alcoholic drink, among other things, includes dietary silicon, which is an element that supports the overall health of your bones and their development. Some of the most recent studies demonstrate enough evidence to suggest that beer drinkers are far less likely to suffer from the aforementioned disease than the non-drinkers due to the former's increased bone density.

A Whole Lot of Nutrients

Even the most devoted beer connoisseurs may look at a nice mug of draft beer and see nothing but a delicious collection of empty calories. Nevertheless, there's more than a good chance that your favorite brewski actually contains a myriad of nutrients beneficial to your overall health. Naturally, the exact list of nutrients depends not just on the style but also on the individual beer, but given that the majority of them are made with whole grains like wheat, maize, or rice, not to mention fruits and spices, you will be ingesting soluble fiber and small amounts of magnesium, potassium, and iron along with the beer.

And that is it for now. Of course, all of these and a whole array of other potential health benefits won't be able to negate the drawbacks of binge drinking, so try to remember that moderation is always the key.

FAQ:

Q: How long does beer last in a kegerator?

A: Unfortunately, this isn't one of those questions that we can answer without knowing what it is exactly you're dealing with. The thing is, the amount of time the keg will stay fresh depends heavily on the style of beer that you prefer, the type of pump that you're currently using, and whether the said beer is pasteurized or not. Having said that, the time begins slowly running out the moment you fill the keg with your favorite brewski.

If you happen to be in possession of a kegerator that uses carbon dioxide (CO2) to pressurize and dispense the keg, the beer in it will generally stay fresh for about 2 months before it starts to lose its freshness. Of course, that's not taking into account the style and type of beer. For instance, pasteurized will be able to last for more than three months, and if you store it at the appropriate temperatures, there's a decent chance it might stay fresh for half a year. On the contrary, the types of beer that aren't pasteurized are unlikely to "survive" for more than a couple of months, depending, again, on the type of pump you use, the temperature that you store it at, and the style of beer.

Q: How to clean a kegerator?

A: Surprisingly enough, cleaning a kegerator is a fairly simple procedure, though it may require some time and effort. First of all, before we actually get into how it is done, we'd like to briefly mention why you should do it, in case you feel like it really isn't that necessary to clean your beer-storing appliance. Well, in short, you should clean your kegerator in order to prevent stuff like yeast, mold, and beer deposit from contaminating and, ultimately, tainting the taste of your beer.

The list of components you have to clean is limited to the faucet(s), the keg coupler(s), and the beer line(s). Cleaning the first couple of these components is fairly easy. All you have to do is get a spanner wrench, disconnect the faucet from the tower and the coupler from the beer hose. Once you've done that, simply rinsing them under the tap ought to do the trick. Now, with the beer line, it is a bit more difficult since you will require either a hand pump cleaning kit or a cleaning can. With the kit, the best way to do it is look up one of those online tutorials that describe each step of the way in great details (preferably in a video format) or to ask a professional to show you the ropes first. And if you actually own the cleaning can, we would strongly advise following the instruction manual that always comes with the apparatus.

Q: At what temperature should I store the beer?

A: Though it all depends on the style of beer you currently have in your keg and your personal tastes and preferences, we wouldn't recommend going higher than a couple of degrees above 40° Fahrenheit or lower than 30 since beer is going to freeze at that temperature.

Q: Can I use a kegerator outside?

A: Unless it is stated somewhere in the manual or you have purchased a specific appliance, we wouldn't recommend taking your average kegerator outside.

Sources:

1. Thorin Klosowski How Kegerators Work, HowStuffWorks.

2. How to Build a Kegerator, wikiHow.

3. HOW TO BUILD YOUR VERY OWN KEG FRIDGE, WIRED. October 13, 2015.

4. Aaron Goldfarb Here's What's In the Kegerators of America's Top Web Companies, First We Feast. October 19, 2015.

5. Alex Delany Why Is Beer Better on Draft vs in a Bottle? Bon Appetit. June 10, 2016.

6. Emily Singer Is Beer on Draft Actually Better? Gear Patrol.

7. Draught vs. Draft: What’s the Difference? Writing Explained.

8. Jon Williams Does Draft Beer Have More Calories Than Bottled Beer? LIVESTRONG. October 3, 2017.

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Publish Date: 2018-04-05 06:32:18