Kegerator Buying Guide

Beer aficionados, coffee addicts, and wine connoisseurs consider every detail in pursuit of their passions. How their drinks of choice are served can have an impact on flavor, and some cold beverages just taste better out of a tap. Kegerators keep beverages fresh, perfectly aerated, and always at the ideal serving temperature.

All it takes to experience your favorite on-tap drinks at home is a keg to pour from, the appropriate dispenser setup, and a refrigerator to keep it cool, which is exactly what you get with a kegerator. These specifically designed refrigerators not only hold multiple sized kegs of your chosen beverage, but they also do so at a specific temperature, alongside the tanks that allow it all to be dispensed directly from the keg, with just a pull of a faucet lever. It is the easy, classy way to enjoy your favorite beverage at home. There are other benefits to buying a kegerator for your home as well.

Why Buy a Kegerator?

When you buy a kegerator for your home, you’re not only able to conveniently store large amounts of cold draft beer, but you can also save around 40-60% in costs compared to buying the same volume of beer in cans or bottles.

A standard half barrel keg contains 15.5 gallons, or 1,984 ounces, while a typical case of beer contains 24 12-oz. cans (288 total ounces). So the standard keg represents 6.89 cases of beer but costs much less.

This means that by the time you purchase your tenth keg, you will have completely offset the cost of the kegerator in savings. You’re breaking even while enjoying high-quality draft beer at home. The savings can be even greater for some brands of beer, as well as various keg sizes. In some instances, kegerator owners will break even in as few as eight kegs.

But a kegerator can be used for more than just beer. This is a great way to dispense not only fresh beer but a host of other drinks including soft drinks, kombucha, cider, coffee, and more. Later, we’ll explore in more detail how to use your kegerator to dispense all these beverages, but the best place to start is with beer.

Save Time and Energy with Keg Beer

Drinking keg beer offers other savings, too. The “greener” way to drink, the use of a refillable, reusable, and recyclable keg is far less time- and resource-intensive than consuming bottled or canned beer. A half barrel keg stores the equivalent of 165 cans of beer and can last at least six to eight weeks refrigerated before starting to lose freshness.

The reusable keg can then be refilled, reducing waste and saving you time and money on more frequent beer runs. Kegs are also extremely durable and long-lasting. It’s not uncommon for a single beer keg to dispense over 20,000 pints in its lifetime—the equivalent of over 27,000 cans and bottles requiring disposal.

Draft beer’s environmental impact can be up to 68% lower than bottled beer, mostly due to packaging differences. Waste from distribution, retail, storage, and disposal can be over 45% of a bottled micro-brew beer’s CO2 emissions. The aluminum alone in 165 beer cans weighs five pounds, as compared with a standard, reusable keg that requires no packaging and produces no solid waste.

Types of Kegerators

There are four main types of kegerators: mini kegerators, full size home kegerators, commercial kegerators, and outdoor kegerators.

The Mini Kegerator

A mini kegerator is a self-pressured, countertop beer dispenser that holds five liters of beer, the equivalent of 10.5 pints or 14 12-oz. cans. Mini kegerators are best for storing beer with limited space and can be tapped two to four times.

It is designed to be portable and can follow you from breakfast brunch to football tailgater with the right power accessories. It’s great for the beginner kegmaster or as a portable fallback for the seasoned pro, coming in at a much lower retail price than the larger kegerators. The downside to this convenient companion appliance is that it can be hard to find your favorite beverages in the 1.32-gallon mini keg size. Be sure to check local availability before you buy a mini kegerator.

Full Size Home Kegerators

A full size home kegerator is a residential draft beer dispenser that contains up to a full size (or half barrel) keg, typically in a freestanding refrigerator, though built-in in or undercounter models are also available. Full size kegerators come with a pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) tank and coupler to dispense beer.

The Freestanding Kegerator

The savvy shopper will look for a freestanding kegerator unit with locking caster wheels so they can wheel their brew to the den or place it at the most convenient point in the kitchen without a lot of fuss. These are large enough to hold multiple kegs and can be purchased in configurations of single, dual, or triple tap. Keep in mind that these units require proper space for ventilation, so even with the mobility of casters, they need a few inches of clearance at the back.

The Built-In Kegerator

Like the freestanding kegerator, built-in kegerator units are capable of holding a full size keg and offer multiple tap configurations. What sets them apart is that they have a front venting exhaust setup that allows them to fit snugly between cabinets.

Can a Freestanding Kegerator Be Built In?

Freestanding kegerators cannot be built in because many refrigerators vent heat out the back of the unit, which would be trapped if built into cabinetry. Without being able to escape, this excess heat may ultimately cause your kegerator to malfunction.

The Outdoor Kegerator

Outdoor kegerator models combine the best elements of freestanding units and built-in units all in one. Kegerators rated for outdoor use can hold up to a full size keg inside a protected, durable refrigerator with the electric wiring and other components insulated for the harsher elements of outdoor living spaces, such as a covered patio or a pool house. They have a front-ventilation design that makes it easier to tuck them in an out-of-the-way spot against a wall or in an outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor kegerators are draft beer dispensers specifically designed and rated for use outdoor use. Some models will work in temperatures ranging from as low as 45°F to as high as 100°F.

Outdoor kegerators are ideal for those wanting to keep beer frosty in environments above 85°F or below 50°F. They are especially great for garages and basements or on your back patio.

Can I Use My Kegerator Outside?

Only outdoor kegerators should be used outside. Using an indoor kegerator outside stresses the unit’s compressor, shortens its life, and will not chill beer to its optimal temperature. Most home kegerators function best in room-temperature environments (mid-70°F). For any environment above 85°F or below 50°F, an outdoor kegerator is strongly recommended.

Commercial Kegerators

Designed for the professional requirements of a bar or restaurant, commercial kegerators go beyond housing a keg or two like full size home kegerators do. They also provide refrigeration storage for other items, like cans, bottles, or extra supplies. They are usually rated for indoor or outdoor use and take up two or three times the space of the smaller, residential kegerators.

Many models are built for either freestanding or built-in/undercounter installation, offering a solution for those who want to integrate a draft beer system into standard-height cabinetry. Commercial kegerators hold half barrel (full size), quarter barrel (half size or pony), or mini kegs (5 liters).

Tips for the Home Brewer

For the home brewer, it’s important to keep in mind that it takes a few extra steps to move your home-brewed beer safely to a keg for dispensing. You will need to purchase a separate kit and specific refillable tanks for kegging your own beer before it can be set up in a kegerator. Some kegerators come equipped with refillable tanks to make this complicated process a little easier.

At What Temperature Should I Store My Keg?

The best temperature depends on the style of beer you are drinking, as well as personal preferences.

The recommended temperature for storing and serving chilled beer is about 36°F to 40°F. (Keep in mind that beer freezes at 27°, with light beers freezing at as high as 31°.) These temperatures apply whether the beer is a domestic beer or an imported one. The same holds true whether or not the draft beer is pasteurized. Beer stored in this temperature range will retain the level of carbonation that was created during the brewing process.

During summer months, you may want to adjust the temperature control to a cooler setting.

The ideal method for monitoring the liquid temperature (inside the keg) is done by use of a beer thermometer. This provides a constant accurate reading of the liquid (beer) temperature within the refrigerator.

How Long Does a Keg Stay Fresh?

This is another tough question to answer, as the amount of time will range depending on the style of beer, type of pump you are using, and whether or not that beer is pasteurized. The “freshness clock” starts the moment that keg is filled at the brewery.

If refrigerated within a kegerator that uses CO2, a keg will generally last at least 6-8 weeks before it starts to lose its fresh taste. If you store it at the appropriate temperature, pasteurized beer will last you at least three months, sometimes as long as six months. Unpasteurized beer will only last two months. Learn more details about how long a keg stays fresh. 

How Many Kegs Can I Tap with One CO2 Tank?

A standard, 5-lb. CO2 tank will last for two to four half barrel kegs, largely depending on if it is kept cold.

Since heat causes carbon dioxide to expand, keeping it in hotter temperatures will ultimately limit its usability. However, if kept cold, CO2 should last for up to four half barrel kegs.

Keg Sizes

In choosing the right kegerator for you, you may want to familiarize yourself with the different keg types available. Most kegerators are designed to hold up to a full size keg, but what exactly does that mean?

The three most common keg types in the United States are half barrel keg (full size), quarter barrel keg, and mini keg, but there are other sizes to know about as well. 

Full Size Keg

The full size keg is also known as a half barrel keg, or just as a “full keg,” and is what most people think of when they think of a keg. It holds a half barrel, or 124 pints of beer. Full size kegerators are designed to hold a standard half barrel keg.

Standard kegs are typically 23 inches tall and about 16 inches diameter, weighing about 160 pounds when full. A half barrel keg holds about 15.5 gallons (58.67 liters, 124 U.S. pints) or about 165 12-oz. glasses of beer (1,984 total ounces).

Quarter Keg

There are two different types of quarter kegs. One is half the height but the same diameter of the half barrel. The other is the same height but a smaller diameter. They both hold the same amount of beer yet take up different amounts of space inside your kegerator setup.

Quarter Barrel (Pony Keg)

Also known as a pony keg or a stubby quarter, this “half size” keg has approximately half the capacity of a standard, half barrel keg. This keg measures 13⅞ inches tall, 16⅛ inches in diameter, and weighs about 87 pounds when full. It holds 7.75 gallons, the equivalent of eighty-two 12-oz. cans of beer or 62 pints. Most kegerators will hold only one pony keg at a time because of the wide base.

Slim Quarter Barrel (Slim-Pony Keg)

Also known as a tall quarter or slim pony, this keg holds the same amount of beer as the quarter barrel but has a different shape. Taller and skinnier than the quarter barrel, the slim quarter measures 23 ⅜ inches tall and 11 ⅛ inches in diameter. One slim-pony keg could fit in a kegerator with one sixth barrel keg or Cornelius (Corny) keg at one time.

Mini Keg

A mini keg is a 5-liter keg produced for retail sales; you’ve probably noticed these showing up more and more in your grocery store’s beer aisle.

Quite portable, mini kegs are 10 inches tall and 6 ¾ inches in diameter, while only weighing about 13 pounds. They hold 5 liters (1.33 gallons) or 13 12-oz. glasses of beer. Unlike larger kegs, mini kegs usually cannot be returned for cleaning and refilling and should be recycled. Mini kegs are recommended for our mini kegerators.

Other Types of Kegs

Cornelius Keg

The Cornelius keg, otherwise known as the Corny keg, is one of the most common home brew sizes. These are easy to fill and easy to clean, which adds to their popularity. This keg holds the equivalent of 40 pints. The average kegerator can fit up to three Corny kegs inside at once.

Sixth Barrel Keg

The sixth barrel, or torpedo, keg holds one-sixth of a barrel, which is 5.16 gallons or 42 pints. Three sixth barrel kegs can be used in the average multitap kegerator at one time.

Oversized Keg

Some breweries prefer the oversized keg to the full keg. The oversized keg will hold a half barrel, or the same amount of beer as a full size keg, with a slight difference in the actual dimensions of the keg itself. As the name suggests, the diameter of the keg footprint is a larger 17 inches compared to the full size dimension of 16 1/8 inches wide.

What Size Keg Will Fit in My Kegerator?

The size of keg that will fit in your kegerator depends on the type of kegerator you buy. Some units cannot hold certain brands of beer kegs that are “oversized” or bulkier than other standard-sized kegs. An easy way to gauge if these brands will fit in your kegerator is by checking its width. Kegerators with an overall width of 23 inches or more can accommodate light brands.

Because keg fit varies between different kegerators, we recommend consulting our keg size comparison chart. 

Dispenser Types

With kegerator dispensers, the beverages are kept inside the pressurized kegs until you pull the tap lever and pour it. It isn’t magic that pulls the brew through the hoses, it is science. Kegerators dispense the beverages using either CO2 or nitrogen gas.

CO2 is the most common option for home brewers and beer aficionados. The fermentation process creates a natural level of CO2 when making the beer. Using CO2 to lift the brew to the tap is completely flavorless and preserves the natural carbonation of the beer, helping it maintain freshness in the keg longer. This is closer to the direct-pour taste, right out of the keg.

Nitrogen dispensers are commonly associated with dark beers, like stout or porters, but also help preserve flavors in other beverages like wine or coffee. They produce smaller bubbles in the drink as it is dispersed and result in a “creamy” effect for some brews. When poured with a slow-pour, stout faucet, it produces a thicker foaming head on the beer.

Kegerators will be sold and delivered preconfigured for one specific type of dispenser gas, including that type’s tank, regulators, and faucet. Some models will be available with fittings for both, but it is important to know which dispenser type you are looking for before you purchase.

Using the Kegerator to Dispense Beer

As mentioned above, your kegerator can dispense much more than just beer. The main differences when it comes to dispensing beer versus other beverages from the kegerator are the temperature and pressure.

In order to dispense beer from the kegerator, the CO2 pressure should be set to around 12 PSI. This is going to accommodate most keg beers with a few exceptions. The CO2 pressure will vary with the brand, style, and altitude at which the beer is served.

Once the pressure is set, be sure to tighten the lock to prevent the setting from shifting. Be sure to give the keg time to cool down to a temperature of around 38°F. This is ideal for dispensing beer. Check the unit regularly while dispensing beer to ensure there aren’t any major changes in the temperature of the unit.

Score Points with Non-Beer Drinkers by Dispensing Soda

While many guests at your gathering are going to ask for beer, not everyone in the room will be a beer-lover or be old enough to drink beer. In this case, you can score points with them by providing an occasional soft drink from the keg. Before dispensing soda, be sure to cleanse the O-rings and beer lines thoroughly. It might be a good idea for you to keep some extra O-rings on hand to ensure the soda doesn’t taste like beer and vice versa.

Dispensing soda requires a much higher PSI, usually around 30 PSI. This disguises the tremendous amount of sugar in soft drinks. If you have had a flat soda, you know how sweet it tastes when the pressure starts to fade. 

Kegerator cleaning kits can help you cleanse the lines before you dispense soda from your kegerator. There are even specialized beer cleaning kits that can be used to help you clean the kegerator thoroughly before swapping out the drinks.

Dispensing Hard Cider from the Kegerator

If you want to switch up the alcohol coming from the kegerator, you can also try dispensing hard cider. This doesn’t require much modification from the beer settings. Some people like to carbonate cider a bit more to disguise the sweetness of this drink; however, try not to go much higher than 12 PSI. Going over 15 PSI could lead to foaming problems.

Also, remember to clean the beer lines to prevent the yeast taste of beer from contaminating the cider. Digital controls can make it easier for you to switch your kegerator between settings to serve various beverages.

Serving Coffee from the Kegerator

You’ll have to make a few modifications to serve draft coffee from the kegerator, but this can be a great beverage at any time of day.

First, you’ll need to clean out the gas and beverage lines to prevent the coffee from getting contaminated. It’s a good idea to swap out the O-rings as well. Then, you will need to swap out the faucet and use a stout faucet to provide the best pour for the coffee.

After this, connect the proper gas and liquid lines. You can tailor the gas to meet your individual coffee tastes. For example, nitro coffee uses a different type of gas than other types of coffee.

Finally, the pressure at which you serve coffee will vary from 35 to 45 PSI. Nitro coffee is usually served at higher pressures.

Kegerator Basics

The home tap experience is the sum of the parts. Though included parts vary between models, most kegerators include a tap kit with all the parts you need for dispensing beer. These usually include a beer tower with faucet, handles and hoses and an empty CO2 tank, coupler and regulator. Explore answers to a few common questions as well as a list of parts your kegerator will come with. 

What Kind of Coupler Do I Need?

Most kegerators come with an American Sankey “D” system keg coupler, which is compatible with all domestic-brand kegs and fits 95% of American domestic beers. However, there are other types of couplers that you may want to become familiar with.

What Do I Need to Tap My Keg?

If you bought a kegerator, all you need to do to tap your keg is supply a full keg of beer and fill the CO2 tank.

How Long Should I Wait Before Using My Kegerator?

After turning your kegerator on, you should ideally wait at least 24 hours for the unit to cool properly. You may then adjust the temperature setting based on your preferences.

Kegerator Parts List and Definitions

1. Faucet Handle

This is the handle that you pull on to release the beer from the tap. There are a wide variety of tap handles, from regular to customizable, to choose from.

2. Faucet

The beer flows out from the faucet, a spigot-like tap, which is the port of exit from the kegerator to your glass. The faucet can easily become the dirtiest part of the kegerator, so it is recommended that you do regular routine cleaning on the faucet.

3. Beer Tower

One of the first things you will see when you look at your kegerator is the beer tower. This tube holds the beer lines that run from the faucet to the keg, and it is generally tall enough to fit most types of beer glasses, including pint glasses, under the faucet.

4. Guard Rail

Guard rails add a certain elegance to kegerators, but they also serve a functional purpose. These railings can prevent your beer glasses from falling off the top of the kegerator, helping you avoid spillage or broken glass on your floors.

5. Drip Tray

The drip tray helps collect the small amount of runoff beer from overfilled glasses, leaking faucets, and spills. Located directly under the faucet, this tray helps clean up most messes so you don’t have to.

6. Regulator

Kegerator regulators allow you to view the CO2 pressure amount, and this item generally lets you know when the CO2 tank is almost empty. Remember to periodically check this gauge to see when it’s time to refill or reorder a CO2 tank.

7. CO2 Tube

The CO2 tube allows the CO2 from the tank to flow through the kegerator. This pushes the beer out of the faucet at a consistent rate, helping to achieve the perfect pour and to let the beer flow.

8. CO2 Cylinder

One of the most important parts of the kegerator, the CO2 tank holds the CO2 in waiting for it to regulate the expulsion of beer from the keg. One pound of compressed CO2 can deliver a standard keg of liquid through a kegerator, so you will need to refill the tank periodically. You can do this at any local supplier or hardware store. Remember that this will not be initially filled when you first get your kegerator.

9. Cylinder Holder

The cylinder holder is a self-explanatory name, but it still bears mentioning. Simply put, it keeps the CO2 cylinder in place on the kegerator. The holder can be placed in various locations (depending on the kegerator), but it will generally be in the back or out of sight of the kegerator’s front side.

10. American Sankey Keg Coupler

A keg coupler is essentially a keg tap that is mounted onto the keg and powered by a compressed gas line. The American Sankey coupler (also known as a System D coupler) is what’s used by most U.S. brewing companies for their beer kegs and is secured by twisting them into place like a screw.

11. Metal Keg Floor Support

One of the most valuable parts of a kegerator is the keg floor, which needs to be strong enough to support a large keg filled with beer (which may weigh up to 170 pounds). In addition, it aids in the overall cooling process of the kegerator by keeping the cool air inside and not leaking out the bottom of the unit.

12. Caster Washer (x2)

These two washers, designed to go on the front wheels of your kegerator, help support the weight of the kegerator and prevent damage to the bottom surface.

13. Casters (x4)

Specifically designed to make the kegerator more portable, rolling casters help take the burden out of lifting the keg and kegerator. Alternatively, just roll the unit to wherever you need.

14. Neoprene Washer

Designed for connecting the beer line to the keg coupler, this washer keeps the connections of these two separate and well protected.

15. Snap-On Clamps (x2)

These are used to secure both ends of the gas CO2 line tube to the CO2 regulator and the keg coupler. They keep the gas line secured and the gas from leaking out of either end of the tube.

16. Wire Shelves (not pictured) (x2)

The wire shelves allow you to convert your kegerator into a beverage refrigerator, giving your kegerator the ability to be versatile to your situation.

17. Half Barrel Keg (not included)

Filled with refreshing draft beer, kegs are designed to keep the beer cold and help it avoid contamination. Kegs can be used for a variety of activities: recreation, commercial use, parties, and much more.

18. Faucet Wrench (not pictured)

A convenient tool that allows you to easily change the faucet on your beer tower, a faucet wrench fits almost any kegerator faucet for great versatility.

Kegerator Options and Upgrades

While most kegerators come with everything above that you need to get started (learn how to set up a kegerator), there are some options and upgrades to consider.

Add-On Kegerator Casters and Handles

Keep your kegerator mobile for convenient use with the optional wheels and handles to guide it around. It is heavy, but with the right casters and handles, you can place it where it best fits your use.

Digital Temperature Display

For the sake of your brew, it’s important to monitor the serving temp. A digital temperature display makes it easy to check and adjust as needed for the best results.

Dual Pressure Regulators

Multiple kegs in one kegerator will still need to be pressurized, and sometimes at different pressure levels. Dual pressure regulators are helpful in monitoring both settings.

Multiple Taps

Coffee and wine in one kegerator is possible with a kegerator large enough to hold multiple kegs and with dual or triple taps to serve from. For a completely custom kegerator setup, you can have multiple taps that connect to different beverages and their individual dispenser gases. For instance, a kegerator with one tap for an ale brew connected to a CO2 tank can also have a tap that dispenses a dark porter using nitrogen and a stout faucet.

Faucets and Handles

Even these are customizable. Some faucets are designed to be used with CO2 and some are specifically for nitrogen. Faucets can be upgraded from chrome plated to a heartier stainless steel that is NSF approved and food safety compliant. You can purchase completely unique handle pulls with brand labels to denote the beverage you have on tap, or they can be traditional pull handles; it just depends on your style.

Kegerator Cleaning Kits

A good brew should be poured through clean lines. The kegerator cleaning kits help keep your tap free of flavor buildup and other problems that naturally occur with repeated use. Use a kegerator cleaning kit to flush your beer lines, as well as clean your faucet and keg coupler. It is recommended that you clean these components after you finish a keg.

A common question with kegerators is whether it’s necessary to defrost them: It usually isn’t. Ice that has deposited on the evaporator is automatically defrosted when the compressor cycles off. The defrosted water collects in the water drip tray located on the top of the compressor in the rear of the unit and then evaporates.

However, if the door is frequently opened or you are using your kegerator in a humid area, excessive ice may build up on the evaporator. In this case, turn off the unit and allow the ice to melt once your keg is empty. Be careful to soak up the excess water with a towel.

Finding Space for a Kegerator

Have wheels, will travel, but use the kegerator’s freedom wisely. Choose the kegerator that will hold the number of kegs—and the size of kegs—that you will enjoy, but it’s just as important to consider the space required in your home. Larger kegerators need larger spaces, obviously, but not just for the physical footprint of the unit.

Kegerators require enough space to have easy access for cleaning. This involves keeping the surface shiny and free of sticky beer debris, as well as keeping the hoses and internal connections running smoothly.

Another space consideration is the venting system on a kegerator. Like any refrigerator, there needs to be appropriate space between the wall and the unit for ventilation airflow. Keeping the kegerators too close to a cabinet can make the venting systems work too hard and shorten the unit’s lifespan.

Kegerators, like refrigerators, also use fans that can make noise. If you have a quiet space, the white noise generated by the cooler can be distracting, so be sure to place it in an area where the extra sounds won’t be intrusive.

Kegerator Costs

Like many appliances, kegerators come priced for their features, quality, size and versatility. There are other factors that influence prices.

For instance, a freestanding unit will likely be less expensive than a built-in unit. They require a different cooling system and different energy use requirements, and even the materials that make up the cabinet are different.

An outdoor kegerator is sealed and insulated differently than a residential model designed for an air-conditioned environment.

Commercial kegerators, with their larger capacity and other enhanced features, will generally be the more expensive models. Prices will also vary between brands.

So what makes a kegerator worth the price tag?

• Better taste: Serve taproom-quality beverages right in your home, kept fresh and cool.
• Lower price per glass: If you’re going to spend the money on your drinks anyway, why pay a middle man?
• Save money on bottles, cans, and recycling fees: You’re not going to use that aluminum can ever again, so why buy it when you can have a ready supply of your favorite drink waiting to be poured from the keg?
• Save space in your refrigerator: There’s no need for those 24-packs to take up shelf space in the kitchen fridge.
• Save the environment: A keg at home means fewer trips to the store or the bar for a restock along with fewer trips to the recycling center to turn in empty bottles and cans.