Whether you are selling beers or are looking to make it at home, you will love a kegerator. Kegerator kits are just what homebrewers need to get started on a delightful hobby.
These contain everything you need to brew at home, from a CO2 regulator, CO2 tank to faucets, gas lines, beverage line and more. Liquor merchants often invest in one of these for their beer business.
The most common use for kegerator kits today though is in the beer barrel. You will find many different types of the best kegerators available today, and can choose by size by temperature, among other things.
As a result, knowing which equipment is best for you can seem a bit tricky. By building it yourself, you end up with exactly what you wanted to start with.
What is a Kegerator Kit?
Kegerators are refrigerators that’s designed to store barrels. It uses CO2 to pressurize the barrel, which is kept in a refrigerated environment for approximately two months.
If you don’t own one, did you know that you can turn your normal refrigerator to one of these with a kegerator conversion kit? The conversion kits help dispense through the fridge door or top to a draft beer tower.
These mount kits, as a result, have a shank that goes in all through the door. There is also a faucet, and a hose nipple. Installation is kind of easy, and you only need a few tools to get started. You can install the CO2 tank inside the fridge, or even outside.
There are a good many customization options available as well. Each kegerator kit has its particular design and a predetermined space. You can know how many barrels it can hold in it and the size of the barrel.
Beer dispensing remains one of the most common uses for kegerators, though people are using it for wine and coffee storage as well.
Why do you need a Kegerator Kit?
With a kegerator conversion kit, you can have your own beer dispenser. If you already have a refrigerator, you can convert it into a kegerator is one of the most economical ways to build one.
They are handy when it comes to storing beer, wine, coffee or the contents you pour into the barrel. With the thermostat, you can set the temperature that you need. This allows you to have in a comfortable and economically way your beer dispenser.
Kegerator Kit Characteristics
The vast majority of these kegerators are for storing beer. This requires a nitrogen regulator, a nitrogen storage tank and a firm tap to dispense the beer. The faucet is made up of a small restriction disc located on the head of the drain.
It helps to circulate the beer through this restricted disc which results in a cold and creamy cherry.
You need to have a nitrogen regulator, or a CO2/nitrogen adapter that has been adjusted to 30 PSI. The beer gas is a mixture of nitrogen and CO2, in a specific ratio of 75% nitrogen and 25% CO2.
Most kegerators are made by the following set of materials:
- One Barrel made of stainless steel
- One CO2 Cylinder Container
- A CO2 pressure regulator with two manometers, one at the inlet and one at the outlet.
- Barrel Coupler (Also known as Keg Tap)
- A line of air and beer
- A Tower
- Drip tray
- Handle
- Faucet
- Handle for tap
One of the essential parts of this equipment is the barrel coupler. Depending on the type of barrel, a different coupler is needed, so it is essential to compare the coupler you need.
You also need the cleanliness of the line. Look to clean it every two weeks if you are a regular user. If not, a cleaning once in every five weeks or when you change the barrel is good enough.
Advantages
The most common use of these kegerators is to empty beer. Whether you need one or more, depends on your needs.
Some benefits of this equipment are:
- The taste of the beer is much more pleasant. Keep the beer cold and refreshing.
- Economically it is a wiser option to take because the draught beer is cheaper than the bottle or tin.
- An excellent investment to buy a keg of beer of the brand you prefer.
One thing that’s sometimes annoying is picking up trash from bottles and cans. With the kegerator, it’s a thing of the past. You don’t have to be looking for a bag to throw away the waste.
Factors to consider before buying one
Wondering if buying one of this equipment is a good investment or a good idea? What do you need to look at before buying one?
- It is an excellent investment for the future. You will have your beer dispenser, and you will not have to buy more canned beer.
- If you have your own business to dispense beer, it is very profitable as well.
- You will be able to control the temperature so that you can enjoy the temperature that you prefer.
- It’s environmentally friendly; they do not pollute and aren’t dangerous for your health.
Kegerator Kit Reviews:
Looking to buy a kegerator kit? Take a look at some of the more popular choices here.
Kegco BF EBDCK-5T
Your basic single tap through the door or wall conversion kit. Everything you need for a single hookup.
Specifications
With a double calibrate regulator, it allows for an easy adjustment of the internal pressure of the barrel. It’s easy because this equipment has a T style adjustment valve. There is also a pressure indicator for the CO2 located in the upper part of the regulator and another on the side that indicates the remaining volume of CO2.
The Lever Handle Barrile Coupler design means that you can use it with all Sankey brand brandy barrels. Constructed of a nickel forged brass structure that has an integrated stainless-steel probe. If you want to attach a barrel can be done straightforwardly, pull out and then down and that’s it. You don’t have to worry about the over-pressurized gas entering your barrel due to the 55 PSI pressure relief valve which makes this gas escape.
Its Stainless Steel Door Trayis constructed of stainless steel and its incredible brushed finish makes it one of the favourites of beer lovers.
With its Heavy-Duty Family Key you can perform maintenance or some repair using this faucet wrench. This provides us with a very comfortable grip while performing the operation you need.
Includes a 5 Pounds Empty Aluminum C02 Tank made of an aluminium alloy which makes it much lighter and gives it anticorrosive properties to prevent rust.
Advantages
– The Coupler allows us to use any barrel brand Sankey: It is an excellent structure and a straightforward way to attach the barrel you want.
– It has a tank that does not rust: It is made of a high strength aluminium alloy which makes it much lighter than a steel tank. It has a protective layer to prevent what is corrosion and wear.
– Stainless steel stray: A stainless steel tray that has a grill that can be easily assembled and disassembled.
– The cleaning becomes very simple: After spending a long day dispensing beer, the cleaning will be child’s play.
– It offers us an easy adjustment of the internal pressure: The barrel is submitted to this internal pressure, and with the indicators apparent, access to monitor the state in which the barrel is.
Disadvantages
– Some issues with the pressure: After about an hour, the pressure should be 30-40 PSI which gives us as a result, a beer would be SUPER carbonated and ruined and then would have to spend days shaking and purging the barrel to lower the carbonation.
BACOENG Standard Tower Kegerator
This standard conversion kit comes with a single tap tower and everything needed to connect to a keg, except the c02 tank.
Specifications
With its Double Calibrate Regulator of the Pro Series, you can adjust the CO2 output pressure easily with the regulator. You can also easily measure the volume of PSI and CO2 through this regulator which has double calibre. The outlet pressure gauge location is at the top.
The Lever Key Coupleris designed to be used with all Sankey brandy barrels and is made of a nickel forged brass structure which has an integrated stainless steel probe. With a comfortable design, you only have to pull out and then down to attach the barrel.
The manual includes detailed instructions in case you have any questions or don’t know how to assemble the equipment. The instruction manual also details how you can turn your refrigerator into a beer vending machine.
With its Heavy-Duty family key, you can perform maintenance or some repair using this faucet wrench. This provides us with a very comfortable grip while performing the operation you need.
The tap comes with a beautiful standard metal bracket including a set of metal levers. You get 5 feet of beer tube which finishes with a hexagonal nut, which serves to make a quick connection.
Advantages
– It offers an easy adjustment of the internal pressure: With the indicators, it is easy to access what state the barrel is in.
– A key to tighten the necks of the beer shanks: The key allow us to tighten the necks of the beer shanks quickly, so you do not damage your keys.
– The Coupler allows us to use any barrel brand Sankey: Offers an effortless way to attach the barrel you want.
– The beer tower includes a nozzle and a unique twist: Helps to make a quick connection for any standard barrel.
Disadvantages.
– The rings uses a unique tool: The rings inside the equipment need a unique tool to be able to seal the hoses correctly.
– The screws are tiny and difficult to fit: The screws used for the installation of the tower are tiny and difficult to fit.
BACOENG A Tap Kegerator
Standard door (or side wall) conversion kit to hookup to a single keg. No c02 tank included.
Specifications
The Double Calibrate Regulator, weighing approximately 3 pounds, includes two rubber protective covers. It’s easy to adjust the pressure with a button, so you no longer have to worry about tools. You also have a retention valve, which consists of a spring, to prevent the beer flow back into the gas line.
The D System Key Coupler is for use with all Sankey brand brandy barrels. Constructed of a nickel forged brass structure that has an integrated stainless steel probe, it has a comfortable design you’re sure to like. You only have to pull out and then down to attach the barrel.
The Chromed Beer Tap with Brass Lever comes with a spectacular forged brass finish and highly polished chrome. Plus, the 4-1/8 high beer stem is made of chrome-plated brass. Yes, your kegerator will never lack in style.
With its Metal Beer Faucet Wrench, you get a comfortable grip, making maintenance and repairs easy.
Advantages
– A button to adjust the ideal pressure: Unlike many of these kits, this one has a button to adjust to the ideal pressure you need without the need to use tools. It consists of a spring system so that the beer does not flow into the gas lines.
– The Coupler allows us to use any barrel brand Sankey: Expect an excellent structure and a straightforward way to attach the barrel you want.
– A key to tighten the necks of the shanks: It has a key which will allow us to accommodate or tighten very quickly and reliably the necks of the shanks, so you do not have to damage your keys.
– It has a beer shank: It can be mounted by a one-inch orifice due to its length 4-1/8 inches.
Disadvantages
– Regulator problems: The regulator sometimes has problems with the stability of the PSI.
– The ring uses a unique tool: The rings inside the equipment need a unique tool to be able to seal the hoses correctly.
– The wrench is missing: The wrench to tighten the tap does not come with it.
BACOENG Double Faucet Door Mount Kegerator
Everything you need (minus the C02 tank) for a double keg hookup to mount through the door or sidewall.
Specifications
The Double Calibrate Regulator comes integrated with a knob style pressure regulator. With a very lightweight of 3 pounds per pot is covered by rubber for protection reasons. If you want to know the pressure outside or inside the CO2 tank is possible. To prevent the beer from circulating backwards, there is a closing valve with a spring system.
From the brass finish to the chrome design, this one has a lot going for it. The beer faucet also comes with a brass lever, putting a stylish touch to your kegerator. In the kit, you will find a faucet wrench and a CO2 regulator, as well as two red hoses.
You get eight clamps as well, so you’re sure to never run out of it. With it’s the metal beer faucet wrench, it’s easier than ever to perform repairs too, like loosening or tightening the shank.
Advantages
– Get the ideal pressure you need: Unlike many of these kits, this one has a button to adjust to the ideal pressure you need without the need to use tools. It consists of a spring system so that the beer does not flow into the gas lines.
– The Coupler allows you to use any barrel brand: Get a straightforward way to attach the barrel you want, easily.
– A key to tighten the necks of the shanks: It has a key which will allow us to accommodate or tighten very quickly and reliably the necks of the shanks, so you do not have to damage your keys.
– The beautifully designed beer shank: You will love the beer shank, which you can mount by a one-inch orifice.
Disadvantages
– Regulator problems: The regulator sometimes has problems with the stability of the PSI.
– The rings use a unique tool: The rings inside the equipment need a unique tool to be able to seal the hoses correctly.
– The wrench is missing:The wrench to tighten the tap does not come with it.
Standard Double Faucet Door Mount Kegerator
Basic kit for Two Door Mounted Taps with Aluminum Tank for C02 Included - [Empty]
Specifications
With its Asic Setup for Two-Door Taps you can have instead of one output. You can configure to have two outputs without any problem. In a simple and efficient way, you will have your kegerator for taps with two doors.
It comes with an aluminum Tank Included-Vacuum, an aluminum alloy that makes it much lighter and resistant to corrosion and rust. It’s more comfortable to move around and more resistant.
With this kit comes a set of clamps and tubes for the construction of your kegerator. Do note to read the instructions and make sure to place the clamps and tubes correctly.
The tap wrench or the special wrench, works great if you are looking to tighten or loosen the faucet in a simple way that will allow you not to have to damage your faucets and tools when cleaning the faucet.
Advantages
– Has a button to adjust to the ideal pressure: Unlike many of these kits, this one has a button to adjust to the ideal pressure you need without the need to use tools. There is also a spring system that ensures the beer does not flow into the gas lines.
– It comes with all necessary tools for you to assemble: You won’t have to waste or damage your keys. You get all the necessary tools for you to assemble and perform the necessary maintenance easily and reliably.
– Its tank: The tank is extremely light and free from rust, which makes it very advantageous to move it.
– Comes with all the screws, clamps and instructions: You don’t have to worry about buying something extra it comes with all the screws, clamps and instructions so you can assemble it without problems.
Disadvantages
– Some problems with the PSI: Some users report slight stability problems with the PSI.
– Not anticorrosive: The quality of some materials, such as tubes or clamps are not anticorrosive.
– The ring uses a unique tool: The rings inside the equipment need a unique tool to be able to seal the hoses properly.
Conclusion
We can say that Kegerator Kits are commonly used for draught beer as they keep it at a cold and refreshing temperature for an extended period. You can transform your refrigerator (like we did here) into one of these kegerators, and is one of the most economical ways to make one of these devices.
From an economic point of view, it is an excellent investment, just like homebrewing your own beer is.
If you are a beer lover, you need to have a kegerator, regardless if you build one with a kit or bought one of the best kegerator’s available.
While there are a variety of kegerators on the market that fit your needs, you need to take a look at a few other things. For one, check the price, capacity, style, and temperature.
Depending on what you need, you can look for the one that best suits you, so you can enjoy the benefits of a kegerator.
Just like any other equipment or machine, you need to take proper care of the kegerator. To clean the line, clean and tighten all the nuts, replace the hose clamps from time to time, and be attentive to the CO2 pressure meter.
Lead marketer, brewer, dad, and husband. Pretty much an all-round awesome guy.