TRULY Portable Kegerators: Revolutionizing Outdoor Beverage Experience [Top 5 Picks]
In the realm of beverage dispensers, portability is a key feature that allows users to enjoy their favorite drinks wherever they go. Whether it’s for a picnic, a camping trip, a tailgate party, or just a day at the beach, having a portable kegerator can make all the difference.
And we are not talking about putting wheels on your too-heavy-to-travel-kegerator and calling it a day.
We’ve explored five products – the ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator, the SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser, the Cooler Keg™, the SquareKeg™, and the GrowlerWerks uKeg Go 128 – each offering unique solutions to the challenge of keeping beverages fresh and accessible on the go.
These products highlight the innovation and convenience that truly portable beverage dispensers can bring to our outdoor and on-the-move experiences.
The ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator
The ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator is a product designed to provide a hassle-free solution for enjoying your favorite beverages wherever you go. It is capable of keeping beverages, such as craft beer, seltzers, or mixed drinks, chilled for up to five days.
It is not electric, which means it doesn’t require a power source, making it ideal for outdoor activities like camping or tailgating.
Strengths:
- Portability: The ColdOne™ is designed to be portable, allowing you to bring your favorite beverages anywhere. This is a significant advantage for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to bring their favorite drinks along.
- Long-lasting Cold Storage: The product can keep beverages cold for up to five days, which is a considerable amount of time, especially for outdoor events or trips where access to refrigeration may be limited.
- Non-Electric: The fact that it doesn’t require electricity is a significant strength. It means you can use it in places without access to power, further enhancing its portability.
Weaknesses:
- Price: ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator is quite expensive. This could be a deterrent for potential buyers who might be looking for a more affordable solution.
- Capacity: The product can only hold up to 2 gallons of beverage. Depending on the size of the gathering or the length of the trip, this might not be sufficient, requiring users to refill more frequently.
From a buyer’s perspective, the ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator offers a unique solution for those who want to enjoy their favorite chilled beverages on the go. Its portability and ability to keep drinks cold for days make it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts.
However, the high price point and limited capacity might be factors to consider before purchasing. It would be ideal for those who value convenience and have a higher budget, but those looking for a more affordable or higher capacity solution might need to explore other options.
Cooler Keg
The Cooler Keg™ is an ultra-portable stainless steel cooler and CO₂ driven draft system designed to bring the bar with you wherever you go. It is not limited to beer but can handle a variety of beverages including bubbly, hard seltzers, cocktails, mocktails, soda, and more.
Strengths:
- Versatility: The Cooler Keg™ is not just for beer. It can handle a variety of beverages, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Portability: The product is designed to be ultra-portable, allowing you to bring your favorite beverages anywhere you go.
- Large Capacity: The Cooler Keg™ includes two 228oz kegs that can hold 36 beers (12oz) or 72 cocktails (6oz), making it suitable for larger gatherings.
- Non-Electric: The Cooler Keg™ includes reusable custom fit ice packs that keep the kegs cold. If you forget to freeze the packs, you can fill the cooler with ice, making it a convenient choice for outdoor events.
Weaknesses:
- Preparation Time: The Cooler Keg™ requires some preparation, such as filling the kegs and freezing the ice packs. This may not be ideal for spontaneous events.
- Cleaning Process: Although the cleaning process is described as easier than doing the dishes, it involves multiple steps including rinsing, sanitizing, and emptying the system, which could be seen as a hassle by some users.
From a buyer’s perspective, the Cooler Keg™ offers a unique and versatile solution for those who want to enjoy a variety of beverages on the go. Its large capacity and non-electric cooling system make it an attractive option for outdoor events.
However, the preparation and cleaning time may be a consideration for some potential buyers. The product is currently available for pre-order, so the price and other potential strengths or weaknesses may not be fully known until it is officially released.
Mini Kegerator Dispenser
The SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser is a compact, countertop beer dispenser designed for home entertainment. It’s capable of chilling beer within 19 to 21 hours and storing it at an optimal temperature of 36-39 degrees Fahrenheit. It accepts standard 5-liter kegs and 5L Heineken mini kegs, making it versatile for various beer brands.
Strengths:
- Compact and Convenient: The SPT BD-0538 is a mini kegerator, making it a perfect fit for small spaces or for those who don’t want a full-sized kegerator. Its countertop design makes it easily accessible and convenient for home entertainment.
- Versatility: This kegerator accepts both standard 5-liter kegs and 5L Heineken mini kegs, providing flexibility for the user’s choice of beer.
- Temperature Control: It features an LED temperature display and adjustable temperature settings, allowing the user to keep their beer at the ideal temperature.
Weaknesses:
- Cooling Time: The product takes 19 to 21 hours to chill beer, which requires pre-planning and may not be ideal for spontaneous gatherings.
- Limited Capacity: With a capacity of only 5 liters, it may require frequent refills during larger gatherings or for heavy beer drinkers.
- Noise Level: Some users have reported that the ventilation fan can be somewhat loud, which could be a potential annoyance.
From a buyer’s perspective, the SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser is a compact and convenient solution for home entertainment. Its versatility in accepting different keg types and adjustable temperature control are significant advantages.
However, its long cooling time and limited capacity may be drawbacks for some users. It is a more affordable option compared to many other kegerators on the market, making it a potential choice for those on a budget or those who don’t require a larger capacity.
The SquareKeg
The SquareKeg™ is an innovative solution for on-tap drinks, designed to provide more beverage volume in less footprint. It fits in the fridge or cooler, keeps drinks fresh and carbonated, and can be used for beer, cocktails, wine, and cold brew.
Strengths:
- Space-Efficient Design: The SquareKeg™’s patented technology allows for more beverage volume in less footprint. Its square design is a unique approach that saves space in the fridge or cooler.
- Versatility: The SquareKeg™ can be used for a variety of beverages including beer, cocktails, wine, and cold brew, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Portability: The SquareKeg™ is designed to be portable, allowing you to bring your favorite beverages anywhere you go.
- Keeps Drinks Fresh: The SquareKeg™ keeps drinks fresh and carbonated, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Weaknesses:
- Price: The SquareKeg™ might be considered expensive by some potential buyers.
- Limited Capacity: Given its compact design, it may not be suitable for larger gatherings or for heavy drinkers. 2x64oz =128oz and 128oz is only about 10 cans or 8 pints of beer.
From a buyer’s perspective, the SquareKeg™ offers a unique and space-efficient solution for those who want to enjoy a variety of beverages on tap. Its portability and ability to keep drinks fresh and carbonated make it an attractive option.
However, the price and potential limited capacity may be considerations for some potential buyers. The product has received positive reviews from customers, indicating satisfaction with its performance and convenience.
UKEG GO 128
The GrowlerWerks uKeg Go 128 is a large-capacity, portable pressurized growler that is designed to keep your beverages fresh and carbonated for extended periods. This product is an embodiment of convenience, affordability, and the ability to “go anywhere,” making it a perfect companion for outdoor activities, parties, and casual hangouts.
The uKeg Go 128 is equipped with a patented carbonation system that automatically maintains freshness and optimal carbonation for weeks. This feature ensures that your beverages, whether beer, soda, cider, or cocktails, remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as you need.
Strengths:
- Large Capacity: With a capacity of 128 oz, the uKeg Go 128 is perfect for serving larger groups or for those who simply enjoy their beverages in generous quantities.
- Versatility: The uKeg Go 128 is not limited to beer. It can handle a variety of beverages, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.
- Portability: The uKeg Go 128 is designed to be portable, allowing you to bring your favorite beverages anywhere you go.
- Automatic Carbonation System: The patented carbonation system automatically maintains freshness and optimal carbonation for weeks, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Weaknesses:
- Price: The uKeg Go 128 might be considered expensive by some potential buyers.
- CO2 Cartridges: The uKeg Go 128 requires the use of food-grade CO2 cartridges, which are not included with the product (except where noted). This could be an additional cost and inconvenience for some users.
- Capacity: 128oz is only about 10 cans or 8 pints of beer.
From a buyer’s perspective, the uKeg Go 128 offers a unique and convenient solution for those who want to enjoy a variety of beverages on the go. Its large capacity and automatic carbonation system make it an attractive option. However, the price and the need for CO2 cartridges may be considerations for some potential buyers.
In conclusion, the GrowlerWerks uKeg Go 128 is a product that combines functionality, convenience, and style. It offers a unique solution to the challenge of keeping beverages fresh and carbonated, making it a great choice for beverage enthusiasts.
While it does come with a higher price tag and requires the use of CO2 cartridges, the benefits it offers could make it a worthwhile investment for many.
So, Which One Are You Getting?
In the world of portable beverage dispensers, there are several products that stand out for their unique features, versatility, and convenience.
We’ve taken a closer look at five such products: the ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator, the SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser, the Cooler Keg™, the SquareKeg™, and the GrowlerWerks uKeg Go 128.
- The ColdOne™ Portable Kegerator is a non-electric, portable solution that can keep beverages cold for up to five days. Its strength lies in its portability and long-lasting cold storage, but its high price and limited capacity may deter some buyers.
- The SPT BD-0538 Mini Kegerator & Dispenser is a compact, countertop beer dispenser that accepts standard 5-liter kegs and 5L Heineken mini kegs. It offers versatility and temperature control, but its long cooling time and limited capacity may be drawbacks for some users.
- The Cooler Keg™ is an ultra-portable stainless steel cooler and CO₂ driven draft system that can handle a variety of beverages. It offers versatility and a large capacity, but requires some preparation and has a multi-step cleaning process.
- The SquareKeg™ is a space-efficient, versatile beverage dispenser that keeps drinks fresh and carbonated. Its unique square design saves space, but its price and potential limited capacity may be considerations for some potential buyers.
- The GrowlerWerks uKeg Go 128 is a large-capacity, portable growler that keeps beverages fresh and carbonated for weeks. It offers a large capacity and an automatic carbonation system, but its price and the need for CO₂ cartridges may be considerations for some potential buyers.
In conclusion, each of these products offers unique strengths and features, making them suitable for different needs and preferences.
Whether you prioritize portability, capacity, versatility, or the ability to keep beverages fresh and carbonated, there’s a product on this list that’s likely to meet your needs. However, potential buyers should also consider factors such as price, preparation time, and cleaning process when making their decision. Happy Travels!