What is a Kegerator Beer Dispenser?
A Kegerator is a dispensing device for brewing home-made draft beer. It is usually shaped like a barrel that can accommodate gallons of beer which can last for several months for personal home consumption. Kegerators are not only used at home, they are also common in bars and in several commercial centers and dining establishments, like restaurants and liquor bar shops.
They come in different sizes, type, and design. There are upright kegerators, while there are also under-counter kegerators. Aside from its presentation, these beer dispensers are also available in many different numbers of kegs. Some devices have a single keg, while others have dual or double kegs. There are also models with multi-taps and many kegs, like up to five kegs.
Homemade Kegerator Made Easy with a Kegerator Kit
Buying a kegerator requires some investment. They usually do not come cheap. Higher investment is required especially if you want the superior and the best brands that ensure durability and longevity in use. If your budget is limited, you can go for a homemade DIY Kegerator kit that gives you the chance to build your own portable kegerator from scratch.
The building process may seem too technical to do, but it is actually doable with the aid of an instructions manual that allows you to build your own custom built kegerator. Some kits like the Kegworks Homebrew Kegerator Kits allow you to convert your used small refrigerator into a homemade beer dispenser with two or three keger taps where you can brew your own alcoholic beverage anytime you want. You can also choose the gallon capacity of the kegerator, based on your estimated consumption.
Kegerator Conversion Kit Converts Fridge to Kegerators
A kegerator conversion kit usually consists of the basic essential parts and supplies needed in the conversions of chest-type or apartment-type freezers into a homemade beer brewing machine and dispenser. The kit also comes with a manual that expertly instructs you on how to build your own kegerator, including some troubleshooting tips.
When shopping for these conversion kits, it is important to choose the best brands to ensure you are getting your money’s worth. Some of the top rated brands of kegerator conversion kits are the Bev air fridge conversion kit and the Kegco Guinness Standard kegerator tap conversion kit. These kits are available with discount at some kegerator sales stores, while other stores may offer them at bargain prices.
Haier Kegerator Parts List and Accessories
A kegerator usually consists of several different kegerator parts to complete the device and make it functional. It is important to know some of the basic parts of a kegerator if you are planning to own one. Knowing the basic parts guarantees smooth and trouble-free use of the draft beer dispenser. Some of the standard Haier kegerator parts list are as follows:
- Regulator
- Beer line pipe or hose
- Air hose or pipe
- Tap
- Tap handle
- Tower
- Drip tray and replacement trays
- Single or triple (3) faucet
- Faucet handle
- Coupler
- Carbon dioxide tank
Among the numerous typical haier kegerator parts, the coupler comes in many different standards. Different countries normally observe unique standards for the couplers.
The U.S. standard uses the system D coupler, while European manufacturers use the system S coupler. Other countries have their own standards, as well. Germany uses system M and system A, while UK and Ireland use system U and system G standards.
It is important to note that a kegerator is incomplete without a fridge that keeps the draught beer cold and perfect for drinking. Kegerator barrels are usually placed inside a modified refrigerator using a conversion or modification kit. In this case, the parts of the refrigerator or freezer should consist of digital or mechanical thermostats with temperature control, fridge door with door handles, a door mount, and a spacious freezer chest or fridge cabinet among many others.
Mini Kegerator Draft Beer Dispenser
Do you have a mini fridge junked in that garage? Convert your mini fridge to a kegerator. Depending on your desired capacity, you can turn your standard-size fridge into a kegerator. If your projected consumption is only minimal, then you can build a mini kegerator with lesser capacity. This is far less expensive as well, and it is perfect for outdoor use.
This is the type of kegerator used by some establishments that offer kegerator rental services. Kegerator rentals are ideal for small bars and restaurants, as well as for home or office parties and events.
How to Convert a Mini Fridge to a Kegerator?
Step 1: Measuring your Fridge
One of the best refrigerator to convert as a keg fridge is a three-door horizontal, a good opportunity in making it as a keezer as well. But as long as the keg fits, you can convert any kind of refrigerator really. Also, remember to leave 6-8 inches above for the coupler to fit.
Step 2: Drill the Hole’s Desired Location
With a hole saw and a power drill in your hand, drill a hole in the door of your fridge for the faucet and shank. Do not pierce the refrigerator’s back wall. Make sure that your fridge is not plugged.
Step 3: Step 3: Connecting the Faucet and Shank
After drilling the hole and inserting the shank from the outside, secure it with a brass flange nut to lock it in its place along with the black plastic flange to help cover up from the outside. Attach the faucet and tighten it in its place.
Step 4: Connecting the Air and Beer Line
In the back of the shank, attach the beer line hex connections and to the keg coupler’s top. Attach the air line’s one end to the coupler’s nipple and the other end to the regulator. Using the flathead screwdriver, tighten the hose clamps then attach the regulator to your CO2 Bottle Tank and tighten it using a hex wrench.
Step 5: Final Adjustments and Connections
Before testing out, make sure the regulator and the faucet are in the “off” position. Open the CO2 Bottle Tank and then you can also attach your keg coupler. After this, adjust your regulator then turn it on to allow the CO2’s flow to your keg. Be sure to always stand your CO2 tank upright.
Step 6: Cheers!
Now, it’s time to test your mini fridge kegerator. Let’s drink!
Kegerator Home Depot
If you want to buy kegerators, you don’t have to worry about where to get it because these are available in selected outlets like Sears. You can also get it at Home Depot where you can find many different brands of kegerators to choose from. Some items may even be on sale, especially if newer models are available.
You can either opt to have a completely finished kegerator or go for a do-it-yourself kegerator kit that allows you to do it on your own at a lesser and cheaper price. What is more interesting is that you can customize it based on your preferred design.
There are many different brands of kegerators today. Some of them are top rated brands with excellent quality, while there are also few brands with unsatisfactory quality. Going for the best brands is, naturally, the ideal choice. But they come with a higher price. Nevertheless, good quality brands also give you further assurance on the reliability of the kegerator under long-term continuous use.
Kegerator Reviews on Top Brands
Shopping for kegerators will most likely give you some confusion because of the availability of many brands in the market. These brands offer numerous variations on the style and design of kegerators. Among the top brands and models of kegerators as of 2010 and 2011 are as follows:
- Avanti Kegerator Pony Keg Beer Cooler
- Beer Meister (Beermeister)
- Costco Kegerator
- Danby Millenium Black Kegerator
- Edgestar Kegerators KC2000
- Frigidaire Mini Fridge Kegerators
- Haier Kegerator
- Heineken Krups Beertender B95 Draught Beer Dispenser
- Kenmore Kegerator
- Magic Chef Kegerators
- Marvel Kegerators
- Nostalgia Electrics Kegerator
- Perlick Kegerator
- Sanyo 4912 and Sanyo BC1206
- Summit Kegerator
- TRUE Kegerator
- Vissani Kegerator
Judging from the list above, it is undoubtedly taxing to choose which of these models and brands of kegerators to select from, especially if this is your first time to buy one. But market data shows that among the top and popular brands include Haier and Danby among many others.
Haier Kegerator Review
Haier Kegerator is one of the well-loved brands because of the superior quality of their products. One of the top models is the Haier Brewmaster Kegerator HBF05EABB. The average cost is $400 to $500 for a kegerator with a draft tower height of 14 inches and a 15-inch chrome tower with around 15 gallon-capacity.
The kegerator has two removable wire shelves that provide the option to convert the beer cooling system into a refrigerator, should you opt not to use it as a kegerator for awhile. The designer of this model made it easy for the owner to clean the unit with a simple design beer dispenser.
Haier kegerators are well-proven to be durable. Many owners of this brand experienced no problems with the use of their kegs for several years, except for some minute details that are negligible.
Danby Kegerator Review
Danby Kegerator is another popular brand, especially the DKC645BLS Keg Cooler. The average price of the unit is $500 for a kegerator with a digital temperature gauge with a single tap. While some owners say that this model needs more modifications, there are others who are already well-satisfied with its minimalist design and features, making the cleaning process a lot easier.
Kegerators at Home for Free Flowing Supply of Draft Beer
Beer lovers would surely love to have free-flowing supply of beer at home. While drinking too much beer is bad for the health, a glass or two should be enough to satisfy the craving for beer; kegerators can give them just the needed supply of beer at a lesser cost than bottles or cans.
