Whether you love entertaining or simply prefer having your favorite brews on tap, a kegerator is the perfect addition to your home bar. Kegerators are refrigerators designed to store kegs at a cool temperature and dispense the chilled liquid when you’re ready to drink. You can use a kegerator to serve a variety of beverages, including beer, cider, and seltzers. Our kegerator guide covers everything you need to know, including the different types of kegerators, tips on choosing the right kegerator sizes, and a few additional features to consider to make this appliance the most useful for you.

What is a Kegerator and How Does It Work?

Kegerators are appliances that are used to store and tap kegs so that you can pour a fresh draft any time you want one. When stored in a kegerator, a keg of pasteurized beer can stay fresh from three to six months.

Kegerators are composed of a hollow refrigerator that houses the keg, a sealing door, a draft tower, and the components used to pressurize the keg. With these components, the kegerator pressurizes the keg using a carbon dioxide tank that is connected to the keg through a coupler, which is the valve that taps the keg. A regulator is attached to the carbon dioxide tank and used to adjust or maintain the pressure. The carbon dioxide helps circulate the liquid inside and push the liquid through the draft line toward the draft tower. The draft tower connects the draft lines to the faucet, and the faucet features a handle at the top that allows you to dispense the liquid. A drip tray on the top of the kegerator sits below the faucet to catch any spills or overflow.

Types of Kegerators

We've outlined the four types of kegerators to help you find the best fit.

Freestanding: Freestanding kegerators don't need to be installed above or below a countertop and can be placed anywhere. These are the most common type of kegerator and very budget-friendly. They often feature wheels or casters for easy transportation and can be easily moved from one room to another. Because the vent is located at the back of the unit, these kegerators require a few inches of clearance away from the wall to ensure proper ventilation.

Undercounter: Undercounter kegerators are installed beneath a counter for a built-in look, which makes them a practical addition to a home bar. These units have front ventilation so that they can be placed against a wall and beneath a counter, and the draft tower can be built into the countertop for a seamless finish.

Countertop: As the smallest and most affordable option, countertop kegerators are the best choice if you have limited space or only need to serve a few pints. They can be placed on any flat surface, such as a countertop or home bar. Though this type of kegerator typically only fits a mini keg, it can be a great way to see if a kegerator is a good investment for your home.

Conversion Kit: Conversion kits come with all of the elements to convert an existing refrigerator into a kegerator. These kits include a carbon dioxide tank, draft tower, pressure regulator, coupler, and all the hardware needed for assembly.

Compatible Keg Sizes

Each kegerator is designed to fit a specific keg size. When choosing a kegerator for your home, consider what keg size you’ll need, based on how you plan on using the keg and how many beverages you'll be serving.

Mini Keg (1.32 gal.): This size contains approximately fourteen 12 oz. beers and is a great option for a home bar.

Sixth-Barrel (5.16 gal.): Sixth barrel kegs contain fifty-six 12 oz. beers and are an excellent size for backyard get-togethers.

Shop Quarter-Barrel (7.75 gal.): Quarter-barrel kegs hold about eighty-two 12 oz. beers. This size is a great option for serving beverages at casual events.

Half-Barrel / Full-Size (15.5 gal.): This size contains about 165 12 oz. beers, making it ideal for large gatherings.

Number of Taps

The number of taps in a kegerator determines how many different types of beverages you can serve at one time. Therefore, if you want to have a wider variety of brews on tap, opt for a kegerator with more than one tap. Single-tap kegerators allow you to store one keg of beer or cider, while dual-tap or triple-tap kegerators let you tap multiple kegs at one time.

Additional Features

Upgrade your home bar with these convenient features.

Wheels / Casters: Take your kegerator on the go! Wheels or casters allow you to move the kegerator from one spot to another with ease.

Adjustable Temperature: A kegerator with an adjustable temperature range allows you to change the temperature to match your preference. Different types of beers are often stored at different temperatures. Lighter-bodied beers like pale ales are typically served at a colder temperature than heavy stouts and strong ales.

Approved for Outdoor Use: Want to bring your kegerator to a barbecue or tailgate? Go for a kegerator that is designed for outdoor use. Outdoor kegs are built to operate in much cooler or much warmer temperatures than indoor kegs.

Compatible With Multiple Keg Sizes: This refrigerator feature offers flexibility and allows you to pick kegs that are different sizes.

Digital Temperature Display: Make sure the kegs stay at the right temperature with a digital temperature display. Use the digital temperature display to change the temperature when changing kegs or monitor the temperature throughout the day.

Tip!

Complete your kegerator setup with the perfect beer glasses. Check out A Guide to Beer Glass Types to learn about the different styles of glasses and find which type pairs best with your favorite brews.