Best buy kegerator: Insignia 1-Tap Kegerator (NS-BK1TSS6) – Silver/Black – Only at Best Buy

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The 7 Best Kegerators of 2023

Our top choices for pouring the perfect chilled pint.

By

Kate Dingwall

Kate Dingwall

Kate Dingwall is a freelance writer whose work focuses on food, drinks and travel. She is based in Toronto.

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Updated 05/17/23

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Liquor / Chloe Jeong

Beer, wine, kombucha, and beyond: A kegerator keeps your favorite kegged beverage chilled in the comfort of your own home. The best ones can hold a keg or two (or even three) and dispense icy brews and beverages with perfectly pressurized ease. 

These systems are far superior to the hand-pump home kegs of your college years—i.e. the ones that produced cups full of foam and stale-tasting brews. Kegerators are designed to pressurize a keg and circulate the suds through a draft line into the tap (and, in turn, your waiting glass), with no hand-pumping required. And given that many are roughly the size of a mini-fridge, kegerators will fit into most homes and bar decor with ease. Whether you’re looking for a portable option for outdoor entertaining or a no-nonsense way to keep your favorite craft brews cool, kegerators are a useful appliance.

The Rundown

Best Overall:

Kegco K309 Keg Dispenser at Amazon

Best Value:

EdgeStar Craft Brew Kegerator at Amazon

Best Compact:

Insignia 1-Tap Beverage Cooler Kegerator at Best Buy

Best Countertop:

HomeCraft Black Stainless Steel Tap Beer Growler Cooling System at Amazon

Best Triple Tap:

Kegco 3-Keg Dispenser at Amazon

Best for Outdoors:

EdgeStar 15-Inch Built-In Outdoor Kegerator at Amazon

Best for Home Brewers:

NutriChef Homebrew Mini Keg at Amazon

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Kegco’s full-service kegerator kit (which includes a complete keg tapping kit) will keep beer at just the right temperature for weeks. The small (33 x 24 x 24 inches) fridge accommodates any and all full-sized kegs. It offers practical features like an easy-to-clean, removable drip tray, rolling casters for moving it around your space, and a chrome guard rail, which allows you to rest your mugs and glasses atop the unit without worrying about them sliding off. 

Best of all, you can easily adjust the temperature via a digital screen on the front of the unit—no more pulling the kegerator out from the wall to adjust the back. And if you need to chill a warm beer quickly, the K309 has a deep chill function that drops its temperature rapidly.

Good to Know: Many keg systems come with parts sold separately. This is ideal for the home brewer who wants to customize their keg—but if you’re looking for a kegerator that comes ready-to-go, ensure that you purchase one with all parts included.

What’s included: The Kegco K309 features a single faucet dispense system with all parts included: a 5-pound aluminum CO2 tank with a glossy red epoxy finish, a dual gauge CO2 regulator, and a D system keg coupler that allows easy tappings. (Keep in mind that the CO2 tank ships empty but can be filled locally.)

Finish: Chrome | Capacity: 5.6 cubic feet | Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.69 x 23.69 x 33 inches | Installation: Freestanding

Price at the time of publish: $877

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Pros

  • Accommodates 1/6-barrel and Cornelius kegs

  • Centralized location for all lines

  • Has a temperature display

If you’re looking for a kegerator without a sky-high price tag, EdgeStar’s KC1000SS unit provides excellent value. Standing at 33 x 17 x 18 inches, it’s big enough to fit either a one-sixth barrel or a Cornelius keg—or, with the additional purchase of a home brew conversion kit, a home brew keg. Even with a keg inside, the unit provides plenty of room for all lines, couplers, and gas. In the interior, blue LED lighting and a digital thermostat allow you to moderate the temperature levels with ease.

The setup is relatively easy, and the unit comes with extra parts just in case. Considering its price, it’s an excellent, cost-effective choice.

What’s included: Stainless steel beer tower with stainless steel faucet, 2.5-pound CO2 tank, single gauge regulator, stainless steel D coupler, beer line, gas line

Finish: Stainless steel | Capacity: 2.5 liters | Dimensions (LxWxH): 17.5 x 18.25 x 33.25 inches | Installation: Freestanding

Price at the time of publish: $539

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If you’re looking for a kegerator that won’t blow your budget, look no further than this Insignia option. Think of it as an entry-level kegerator for those just dipping their toes in the water. This small kegerator (33 x 24 inches) holds either a petite half keg or one-fourth of a slim keg (though note that it cannot hold a Miller or Coors keg).

It can also chill kegs in an impressive range of temperatures, from 32 to 45 degrees F. Locking wheels will keep the keg fridge in place, or you can roll it wherever you please. If beer isn’t on the menu, this keg can convert into a regular refrigerator with two removable wire shelves: pull out the keg, slip in the shelves, and store groceries.

What’s included: Fridge, tap, C02 tank, hose, and reversible door opening

Finish: Stainless steel | Capacity: 5.6 cubic feet | Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.625 x 23.625 x 33.75 inches | Installation: Freestanding

Price at the time of publish: $570

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Pros

  • Ideal for small spaces

  • Generous temperature range

  • Includes a reusable growler

For those who don’t want to commit to a full keg, this mini kegerator takes beer from regular 5-liter growlers and turns it into frothy, ice-cold draft beer—keeping drinks chilled up to 36 degrees. Alternatively, you can connect either a pressurized or non-pressurized keg to the HomeCraft and run its beer through a small keg system. After tapping, the kegerator will keep beer fresh for up to 30 days. 

Unlike most kegerators on the market, this keg system is perfect for small spaces (think tiny bars or studio apartments). The 5 x 5 x 13-inch system easily sits on a counter but packs the punch of a full bar system. To cool down the kegs, add 3 cups of water to the system and screw in one of the small CO2 tanks (the kit comes with three). Head to your local craft brewery, fill up the reusable growler with your favorite brew, and the system will pour a pub-perfect pint every time—right from your kitchen.

What’s included: Kegerator unit, reusable clear plastic growler keg, three 16-gram CO2 cartridges, drip tray, and squeeze bottle cleaning kit

Finish: Black stainless steel | Capacity: 5 liters | Dimensions (LxWxH): 5. 12 x 5.12 x 12.99 inches | Installation: Freestanding

Price at the time of publish: $200

Related: The Best Beer Growlers

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Pros

  • Accommodates three Cornelius kegs

  • Can function as a normal fridge

  • Easy to adjust temperature

  • Easy to move around

If you’re a homebrew fan who needs multiple beer options, opt for Kegco’s three-keg dispenser (33 x 24 x 24 inches). This kegerator has space for three Cornelius (or “Pepsi”) kegs, complete with the faucet and tap equipment (including ball lock keg couplers, washers, and fittings), and it even converts into a refrigerator for more storage. Ingeniously, if you’re planning to fill the fridge with all three kegs, an external tank mount lets you store the CO2 on the rear of the unit to save space.

This upgraded model on Kegco’s classic dispenser includes a corrosion-resistant CO2 tank, a premium dual-gauge regulator, and a stainless steel draft beer tower with three taps. If you’re into sustainable drinking, this model is also environmentally friendly, with a 25 percent more energy-efficient design. For added versatility, you can tweak the temperature from 35 to 42 degrees F via a control on the back of the unit. Designed to withstand years of use, the stainless steel plate at the base of the dispenser distributes the weight of the kegs to keep the lining from getting damaged—and locking caster wheels allow you to transport the kegerator to wherever the party is.

What’s included: Fridge, polished stainless steel draft tower, three chrome standard beer faucets, three complete ball lock home brew keg tap sets, dual gauge CO2 regulator, and 5-pound aluminum CO2 tank

Finish: Stainless steel | Capacity: N/A | Dimensions (LxWxH): 23.69 x 23.69 x 33 inches | Installation: Freestanding

Price at the time of publish: $1,247

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This built-in kegerator from EdgeStar is perfect for cracking a cold one in the great outdoors, and it looks fantastic as a component of a backyard bar. Made for sun, sleet, snow, and beyond, the beer dispenser is completely reinforced with a durable, stainless steel-wrapped cabinet. To keep the suds flowing in all seasons, the kegerator is electrically rated and safety-approved for outdoor applications. 

This EdgeStar model is 15 inches wide (24 inches deep x 34 inches high), but it’s one of the only kegerators available that can hold one-fourth of a slim barrel-sized keg and one-sixth of a barrel keg (the keg of choice for most craft breweries). Complete with an electronic control panel and forced-air refrigeration technology, this kegerator will ensure your favorite brew stays cool (down to 32 degrees F) from keg to glass—even on sunny days or in heat waves. The panel also makes it easy to adjust temperatures as the weather changes.

What’s included: Kegerator, stainless steel guardrail & surface-mount drip tray, four casters, reinforced stainless steel exterior, professional door handle, low profile “D coupler, draft components

Finish: Matte stainless steel | Capacity: N/A | Dimensions (LxWxH): 24 x 15 x 34. 13 inches | Installation: Built-in

Price at the time of publish: $1,749

Related: The Best Beer Glasses

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If home brewing is your hobby, NutriChef’s portable kegerator kit allows for optimal carbonation from your home brew keg. While a traditional growler will lose bubbles quickly, this dispensing system keeps beer vacuum pressured for up to two months. Slip the growler or home brew keg in the barrel, attach the tubes, and you’re ready to start pouring. If you’re sipping on the go, a lid screws on for easy transportation. The unit is set up to work with disposable threaded 16-gram Co2 cartridges of any brand.

Or, if you’re not a home brewer, but you like the idea of a simple design and a compact orientation, fill the growler at your favorite local brewery and enjoy the fruits of someone else’s labor instead of your own.

What’s included: Stainless steel 64-ounce keg, brass tap, assembly hardware, and a neoprene koozie

Finish: Stainless steel | Capacity: 64 ounce | Dimensions (LxWxH): 6. 89 x 7.49 x 13.39 inches | Installation: Freestanding

Price at the time of publish: $135

Final Verdict

What’s the best kegerator for you? Kegco’s K309 Kegerator is the best all-over kegerator, with a single faucet dispense system and the ability to hold any size of keg. If you’re short on space, EdgeStar’s KC1500SSOD Kegerator is slimmer in size and outfitted with weather-proof detailing for the great outdoors.

What to Look For in a Kegerator

First and foremost, any iteration of a home keg system needs to do one important thing: keep your beer cold! Beyond that, other considerations include the dimensions (will it fit in your space?), where the temperature control is located, and what types of keg coupler systems it works with.

FAQs

How do you clean a kegerator? 

Experts recommend you clean out your lines after every single keg. If you don’t, your lines will end up with a slightly stale taste from the yeast and malt residue that builds up over time. Start by cleaning the inside and the outside of the kegerator, then flush the beer lines with cleaner. For a full deep clean, disassemble the unit and clean the faucets and couplers.

How long does a keg last in a kegerator? 

When you crack open a beer, you have to sip it to the last drop in a matter of hours. In a kegerator, however, you have roughly eight weeks to drink a pasteurized beer. Keep in mind, however, that time will shift from brewery to brewery. Smaller craft brews will run around six weeks, while larger-scale breweries will have a shelf life of up to four months. Ask your favorite brew vendor for full details.

Where do I fill a Co2 tank for a kegerator?

While filling a Co2 tank may seem daunting, many stores offer refills. Most sporting goods stores, welding shops, scuba or snorkel shops, and general home hardware shops will all refill your Co2.

Why Trust Liquor.com?

This roundup was edited by Jesse Porter, who tends to still be grumpy about the frustration and exertion of changing a keg after his first sip of delicious draft beer but is feeling great again after the second.

Kate Dingwall is an experienced spirits writer. She has been writing about the bar and spirits world for five years and, thanks to a decade of bartending experience, has changed many kegs in her life.

Read Next: The Best Beer Fridges

The 9 Best Kegerators of 2023

Our top pick is the EdgeStar Built-In Stainless Steel Kegerator

By

Brigitt Earley

Brigitt Earley

Brigitt Earley is an experienced writer and product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in home hacks and products. She currently writes about home products and toys for The Spruce.

Learn more about The Spruce’s
Editorial Process

Updated on 02/16/23

Fact checked by

Emily Estep

Fact checked by
Emily Estep

Emily Estep is a plant biologist and journalist who has worked for a variety of online news and media outlets, writing about and editing topics including environmental science and houseplants.

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We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Learn more.

The Spruce / Kristin Kempa

If you like to stock cold beer, soda, or other carbonated beverages at home, you know that it can be a challenge to keep bottles and cans efficiently organized and chilled. “Storing large amounts of bottled or canned drinks can take up a lot of space in the main kitchen refrigerator, leading to decisions on what should be refrigerated and what can be taken out,” says Jessica Randhawa, owner and head chef at The Forked Spoon. At a time when at-home brewing, craft beer, seltzer, and soft drinks are popular, it stands to reason that one could benefit from a kegerator to keep the beverages flowing, without them taking over the space in your existing appliances.

To help you find the best kegerator for your home, we conducted hours of research, evaluating the top models on the market for performance, capacity, and portability.

Check out our full list of the best kegerators to keep beer and other carbonated beverages on tap.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

EdgeStar Built-in Stainless Steel Kegerator at Amazon

Best Budget:

NutriChef Beer Mini Keg System at Amazon

Best Countertop:

Koolatron KTB05BN 5L Mini Beer Cooler with Dual Taps at Amazon

Best Outdoor:

Summit Appliance Outdoor Dual Tap Kegerator at Wayfair

Best Portable:

Coldbreak Jockey Box at Amazon

Best Mini:

GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Growler at Amazon

Best Kegerator-Fridge Combo:

Insignia 1-Tap Beverage Cooler Kegerator at Best Buy

Best Splurge:

Wine Enthusiast Concierge 30-Inch Wine Cooler and Single Tap Kegerator at Wine Enthusiast

Best for Home:

Kegco Kegerator Full-Size Keg Refrigerator at Amazon

In This Article

  • Our Picks

  • What to Look For

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust The Spruce

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What We Like

  • Sleek, slim design

  • Built-in or freestanding installation

  • LED lighting and digital display

  • Wheels for portability

What We Don’t Like

  • Small capacity

  • Expensive

The EdgeStar Built-In Kegerator provides a great happy medium for practically anyone who wants to add a keg system to their home, occasional beer drinkers and enthusiasts alike. In addition to its stainless steel finish, the single-tap unit has some helpful features. According to Michael Seitz, co-founder of Barebottle Brewing Company, “Once you’ve narrowed your selection based on size and finish, having an interior light and thermometer are good ‘nice-to-haves’ which can either be built-in or added after the fact.” This model boasts both on its interior—open the reversible door of the kegerator, and you’ll find LED lighting and a digital thermostat that makes it easy to adjust the temperature settings. It also has front ventilation and wheels, so it can be installed as a built-in or freestanding unit.

If there’s any sacrifice to be made, it’s in the appliance’s relatively small capacity. While many homeowners will love that it performs well without taking up much space, frequent hosts may find that they need to stock extra kegs to make this particular unit work for them. It’s compatible with a variety of kegs, including quarter slim kegs, sixth barrel kegs, and Cornelius kegs—but, notably, not half barrel kegs.

Price at time of publish: $1,339

Exterior Dimensions: 24.06 x 14.94 x 33.44 inches | Keg Capacity: 1/4 slim keg, 1/6 barrel keg, Cornelius keg | Temperature Range: 32-60 degrees Fahrenheit | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Built-in or freestanding | CO2 Tank Included: Yes

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What We Like

  • Perfect for individual use

  • Can be placed on countertop or in fridge

  • Beer stays fresh for up to two months

What We Don’t Like

No room for a built-in kegerator? You can still get great results with a smaller model like this NutriChef Beer Mini Keg System. Of course, the size is much smaller, so you can’t necessarily serve a full party, but you can have draft beer on hand at all times. This particular kegerator can keep your beer from going flat for up to two months after it has been tapped. It doesn’t have a cooling system, so you’ll need to pop it in the fridge or a cooler to chill your brew.

While the model doesn’t come with any CO2 cartridges, it doesn’t take specialty cartridges, so you can easily find replacements. Each cartridge pumps approximately 128 ounces of beer before it needs to be replaced. It doesn’t have a temperature gauge, but the compact size means you can conveniently keep the unit in your refrigerator as long as you have the shelf space.

Price at time of publish: $130

Exterior Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.9 x 19.5 inches | Keg Capacity: 128-ounce growler keg | Temperature Range: N/A | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Portable | CO2 Tank Included: No

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What We Like

  • Compatible with most mini kegs

  • Portable design

  • Two ways to dispense the beverage

  • Two ways to power the kegerator

What We Don’t Like

  • Expensive for small size

  • No temperature control

  • CO2 tank not included

For home bars that lack the space for a built-in kegerator, the Koolatron Mini Beer Cooler is a stylish, portable choice that works in both indoor kitchens and outdoor settings. It comes with both AC and DC adapters, so you can plug it into a standard outlet or a 12-volt port.

It may not have the same stainless steel exterior of other picks, but the shape mimics that of a traditional keg, which makes it stand out on a bar top—in a good way. It also has two available spots from which to dispense your beverages. Use the tap up top for pressurized mini kegs, or the lower spigot for gravity-dispensing mini kegs. 

No matter how you use the countertop kegerator, know that it’s only designed to fit 5-liter mini kegs. That is a bit small, especially given its capacity, but it’s a fun option for someone who wants something spiffy to serve drinks at a party.

Price at time of publish: $150

Exterior Dimensions: 9.8 x 9.8 x 18 inches | Keg Capacity: 5-liter mini keg | Temperature Range: 45 degrees Fahrenheit below exterior temperature | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Freestanding countertop | CO2 Tank Included: No

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What We Like

What We Don’t Like

  • Expensive

Constructed with superior stainless steel materials, the Summit Appliance Outdoor Dual Tap Kegerator is designed for use outdoors. Its features and specialty design can keep a tapped keg cold, no matter the outside temperature, making it a worthy investment for someone who is looking to build an outdoor bar for a pool or patio area. It’s also waterproof for longevity.

Most at-home taps only have one tap, but part of this kegerator’s claim to fame is that it has two, so you can pour more than one type of drink at once—a real luxury, especially when entertaining. The unit also has additional features that up its overall performance, including a reinforced steel floor and an easy-to-read digital thermostat display on the outside of the kegerator itself. It comes with a CO2 tank and a beer-tapping kit so you can hit the ground running when it arrives.

This model is expensive, yes, but you get what you pay for—and in this case, you’re paying for a premium product.

Price at time of publish: $3,125

Exterior Dimensions: 24 x 25.88 x 49 inches | Keg Capacity: Full-size 1/2 barrel keg, 1/4 barrel keg, mini keg | Temperature Range: 33-50 degrees Fahrenheit | Number of Taps: 2 | Installation Type: Freestanding | CO2 Tank Included: Yes

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What We Like

What We Don’t Like

  • Can’t control temperature well

  • Ice needs to be monitored and replenished

  • Dispensing kit and CO2 tank cost extra

It turns out that you can have cold beer on tap anywhere—even at a campsite or a tailgate. The roto-molded Coldbreak Jockey box doesn’t need any electricity to operate, just CO2 and plenty of ice. They’re both vital components—the CO2 is what keeps the line pressurized, and the beer flowing, and the ice is what keeps the beer chilled and tasting great.

Even though it’s portable, you can use a wide range of kegs with this stainless steel device. The reinforced coil-to-shank assembly is designed to prevent blowouts. It also has 50 feet of stainless steel coil to make sure that each pint of beer is chilled once you’ve added adequate ice. Just note: The dispensing kit and CO2 tank aren’t included unless you upgrade to a more expensive kit.

Price at time of publish: $300 

Exterior Dimensions: 18.5 x 21.5 x 17 inches | Keg Capacity: Any | Temperature Range: N/A | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Portable | CO2 Tank Included: No

The 8 Best Coolers of 2023, Tested & Reviewed

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What We Like

  • Comes in two compact sizes

  • Can be placed on countertop or in fridge

  • Easy-to-replace cartridges

  • Sleek, portable design

What We Don’t Like

  • Small capacity

  • No cooling system

If you foresee using your keg infrequently, this GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Growler is worth a look. It strikes a great balance between a basic growler and an expensive kegerator, since it affords you the ability to enjoy pressurized beer without the cost and maintenance of a built-in or freestanding unit.

The pressurized stainless steel growler looks a lot like a growler, but it comes with two CO2 cartridges to regulate pressure to optimally carbonate beer. You can set the PSI gauge from zero, which is off, to up to 15 to customize your beverage to your liking. The pressure gauge is right at the base of the unit and easy to read. Pouring is just as simple, since there’s no cap to remove. Still, you can lock it to prevent dispensing. If you want to personalize it, the handle is easily interchangeable.

This carbonated growler does not have a cooling system, so you’ll need to chill it in a fridge or cooler to serve cold beverages. But with two compact sizes to choose from, it seems like a great option for occasional use.

Price at time of publish: $229

Exterior Dimensions: 7 x 5. 25 x 10.8 inches | Keg Capacity: 64-ounce growler keg, 128-ounce growler keg | Temperature Range: N/A | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Portable | CO2 Tank Included: Yes

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What We Like

  • Can be used as a beer fridge

  • Adjustable temperature

  • Two removable shelves

  • Wheels for portability

What We Don’t Like

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a dedicated kegerator, you’ll love the versatility of this unit. The interior has two removable wire shelves, so you can use the machine as a beer fridge, kegerator, or both, based on your needs at the time. You can also use it to chill something entirely different, such as other beverages or even food. The adjustable temperature lets you customize the environment inside for whatever you’re storing. Just keep in mind that it isn’t compatible with Coors or Miller brand kegs.

The freestanding appliance’s wheels make it easier to move into place. The door hinge is reversible, so you can situate it in whichever direction makes more sense for your home. We have read reports that the kegerator can be a bit loud, so it might not be ideal to place it where the noise could bother you. On the plus side, it comes with a CO2 tank.

Price at time of publish: $570

Exterior Dimensions: 23.63 x 23.63 x 33.75 inches | Keg Capacity: Full-size 1/2 barrel keg, 1/4 slim keg | Temperature Range: 32-45 degrees Fahrenheit | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Freestanding | CO2 Tank Included: Yes

The 11 Best Beer Fridges

Wine Enthusiast 

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What We Like

  • Stores both beer and wine

  • Dual temperature zones

  • Can be freestanding or built-in

What We Don’t Like

To really complete a full bar, you’ll want to have both a kegerator and a wine fridge. If your budget or space constraints don’t allow for two separate appliances, this two-in-one unit from Wine Enthusiast is a crowd-pleasing option. It not only has a dedicated space for kegs, but it also has a wine fridge that accommodates 26 bottles of wine on five beechwood shelves. The two areas are completely separate from one another, so you can adjust the temperatures to suit their contents. This appliance can keep wine at temperatures between 39 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and the beer side has a slightly cooler range of between 32 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. 

The capacity may be on the small side for beer. But if you tend to keep both beverages stocked at all times, it’s a sleek, effective storage solution. Just make sure to stock extra kegs—and fill up the CO2 tank it comes with—if you’re having a party. 

Price at time of publish: $1,699

Exterior Dimensions: 30 x 24 x 34 inches | Keg Capacity: 1/6 barrel keg | Temperature Range: 39-72 degrees Fahrenheit | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Freestanding or built-in | CO2 Tank Included: Yes

The 10 Best Wine Refrigerators of 2023

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What We Like

  • Large interior capacity

  • Can be used as a beer fridge

  • Wheels for portability

  • Quiet operation

  • Can be used outdoors

What We Don’t Like

Constructed with home environments in mind, the Kegco Kegerator is a beverage fridge combo that is worth considering. The unit has expansive interior space, so it’s compatible with a full-size half-barrel keg. Alternatively, it can fit one pony or quarter slim keg, two 5-gallon commercial kegs and one 5-gallon home brew keg, or up to three 5-gallon home brew kegs. It’s also designed to operate quietly—and users have confirmed that it is indeed quieter than some other models. If you’d like to place it outside, it’s designed for that, too.

The unit includes a tapping kit and two removable wire shelves, which you can slide into the appliance to use it as a fridge for cans and bottles of other types of drinks (or snacks). We wish it had digital temperature controls, but you can use the temperature dial to manually tailor the internal environment between 35 and 42 degrees. The whole thing is also outfitted with wheels, so you can easily slide it where you want it.

Price at time of publish: $730

Exterior Dimensions: 33.25 x 24 x 25 inches | Keg Capacity: Full-size 1/2 barrel keg, 1/4 barrel pony keg, 1/4 barrel slim keg, 1/6 barrel keg, 5-gallon ball/pin lock keg | Temperature Range: 35-42 degrees Fahrenheit | Number of Taps: 1 | Installation Type: Freestanding | CO2 Tank Included: Yes

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the EdgeStar Built-in Stainless Steel Kegerator, which features a powerful refrigeration system, a slim profile, and helpful features. For something smaller, consider the Koolatron Mini Beer Cooler, which boasts a remarkable cooling capacity for its value. You can use this more budget-friendly kegerator on a countertop, but it’s also portable enough to take with you elsewhere.

Dimensions and Installation Type

Freestanding kegerators tend to be relatively simple to set up and move, but they often require some clearance to properly ventilate and keep your beer cold. Built-in kegerators have front ventilation but aren’t always designed to be moved. For the best of both, look for a front-ventilated kegerator with caster wheels, which will come in handy if you want to move it later. Alternatively, if you are looking for something small and portable, you can opt for a portable kegerator that doesn’t have a cooling system—they don’t need a power source and therefore don’t require ventilation.

Always make sure to check the kegerator’s dimensions, too. Freestanding and built-in kegerators tend to be pretty bulky appliances, so you’ll want to make sure you have ample space wherever you plan to set it up. The interior dimensions can vary a lot, even if the exterior dimensions appear similar. With that in mind, it’s important to read specifications closely to make sure your kegerator can hold the type of keg you want it to.

Keg Capacity and Number of Taps

Before choosing a kegerator, make sure that it works with the size of the keg you intend to buy. Some specific brands, such as Coors and Miller, have specific keg sizes that may not work with all kegerators. Keg size indicates both the base and height of the keg, not just the capacity.

“Even our highest-consuming customers always ordered beer in 5.1-gallon keg sizes (also called a ‘sixtel’ because it is one-sixth of a barrel (a common unit of volume measurement in the brewing world),” says Michael Seitz, co-founder of Barebottle Brewing Company. 

According to Seitz, “The reason why these super-fans always order in 5.1-gallon keg sizes is because they know that fresh beer (especially hoppy beer) always tastes better fresh than old stale beer that has been sitting in a keg for too long.” He adds that ideally, you want to be turning over a keg once a month, so pick the smallest container size you feel comfortable with, turn your kegs over often, and support your local brewery when you can.

Most kegerators can have between one and three taps, with the dual (like the Summit Appliance Outdoor Dual Tap Kegerator) and triple options often costing quite a bit more. This means that you can have multiple types of beer or other beverages available at once, depending on the size and capacity of your kegerator. Single-tap kegerators are generally easier to find and more affordable.

Temperature Control

Not all kegerators have adjustable temperature control, but this feature allows you the flexibility to tweak the temperature of your drink to your liking. It’s also a great feature to have in a kegerator that you might use for other purposes, like storing other kinds of drinks or even food between uses as a dedicated kegerator. Our “best overall” pick, the EdgeStar Built-in Stainless Steel Kegerator, has a digital thermostat with easy-to-use buttons.

It’s not all about how you like your beer, though. The right temperature also helps prevent excessive foaming, one of the biggest challenges with at-home kegerators. This typically happens from either a change in temperature or a change in pressure, says Seitz. “This is slightly counterintuitive, but gas (like CO2) dissolves into liquid more easily when that liquid is cold, so keeping your beer cold is of paramount importance, and having a thermometer will help guide you,” says Seitz. He adds that setting the pressure between 5 and 10 PSI is usually a best practice. In general, the longer and more narrow the tubing is between the keg and faucet, the less foaming you’ll have. You also want to check that your beer stays cold as it moves through the tubing.

Seitz explains, “You want to make sure cooling from the refrigeration basically ‘hits’ the tubing all the way to the faucet if possible. Inevitably in the life of a kegerator/refrigerator, the cooling mechanism will become dirty and dusty, and reduce the cooling effectiveness. If you are handy and can get to the cooling coils, you can lightly dust off the coils with a soft painter’s brush.”

Maintenance Requirements

“Once you’ve got your kegerator working and foaming under control, the biggest factor to successfully keeping your setup pouring excellent-tasting beer is routinely cleaning your beer lines, which is surprisingly fun and easy to do if you have a few simple tools,” says Seitz. “We clean all 60-plus beer lines at our brewery taprooms every week. Doing this once a month for your home kegerator system would be sufficient . . . a little maintenance (less than 10 minutes per month) is all it takes to confidently serve beer in your home kegerator.”

You will also need to refill or replace your CO2 tank once in a while—typically every two to four kegs, depending on the size of your canister and kegs used. You can do it yourself using an air compressor or have them refilled at a welding shop or homebrew or beverage supply store. This can be one of the most costly and inconvenient aspects of using a kegerator, so make sure that you find a reputable place nearby or learn to DIY it before you decide on a kegerator.

FAQ

  • This largely depends on personal preferences. A smaller kegerator will be the best option if you need something compact to suit your space. It also can be ideal if you don’t drink much, or if you prefer a kegerator that holds less so you can change it out more frequently without much waste. On the other hand, if you frequently entertain, you might want a larger kegerator—one that holds as much as a full-size half-barrel keg, such as the Kegco Kegerator Full-Size Keg Refrigerator. Consider your personal preferences, as well as your space, and then make an informed decision that’s right for you.

  • As with other appliances, cost depends on a lot of factors, including the size of the appliance and additional bells and whistles like adjustable temperature. A standard kegerator will likely run anywhere between $500 and $2,000 or more, with the more basic models on the lower end, and the more advanced models on the higher end. For portable kegerators, you can expect to spend anywhere from close to $100 to $400 or so.

  • Most freestanding and built-in kegerators do require electricity, but most do not require plumbing. Some built-in models do have plumbing lines for drainage, but it typically isn’t required. Portable models, like the GrowlerWerks uKeg Carbonated Growler, do not require electricity.

  • There are many quality kegerators out there, but some of the most highly rated models come from brands like EdgeStar and Kegco.

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including home appliances like kegerators. To curate this list, Earley scoured all of the most popular retailers to find the best, most highly rated kegerators. She also interviewed experts like Jessica Randhawa, owner and head chef at The Forked Spoon, and consulted her husband, Stephen Earley, a contractor with experience installing built-in kegerators in high-end home bars. Then, she vetted the kegerators on her list, reading all of the specifications and hundreds of reviews to ensure that her final selection contained the most reliable, high-quality options on the market today.

Additional research and reporting was conducted by Katie Begley, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. Additional insight was provided by Michael Seitz, co-founder of Barebottle Brewing Company.

How to choose a kegerator and a cold store for beer?

Currently, most of the draft beer sellers use refrigerators and kegerators in their business, as they guarantee a significant increase in the shelf life of draft beer when it is sold.

If your sales area is limited, it is more convenient to use kegerators.

Kegerator is a device that is becoming more and more indispensable in the draft beer trade. By and large, a kegerator is an ordinary cold store adapted for storing and pouring kegs (barrels) with draft beer and arranged so that this process is convenient and technological.

How to choose the right kegerator? What characteristics of this equipment should be paid special attention to?

To answer these questions, it is necessary to analyze many nuances of the business in which this technique is embedded: from the general characteristics of the draft beer market to the interaction of the seller of the outlet with the equipment that works in it.

Some features of the draft beer business that should be taken into account in

kegerator designs:

1. Big competition

Often, the owner of the outlet, adapting to the demand and traffic of customers, has to change the location of the equipment in the outlet, and sometimes move to a new address. It is highly desirable that the costs be kept to a minimum.

2. Often a stand with draft beer is placed in an already operating grocery outlet in order to increase its profitability

In this case, you need to consider:

  • free space in a working outlet – at least
  • narrow openings and passages
  • time for installing new equipment should be spent at a minimum so as not to complicate the work of the outlet.

3. The main object with which the seller has to interact when selling draft beer is a keg (barrel) with beer

A beer keg has significant dimensions (up to 60 cm in height and up to 42 cm in diameter) and weight ( up to 64 kg.). Working with a metal keg filled with beer takes a lot of physical strength. Therefore, the kegerator in which the casks are placed must be designed to minimize all movement of the casks during the beer sale process and provide the seller with the easiest possible access to each keg.

4. Most often, in order to save space in a point of sale, it is more convenient to install beer taps directly on the wall of the kegerator

Therefore, it is desirable to make sure that this possibility exists and that the walls of the kegerator cooling chamber are structurally adapted for installing beer taps. The weight of a faucet with a filled bottle of beer can be up to 6 kg, the panel design must be able to withstand such a load freely.

Considering the above points, we can conclude what design features a kegerator should have in order to make the process of selling draft beer as low-cost and convenient as possible:

1. It is advisable to choose a kegerator with a collapsible design.

The collapsible design will allow you to easily carry the elements of the kegerator through narrow doorways and passages and install it in a limited area allocated for the installation of the kegerator.

Structural connections must ensure that the functionality of the cold store is maintained upon reassembly. It is advisable to choose a kegerator, in which the connections of the panels to each other are sealed without the use of mounting foam and sealant. To do this, you need to choose the kegerator, the panels of the refrigerating chamber of which have a rubber seal around the perimeter, which ensures the tightness of the joint between the panels. The nodes connecting the panels to each other structurally must be reusable, so that they do not lose their functionality during many cycles of assembly and disassembly of the structure. A bolted construction is much more durable than if the panels were joined with self-tapping screws and screws. The connection of thorn-groove panels perfectly ensures the tightness of the chamber and is convenient during its assembly, but it is not functional if it is necessary to disassemble the chamber with subsequent assembly in a new place, since with this connection it is often necessary to use mounting foam, sealant and self-tapping elements that make up a connection that must be destroyed in order to disassemble the chamber structure.

2. The layout of barrels (kegs) with beer inside the kegerator refrigerator should be convenient for their replacement.

The doorway of the cold store should also provide easy access to the drums for moving them and replacing empty drums with full ones.

All these design features are implemented in the Berk kegerators, which you can find by clicking on the link.

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POS equipment questions

What is the point of storing draft beer kegs in a kegerator or cold store?

Beer is a perishable product. When storing a barrel of draft beer in the cold, the shelf life of the drink is significantly increased.

What is the increase in shelf life when storing a draft beer keg in a kegerator?

The shelf life of beer in a keg placed in a kegerator or refrigerator depends on the type of drink and the temperature in the refrigerator. At a temperature in the refrigerating chamber of 4 gr. In Celsius, the shelf life of a keg with draft beer can increase from 5 to 30 days.

Why is a kegerator or cold room better than a through-flow cooler?

These are different devices with different purposes. The flow cooler only cools the poured product – it does not help to increase the shelf life of the beer in the keg. The Kegerator or Cold Room extends the keg shelf life of draft beer, reducing your wastage.

Answers to some questions about the operation of BERK kegerators

Where is the CO2 cylinder placed?

The carbon dioxide cylinder is placed outside the kegerator. When a cylinder is placed inside the refrigerating chamber, the pressure regulator in the beer supply system may freeze.

Where are BERK kegerators allowed?

In rooms that protect the kegerator from the external environment (precipitation and direct sunlight, wind, birds, rodents, etc. )

The number of assembly-disassembly cycles of the BERK kegerator is not limited, because the connections are reusable bolted!

How long does it take to assemble and disassemble the BERK kegerator?

Typically 1.5 to 3 hours.

Can the BERK kegerator be moved when assembled?

Yes, within the same room if the floor is level and all kegs are removed from the cold store (the cold store must be empty).

How long does the primary cooling of kegs (barrels of beer) take in the kegerator if initially they are all warm (they have a temperature of about 25 degrees Celsius)?

If all the kegs inside the refrigerator compartment have a temperature of about 25 gr. Celsius (primary loading of the camera or turning it on when it is turned off for a long time), then the time of their cooling to a temperature of 4 gr. Celsius can be about 30 hours. In the future, after most of the kegs loaded into the cold store have become cold, the cooling time of one warm keg put into the cold store again will be about 3 hours.

Should the kegerator be turned off at night?

No. Turning off the kegerator at night, turning it on every morning, makes the refrigeration unit work much more intensively than if it worked without long shutdowns due to the fact that the temperature of the drink during the night can rise significantly.

How long should the refrigeration unit “rest” between switching on?

After the refrigeration unit has reached the programmed temperature (reached its value and started to turn off), its shutdown time ranges from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. The shutdown time of the refrigeration unit depends on the temperature of the cooled kegs inside the refrigeration chamber. Don’t worry if the “rest” time of the refrigeration unit is less than 2 minutes. The very fact of turning it off indicates that it is working normally.

What should I do if the refrigeration unit cannot reach the set temperature for a long time?

  1. If this is the case when several warm kegs were loaded into the chamber at once and no deviations described below were detected, then it is necessary to give the refrigeration unit time to cool a large volume of newly placed warm liquid into the refrigeration chamber.
  2. Doors need to be checked for tightness. If necessary, adjust them with a hex wrench. With the help of a hex key, by turning the screws of the lower hinge of the door leaf, you can move the door leaf up and down or left and right. The upper screw on the lower hinge of the door leaf provides lifting and lowering of the door leaf. The side screw ensures the movement of the door leaf to the right and left.
  3. If, during the operation of the kegerator, holes are made in its refrigerating chamber to drain the hoses leading to the beverage taps, it is necessary to check the tightness of the holes made. If necessary, treat them with sealant or mounting foam.
  4. Clean the radiator of the refrigeration unit from dust and dirt.
  5. Lower the outside air temperature in the room where the kegerator is installed to below 29 degrees Celsius.

Beer bottling FAQs

Beer foams a lot when pouring it from a Pegasus-type tap into PET containers. How to fix the problem?

  1. Check the tightness of the beer supply system. All clamps must be tightened, the suction head on each keg must be tightly adjacent to the keg fitting (there must be no dirt or fragments from the plastic plug in the junction between the suction head and the fitting. The surfaces of the intake head and fitting must be smooth, without dents.
  2. If the keg is kept in the cold chamber of the kegerator with the intake head on for more than 10 days, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of overcarbonization of the keg with carbon dioxide. To do this, remove the intake head from the keg and by pressing the cap from the pet bottle on the black ring of the keg fitting, release all the gas from the keg. Then put the intake head on the keg and resume pouring the drink.
  3. Check the temperature of the dispensed beverage. To reduce foaming, it should be above 8 degrees.
  4. Check the gearbox on the carbonic acid bottle.

Beer foams a lot when pouring from the pouring tap into a glass.