The cost of running a kegerator will depend on the size and power of the unit, as well as how often it is used. On average, a full size kegerator typically uses between 2 and 3 kW of power. If you’re using your kegerator year-round, that would cost roughly 3.
091 kWh, which would equate to approximately $11. 32 per month in electricity costs (based on an average rate of $0. 10 per kWh). If you plan to use your kegerator primarily in the summer months when temperatures are higher, then energy costs can be higher.
How often and how long you keep the kegerator running will also affect the operating costs. For example, an average minifridge can cost between $38 – $44 per year while a full size kegerator may cost between $152 – $228 per year.
Additionally, you will likely have to factor in any costs associated with purchasing and maintaining kegs, replacing tapping equipment and tubing, purchasing CO2 tanks and regulators, and more.
Does a kegerator save you money?
Yes, a kegerator can save you money in the long run. The upfront cost for a kegerator may be higher than buying individual cans or bottles of beer, but if you do the math, you’ll find that over time, a kegerator can save you money.
The cost of a decent kegerator might range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. In comparison, the cost of refilling a keg is much lower than the cost of purchasing individual cans or bottles of beer.
Depending on the type of keg you get, you could spend as little as $40 for a full-sized keg. A full-sized keg holds about 15. 5 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 165 twelve-ounce cans of beer. That’s a lot of beer for a fraction of the cost of 165 cans.
In addition to the cost savings, a kegerator also prevents food and drinks from spoiling in your fridge, freeing up that space and allowing you to store more beer. The kegerator also allows you to enjoy a nice cold draft beer from your own home, making it a much more enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, a kegerator can certainly save you money in the long run.
Do kegerators need power?
Yes, kegerators need power to operate. The power source depends on the type of kegerator, whether it is a full-sized kegerator or a mini fridge kegerator. Full-sized kegerators typically run on standard household power, whereas a mini-fridge kegerator may need an alternative power source, like a 12v car battery in some cases.
In either case, the power source must be sufficient to keep the internal temperature of the kegerator at optimal levels for storing and dispensing beer. Additionally, the power source must be able to operate the CO2 system and control panel, which are essential for ensuring the beer is dispensed properly.
How many watts does a kegerator use?
The amount of watts used by a kegerator depends on the size and model of kegerator, as well as any optional features like lighting. A small, standard-sized kegerator typically uses between 80 and 160 watts, while a more feature-rich larger kegerator may use up to 360 watts of energy.
Some mini kegerators may only use around 40 watts. If your kegerator has other features such as cooling, this can further increase your electricity use. It is important to always check the wattage of any appliance before purchasing, as some higher wattage kegerators may require special electrical outlets.
To find out the wattage of any specific kegerator, it is best to check the specifications from the manufacturer.
How much does co2 cost for kegerator?
The cost of CO2 for a kegerator can vary depending on the size of CO2 tank and the type of kegerator you have. Generally, the cost for a 5-lb. CO2 tank ranges from $25 to $50, depending on where you purchase it from.
Additionally, you’ll need to purchase a regulator, which typically costs between $30 and $60, depending on the type and size. There may also be fees associated with hydro testing and refilling the tank.
Taking all of these factors into consideration, the total cost of CO2 for a kegerator can range from approximately $55 to $120.
Can you fit 2 kegs in a kegerator?
Yes, you can fit two kegs in a kegerator. Most kegerators come with an adjustable temperature, interior lighting, and an adjustable draft arm, so you can get the most out of your setup. Some models also offer space for two kegs at one time, making it very convenient for those who want to store two different types of beer or two kegs of the same beer in the same space.
When selecting a kegerator to fit two kegs, it’s important to check the size of the unit to ensure it will fit the two kegs you need. It’s often best to buy two of the large capacity keg types, such as the 1/2 barrel sankey or the 1/4 barrel sankey.
That way, you can always fit your two kegs into the same kegerator. Additionally, the exterior of the kegerator will determine the number of taps it can accommodate so make sure it fits with your needs.
How long does a 5lb CO2 tank last kegerator?
The amount of time a 5lb CO2 tank will last in a kegerator depends on several factors, including the type of beer being dispensed and the size of the keg. Generally, a 5lb CO2 tank should last between 6-8 weeks if the kegerator is dispensing 1/6bbl (5.
16 gallons) and 2. 5-4 weeks if the kegerator is dispensing 1/4bbl (7. 75 gallons) of beer. The exact amount of time a 5lb CO2 tank will last in a kegerator also depends on the temperature of the beer, the pressure being used to dispense the beer, and the size of the pour for each beer.
Should CO2 tank be inside kegerator?
There are benefits and drawbacks to both placing the CO2 tank inside or outside of the kegerator. One benefit of having the CO2 tank inside the kegerator is that it will be well-insulated and protected from the outside temperature.
This is especially important in areas with extreme temperatures, as the CO2 tank could freeze or explode if it gets too cold. Another benefit of having the CO2 tank inside the kegerator is that it takes up less space outside of the fridge, freeing up space for other things.
However, there are also some drawbacks to having the CO2 tank inside the kegerator. One of the biggest drawbacks is that it can be difficult to change the CO2 tank when it runs out, as you would need to disassemble the kegerator to get to it.
Additionally, having the CO2 tank inside the kegerator can make it more difficult to monitor the level of CO2, as you would need to open the fridge to check it.
Can you keep a kegerator in the garage?
Yes, you can keep a kegerator in the garage! To make sure your kegerator is stored properly and functions properly it’s important to pay special attention to the following things. Firstly, make sure the area where you are storing the kegerator is temperature controlled.
The ideal temperature for beer is between 35-40 degrees Fahrenheit so you’ll want to make sure the temperature in the garage stays within that range. Additionally, you’ll also want to make sure the area is from humidity and dust.
If either of these is too high, it can affect the flavor or the shelf life of the beer. Also, make sure the power outlet you are using for the kegerator is properly grounded – if not, the beer could spoil before it’s time.
Finally, make sure the kegerator is placed on level ground. If not, it can cause the beer to become flat or foam. Following all of these tips can help you keep your kegerator in the garage and insure your beer will taste great.
How many kegs will a 5lb CO2 tank?
The amount of kegs that a 5lb CO2 tank will provide will depend on the size of the kegs. Generally, a 5lb CO2 tank will provide pressure to dispense anywhere from 6-8 full size (15. 5 gallon) kegs or up to 14-16 sixtels (5.
16 gallon) kegs.
A 5lb CO2 tank is also large enough to supply pressure for multiple beer towers. For example, four beer towers will require about 40lb of CO2, which can be supplied with one 5lb CO2 tank, a secondary 5lb CO2 tank, and a CO2 splitter to divide the gas among the four lines.
It is important to remember that the amount of kegs or beer towers a 5lb CO2 tank will provide pressure for will depend on the size of the kegs, the elevation of where the tank is located, and the amount of long-term use that is expected out of the tank.
How do I know when my kegerator CO2 tank is empty?
The easiest way to know when your kegerator CO2 tank is empty is to check the tank’s output pressure before you use it. You do this by attaching a CO2 pressure gauge to the output barb on the tank. If the gauge reads zero or if the needle is completely resting against the end of the gauge, your tank is empty and needs to be refilled.
You can also feel the tank to see if it’s still cold or if it’s already too warm; if it’s warm or room temperature, your tank is empty. You should also check if there is any liquid coming out of the output barb when you open the valve.
If there is no liquid it means that the tank is empty. Finally, if you take the tank to a local welding supply shop or a homebrew store, they should be able to tell you if it is empty or not.
How much CO2 is in a 5lb tank?
The answer to this question depends on the type of CO2 tank and what it is filled with. Generally speaking, a 5lb tank will hold approximately 8. 5 gallons of liquid CO2, which will then equal approximately 58 cubic feet of CO2 gas.
This would equate to approximately 2,456 pounds of CO2. However, it is important to note that the exact amount of CO2 in a 5lb tank may vary, depending on the manufacturer and fill date.
Do kegerators use a lot of electricity?
Most kegerators use a modest amount of electricity. While they do have a small refrigerator compressor, they are typically very efficient in terms of their energy consumption. Most of the time, they will use less than one kWh (kilowatt-hours) per 24 hours of use.
This is roughly equivalent to the power used by a single medium-sized lightbulb. To put it another way, the electricity used to run a kegerator 24/7 will cost you around $12 per year based on the average electricity rate in the United States.
So, in conclusion, kegerators usually use a very small amount of electricity and are very economical to operate.
How many 12 ounce beers are in a keg?
A keg of beer typically contains around 165 12-ounce servings, or about 14 12-ounce beers. However, this may vary depending on the size of the keg and the type of beer you are serving. Generally speaking, however, a full keg will contain around 14 12-ounce beers.
Many kegs come with a built-in tap that measures out a specific amount of beer to help you keep track of how much has been served.
How long does a keg last once tapped with CO2?
A keg that is tapped with CO2 will typically last up to 2-3 months depending on the situation. The factors that determine how long the keg will last include the type of beer, the temperature of the beer, the size of the keg, and the amount of CO2 in the keg.
Generally, the higher the CO2 content, the longer the beer will last. If the beer is kept in a cold location, such as a walk-in cooler, then the keg will last longer than if it is stored in a warm area.
Additionally, kegs that are stored upright typically last longer than those kept on their side. The type of beer also affects the length of time; light lagers and session beers will last longer than IPAs, stouts and barleywines.
The size of the keg also affects the length of time. A full-size keg contains more beer than a sixth barrel or a Cornelius keg and will therefore last longer. In general, it is recommended that the tap lines on the keg be cleaned every 2-3 months to keep the beer fresh and ensure the CO2 is working properly.
How do you get beer out of a keg without CO2?
Getting beer out of a keg without CO2 is possible, but it may require extra effort. You will need a carbonation pump or a manually operated beer pump. The beer pump may require you to use suction to draw the beer out while the carbonation pump uses pressurized air to push the beer out of the keg.
An alternative method is to remove the lid of the keg and use a container or pitcher to scoop the beer out by hand. Depending on the type of keg and beer, these methods may not result in an ideal pour and could affect the taste of the beer.
It is best to use these methods if you are out of CO2 or if no other alternative is available.
