The cost to build a kegerator can vary greatly. The main cost will depend on what type of kegerator you are looking to build, and whether you opt to build it yourself or purchase one pre-made.
If you opt to build your own kegerator, the cost of building the unit will depend on the type of refrigerator and draft system you choose to use. Basic units can be built with a used commercial refrigerator, a draft arm, and shanks/faucets, and will cost around $500-$600.
This price can increase significantly if you opt for a kegerator that includes integrated cooling and carbonation systems, as well as extra bells and whistles, such as full-color touchscreen controls, pressure gauges and flow meters.
If you choose instead to purchase a pre-made kegerator, the cost can vary from around $400 up to several thousand dollars, depending on the features, size, and brand of the unit. High-end kegerators from premium brands can cost upwards of $3000, but will usually include premium features such as adjustable cooling temperatures, robust carbonation systems, and commercial-grade draft systems.
Is it cheaper to have a kegerator?
The short answer is: Yes, it is cheaper to have a kegerator. Let’s take a look at the long answer.
The cost of a kegerator will vary depending on the features you want, but in general, they are much cheaper than buying a fridge and then converting it into a kegerator. For example, a quality kegerator with all the bells and whistles (including a digital temperature controller, solid construction, and a warranty) can cost around $700.
Meanwhile, a fridge plus the necessary accessories to convert it into a kegerator (keg taps, hoses, couplers, etc. ) can cost upwards of $1,000.
In addition to the initial cost, kegerators are also cheaper to operate than traditional fridges. This is because kegerators are designed to operate at a lower temperature than a fridge, which uses less energy.
So, in conclusion, yes – it is cheaper to have a kegerator. Not only will you save money on the initial purchase, but you’ll also save money on your electric bill each month.
Are home kegerators worth it?
That really depends on your lifestyle and preferences. Home kegerators can be great if you drink a lot of beer at home, or if entertaining guests is important to you. The upfront cost of setting up a home kegerator can be significantly cheaper than buying a bunch of individual cans or bottles every week.
Plus, it’s a lot more convenient than having to purchase beer every time you want a cold one. That said, if you don’t drink a lot of beer, or don’t often have beer drinking guests, then a home kegerator might not make the best sense for your lifestyle.
You’d be better off just buying bottles or cans when you need it, or frequenting a bar or brewery.
How can I get a cheap kegerator?
When searching for a cheap kegerator, there are several options to look into. One of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to get a kegerator is to buy it used. This option can save you a significant amount of money since you can find used kegerators for significantly cheaper than ones purchased new.
Make sure to thoroughly inspect the unit for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and to ensure that all of the necessary pieces are still present.
You can also look into refurbished kegerators, which are usually only slightly used or may have been returned due to a technical issue but have since been repaired. Refurbished models come with a warranty and are typically much more affordable than buying a kegerator new.
In addition to buying secondhand or refurbished models, you can also look into cheaper kegerator models that don’t include as many features as more expensive models. These tend to be more basic models that are perfect for anyone who wants to save money and doesn’t need all of the bells and whistles that are included in pricier models.
Finally, you can consider building a homemade kegerator. This is a great way to save money if you are comfortable with DIY projects. It requires some basic tools and materials and can be done without spending too much money if you shop around for the best deals.
How long will a keg last in a kegerator?
The length of time a keg will last in a kegerator depends on a variety of factors, including the type of beverage in the keg, the temperature of the kegerator, and the amount of usage the kegerator gets.
Generally, a well-maintained keg with a fresh batch of beer or other carbonated beverage can last for up to three months if the temperature in the kegerator is kept between 36-38°F and there is minimal usage.
In some cases, a keg can last for up to four months if refrigeration is properly maintained and usage is relatively low. If the beverage in the keg is a light beer or if the kegerator is kept at a warmer temperature and is frequently used, the keg will not last as long and will need to be replaced more often.
What size fridge do I need to make a kegerator?
The size of the refrigerator you’ll need to make a kegerator will depend on the type of keg you’ll be working with and how many kegs you plan on having simultaneously.
For example, a 5-gallon keg is equivalent to two cases of beer and will fit in a standard mini-fridge; however, these types of fridges can’t fit the larger 1/2 barrel kegs, which require more space. A full-size refrigerator may work for a single 1/2 barrel keg, but will depend on the style of fridge you purchase.
Some kegerators have a built-in conversion kit that makes it easier to install the kegs without modifying your refrigerator, so keep that in mind if you are looking to make a kegerator with a full-size refrigerator.
In summary, the size of the refrigerator you’ll need to make your kegerator will depend on the type of keg and whether or not you’ll be needing a conversion kit. If you plan to keep multiple kegs in your kegerator or are working with a 1/2 barrel keg, you will likely require a larger refrigerator.
How do I build a custom kegerator?
Building a custom kegerator is a great way to have your own personal draft beer system at home. First, you will need to choose the type of fridge or freezer that you would like to use. So you will need to select one that will fit your needs and space requirements.
Next, you will need to purchase a keg or two, depending on the size of your fridge. Kegs come in various sizes, so you will need to select the size that best suits your needs. Finally, you will need to purchase the appropriate taps and hoses to dispense the beer from your kegerator.
Building a custom kegerator is a great way to have your own personal draft beer system at home. First, you will need to choose the type of fridge or freezer that you would like to use. So you will need to select one that will fit your needs and space requirements.
Next, you will need to purchase a keg or two, depending on the size of your fridge. Kegs come in various sizes, so you will need to select the size that best suits your needs. For example, a full-size keg holds about 15.
5 gallons of beer, while a pony keg only holds about 7.75 gallons. Based on these calculations, you would need two pony kegs or one full-size keg for a full-size fridge.
Finally, you will need to purchase the appropriate taps and hoses to dispense the beer from your kegerator. Most kegerators have at least two taps, so that you can have two different types of beer on tap at the same time.
You will also need to purchase hoses and clamps to connect the keg to the taps. Depending on the design of your kegerator, you may also need to purchase additional hardware, such as a CO2 tank and regulator.
Do you need a CO2 tank for a kegerator?
Yes, a CO2 tank is needed for a kegerator. The CO2 tank helps to pressurize the keg and force out the beer. Without CO2 pressure, the beer will not be able to flow out of the keg. The tank is connected to the keg via a regulator and is adjustable so you can set the ideal pressure for the beer and keep your keg pouring properly.
In addition, the CO2 tank helps maintain the freshness of the beer by pushing out the oxygen from the keg. This helps to prevent any oxidation which can cause your beer to go flat or stale. In short, you need a CO2 tank for a kegerator, as it will ensure the beer is kept at a consistent pressure and that any oxygen inside is pushed out.
How many beers are in a 16 gallon keg?
A 16 gallon keg is equivalent to approximately 6.6 full-size kegs or about 124 12-ounce servings of beer. The exact number of beers in a 16 gallon keg can vary depending on the style of beer, the serving size and even the size of the beer glass.
For example, most craft beer has a slightly higher alcohol content than the average domestic beer, so a 16 gallon keg would contain fewer servings of those beers than, say, a typical lager or ale. If you’re serving from 16-ounce glasses, then a 16-gallon keg can contain around 100 servings.
Conversely, if you’re serving from 12-ounce glasses, you can get upwards of 124 servings from a single keg.
Is a kegerator a good investment?
A kegerator is a popular item for those who enjoy craft beer, and it can be a good investment for the right person. A kegerator is a refrigerator that has been outfitted with a CO2 tank and a valve dispensing system that is able to house a keg and keep it cold.
With a kegerator, you are able to have your own draft beer right in your own home and it is convenient and easy to use.
By having your own kegerator, you can save a lot of money in the long run. The upfront cost of the kegerator itself, plus the CO2 and additional costs, can be expensive but over time you will save money because a keg of beer costs much less than an equivalent number of bottles or cans.
The will help to pay for the purchase over time. Additionally, you can get a variety of different beers from microbreweries or local brewers and enjoy them from the comfort of your own home.
Another benefit is that a kegerator is a great way to entertain guests. There’s something special about having your own draft beer, and it can really make an event or gathering even more enjoyable. Overall, a kegerator can be a great investment for those who love craft beer, as it can be a great money-saving investment in the long run and it will always provide a great selection of drinks for you and your guests to enjoy.
How do you make a homemade keg cooler?
Making a homemade keg cooler is a relatively simple project for anyone interested in do-it-yourself beer dispensing. The basic components of a keg cooler consist of an insulated box, a cooling element and a spout.
To make your own keg cooler at home, you will need the following supplies:
1. An insulated box: This can be anything such as a large picnic cooler, a Styrofoam ice chest, a cooler made of sealant-coated wood, or a metal insulated beer keg.
2. A cooling element: This can be either a standard refrigerator freezer unit, or a more sophisticated glycol system.
3. A spout: This can be any metal spout or tap.
4. Plumbing and hoses: This includes all the necessary plumbing to set up your keg cooler and get it working properly. You will also need a hose to run from the keg cooler to the tap of your choice.
Once you have all your supplies, you will need to assemble the keg cooler. First, set the refrigeration unit or glycol system inside the box, making sure to attach the appropriate plumbing lines. Next, connect the keg to the spout using the supplied tubing.
Then, place the appropriate insulation into the box, fill with ice or a coolant such as glycol, and you are ready to go!.
You will also need to check that the gas and liquid are flowing in the right directions as part of the set up process.
With a homemade keg cooler, you can enjoy freshly tapped beer any time you like in the comfort of your own home.
How do I turn my fridge into a kegerator?
Turning a regular fridge into a kegerator takes some work and careful planning, but the end result can be an awesome addition to any home entertaining set-up. To get started, the most important components that you will need are a fridge, a CO2 tank, and all the components that are necessary to get tapped beer out of the fridge.
Firstly, you will need to get a fridge to turn into a kegerator. You can usually find a used fridge on sites like Craigslist or in your local area. You will want to select a fridge with enough space to store a keg inside, as well as enough space outside the fridge to mount the CO2 tank.
Once you have your fridge and CO2 tank, you’ll need to assemble all of the components that will make a kegerator out of the fridge. This includes the keg, draft font (or tower), shank, hose, regulator and couplers.
Instructions for assembling all of these parts can be found online, but in general, the process involves connecting the beer line from the shank to the draft font, attaching the couplers to the keg, and connecting the regulator to the CO2 tank.
Once all of the components are connected, you’ll need to adjust the CO2 pressure for the keg. This is done by adjusting the regulator’s valve to the desired pressure that corresponds with the type of beer being dispensed.
The optimal pressure will depend on the type of beer and the type of keg that is used.
When these adjustments have been done, you should be able to dispense cold beer directly from your fridge. To maximize overall performance, you may want to consider additional insulation or a refrigeration wrap, which helps keep the beer colder for longer.
Congratulations, you now have a functioning kegerator!.
How long can a beer line be?
The length of a beer line can vary greatly, depending on the type of system being used and what type of beer is being served. Generally, most bar owners like to keep the distance from keg to tap between 5 and 15 feet.
This is because any line longer than 15 feet will cause a noticeable drop in pressure and affect the quality of the beer being poured. In addition, some beer lines are designed with a small diameter, which is ideal for faster pouring, but increases restrictiveness and reduces the maximum length.
For larger systems using pumps and glycol chillers, longer lines are sometimes necessary. Glycol chillers, for example, are designed to dynamically cool the beer as it travels, so lines for your glycol system can be anywhere from 15 to 150 feet long.
The longer the line, the more important temperature control becomes.
When dealing with long lines, it is important to use an efficient design, which includes enough bends and fittings so that pressure losses are minimized. This is a job best left to an experienced beer line installer.
Properly maintained, a long beer line can last for years.
Is a longer beer line better?
A longer beer line can be beneficial in some cases and not in others. Generally, a longer line can help give better pressure and prevent beer flowing too quickly – resulting in better foam and carbonation in the glass.
On the other hand, longer lines are more susceptible to contamination, meaning your beer may end up tasting off or “skunky”. Longer lines may also require more cleaning and maintenance, leading to higher beer line maintenance costs.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which route is best for your system – a shorter clean beer line or a longer one with slightly better results.
Does gas line length matter for Kegerator?
Yes, gas line length does matter when selecting a kegerator. The length of the gas line affects the amount of pressure that can be applied to the kegerator’s beer lines. A shorter gas line will create higher pressure that can cause beer to foam and pour quickly, but if the gas line is too short, it won’t supply enough pressure to move the beer through the lines and dispense it properly.
Longer gas lines will achieve the opposite effect, providing a lower pressure that delivers a properly carbonated beer that pours slowly and correctly. The ideal length for the gas line is determined by the length of the beer lines, which can vary significantly depending on the model and type of kegerator being used.
Knowing the length of the beer lines, the ideal length of the gas line can be calculated to get the proper pressure for dispensing the beer.
What size beer line should I use?
The sizing of your beer lines is determined by a few factors. The first is the distance the beer has to travel from the keg to the faucet. The second is the diameter of the interior of the beer lines.
The third is the amount of resistance (friction) the beer line presents.
A good rule of thumb is that for each foot (30 cm) of distance that the beer has to travel, you will need to use a 3/16″ or 1/4″ diameter interior beer line. If the beer line is too small, the beer will not flow properly.
If the beer line is too large, the beer will flow too quickly and will not be cooled properly. Use the chart below to determine the appropriate beer line size for your system.
Distance in Feet Beer Line Diameter (in inches)
1-2 feet 3/16 inches
2-3 feet 1/4 inches
3-4 feet 5/16 inches
4-5 feet 3/8 inches
5-6 feet 1/2 inches
Keep in mind that these are only general guidelines. You may need to experiment with different sizes of beer lines to find the perfect fit for your system.
What PSI should beer be carbonated at?
The ideal PSI (pounds per square inch) for carbonating beer depends on the type of beer being made. Generally, lagers and pilsners should be carbonated at between 2.5 and 3.5 PSI, while ales should be carbonated at between 2.
5 and 4 PSI. There may be notable exceptions to these general guidelines. For example, some German pilsners require as much as 6.0 PSI for proper carbonation. Additionally, imperial or strong ales often require more carbonation, which can necessitate higher PSI levels of up to 4.
3 or higher. In addition to the type of beer, the temperature can also play an important role in determining the necessary PSI. For instance, colder temperatures typically require slightly more PSI. As such, brewers should regularly assess the ideal PSI and make necessary adjustments, depending on their specific needs.
How long should the hose be on a Kegerator?
The length of the hose used on a Kegerator will depend on the type of Kegerator. A freestanding Kegerator generally requires a 60″ long beer line while a cabinet Kegerator can require up to 72″ depending on the cabinet depth.
When in doubt, always measure the depth and go a few inches longer for a secure fit. If the Kegerator is not placed against a wall, you may need to increase the length of the beer line in order to reach a draft tower.
Keeping in mind that length of the beer lines affects pressure, shorter beer lines tend to deliver higher pressure and longer lines reduce pressure. You may need to adjust the pressure regulator setting for the situation.
Also, it is usually a good idea to check for kinks and inspect the hose for any damage to ensure quality pours.
What pressure should I keep my keg at?
When setting up a draft system or kegerator at home, the most important thing to keep in mind is the recommended pressure of the keg. The optimal pressure for pouring a draft beer from a keg is 10-12 psi.
This pressure should remain constant throughout the keg life. If the pressure is too high, it will cause the beer to pour too quickly, leading to excessive foaming and waste. If the pressure is too low, the beer will not pour properly, leading to flat beer and weak flavor.
Additionally, pressure that is too high can cause the keg to over-carbonate, resulting in an overly fizzy beer with a shorter shelf-life.
When using a kegerator, the pressure should be monitored and adjusted regularly. The ideal pressure for a kegerator dispense system is between 10 and 12 psi. To adjust the pressure, simply turn the regulator until the desired pressure is achieved.
Additionally, it is important to monitor the kegerator and adjust the pressure accordingly, as the temperature of the beer will naturally drop, leading to lower pressure and weaker flavor.
In summary, the optimal pressure for pouring draft beer from a keg is 10-12 psi. If the pressure is too high, it can cause excessive foaming, strong carbonation, and short shelf-life. If the pressure is too low, the beer will not pour properly.
When using a kegerator, keep an eye on the pressure, and adjust accordingly for optimal results.
