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Fridge For Kegerator
One of the newest and frankly best new things to come of late is fridge for kegs – or “kegerator.” Kegerator is just a combination of the word refrigerator and keg. Sometimes it’s simply a fridge converted to accommodate kegs by clever folks with some time on their hands, but more often they are professionally built fridges for kegs.
Why go to so much trouble? Well – for one thing, the kegerator has the ability to extend the life of your beer. It also allows you to dispense cold beer in large quantities, but if it doesn’t get used, it will still be fresh for up to 6 months. The reason kegerators work so well is thanks to their ability to keep the beer exactly at 38 degrees Fahrenheit – the perfect temperature to ensure the right sized head without excess foaminess. Keeping beer at a constant 38 degrees also helps to ensure no flavor loss or change.
One of the first things you need to think about when choosing a keg fridge is what your needs are. Are you new to kegs and can get by with a simple kegerator?
Will you need some mobility because you will be moving your kegerator from one place to another?
Will you use it outside and need extra insulation and weather proofing? Will you need special spigots for stout beers?
Will you be making your own home brew and need special home brew fittings?
Will you take it camping and need portability or will this be a feature within your home that has to fit in with the décor in a tasteful manner?
Once you’ve defined your needs, you can start to slim down which kegerator is right for you. There are well over 30 different manufacturers of kegerators, so you’ll have lots to choose from. Kegerators come in all sizes and shapes from giant four tap kegerators with built in ice machines, to smaller – more modest ones for the man cave or home bar. There are even mini-kegerators designed to fit under cabinets.
Buying a professionally designed and engineered kegerator has certain advantages over making your own. You can be certain that it will work well; they come with a warrantee and are pretty easy to purchase. Prices range from around $200 to over $3,000 or more. However, if you are handy, and have the time and patience building your own kegerator may be an option and could save you some money. There are many kits that can be purchased to help make the job easier, but be sure to shop around when determining which path you want to choose.