What is a Kegerator? How to Choose the Best

To get the most from your kegerator and enjoy the best pours every single day, you need to understand how it works. If you're thinking about buying a kegera­tor, you'll want to know the essentials you'll require in order for your keg­erator to function properly. Read on to find out how to choose the best kegerator.

What is a Kegerator?

A kegerator is a magical device that dispenses liquid joy, which is commonly referred to as a draft beer system. These are not just used for dispensing beers; they can be used to serve any type of carbonated beverage. Thanks to their versatility, kegerators have become an integral part of any modern kitchen.

Keeping ice-cold beers on tap using a kegerator is a convenient way to provide your guests with fresh drinks at any time. There are several types of kegerator designs available for every type of business. Kegs are also designed to hold different amounts of beer, as well as different-sized kegs, so they ensure your business' volume needs are covered.

A kegerator's most important aspect is its ability to be customized. There isn't much to a kegerator but there are many different choices for each part. This allows the user to create an ideal beverage dispensing system. They are fairly easy to install and once you understand the basic components, you'll be able to quickly put together your own kegerators.

Model Featured: Summit SBC696OSTWIN 5 Lbs. Beer Kegerator

How Does a Kegerator Work?

• Cabinet: The cabinet is the large refrigerated container that holds all the components including the keg. Your refrigerator should be kept at an ideal temperature of between 32-75°F. The cabinet will vary according to the type of units and the number of faucets you want to install. Standard kegerators can be used for serving beer, wine, cider, and even spirits. Some models can accommodate up to three barrels at once.
• Draft Tower: The draft tower stands on top of the cabinet and is where you load your beverages. It then goes up the tower and waits to be dispensed. There are many different types of tap tower designs, including different finishes and sizes.
• Faucet: Here's where your beer is poured! There are faucets or taps available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and finishes. Typically, traditional faucets are either chrome-plated or stainless steel. However, their shapes can affect your beverage pours. Choose the right faucet type for your drink. You can also buy a multi-tap faucet for serving different types of beers or a variety of drinks.
• Faucet Handle: Faucets come in a wide range of styles, shapes, colors, and finishes. You can even get handles custom-made to suit your style or brand. You pull this lever to dispense the beer from your draft system.
• Drip Tray: A drip tray sits just below the faucets and collects any excess beverage that might be dripping down from an overflow or accidental spill during pouring. They're typically made from metal or plastic, but they come in a wide range of styles to fit any need.

• Keg Coupler: It's important to connect your fuel line and beer line together. The couplers connect directly to the kegs and allow you to tap into them, run the carbon dioxide through the CO2 lines, which are then attached to the tanks, and push the beverages out through the beer lines. There are several different types of coupler systems available for use with beer kegs. Two of the most common are the standard American D system and the European S system.
• Keg: One of the most important parts of the kegerator is the kegs which contain delicious ready-to-pour liquids. They come in different varieties. If you want to know which keg size is best for your kegerators, check out our Keg Size Guide!
• CO2 Regulator: The regulator lets you control and maintain CO2 pressure so you can dispense your drink at the perfect temperature every time.
• CO2 Tank: A crucial part of the beverage dispenser, the CO2 tank holds the gas that forces your drink out of the kegerator and gives it that refreshing taste.
• Beer Line: This tube is where carbon dioxide pushes the beverage out from its container and into the keg.
• Gas Line: This tube allows carbon dioxide gas to flow into the kegerator from the CO2 cylinder, forcing beer out of the kegs.
• Hose Clamps: Clamp kegs are an underappreciated part of a kegerator. These clamps ensure that the two lines are well-attached. Clamps come in various styles and often need tools to be manipulated. These thumb screw clasps are just as strong as traditional clasps but they can easily be tightened without any tools.

Model Featured: Micro Matic KC2000 0.5 Keg Black

How LongDoes a Keg Last in a Kegerator

How Long Does a Keg Last in a Kegerator?

If you're dispenser with CO2 while keeping the right temperatures and pressures, non-pasteurized beers can last for up to 60 days; pasteurized beers can last for 120 days. Most breweries recommend keeping their beers cold by storing them in a refrigerator or freezer. To keep their beers cool, they usually follow these guidelines:

• Macro-brand beers: 34 to 38 degrees Fahrenheit
• Craft beers: 41 degrees Fahrenheit
• Standard ales: 46 degrees Fahrenheit
• High-alcohol or malty beer: 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit

Types of Kegerator

Indoor Kegerators

Indoor kegerator systems are great for bars, pubs, and catering establishments that are doing indoor functions. They're called "indoor" kegerators because they should not be placed outdoors below 50 degrees or above 85 degrees. Consider these things when choosing which kegerators are best for you. There are both freestanding and built-in models available. It's important to know that all indoor kegerator models fall into one of three main types: single kegerator units, multiple kegerator units, and multi-use units.

Here are the types of indoor kegerators you may want to consider:

• Single Keg UnitsMultiple Keg Units
• Multi-purpose Units

Outdoor Kegerators

Outdoor kegerator units are designed to operate significantly colder and warmer than typical indoor temperatures. Most models' ranges are between 45-100°F (23-38°C). They're great for garage workshops, unfinished basements, outside pati­os, and caterers working outdoors. Keg containers are a good choice if you want something a bit smaller than a full-size kegerator. They're easy to set up and maintain.