What is the best kegerator?

While the weather in California is rather blazing hot, I feel it unbearable when July is coming. How can you survive in this hot season? During this time, the only thing which can save me from the heatwave is several glasses of cold draft beer. Knowing that my thirst will become unquenchable, I’ve decided to invest in the best kegerator.

You are not hearing me wrong! Kegerator is a great investment but not an expensive expenditure. Besides the fresh taste directly from the tap, you can save hundreds of dollars from drinking tap beer.

You can figure out from the basic calculations in FAQ part question 2. Before that, other benefits of a kegerator will surprise you right below.

Benefits of Kegerator

Beer lovers are saving the environment with the best kegerator. Enjoying cold beers from your beer dispenser can also reduce the footprint. That sounds too good to be true!

Save Money for Beer Lovers

Buying beer in bulk is cheaper than buying bottled beers. When you hold a large party with family and friends, enjoying cold brew is inevitable, especially in hot seasons. What’s more energetic than drinking a big gulp of cold beer.

Save the Environment

Replacing the small bottles or cans with bigger keg will result in less garbage and materials used for producing containers. On the other hand, you only need to refill the keg because it is reusable.

Serve as a Small Fridge

Remove the beer tower, cover it with a tap. And voila! You have a mini fridge and you can move it around to wherever you want. How cool is that!

Type of Kegerator

Kegerators are classified into four main groups. This article focuses mainly on full-size home type with three smaller groups as they are more popular and available in many models.

Mini

Mini kegerator uses the small CO2 cartridges and can only hold mini 5-liter keg. The countertop portable beer dispenser keeps beer fresh in a short time.

Full-Size Home

Full-size home kegerator has two types: built-in or freestanding kegerators. The built-in kegerators usually have front ventilation and durable guardrail. The drip tray is integrated for a wise look. You can also make a DIY kegerator with a pre-cut fridge for inserting beer tap and other components.

Commercial

Commercial kegerators are noisier and work more efficiently. These are sturdier to meet industrial quality standards.

Outdoor

Outdoor kegerator must withstand the hot temperature outdoors. Therefore, these kegerators are designed with well-insulated housing and beer tower to dispense the freshest beer possible. The outdoor models usually have a safety lock.

Here Are The Best Kegerator:

The best kegerators mainly focus on the normal features of kegerators, including the number of taps, the ventilation system, the installation type, and the size of a beer keg.

• Best Overall: EdgeStar KC2000 Full-Size Kegerator
  “Cold beer, easy to assemble, no leaking.”
• Best Budget: EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator
  ”Easy to set up, easy to clean all of the lines, small compact unit, interior light, keeps beer cool enough.”
• Best Design: Nostalgia KRS2100 Full Size Kegorator
  ”Easy to use, durable, keeps beer fresh for a long time.”
• Best Mini: NutriChef Pressurized Mini Keg Dispenser
  ”Easy to assemble with detailed instructions, quiet operation, dual regulators for smooth pour.”
• Best DIY: EdgeStar Refrigerator for Kegerator Conversion
  ”Good temperature control, quiet operation, removable casters.”
• Best Double Taps: EdgeStar KC3000SSTWIN Full Size Kegerator
  ”Digital display, quiet operation, dual taps.”
• Best Front Vent: EdgeStar KC7000SSTRIP Full Size Kegerator
  ”Easy assembly, modern stainless-steel design, cold beer, led interior light, air-cooled beer tower, safety lock on casters.”
• Best Undercounter: EdgeStar KC1500SS 15″ Built-In Kegerator
  “Quiet operation, sturdy unit, easy to assemble, good customer service.”
• Best Outdoor: Marvel Outdoor 24” Beer Kegerator
  “Keep temperature constantly low for cool beers, security door locks, double layer of insulation to withstand harsh weather.”
• Best for Miller Lite: Danby Dual Tap Keg Kegerator
  ”Cool beers, scratch-resistant worktop, automatic defrosting system, large co2 tank.”
• Best Single Tap: EdgeStar KC3000 Digital Display Kegerator
  ”Large size for storing oversized kegs, digital thermostat control, two wire racks are included.”

Kegerator Comparison Chart

The best kegerator list comprises mostly of full-sized home EdgeStar units, which followed by other dual or single faucet units. Because the mini kegerator is not as popular as the full-size, there are only two mini models.

Top 15 Best Kegerators to Satisfy Your Thirst

The best kegerator list starts with seven models from EdgeStar, which go from single tap up to triple taps. At the end of the list, you will find mini beer dispensers to carry around.

1. EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator

(Best Budget)

If you have narrow space, this KC1000SS kegerator by EdgeStar is for you. The slim dimension is
33 1/2″ H x 23 5/8″ W x 23 3/8″, which can fit 1/6 barrel or Cornelius keg.

The digital control panel is simple to use with four buttons only. The innovative deep chill mode is for cooling down a new keg quickly. Otherwise, using the cooler or warmer buttons can set the temperature between 32- and 50-degrees F.

The drip tray on top keeps you station clean and out of drips. Another advantage is the sleek blue LED interior lighting when you open up the unit. The 2.5 lb. CO2 tank is empty and hard to find a refill shop. You can try 5 lbs. tank instead. The downside is you have to be careful with dents in the front bottom.

Key Features

• Digital thermostat control
• Deep chill mode
• Interior lighting

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Reversible door	Yes
Keg	1/6 barrel or Cornelius keg
Warranty	1 year

Watch this video to see the review of EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator:

2. EdgeStar KC1500SS 15″ Built-In Kegerator

(Best Undercounter)

This small EdgeStar kegerator is designed to install under the counter with front ventilation. However, it can only house one slim quarter, one 1/6 barrel, or one Cornelius keg due to small capacity.

Similar to Marvel refrigerators, EdgeStar built-in kegerators also feature safety lock. However, the drip tray should be integrated into the unit rather than sitting on top, which makes the overall appearance less attractive.

Other features worth mentioning are forced-air refrigeration, digital thermostat control, blue interior lighting, and reinforced stainless-steel floor. The stainless-steel guardrail is thicker and looks sturdy. This model comes with a 5 lb. C02 tank.

Key Features

• Digital thermostat control
• Interior lighting
• Front-venting design
• Safety lock

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Built-in
Casters	Yes
Reversible door	Yes
Keg	Slim quarter, 1/6-barrel, Cornelius keg
Warranty	1 year

3. EdgeStar KC2000 Full-Size Kegerator

(Best Overall)

The exclusive feature of EdgeStar KC2000 is the capability to reach the temperature around 34 degrees F- one of the top coolest beer dispensers available on the market.

The kegerator fits 1/2 and 1/4 US standard kegs, but not the oversized Coors, Millers, or rubberized kegs. This model has only one tap with the black drip tray to catch all drips. The analog regulator lets you know when to replace the C02 tank.

The package also includes 5 lbs. C02 cylinder which can last between five and six half kegs. The gas tank is installed on the back of the kegerator with external tank amount.

The metal floor plate is strong enough to hold the full-sized keg. The insulated tower keeps the beer cold.

Key Features

• Keep kegs in low temperatures
• Protective metal floor plate
• Reversible door

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Analog
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Reversible door	Yes
Keg	1/4 and 1/2 US standard kegs
Warranty	1 year

Watch this video to see the review of EdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator.

4. EdgeStar KC3000 Digital Display Kegerator

(Best Single Tap)

EdgeStar KC3000 is an upgraded version of EdgeStar KC1000SS with a larger dimension to fit large oversized bevel-edged kegs and the CO2 tank inside.

The similarities between these two models are integrated drip tray, digital thermostat control with deep chill mode, and casters. The 5 lb. aluminum CO2 tank is still not filled like the previous models.

To turn the kegerator into a chilling fridge, use the two wire racks included in the package. This model also doesn’t have the interior lighting. The unit has an auto defrosting function.

Key Features

• Large size for storing oversized kegs
• Digital thermostat control
• Two wire racks are included

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	Large oversized kegs
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

5. EdgeStar KC3000SSTWIN Full Size Kegerator

(Best Double Taps)

The indoor KC3000SSTWIN is similar to the previous model with all the features. The only difference is you have dual taps instead of one.

This unit is for parties with many people, so you will need more taps. These taps can dispense from two separate kegs. Now, you can enjoy different beers. How cool is that!

You can install the CO2 canister inside or outside, which is an advantage over the KC2000 model which you can only mount it outside. However, the single gauge regulator isn’t suitable for dual taps, which needs replacing by the dual regulators.

Key Features

• Dual taps
• Digital display
• Fits oversized kegs

Product Specifications

Number of taps	2
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	Large oversized kegs
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

6. EdgeStar KC7000SSTRIP Full Size Kegerator

(Best Front Vent)

EdgeStar KC7000SSTRIP has sleek stainless-steel design from the tower to the fridge. The guard rail and drip tray are also made from thick stainless steel.

The built-in digital thermostat can be adjusted to 32 degrees F for cool beer. What’s more, the air-cooled dispensing tower stands out among fellow beer dispensers because the cold air in the beer tower keeps the brew cold from keg to glass.

The blue LED interior lighting illuminates the interior space clearly and brings the modern look. Another difference is this freestanding unit can be changed into built-in unit. The 5 lb. CO2 tank is put inside. The three taps require three 304 stainless steel couplers, three beer lines, and three red air lines to dispenser three types of brew.

Because the base of the kegerator has been reinforced, there is no metal floor plate like previous EdgeStar models. Therefore, you should place a mat underneath to prevent scratching.

Key Features

• Triple taps
• Digital display
• Interior LED lighting
• Forced-air refrigeration

Product Specifications

Number of taps	3
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding and can be undercounter built-in
Casters	Yes
Keg	Large oversized kegs
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

7. EdgeStar Refrigerator for Kegerator Conversion

(Best DIY)

DIY lovers shouldn’t skip this opportunity to design a kegerator like your preference. This fridge comes with a tower hole cap in case you give up on turning the unit into the kegerator.

The tower hole is large enough for 2.5” or 3” tower. In the back of the unit, you can mount a 5 lb. CO2 tank with the built-in bracket and connect the single gas line through the hole. You can either have the single or dual tap tower.

However, no hardware like coupler, regulator or CO2 tank is included. Another downside is it doesn’t fit Coors, Miller or oversized kegs.

Key Features

• Low temperature range
• Can convert into a fridge
• Protective floor plate

Product Specifications

Number of taps	No
Display type	Analog
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	Full sized Sankey kegs (NOT support Coors, Miller or oversized kegs)
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

8. HomeCraft BK49BS Kegerator

HomeCraft features large capacity to hold 1/6, 1/4 and 1/2 barrels of beer which can sit outdoor for barbeque parties. The adjustable wire shelves can hold your favorite beverages.

Different from other beer dispensers, you can change this unit into a fridge thanks to the insulated rubber gasket keeping the cold in. Furthermore, the black tap tower, drip tray, and chrome guardrail are removable for this purpose.

What’s more, the 7-setting thermostat can keep the beer cool at 32 degrees. When the beer season is over, this feature is beneficial for keeping beverages cool.

You can easily move this kegerator on the floor with four moving casters and lock it in place with two knobs in the front casters. The black spring-loaded single tap is 12 inches for easy beer dispensing every time. The unfilled 2.5 lb. CO2 tank is installed at the back of the unit for maximum storage space.

Key Features

• Recessed door handle
• Spring loaded tap
• American Sankey “D” Single tap system
• Single-meter regulator
• Energy Star efficient

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Analog
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	Large oversized kegs
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	No information

Watch this video to see the introduction of HomeCraft Black Stainless Steel Full-Size Kegerator Draft Beer Dispenser:

9. Kegco K309SS-1 Kegerator

The indoor Kegco digital keg dispenser can fit an over-sized keg or up to three smaller kegs. The temperate range from 32 to 75 degrees F can be easily adjusted by digital control.

If you want more interior space, you can put the unfilled 5lb. gas tank outside with external tank mount. For separate outputs, you need to install a pressure regular with an air distributor included. Like other units, two white racks can be inserted to use as the fridge.

Similar to EdgeStar KC2000 Full-Size Kegerator, the deep chill mode can quickly cool down the keg. To return to normal operation, press that button again. The wheels help you to move the kegerator easily and lock it in place.

Key Features

• Double taps
• Singular regulator with air distributor
• Built in fan

Product Specifications

Number of taps	2
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	Large oversized kegs (Coors, Miller, and rubber)
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

Watch this video to see the review of Kegco K309SS-1 Kegerator:

10. Keggermeister KM2800BK Kegerator

The indoor single tap beer refrigerator and dispenser by Keggermeister has smooth black finish with black beer tower and large body to fit one full-size keg, one pony keg, or two 5-gallon kegs and one small CO2 tank.

The difference between this kegerator and others is the 2.5 gas tank is filled. The digital thermostat is mounted in the door, which doesn’t give accurate reading about the temperature inside.

You can move this unit easily with four casters and lightweight construction. However, this unit is not designed to use outdoor.

Key Features

• Holds a full-size keg, pony keg, or two 5-gallon kegs
• Prefilled 2.5 lbs. C02 tank
• Built-in digital thermostat

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	Full-size keg
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	No information

11. Nostalgia KRS2100 Full Size Kegorator

(Best Design)

This beer dispenser by Nostalgia is larger than HomeCraft BK49BS Kegerator with 5.1 cubic foot capacity, which can house one 1/6 barrel, 1/4 barrel short/slim and 1/2 barrel. It can also house 1/2-barrel Miller Lite.

The dual gauge regulator with a lockable output valve reads the output and tank pressure for the perfect pour. It is an exclusive feature in this unit. Check whether the regulator works properly or else replace it with 90-day warranty.

The unfilled CO2 tank is secured by a belt inside the kegerator. You can use the long expansion spring included to mount larger container at the back of the unit. If the CO2 tank leaks, replace it with a new one. When the beer season is off, you can insert the large wire shelf included to make it a cooling fridge.

Key Features

• Double regulator
• Dual gauge
• Long expansion spring

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Analog
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	1/6-barrel, 1/4 barrel short/slim and 1/2 barrel.
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	90 days

Watch this video to see the review of Nostalgia KRS 2100:

12. Danby Dual Tap Keg Kegerator

(Best for Miller Lite)

Are you a Stella beer lover? Looking for a Miller lite or Coors kegerator? This indoor dual tap keg cooler by Danby is just for you. Its capacity (153 liters) can accommodate 2 1/6 barrels, 2 1/8 barrels, 1 full-size keg, or one straight pony keg, and of course, 1 1/4 keg of Miller Lite.

The dual taps dispense two different fresh beers at the same time. The single couple has a Y joint for different kegs. The 10 lb. CO2 tank is mounted externally to save more internal space for kegs. The automatic defrost mode is convenient if you use it as a fridge.

The castors help to move the freestanding Danby unit quickly.

Key Features

• 153 liters capacity
• Dual taps
• Auto defrost
• 10 lbs. CO2 tank

Product Specifications

Number of taps	2
Display type	Analog
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	1/6 barrel, 1/8 barrel, full size keg, straight pony keg.
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

13. Marvel Outdoor 24” Beer Kegerator

(Best Outdoor)

This beer dispenser from Marvel is used specifically outdoor with double insulated beer towers to keep the brew cold. Moreover, the thermal-efficient cabinet is well-insulated to keep the cold temperature inside and save energy.

The Marvel kegerators feature flush-mounted drip tray with an integrated drain, which is useful for built-in installations. Dynamic cooling technology delivers consistent temperature which can go low around 34 degrees F, which can be manually adjusted by the digital thermostat control.

To withstand the rain and high temperature, the draft tower is designed with another layer of insulation to ensure no corrosion. All models come with security door locks which are beneficial for outdoor beer dispensers.

To prevent scratching when moving the kegs, this unit has anti-scuff interior floor shield.

Key Features

• Dynamic cooling technology
• Lo-Boy coupler
• Double insulated towers
• Energy-efficient cabinet

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	Yes
Keg	sixth, quarter, and 1/2 barrel
Reversible door	Yes
Warranty	1 year

14. SPT Mini Kegerator & Dispenser

The mini kegerator by SPT is specifically designed to fit 5-liter kegs only. It comes with three 16-gram CO2 cartridges.

The temperature range is from 36 to 53 degrees F, which is higher than the EdgeStar kegerators. You easily adjust temperature through digital display on the stainless-steel housing.

The brew is kept fresh in the mini kegerator up to one month, which is shorter than full-sized home kegerators. Keep the glass at 45 degrees angle to reduce foam.

Key Features

• Digital display
• Thermoelectric cooling technology
• Removable water drip tray

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Digital
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	No
Keg	5-liter kegs
Reversible door	No
Warranty	No information

15. NutriChef Pressurized Mini Keg Dispenser

(Best Mini)

Made from 304 grade stainless steel, this mini keg dispenser by NutriChef is durable enough. The mini dispenser is suitable for camping trips, tailgating parties but it lacks one feature of normal kegerators – keeping the keg cool.

Because of its portability, the unit uses the 16g CO2 cartridge to pump the 128 oz beer tank. You need to buy the cartridges separately. To connect to a CO2 tank, you will need a different regulator to handle.

To keep the brew cool, you can put it in the fridge by removing the shelf for large space. The NutriChef will keep the brew fizzy and fresh for up to several months if you keep the 7-inch dispenser in the fridge and adjust between 3 and 7 psi.

Key Features

• High quality stainless steel
• Effective pressurized growler
• 128 oz. keg
• Adjustable regulator

Product Specifications

Number of taps	1
Display type	Analog
Installation type	Freestanding
Casters	No
Keg	128 oz. beer tank
Reversible door	No
Warranty	1 year

Buying Guide

What makes the best kegerator are listed below. You need to pay attention to the keg sizes if you prefer Coors or Millers. The temperature control is also another vital factor as it will affect your beer temperature.

Number of Taps

You can opt for single, dual, or triple taps. The more valves the unit has, the higher the price. Double taps are more popular because you can enjoy two types of beers at the same time. However, triple tap models should be saved for big parties as the large kegerator takes more space in your house and will make some noise.

The EdgeStar kegerators can change from one tap to two taps with suitable regulators.

Type of Tap

There are two main types: domestic and foreign. Foreign taps are for imported beer like Heineken. You can order European Keg Couple if your kegerator comes with a domestic tap. Most models come with a local tap.

Keg Sizes

If you prefer Miller or Coors kegs, your options are limited because these oversized kegs can only sit in big housing.

The most common keg sizes include mini, Cornelius, 1/6, 1/4, slim quarter, and 1/2 barrel.

While the mini kegerators are designed to contain only 5 liters of beer, they fit into the mini kegerators. Some popular mini kegs are Heineken Lager, Newcastle Brown Ale, Coors Light Lager, Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen Amber, DAB Original Lager, Widmer Hefeweizen, Bell’s Oberon Wheat Ale, Rogue Yellow Snow IPA, Bitburger Premium Pilsner, Spaten Premium Lager, and Warsteiner Premium Verum.

Other kegs like 1/6, 1/4 and 1/2 barrel can fit into full-size home kegerators. These are standard kegs. The diameter of the quarter barrel and half barrel is 16 and 1/8 inches. The 1/6 barrel and slim quarter has a smaller diameter, which can fit in any full-sized home kegerator because these beer dispensers have an internal width around 16 and 1/8 inches.

However, the rubber sided 1/4 barrel kegs, or 1/2 Coors or Miller kegs are 17 inches in diameter because of the rubber rigs. Check the dimension of the kegerator if you prefer Coors or Miller Lite.

Temperature Control

All models come with temperature adjustment gauge, but the temperature range is different. The coolest temperature can keep your brew cold enough like the EdgeStar models.

Furthermore, you should choose between traditional analog or digital thermostat control. Whichever type you choose, check if it is built inside to measure the correct temperature.

Extra Features

The drip tray is a vital component as it will handle the drips and clean the mess for you. The built-in tray is more favorable as it brings a sophisticated look. However, the removable tray is easier to clean.

The wire shelve will be a great help if you want to turn the kegerator into a fridge when you prefer other cold beverages. Some units have inside shelf for holding CO2 tank, which takes up extra space. To have more inner chilling space, you should choose the outside mounted gas tank model.

The removable casters can help you move the kegerator everywhere. The safety locks on the front casters keep the beer dispenser in place.

FAQs

Most frequently asked questions about the kegerator relate to the value of a kegerator in question number two. The durability of a kegerator will save you extra pennies in the long run.

My Top Pick

I choose EdgeStar KC2000 Full-Size Kegerator because the cooling system can keep the brew cold enough for me. Although it is single tap model, I can change the beer tap into double faucets later. Moreover, the affordable price fits into my limited budget.

Tell me in the comment below if you think my choice is sensible and what kegerator you choose.