If you enjoy keg beer, then you certainly understand the ecstasy of having it cold 24/7 in your home bar. However, the question becomes, what is the best kegerator for the money? Because these keg cooling appliances are not cheap, you’ll want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. A good kegerator will keep your beer fresh for as long as possible and consistently dispense it at its highest quality.
If you don’t mind dispensing just one draught beer at a time, you can save quite a bit by getting a single tap kegerator, but you can get dual or even triple tap ones for a full on home bar experience. You can also choose between full sized ones or minis that are both meant for indoor home use. The former comes with a pressurized CO2 tank and is free standing on the floor, while the latter is self-pressurized and sits on a countertop.
In our continuous search for a reliable kegerator we came across a few that are good for home use and perform reliably without breaking the bank.
If you’re more of a wine drinker, we have also reviewed good wine coolers for the home! And if keeping a few snacks and a mix of cans and bottles cold is more your requirement, we have reviewed the best compact fridges too.
Table of Contents
Full-size Kegerator
EdgeStar Full Size Single and Dual Tap Kegerator & Draft Beer Dispensers
The special design also features protective floor plates that shield scratches and harm to your floor surface and pressure gauge rolling casters that permit excellent mobility. A high quality 5-pound brewer-preferred CO2 cylinder is included (which you will have to fill before using) to ensure proper carbonation and a professional pour.
Since this is a full size kegerator, the single tap unit can support standard 1/2 or 1/4 kegs and the dual tap unit can handle a full-sized standard half keg (Sankey standard or two 1/6 kegs). Although it comes set up for pin lock kegs, alternatively, Cornelius kegs can be fitted with the aid of a special ball lock connection. However, it is important to keep in mind that the Edgestar full size cannot hold Coors keg, Miller rubberized or other comparable oversized kegs.
According to most customer reviews, the Edgestar has been described as an outstanding and fantastic kegerator. This is because the kegerator is able to keep your beer good and cold and can even be reset to an even colder temperature setting lower than the factory setting. The unit also has an excellent foam ratio and operates very quietly. The unit’s superb make is another added bonus. According to a few reviewers, the temperature can sometimes fall too low resulting in freezing hoses.
Nostalgia Electrics Kegorator Beer Keg Fridge (KRS2100)
The unit’s exterior features a black finish that blends with most décor. On the upper sidetop of the machine is a 13-inch semi-gloss chrome tap tower, and a corresponding guardrail. A detachable stainless steel drip tray parks underneath the tap prevent a mess. Also, the KRS1200 comes with a Sankey D system that employs a spring-loaded method to tap draft beer.
In addition to these features, the KRS1200 comes with a 2.5lbs CO2 tank, which is large enough for four 15-gallon kegs. The kegerator also holds one ¼-barrel pony size keg, one full size ½-barrel keg and two five-gallon D-system kegs. A duo meter regulator is also part of this unit and it helps in adjusting the pressure of the carbonating gas. This kegerator also functions as a normal refrigerator when you slip in the two wire shelves contained in the box.
The KRS2100 is a capable and probably the best kegerator for the money. It also comes with all the accessories necessary for you to start taping your beer. Unlike comparable models, however, European beer kegs and other non-standard kegs do not fit inside it. Also, it is impossible to tap two different draft beers simultaneously even though it can hold two kegs at a time. The unit takes a considerable amount of time to assemble and if not done properly, the faucet can clog or become loose and fall.
Kegco Triple Faucet Digital Kegerator (K309B-3)
This model comes with an ultra-precise digital thermostatic control that allows more accuracy unlike mechanical thermostats. In addition, the Kegco K309-B digital display presents actual cabinet temperatures in real time. The easy push button on the control panel interface makes it effortless to adjust the temperatures.
While most kegerators are faced with the challenge of maintaining stable cold temperatures, this is a non-issue with the Kegco K309B-3. This model delivers some of the iciest beer you will ever have. This is because the unit features a ground-breaking “fan-forced” cooling system that apparently generates some of the coldest temperatures. The fan also ensures that air is sufficiently and uniformly supplied in the storage area. Moreover, the unit comes with a “deep chill” mode that allows the machine’s compressor to operate on a nonstop mode 24 hours. Once the desired temperature is attained, simply press the deep chill button and the machine recommences the on/off cycling to save on energy.
This is no wimpy appliance and in fact is probably the best kegerator for home use if you’re a true draught beer fan. The Kegco K309B-3 features a spacious cooling cabinet to house 3 full sized kegs, ponies and other keg types like Miller kegs, Coors Kegs and rubber kegs. The unit also comes with a durable 5 lbs aluminum Co2 tank, quality CO2 regulators, thermoplastic vinyl and fittings, and a classy D system lever handle keg coupler that is compatible with the Sankey Keg. When not being used for kegs, it can be converted to a regular fridge by inserting the two included trays.
Versonel Freestanding Full Keg Kegerator Beer Fridge Dispenser LCD Temp (VSL155TDSS)
The unit is compatible with different keg types, including the ¼ barrel, 5 gallon D system, and the 1/2 barrel full size keg.
The unit also features casters for easy mobility. Other great features include temperature adjustment (ranges 34 degrees-40 degrees), CO2 tanks stores, chrome guard rails to house the tap, and a drip tray unit. It is easy to use, however, the tap can pour more foam than beer depending on the pressure. Some reviewers have also cited a problem with the in-door thermometer.
Small Kegerators
KRUPS and HEINEKEN B100 BeerTender with Heineken Draught Keg Technology
This unit also discharges CO2 every time the tap is open to ensure that your beer stays fresh for up to thirty days. The unit’s BeerTender Peltier cooling system offers steady and reliable cooling, to keep the 5 litre capacity unit at the ideal temperature. Its simple design also makes it easy to operate.
Other features of the B100 include a removable draw spout and a detachable tray for easy cleaning, 5 non-reusable draught keg tubes, and an authentic tap. DraughtKeg and Beertender maintains beer fresh for up to 30 days after tapping. The ultra-quiet and effective Peltier cooling system offers constant and reliable cooling of the keg but you might need to pre-chill the keg for at least ten hours prior to putting it in. It is limited to only to a few beers named above.