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It’s one thing to have a six-pack chilling in the fridge. That’s fine for a few people, but what if you are entertaining a large group?
Sure, you can stock the fridge in your house or man cave with a few cases of beer, but real beer fans know that a kegerator is the best way to keep your beer fresh and ready to serve at any time. Who doesn’t enjoy the bar experience of raising a pint freshly poured from the tap? Why not experience that at home?
But which kegerator is best for you?
Only you know which different features and specific options you are looking for, so read on and checkout the best full-size kegerators for home use and which one is best for your needs.
Table of Contents
Best Homebrew Kegerator - Top 7 Reviewed
In this post, we are going to review what we think are the 7 best kegerators, and help you find the best fit for your needs.
But, if you don’t have a lot of time, and just want to jump to the best kegerator list, you can just click on the links below.
- EdgeStar KC3000TWIN Dual-Tap With Digital Display (Best Dual Tap)
- EdgeStar KC2000 Single-Tap Kegerator & Beer Keg Cooler
- Kegco K309B Digital Single-Tap Kegerator (Best Single Tap)
- Homecraft BK49BS Single-Tap Kegerator & Draft Beer Dispenser
- EdgeStar KC2000TWIN Dual-Tap Kegerator & Draft Beer Dispenser
- Kegco K199B-2P Two Keg Beer Cooler
- EdgeStar BR3002SS Mini-Refrigerator – (Best Mini Fridge For Kegerator Conversion)
EdgeStar Kegerator - Full-Size With Digital Display KC3000TWIN
This EdgeStar KC3000TWIN kegerator is a dual tap with a digital display and controls to have better control over the temperature range.
Not all beers are meant to be served ice cold, but the digital adjustment allows you to control and monitor the internal temperature of the unit so every style of beer, from a lager, to an ale, to a stout, is served at the perfect temperature each and every time.
Also featuring a “deep chill” mode, pressing the deep chill button will kick the cooling system into high gear, to quickly chill a warm beer keg. Once the button is pressed again, it will return to the set temperature.
This kegerator comes with a large interior can fit the most variety and combination of kegs, including 1/2 barrel over-sized and full-size kegs, pony and slim-pony kegs, or (3) 1/6 barrel kegs, and (3) Cornelius homebrew kegs.
Also included is the beer tower, faucets, tap handles, four heavy-duty casters, drip tray, guard rail, and two wire shelves for when the unit is being used as a beer chiller or mini-refrigerator.
This model is great for use in your kitchen, home bar, or man-cave, and comes with everything you need to have your favorite beer on draft, including an empty CO2 tank, and all the hardware that you need.
When ordering, you will also have the option to choose a stainless steel model instead of the standard black pictured here.
EdgeStar Kegerator & Beer Keg Cooler - Single Tap KC2000
This EdgeStar KC2000 is a single tap, kegerator, beer keg cooler, and a “Best Seller On Amazon”.
It will hold either a U.S standard 1/2 barrel keg, 1/4 barrel pony keg, 1/4 barrel slim pony keg, (2) 1/6 barrel kegs, or (2) Cornelius home brew kegs, but it will not work with Coors, Miller, or other oversized kegs.
Able to keep a temperature range between the low 30s to mid 40°F, you will be always serving your beer at the perfect temperature, but is not designed as am outdoor kegerator, or to be used as a built-in unit.
Although this kegerator is designed to be stationary, it does come with four casters to easily move around the room.
It also comes with a faucet, coupler, reversible door, NSF approved commercial-grade beer/air lines, and an empty 5 pound CO2 canister that is designed to be mounted externally of the unit, giving more internal space for your kegs.
EdgeStar makes many other kegerator styles as well if you would rather have a stainless steel model or need a dual-tap system.
Kegco Kegerator - Digital Single Tap K309B-1
This Kegco K309B-1 is a single tap, full size kegerator, and an “Amazon’s Choice”.
The spacious interior can hold the CO2 cylinder, along with a full-sized keg including Miller and Coors. It will also work with (2) five-gallon “D” system kegs, or (3) five-gallon Cornelius ball-lock homebrew kegs.
The digital temperature control can keep a steady temperature between 32° and 77°F which is not only good for keeping your beer frosty cold.
This model also comes with fan-forced cooling and a deep chill function. This feature will run for a continuous 24-hour period, to rapidly cool down a warm keg of beer.
For extra functionality, this kegerator can easily be converted to a mini-refrigerator with the included wire shelves, along with the standard hardware that comes with most kegerators.
Homecraft BK49BS Single Tap Kegerator & Beer Dispenser
This stylish black stainless steel kegerator from Homecraft will fit various size kegs and also double as a mini-fridge to keep bottles or cans of soda and water cold as well.
With a interior capacity of 4.9 cubic feet, it will fit a 1/6, 1/4, or 1/2 barrel keg comfortably. For extra interior space, this unit is designed for the included 2.5 pound CO2 tank to be housed on the outside, rather than the inside.
It has a powerful cooling system that can keep your chilled beer at an ice-cold 32°F pour after pour.
There is an easy-pull tap handle, removable drip tray, a chrome guardrail mounted on top, and four rolling casters that makes moving the kegerator from one room to another easy, but is not intended for outdoor use.
EdgeStar KC2000TWIN Dual Tap Kegerator
This EdgeStar KC2000TWIN is similar to it’s KC2000 cousin, and has all the same features except that is has two beer tap dispensers instead of just one.
Unfortunately this model will still will not accommodate an oversized keg, (Miller or Coors) but will fit either (1) pony keg, (1) slim-pony keg, (2) 1/6 barrel kegs, or (2) Cornelius homebrew kegs.
It comes with a protective floor plate, removal drip tray, (2) faucets & handles, (4) caster wheels, guard rail, couplers, drip tray, beer and air-lines, and an empty 5-pound CO2 tank that can be mounted inside or outside of the unit.
Able to maintain constant temperatures in the low 30s, this is one of the coldest kegerators on the market, and can easily be used as a mini-refrigerator too.
Kegco K199B-2P Kegerator - Two Keg Beer Cooler
This dual tap Kegco K199B-2P kegerator is a full size kegerator that can be easily converted to a beer cooler using the included wire shelves when not being used as a beer tap.
The large interior space is big enough to hold (1) 15.5-gallon full-size keg, or (1) 7.75-gallon 1/4 barrel keg, or (2) 5-gallon 1/6 barrel kegs, but will not work with the kegs that are normally used by Miller and Coors
Designed for indoor home use, this model is quiet, energy efficient, and can keep the internal temperature between 32° and 45°F for the perfect serving temperature of any style beer.
This model comes with everything you need to start enjoy your very own beer on tap, including an empty aluminum CO2 tank, double-gauge regular, couplers, faucets, tap handles, drip tray, and air and beer lines.
The only thing not included is the keg itself. It also has a 100% stainless steel contact system that ensures that everything your beer touches from the keg to the tap is sanitary.
Another thing that is included with this model is the pressurized kegerator cleaning kit. This deluxe pressurized cleaning system makes it simple to keep your beer lines clean every time you change out a keg.
EdgeStar Mini Fridge For Kegerator Conversion - BR3002SS
EdgeStar makes one of the best mini fridge for kegerator conversion you can get.
Model BR3002SS is a stainless steel mini-refrigerator which can be easily converted to a kegerator and beer dispenser. It can also be used as a homebrewing fermentation chamber for temperature control fermentation.
Adding the beer tower and taps is easy as it already has pre-drilled holes with plugs on the top, and holes on the back for the CO2 lines.
It has the same 4.9 cubic feet of interior space as the other Edge Star kegerator models on this list, along with the same features and keg size capability, but does not come with a tank for the pressurized CO2, or any hardware for converting it to a kegerator.
When converted to a beer dispenser, it can be used as a freestanding unit, or can be used to hold the tank and keg, if you want to have your beer tap handles on a wall in your man cave or home bar.
This unit can also be used as a replacement for other EdgeStar kegerators or making your own DIY home kegerator. If you need some new parts, like a tank, draft tower, faucet, handle, regulator, coupler, etc, check out the conversion kit from Edgestar.
The History Of The Kegerator
While beer has been enjoyed for thousands of years, until as recently as the 19th century beer was generally consumed warm or at room temperature. With the Industrial Revolution came refrigeration, and not coincidentally came the rise of the lager beer and draft ales.
When beer distributors in America began making beer that was best consumed cold, they then had to find ways to keep the beer cold. Prior to the Industrial Revolution ice houses were the only way to keep things from warming up.
With new technology, the first giant beer refrigerators were born: entire train cars! Beer was shipped across the country maintaining the proper temperature, and then were stored in giant refrigerated warehouses until delivery to the consumers.
Wooden kegs had been used to store beer for centuries. By the mid 20th century, kegs were also made of steel and metal. These kegs were carbonated which kept the beer from going flat or spoiling. It didn’t take long for these kegs to not only be available in bars and restaurants, but right into beer enthusiast’s homes.
Now kegerators come in a variety of styles and prices. These newer models can handle different beers (up to four taps on different kegs) and have adjustable temperature controls for different needs. There are some better suited for indoor use, some for outdoor use, and some that can easily go back and forth.
Why A Kegerator?
Very simply, a kegerator is a refrigerator… for beer. Fantastic! Delicious! The perfect invention.
It is especially designed to control the temperature of kegs and connects them to a tap for convenient pouring. Just keep it going until the keg is empty, replace the keg, and repeat. If you are a home brewer, modern kegerators have additional features that can be used as a fermenting chamber.
Many people prefer the taste of draft beer instead of bottled or canned. Kegerators can also save you money: provided the entire keg is consumed, it’s cheaper to get your beer in a returnable keg.
Similarly, kegerators are better for the environment: no cans or bottles to return or throw out (as long as you don’t use plastic cups, of course). Yes, cans and bottles can be recycled but it takes energy to recycle them.
Also, if you are a home brewer, a kegerator saves time and money as you don’t have to bottle, you can bring it straight to the tap when it is ready to drink.
Plus, and this is an important factor, it just looks cool to your guests when you pour them a drink!
How Much Beer Does A Keg Hold?
Standard beer kegs come in a variety of sizes and shapes, and many kegerators will hold 1 full size keg, or 2 to 3 different sized kegs. Keep in mind that a standard 5-gallon CO2 tank will be able to pressurize your draft beer for about 5 or 6 half-barrel kegs.
- Full-Size 1/2 Barrel Keg: 15.5-Gallons which translates to about 120 pints, or 164 twelve-ounce pours.
- 1/4 Barrel Keg: 7.75-Gallons
- 1/6 Barrel Keg: 5-Gallons
How Long Does a Keg Last In a Kegerator?
How long does beer last in a kegerator? In a keg kept at a controlled temperature, like in a kegerator, once the beer is tapped it can last up to four months, depending on how fast you drink it.
If you tap a keg without proper refrigeration, you would be lucky to last a few days before it becomes stale and almost undrinkable.
Anyone who has had leftover beer in a keg following a backyard party knows that the next day the beer might be okay, but any day after that, not so much.
What To Consider Before Buying A Kegerator?
Naturally, there are a variety of types of kegerators and each has details and accessories that you might value more. It’s important to consider these elements:
- Size
- Use
- Functionality & Features
- Mobility
- Price
Size
Will you need a kegerator that can handle full sized kegs? Many kegerators handle standard 1/2 barrel keg of beer, 1/4 barrel kegs, or multiple 1/6 barrel kegs of beer.
Some can handle the larger oversized kegs, but not all can. Rubber kegs or kegs from Coors and Miller, will not normally fit inside of a home-use kegerator.
Functionality and Features
Are you looking to have one beer on tap, or multiple beers? Do you need to be able to adjust the temperature or are you fine with one setting?
Most people prefer their lager beer to be cold as possible, but many beer styles like IPAs and stouts are meant to be enjoyed at different temperatures. Choosing a kegerator with a digital display will ensure that your beer is always at the best serving temperature possible.
Types of Kegerators
Each kegerator on the market is designed and built for a specific purpose. Most models and styles are perfect to be used in any room in the house, but usually not recommended for permanent use outside.
- Indoor freestanding kegerator
- Indoor under the counter built-in kegerator
- Outdoor kegerator
- Commercial kegerator
- Table-top mini kegerator and beer dispenser
Mobility
Will your kegerator be in a fixed place? Or will you want to move it from room to room, depending on your needs?
Although most models are meant to be stationary, many are on casters which can make it a little more easy to move around a room if needed.
Safety
Whether you have children at home, or greedy neighbors out for unauthorized access to your beer, some units actually come with a security function that keep it locked and unable to dispense beer until you enter the code.
Price
How much do you have to spend on a full size or mini kegerator?
There are table-top mini-kegerators and beer dispensers that can be purchased for under $200, and are about the size of a kitchen appliance. Larger and higher quality kegerators can cost $500 to $1,000 or more, and any thing in between.
The Main Hardware Of A Kegerator
Most kegerators on the market will include most of the components listed below. However, it’s important to note that not all parts are created equal when it comes to quality.
- Mini Refridgerator
- CO2 Cylinder
- Beer Tower
- Faucet
- Tap Handle
- Air/Beer Lines
- Regulator
- Keg (Not Included)
- Keg Coupler
- Drip Tray
- Casters
- Guard Rail
- Wire Shelves
- Protective Floor Plate
Can You Make Your Own Kegerator?
Absolutely.
There are conversion kits on the market that can turn a mini-fridge into a kegerator and beer dispenser. Buying a mini-fridge with the needed adapter holes and a conversion kit, which comes with all the CO2 tank, hardware and piping, is sometimes cheaper than purchasing a kegerator.
What Is The Best Kegerator For Home Use?
I don’t think you can go wrong with any one of these models, but as you can see, EdgeStar and Kegco make some of the best kegerators that you can buy.
But if we had to choose just one, our pick would be the EdgeStar KC3000TWIN dual-tap kegerator with the digital control. Yes there are less-expensive models to choose from, but for what you get, including the quality construction, along with the standard features, overall this is the best kegerator for the money.
Being able to precisely control the temperature to the low 30°F, that will keep your beer at the perfect serving temp, and the large interior space with the most keg combinations is why we chose this one as our favorite.
Having the dual-tap instead of just a single-tap will give you the flexibility to have two of your favorite brews on draft.
Cheers!
P.S. Check out our review of the top 7 home beer dispensers and mini kegerators if you are looking for something a bit smaller and less expensive.
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