We’ve left no stone unturned in looking for the best kegerator for home use but if you are in a hurry, it’s the brilliant EdgeStar KC3000.
What is a Kegerator?
A kegerator is a refrigerator that has been specially designed to store and dispense draft beer from a keg.
The Keg is kept chilled and pressurized with CO2. This means that your favorite beer keeps fresh and carbonated for a couple of months.
Kegerators are available for commercial and home use. In this article, we will look at the best non-commercial kegerators for use in your home.
Kegerators come in all sizes and styles and have a wide array of accessories. A Kegerator is the best way for beer lovers to enjoy draft beer exactly the way the brewer intended.
What types of beer can you serve in a Kegerator?
You can serve just about every beer from a kegerator. Bars basically use larger versions of home kegerators so any beers that you see at the bar can also be served from a home kegerator.
Most beers are suitable for kegs. However, some specialist beers are only available bottled, as they use a re-fermentation process to age the beer over time.
At what temperature should I store my beer?
Each type of beer needs to be stored at a different temperature. Every unique beer has its own recommended serving temperature but here are some general guidelines:
35 to 40° Fahrenheit – regular mass-market lagers and lighter-style beers
40 to 45° Fahrenheit – Czech & German Pilsners and wheat beers
45 to 50° Fahrenheit – IPA’s, American pale ales, most craft beers, Porters, and many types of stout
50 to 55° Fahrenheit – Belgian ales, sour ales, English milds, and richly flavored beers
55 to 60° Fahrenheit – Imperial Stouts, Belgian strong ales, flavored beers, and Barleywines
As a general rule of thumb, lighter-bodied beers with lower alcohol content tend to taste better when very cold. Higher-alcohol beers are usually served at higher temperatures.
How much money can you save with a Kegerator?
If a six-pack of Bud Light costs $8, and you drink 2 per week, that’s $16 per week. An equivalent quantity of beer from a keg costs around $8. So if you save $8 per week, that’s $32 per month and $384 per year. That’s enough to buy yourself a sparkling new kegerator within one year. There are also no bottles or cans to dispose of so it’s better for the environment, too.
Does keg beer go bad?
As long as you use a Kegerator with CO2, your beer can keep fresh for months but times vary from beer to beer.
A pasteurized beer can remain fresh for up to 6 months if stored at the correct temperature.
If the beer is not pasteurized, it should still taste great up to 2 months later. To find out if your beer is pasteurized or not, you can check the brewer’s website or contact the brewery or distributor directly.
How do I tap a keg in a Kegerator?
- So you’ve unpacked your new kegerator and that new keg of beer is just sitting there, what next?
- Give the keg time to settle in the kegerator and for it to reach the recommended temperature.
- Tap your keg. Open the CO2 tank and set the required pressure.
- The valves of the regulator should be open. Adjust the pressure settings to get the correct serving pressure. Each beer requires a different pressure. As a rule of thumb, 10psi is a good starting point.
- You should ensure that the regulator is fully pressurized before tapping your keg. This will avoid any beer coming back into the air pipes.
- Finally, remove the cover from your keg and connect the coupler. Turn the coupler in a clockwise direction until you have a snug fit. When your keg is tapped, a little beer will trickle into the pipe but it won’t flow until you open the tap.
- You are now ready to get sloshed in your own private bar!
Can I build a Kegerator from a fridge?
Building your own Kegerator is becoming very popular with DIY types and works out a little cheaper than buying a purpose-built kegerator.
You can use just about any refrigerator and you will also need the following items; a kegerator conversion kit, a CO2 cylinder, and some tools.
For around $200, you can convert your old fridge into a draft beer cooler/dispenser.
Conversion kits come in two options: Towers for chest freezers and small fridges and secondly door-mounted taps for tall fridges. You can check out some of the best conversion kits on Amazon by clicking here.
The best Kegerator for home use – EdgeStar KC3000 Full-Size Kegerator
Our pick for the best kegerator for your home is the EdgeStar KC3000. This awesome Kegerator has an easy-to-read digital control panel that allows you to change the temperature with ease.
Whether you are a fan of ice-cold lagers or mildly chilled stouts, the EdgeStar KC3000 can chill your beer to 32 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 10 degrees Celsius.) This machine is fitted with a “Deep-Chill” mode for super-fast cooling of new kegs.
Large enough to hold even oversized kegs, the EdgeStar KC3000 is the ultimate combination of functionality and price. A fantastic addition to any kitchen, man cave, or fresh beer lover’s home.
EdgeStar KC3000 Full Size Kegerator with Digital Display - Black
Second best – EdgeStar KC3000SSTWIN Dual Tap Kegerator
The same size as the EdgeStar KC3000, this kegerator is the twin-tap version. It is our 2nd choice for the best home-use kegerator.
As with the KC3000, this kegerator is large enough to hold the following key configurations: (1) Oversized Keg, 1/2 Barrel (124 pints) / (1) Full-Size Keg, 1/2 Barrel (124 pints) / (1) Pony Keg, 1/4 Barrel (62 pints) / (1) Slim-Pony Keg, 1/4 Barrel (62 pints) / Up to (3) Sixth Barrel kegs, (42 pints each) / Up to (3) Cornelius Homebrew kegs, (40 pints each) / (1) Slim Quarter & (1) Sixth Barrel Keg / (1) Slim Quarter & (1) Cornelius Keg.
Any of the EdgeStar kegerators will change the way you drink beer forever. This one features a massive cabinet, precise temperature control, and high-grade USA-manufactured components. It’s easily assembled in just 30 minutes.
Included with this top-rated kegerator are a CO2 tank, regulator, USA Sankey couplers, airlines, faucets, a draft tower, handles, a drip tray, a guardrail, and casters.
The EdgeStar KC3000SSTWIN has a temperature range between 32 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 10 degrees Celsius) and comes with a one-year parts warranty.
EdgeStar KC3000SSTWIN Full Size Dual Tap Kegerator with Digital Display - Black...
- PLEASE NOTE: Part number BR3001SS will be shown on the retail box and all needed items that comprise the KC3000SSTWIN will be included within this same box; Freestanding operation only; Digital display; Adjustable temperature
- PLEASE NOTE: Part number BR3001SS will be shown on the retail box and all needed items that comprise the KC3000SSTWIN will be included within this same box; Freestanding operation only; Digital display; Adjustable temperature
- Deep chill mode; Dispensing components included; Black cabinet & stainless steel door
- Guard rail, drip tray, & casters included; Includes two (2) wire shelves for refrigerator use
- Fits half-barrel, slim quarter, corny, and sixth barrel kegs; Dimensions (fridge only without casters or tower) 33 1/2" H x 23 5/8" W x 23 3/8" D
- PLEASE NOTE: Delivery will be curbside, inside delivery is not available. A valid phone number is required for delivery purposes, please ensure the correct phone number is provided in your shipping information when placing this order.
Third best – EdgeStar KC2000SSTWIN Dual Tap Kegerator
The EdgeStar KC2000SSTWIN is slightly smaller than the KC3000 but can still comfortably hold the following keg configurations: (1) Full-Size Keg, 1/2 Barrel (124 pints) / (1) Pony Keg, 1/4 Barrel (62 pints) / (1) Slim-Pony Keg, 1/4 Barrel (62 pints) / Up to (2) Sixth Barrel kegs, (42 pints each) / Up to (2) Cornelius Homebrew kegs, (40 pints each).
If you need your beer ice-cold, this kegerator will chill your brew to the low thirties to mid-forties degrees Fahrenheit.
The KC2000SSTWIN is just over 20 inches wide which is four inches less than a standard full-size kegerator, yet it is still easily capable of holding a full-size keg. We love the external tank mount which allows you to install your gas tank on the back of the machine to give more interior space.
This is another awesome kegerator from the kings of draft beer fridges. The Edgestar KC2000SSTWIN has a protective floor plate, a reversible door, and all of the usual fixtures & fittings.
It’s perfect for seasoned beer drinkers or those just starting out on their draft beer journey. With its sleek lines and simplistic design, it fits into any room with ease.
EdgeStar KC2000SSTWIN Full Size Stainless Steel Dual Tap Kegerator & Draft Beer...
- Stores up to a full sized half shell Sankey standard keg or two sixth kegs; does NOT support use of Coors, Miller rubberized or other oversized kegs
- Temperatures: Low 30s to mid 40s degrees; rolling casters included for easy mobility; Protective floor plate
- Stores up to a full sized half shell Sankey standard keg or two sixth kegs; does NOT support use of Coors, Miller rubberized or other oversized kegs
- Temperatures: Low 30s to mid 40s degrees; rolling casters included for easy mobility; Protective floor plate
- For freestanding use only and indoor use only; 5 lb. CO2 cylinder (supplied empty) included with external or internal mounting capabilities
- Dimensions: 50-7/16" H (includes tap & casters) x 20-3/16" W x 20-1/16" D (Depth w/ external tank mounted: 30-1/2") (Height w/out tap and casters: 33-1/8"); Warranty 90 days labor 1 year parts
- For a black version please see model KC2000TWIN, for a single tap KC2000SSA, single tap in black KC2000
4th best – Keggermeister KM2800BK Kegerator
The Keggermeister KM2800BK didn’t quite make it into the “top three” but it wasn’t far away.
The Keggermeister KM2800BK is perfect for home brewers or regular beer fans. This is a full-size kegerator that is fitted with a single tap.
The Keggermeister KM2800BK chills your beer to the mid to high 30s degrees Fahrenheit. It has an exterior LCD screen that displays the accurate interior temperature.
It features a semi-gloss black tower that is suitable for a variety of glasses or mugs and a chrome guardrail.
The Keggermeister KM2800BK includes an empty 2.5lb CO2 tank, a dual gauge CO2 regulator, and a beer tower tap.
Not quite as good as an Edgestar but still a great kegerator for the price. The Keggermeister KM2800BK comes with a one-year factory warranty.
Keggermeister KM2800BK Kegerator Full-Size Single-Tap Beer Refrigerator and Dispenser, Black
- Full-size single-tap beer dispenser keeps beer fresh for up to 3 months
- Accommodates a full-size keg, pony keg, or 2 5-gallon kegs
- Adjustable temperature control; 3-sided chrome guard rail around top work surface
- Full-size single-tap beer dispenser keeps beer fresh for up to 3 months
- Accommodates a full-size keg, pony keg, or 2 5-gallon kegs
- Adjustable temperature control; 3-sided chrome guard rail around top work surface
- Smooth-rolling casters; UL-approved for commercial use; CO2 bottle included
- Measures 25 by 21 by 49 inches
5th best – Kegco Kegerator Cooler Refrigerator
Not cheap, but worth every dollar is the Kegco Kegerator. This beautifully designed beer fridge/dispenser includes everything you need to serve your own beer.
The Kegerator comes with a 5lb aluminum CO2 tank, a CO2 regulator, “D” System keg couplers, and a 3-inch chrome-plated metal twin tap draft tower.
The Kegco is a full-size kegerator and easily stores any full-size keg including Miller, Coors, and rubber kegs.
The Kegco has one of the coldest temperature ranges available in a home kegerator. It will chill your favorite brew to as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. This is thanks to the powerful fan-forced cooling system.
This unit comes with a “Deep-Chill” function which kicks the compressor into overdrive so you can chill a warm keg in no time at all.
We are also big fans of the mobility of the Kegco. It is fitted with durable, easy-rolling casters. Once in position, the unit can be locked in place so that it doesn’t move around.
It’s a bit more expensive but you get what you pay for. The Kegco is constructed with the highest quality components to ensure long-lasting and superior performance.
Kegco Kegerator Digital Beer Keg Cooler Refrigerator - Dual Faucet - D...
- Dispense kit includes empty 5 lb. aluminum co2 tank, a dual gauge regulator, and ball lock keg coulplers
- Spacious interior can be used to store three home brew kegs or could be used as a fermentation chamber or an all-refrigerator
- Dispense kit includes empty 5 lb. aluminum co2 tank, a dual gauge regulator, and ball lock keg coulplers
- Spacious interior can be used to store three home brew kegs or could be used as a fermentation chamber or an all-refrigerator
- Digital temperature display with easy to use push button controls
- Dimensions: 33.25" H x 24" W x 25" D | Weight: 123.0 lbs | Draft Beer Tower: Height - 12.25" | Diameter - 3"
- Electrical Requirements: 115 V/60 Hz | Running Amps: 1.7
6th best – Versonel VSL155TDSS Freestanding Kegerator
The Versonel VSL155TDSS looks similar to the EdgeStar and offers temperatures between 34 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fitted with a single black tap tower with chrome tap font, a two-piece stainless steel drip tray, and a stainless steel door.
The best thing about the Versonel VSL155TDSS is the price. You get all the features of other kegerators for half of the price.
The kegerator can be converted into a standard fridge and has two wire shelves for this purpose.
Versonel VSL155TDSS Freestanding Full Keg Kegerator Beer Fridge Dispenser LCD Temp, Black/Stainless...
- Sleek black finish with stainless steel door, Casters for easy mobility, Chrome guard rail to house tap & drip tray unit.
- Enhanced Digital LCD Quick View front temperature display to keep your draft beer at optimal temperature at all times.
- Sleek black finish with stainless steel door, Casters for easy mobility, Chrome guard rail to house tap & drip tray unit.
- Enhanced Digital LCD Quick View front temperature display to keep your draft beer at optimal temperature at all times.
- Temperature Adjustment - ranges from 34 degrees to mid 40's.
- Can convert easily to a standard 6cf bar fridge (2 internal wire shelves included)
- Compatible Keg Types : 1/4 Barrel, 5 Gallon, 5 Gallon D System & 1/2 Barrel Full Size
7th best – Nostalgia KRS2100 Full-Size Kegerator
The Nostalgia KRS2100 deserves its place in our list of best kegerators for your MAN-CAVE.
This great value kegerator has a 5.1 cubic feet capacity, a spring-loaded tap, an American Sankey “D” double-tap system, a double meter regulator, a 2.5lb CO2 tank, a 13-inch chrome beer tower, an adjustable thermostat, and study casters.
This very good-looking kegerator will hold kegs of the following sizes: 1/6 Barrel (5.23 Gallons), 1/4 Barrel Short (7.75 Gallons), 1/4 Barrel Slim (7.75 Gallons), 1/2 Barrel (15.5 Gallons).
With easy-to-follow setup instructions, you will be the most popular dude in the hood as soon as your first keg is chilled!
Nostalgia KRS2100 5.1 Cubic-Foot Full Size Kegorator Draft Beer Dispenser
- 5.1 cubic foot capacity
- Spring-loaded tap for easy pull and release dispensing
- Includes one American Sankey "D" Double Tap System
- Double meter regulator
- 2.5 lb. CO2 tank (unfilled)
- 5.1 cubic foot capacity
- Spring-loaded tap for easy pull and release dispensing
- Includes one American Sankey "D" Double Tap System
- Double meter regulator
- 2.5 lb. CO2 tank (unfilled)
- 13-inch chrome beer tap tower ad guardrail
- Stainless steel removable drip tray
- 1 large wire shelf
- Adjustable thermostat
- Casters for easy mobility (locking front wheels)
- Holds the following keg sizes: 1/6 Barrel (5.23 Gallons), 1/4 Barrel Short (7.75 Gallons), 1/4 Barrel Slim (7.75 Gallons), 1/2 Barrel (15.5 Gallons)
8th best – Edgestar Mini Kegerator
Don’t let its cute looks deceive you! This cute little kegerator is an advanced beer dispensing system that utilizes a DraftKeg carbonator to give you a pub-quality beer every single time.
The Edgestar mini kegerator is designed to be used with the Heineken DraftKeg. It can also be used to tap and serve any standard 5-liter keg.
It features electronic temperature controls, lightweight construction, and an AC/DC power adapter.
This compact mini kegerator is quiet and efficiently maintains the optimum mini keg temperature between 38 and 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
With vibration-free thermoelectric cooling and internal fan-forced air circulation, the Edgestar mini kegerator is a perfect portable beer dispenser for every type of beer lover.
Mini Kegerator Refrigerator & Draft Beer Dispenser - EdgeStar
- AC and DC compatible with DC adaptor cord included for easy portability
- Temperature Range: 38-54 degrees F; Cleaning kit included; Capacity: 1 standard 5L mini keg;
- Accepts Heineken 5 liter Draughtkegs but will work with non-pressurized kegs with optional accessory kit (purchase TBC50SKIT instead)
- AC and DC compatible with DC adaptor cord included for easy portability
- Temperature Range: 38-54 degrees F; Cleaning kit included; Capacity: 1 standard 5L mini keg;
- Accepts Heineken 5 liter Draughtkegs but will work with non-pressurized kegs with optional accessory kit (purchase TBC50SKIT instead)
- Vibration-free Peltier thermoelectric cooling; Internal fan-forced air circulation
- Perfect for any type of beer lover, this mini kegerator will be a hit with your friends and family!
If you enjoyed this article, you might like to check out our list of the top beer fridges.
