Top 6 Best Home Kegerator-Complete Reviews With Comparison
What is it about a draft beer that is better than opening a can or a bottle out of the fridge? Is it the ritual of pouring it out into a tall glass and watching the thick foamy head form at the top of the glass? Or is it the great aroma that bubbles up from the glass that you do not get in a bottle? Coming home to a delicious, cold draft beer is something many men dream of.
If you are considering purchasing a home kegerator, we have gathered some of the best choices into one article for you to read. Owning a kegerator is not just something for a homebrewer. They are a great addition to any home if you love drinking beer. If entertaining is something, your family enjoys, like barbecues over the weekends or parties this is a great choice to make.
Not only can you save a lot of money on overpriced bottled beer but you can also get a model that has two or three taps which will allow you and your friends and family to enjoy more than on beer at a time. There are several reasons that a kegerator is better for you and your beer:
1. Better beer:
- Kegs block out any sunlight this reduces the risk of skunking (when beer goes bad due to a chemical reaction with the sun). This also extends its shelf life.
- Kegs lower the oxygen contact with the beer which keeps your beer fresher for longer. The temperature of the beer remains constant which also extends the shelf life
2. Environmentally Friendly
- A keg is not thrown away but reused over. Even plastic kegs are recycled.
- There is a much lower carbon footprint if the beer is brewed and consumed locally.
- As kegs are less likely to be shipped internationally and they are much lighter than their equivalent volume in bottles.
- While bottles and cans are recycled this takes a lot more energy than just washing out a keg and reusing it.
3. The best taste
- When you drink from a glass, you are able to enjoy the aroma of the beer. The aroma adds to your sense of taste making it a much more pleasant experience.
- Glassware also provides visual stimulation, color, and clarity. It is an aesthetic experience.
- Kegs add carbonation to the beer which helps with head retention and releases ester volatiles. Making it a much more exciting experience.
4. Having a kegerator saves you money in the long run.
- Here are the most popular ones we have found based on genuine customer reviews. So to save you the time of searching all over the internet you can start here with 6 of the best:
Best Home Kegerator Comparison Chart
1. Kegco Kegerator Full Size Keg Refrigerator
If you are looking for versatility, then this is one to consider. It is great for entertaining if you are a beer enthusiast. It is an easy-to-maintain model with a digital thermostat. This model lets you set an exact temperature for the icy brew you can enjoy any time you wish. The fact that it has three faucets allows you to serve a variety of beers at the same time. It also comes with a keg tapping kit.
Overview
- Triple faucet
- Precise thermostat
- Dispenses three five-gallon kegs at a time
- Sleek, Clean design
- Matte black door
- The work surface on top of the unit is textured and non-slip
- Mounted on casters
- Energy efficient
- Size: 23.7 x 23.7 x 33 inches
- Weight: 96.8 pounds
Product Highlights
- Has three faucets allowing you to dispense three different beers at a time.
- It has a precise thermostat with a temperature ranging between thirty-five degrees up to forty-two degrees Fahrenheit.
- It has a large interior that allows you to dispense a full-sized keg or three five gallon kegs at a time.
- It has a very sleek modern and clean design with a matte black door that will fit into most modern homes.
- The top of the unit is set up for use with a textured non-slip work surface that stops glasses from slipping and spilling over easily. It has a dishwasher-friendly drip tray on the top.
- It is also easy to move around as it is mounted on casters
- The energy-efficient
- The CO2 tank is mounted on the back of the unit to save space inside.
- Has a stainless steel plate at the base of the unit that distributes the weight of the unit.
The Good/What I like
This model is a very versatile unit. The fact that it has three faucets makes it great for parties and family gatherings. Not everyone has the same preference for beer type, so this makes a lot of our guests happy. It also converts into a small refrigerator if you are not serving beer so great for kids’ parties too. It also looks neat and classy. But those are all added to its primary purpose. The precise temperature control means it delivers a high-quality icy cold beer any time day or night.
The Bad/What I don’t like
There is not much that is not to like. It is a little large and has the CO2 canister mounted on the back, so this adds to the footprint.
2. EdgeStar Full Size Dual Tap Kegerator
If you have a tight budget, then this is a good option. It has many useful features, so you don’t need to compromise on quality while paying less than other similar brands. This kegerator is designed to keep a fresh brew for several months. It is equipped with precise temperature control that ranges from the Mid 30s to Mid 40s Fahrenheit, which gives you the best possible flavor from your beer. It has a lightweight design with casters on the base that locks into place when positioned.
Overview
- Top of the line control panel
- Temperature ranges from thirty-two degrees to fifty degrees.
- Quick to reach temperature.
- Portable with four locking casters.
- Beautiful design
- Fits full-sized keg
- One year warranty on all parts
- The top comes with an elegant silver guardrail to stack glasses
- Dishwasher safe drip tray on top
- Stainless steel front
- Size: 25.7 x 20.2 x 35.1 inches
- Weight: 81.6 pounds
Product Highlights
- The top-of-the-line control panel is easy to read and has precise temperature settings.
- Temperature range from 32 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fast cool-down option to bring beer down to the wanted temperature
- It is lightweight and also has four locking casters on the base that make it moving from room to room easy.
- Beautiful design with an elegant stainless steel front, silver guard rail, and tap
- Fits full-sized keg with no cut out for the CO2 canister on the interior, so there is ample room on the inside.
The Good/What I like
This option is very cost effective. It has all the features you need. The control panel is easy to use, and we like the added function of the deep chill mode. This allows you to bring your brew down to the temperature you want really fast. It is also very easy on the eye. The stainless steel exterior looks great at any party.
The Bad/What I don’t like
The CO2 canister is located on the back of the unit, so it, therefore, requires an additional 6 inches of clearance behind the unit to hold the bottle. This makes it stick out a bit.
3. Ivation Full Size Kegerator
This kegerator is a solid, reliable option. It has all the essential functions you need. It features an American Sankey double tap system. It has a dual meter regulator and an adjustable thermostat. It will fit all standard beer sizes except for Coors. (Coors have a beveled keg that is much wider around the middle). It is quick and easy to assemble. It only takes 30 minutes or less to set up. The instructions are easy to read and follow. It comes with a primary controller that can be set to the needed temperature. It is not digital. The temperature range is between thirty-four and a max of fifty-two degrees.
Overview
- Single Tap
- Fits standard sized keg
- Comes with two and a half pound CO2 tank
- Drip tray and rail on top
- The standard model comes with self-leveling legs
- Size: 20.3 x 26 x 32 inches
- Weight: 95.6 pounds
Product Highlights
- This is a single tap kegerator
- Has an elegant thirteen-inch tap
- Fits standard sized keg of all types except Coors
- Come with two and a half pound CO2 tank that can be upgraded to a five-pound tank
- Drip tray that is removable and dishwasher safe
- The standard model comes with self-leveling legs
The Good/What I like
One thing that we like about this unit is how quiet it is when its in operation. Other models can get a bit noisy but not this one. It is also very elegant. We like the black exterior and silver guard rail.
The Bad/What I don’t like
This Nostalgia Kegerator only comes with a two and a half pound CO2 tank. This might be limiting for some serious beer enthusiasts. However, you can easily upgrade to a five-pound tank. Also, the casters are optional. It comes with self-leveling feet which only work if you are planning on having it in a permanent location.
4. Ivation Full Size Kegerator
Midea produces a range of durable kegerators. Their simplicity is what makes this brand very popular. They are also priced well below other brands. This model is designed for a wide range of beers. The temperature control and pressure settings ensure a long lasting and high-quality product. It was also designed so that beer with high alcohol contents can be stored for up to four months. This is quite a long time as most kegerators will only keep beer fresh for 2-3 months at a time. It is also versatile. It comes with two wire shelves so that if you do not have a keg, you can use it as a refrigerator. It is easy to clean with a dishwasher-safe drip tray on the top. The stylish black exterior is minimalist and fits into any kitchen or venue.
Overview
- 5.7 cubic foot capacity
- Easy to move with locking casters
- American Sankey Tap
- Fits all standard sized kegs
- Large guard rail on the top
- Five Pound CO2 cylinder
- Convertible into a refrigerator
Product Highlights
- It has a decent sized capacity with 5.7 cubic foot of room inside,
- Easy to move with locking casters
- American Sankey Tap standard size
- Fits all standard sized kegs except for the Coors
- Large guard rail and stainless steel, dishwasher safe drip tray
- Comes with two wire shelves and easily converts into a refrigerator when not in use
- Size: 23.6 x 23.6 x 33.5 inches
- Weight: 90 pounds
The Good/What I like
One thing that we like about this unit is how easy it is to install and set up. It comes partially assembled so only takes half an hour to put together. It is recommended that you leave the unit for two days before you use it to calibrate and achieve the right temperature. This way when you insert your first keg, you won’t have issues with too much foam.
The Bad/What I don’t like
It’s a bit smaller and can only dispense one beer at a time.
5. VEVOR Kegerators Beer Dispenser
If you are looking for a compact unit, this is an excellent choice. Unlike others, the CO2 canister is neatly stored on the interior. It comes with a 5 pound CO2 tank which is substantial and long-lasting. It is a decent size holding 42 gallons or 5.6 cubic feet. It is also versatile with a cap that can be placed where the tower goes that changes it into a refrigerator when you don’t need it for a keg.
Overview
- Digital temperature control
- Forty-Two-gallon capacity
- Holds full-sized keg
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Scratch proof work surface
- Water drip box to collect spills temperature from 32 degrees to 50 degrees
- Elegant Chrome guard rail on top.
Product Highlights
- Large capacity of over 42 gallons
- Has a scratch-proof top with a dishwasher-proof drip tray and a useful chrome rail to hold glasses in place.
- Removable tap tower for easy storage and to convert into an under-counter refrigerator when not in use as a kegerator.
- Holds full-size keg
- Durable and long-wearing
- Stainless steel outer.
- External CO2 tank gives more internal space.
- Weight: 81.6 pounds
- Pound: 23.6 x 33.5 x 23.6 inches
The Good/What I like
This kegerator is large and easy to use. It has an excellent scratch free top and elegant chrome rail that holds the glasses in place. You can stack several glasses on the top, so it makes serving easy. There is a handy water catchment box for drips. The heavy-duty casters below also help with serving.
The Bad/What I don’t like
It is more expensive.
Best Home Kegerator Buyer’s Guide
Owning a kegerator is not only about being able to serve a perfect glass of beer at any time you want to. It is also about saving money. You can cut your beer budget in half by owning one. Kegs are often sold at a discounted price. And even more, if you compare them to the price of a typical 6 or 12 pack. There is also no waste. If you only want to drink half a glass, you only need to pour that amount.
Best Home Kegerator FAQ
What maintenance do I need to do?
It is essential to clean your kegerator out regularly. Like any other fridge, it can accumulate mold and bacteria if not properly cleaned. Give it a good clean each time you change out the keg. Also, make sure to clean the lines so that you don’t have any contamination of the beer or cross-contamination if you are changing to a different type of beer.
Is it sustainable?
A good kegerator will last a long time. It also contributes to saving the environment. You will save hundreds and even thousands of glass bottles or cans over the years you have this appliance.
Does the beer taste better?
Most beer drinkers agree that beer coming from a keg tastes better. A kegerator will keep your beer at a perfect temperature. This creates an environment where the crispness and taste is maintained and will never go flat.
What is the right temperature to choose?
The recommended temperature is between 35 degrees and 45 degrees as this will retain the right level of carbonation. You might need to adjust depending on the climate in which you live. You can lower it in summer to change for the heat outside. But one thing to know is that beer freezes at 21 degrees. How long do I need to wait to use my kegerator Most brands recommend 24-48 hours to allow the kegerator calibrate and to come to the right temperature before loading a keg into it.
Final Verdict
Owning a kegerator is something you should consider if you enjoy an icy cold beer and want to be able to have this at any time in the comfort of your home. Each of the units above has slightly different features and looks. The best unit we decided to choose is the Kegco Homebrew Kegerator. Out of all the units, it is the most versatile. You can hook up and dispense three different beers at a time. This will make family affairs and parties a breeze. It has a digital thermostat that is easy to use and very precise. However, it is a little more than the other brands. If you have a specific favorite beer and are buying this just for your use, then you might choose one of the single tap models. We hope this has helped you to find the right model for your kitchen, man cave, or even your backyard. And while these are a luxury product, we think that you deserve to have the perfect, icy cold glass of beer at any time you want it.