How to Buy a Kegerator – What You Need to Know
With barbecue season in full swing, it seems like there’s always a cookout in your backyard. Family and friends gather to relax and share a good meal. Nothing goes better with a burger off the grill than an ice-cold beer. Yet, it doesn’t matter whether you drink it from a bottle or a can, the beer never tastes as good as it does straight from the tap. However, before you go out and buy one, here are a few tips on how to buy a kegerator.
Size
First, you need to decide what size you need. Kegerators come in a range of sizes, from small under-the-counter models to full-sized units that can store multiple kegs. Home-use kegerators typically hold one keg and are available in free-standing, built-in, and outdoor models. You will need to make sure that the beer you want to keep on tap comes in a keg that will fit the models you are considering.
Space
You also need to make sure the kegerator will fit where you want to put it. The average home kegerator can run anywhere from 3 to 4 ½ feet tall and 2 to 2 ½ feet wide and deep. You will also need to allow room for the draft tower and ventilation behind free-standing units. Be sure to measure the space available and check the unit’s specifications to make sure it will fit.
Type of Beer
Your beer of choice is also a significant factor when figuring out how to buy a kegerator. There are three types of taps commonly used on home kegerators: Standard, European, and Stout.
The Standard tap will dispense a variety of beers, including most ales and lagers. It is easy to install or swap out on the kegerator’s draft tower.
The European tap will dispense similar beers, but the style is different. The spout is narrower than on the standard tap, reducing the amount of head on each pour. The threads are usually different from the standard tap. An adapter is typically needed to install a European tap on your kegerator.
The Stout tap is meant for a nitrogen-based draft system and is used for dispensing beers such as Guinness. The spout on a Stout tap has a small opening to provide the slow pour associated with stout beers. You can purchase a kegerator specifically designed for stout beer or buy an adaptor for a standard kegerator.
Now that we’ve covered the basics of how to buy a kegerator, let’s talk about why you need one.
Five Reasons to Buy a Kegerator
Cost-Effective – Buying beer a six-pack at a time can be expensive, especially if you’re stocking up for your next cookout. Over time, a kegerator will save you money.
Convenient – In the mood for a cold draft but don’t feel like going to the local tavern to get one? With a kegerator, you can relax and enjoy that same draft beer in the comfort of your own home.
Space Saver – Think about how much refrigerator space you need for entertaining. Between the food and the beer, you can hardly get the door closed. You could use a cooler full of ice for the beer, but it never seems cold enough and it’s messy. A kegerator eliminates the struggle over refrigerator space.
Long Shelf-Life – Like draft beer but think a keg is too much? Don’t worry. By properly controlling the temperature on your kegerator, your beer can last for months.
Eco-Friendly – Bottles or cans – just think of all the containers that end up in the trash. While they may be recyclable, it took a lot of energy to make the containers and more to recycle them. The keg, however, is reusable.
Still Have Questions On How to Buy a Kegerator?
The experienced and knowledgeable Jersey Coast Appliance staff can answer your questions and help you select the perfect kegerator to fit your needs. We carry an extensive selection of top-name appliances and offer parts and service for everything we sell. Contact us or stop in today.
