Kegerator
Encyclopedia
Kegerator is a term used to describe a residential draft (draught) beer
dispensing device. A keg
, typically of beer, is stored in a refrigerated container in order to keep the keg chilled. The user is able to maintain a tapped keg in such a device for extended periods of time, usually a couple of months, without losing any quality in the taste of the beer. A kegerator may be purchased in its finished form or built from a re-purposed refrigerator
or a freezer with special equipment.
Parts of a Kegerator tank
One crucial part of a kegerator is a coupler. Beverage dispensing devices, such as the kegerator, have many standards for couplers:
The D, S, U and G couplers are secured by twisting them in place (like a screw). The A-coupler is often referred to as a "slide coupler", because unlike the other couplers it slides in place and can be secured at any angle. (The M-coupler is also a slide coupler).
Typically, a person will purchase a used refrigerator (from a yard sale, classifieds, etc) and use a kegerator conversion kit to turn it into a beer dispensing kegerator. One advantage of using full kegerators for home draught beer dispensing is that they can often hold more than one keg. This is the case when using slim kegs or pony kegs. Kegerator kits are also much cheaper and more economical than purchasing a pre-existing kegerator.
Kegerator Kits can create either door-mounted or tower conversion types. Typically, they are easy to install and include all necessary equipment and instructions. A few rudimentary tools, such as a socket wrench set and a drill with wide bits, are needed to modify the fridge. The CO2 tank needed for beer dispensing can sit either inside the fridge, or somewhere near/around it.
Beer
Beer is the world's most widely consumed andprobably oldest alcoholic beverage; it is the third most popular drink overall, after water and tea. It is produced by the brewing and fermentation of sugars, mainly derived from malted cereal grains, most commonly malted barley and malted wheat...
dispensing device. A keg
Keg
A keg is a small barrel.Traditionally, a wooden keg is made by a cooper used to transport items such as nails, gunpowder., and a variety of liquids....
, typically of beer, is stored in a refrigerated container in order to keep the keg chilled. The user is able to maintain a tapped keg in such a device for extended periods of time, usually a couple of months, without losing any quality in the taste of the beer. A kegerator may be purchased in its finished form or built from a re-purposed refrigerator
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a common household appliance that consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room...
or a freezer with special equipment.
Parts of a Kegerator tank
- Regulator
- Coupler
- Beer & Air Line
- Tap
- Tower
- Drip Tray
- Faucet
- Faucet Handle
One crucial part of a kegerator is a coupler. Beverage dispensing devices, such as the kegerator, have many standards for couplers:
- System D (US Sankey) - Standard for American beer
- System S (European Sankey) - Common for European beer
- System U - Used for stout and ale by a few breweries in UK/Ireland (Guinness)
- System G - Used by some breweries in UK/Ireland. (Also used in the US by Anchor Brewing).
- System A - Chiefly used by breweries in Germany.
- System M - Used by some German breweries (Schneider)
- Pin and ball lock home brew keg taps - Designed to work with Cornelius kegsCornelius kegsA cornelius keg is a metal container originally used by the soft drink industry, and can be used to store and dispense Homemade Sodas and home brewed beer...
.
The D, S, U and G couplers are secured by twisting them in place (like a screw). The A-coupler is often referred to as a "slide coupler", because unlike the other couplers it slides in place and can be secured at any angle. (The M-coupler is also a slide coupler).
Kegerator Conversion Kit
A kegerator conversion kit is a simple way to convert a regular refrigerator or freezer (requires a temperature control device) into a beer-dispensing kegerator.Typically, a person will purchase a used refrigerator (from a yard sale, classifieds, etc) and use a kegerator conversion kit to turn it into a beer dispensing kegerator. One advantage of using full kegerators for home draught beer dispensing is that they can often hold more than one keg. This is the case when using slim kegs or pony kegs. Kegerator kits are also much cheaper and more economical than purchasing a pre-existing kegerator.
Kegerator Kits can create either door-mounted or tower conversion types. Typically, they are easy to install and include all necessary equipment and instructions. A few rudimentary tools, such as a socket wrench set and a drill with wide bits, are needed to modify the fridge. The CO2 tank needed for beer dispensing can sit either inside the fridge, or somewhere near/around it.
External links
- Kegerator Social Network Kegerator pictures, profiles, videos, groups, and events.
- How to build a kegerator instructions for download. (PDF)
- Step-by-Step Guide on Building a Kegerator.:Includes images and tips on avoiding mistakes.
- Chest Freezer Kegerator: Includes images, Cost Benefit Analysis and other information.
- DIY directions: Includes examples of materials as well as pictures and diagrams.
- The History of the Kegerator A 10-part series of articles discussing the rise of cold beer drinking and the kegerator.
- Keg Dimensions & Kegerator Plans Complete DIY Kegerator Instructions.
- DIY Kegerator Project Includes detailed costs, research, and lessons learned.
- Art of Kegerator Maintenance
- How to Construct a Kegerator Home Kegerator plans with photos.
- Kegerator Troubleshooting Kegerator Troubleshooting - Solve beer foaming and other issues.
- Build a Beer Tower Cooler Build a Beer Tower Cooler to keep your beer tower ice cold and prevent foaming.