A kegerator is a cool device for beer lovers. It chills, stores, and dispenses kegs of beer. It’s perfect for those who want a fresh beer supply. By building your own, you save money and learn a lot. We’ll guide you through each step to make the best home beer system. You can do this project in just a few hours with basic tools. Soon, you’ll enjoy beer on tap anytime.
The Story of Tom’s Home Bar
Tom loved beer and wanted to share his brews. He dreamt of pouring his homebrew from a tap. But buying a commercial kegerator seemed too expensive and hard to manage.
Then, Tom found a DIY kegerator guide online. Reading it, he saw he could affordably make his own bar. This idea excited him, and he started his kegerator project.
He began by looking into the best fridges for kegerators. Tom found out that, for his needs, a compact fridge was perfect. He picked a Danby compact refrigerator after much thought.
Next, he moved on to building the kegerator itself. He got the tools and a conversion kit. Tom followed the guide to set up his refrigerator for beer taps and parts for a CO2 system.
After some drilling and connecting, his kegerator was done. Tom was proud of his homemade bar. Now, he could enjoy his beer with friends at home.
Feeling inspired, Tom wondered if others should make one too. If you share his dream, this guide will help you. Building a kegerator might just be what you need for a great home bar experience. Cheers to that!
Choosing the Right Refrigerator
The first step to making a kegerator is picking the right fridge. The kegerator’s size depends on the number of kegs you want to have. If it’s just one or two kegs, a small mini fridge should work. For more kegs or a bigger setup, you’ll need a full-size fridge or a chest freezer.
Think about the fridge’s size and how many kegs it can fit. This is crucial for ensuring it matches your needs.
Getting a fridge with good space and insulation is key for keeping your beer cold. This helps maintain its quality and taste. Models like Danby compact fridges or large full-size ones are popular for kegerator setups.
Choosing the Right Refrigerator – Comparison Table
Refrigerator Type | Size | Capacity | Price Range |
---|---|---|---|
Compact Mini Refrigerator | Small | 1-2 kegs | $100 – $300 |
Full-Size Refrigerator | Medium-Large | 2-4 kegs | $300 – $800 |
Chest Freezer | Large | 4+ kegs | $500 – $1000+ |
Building the Kegerator
After picking the perfect fridge for your kegerator, the building fun begins. The main thing you need is a kegerator conversion kit. These kits come with taps, hoses, regulators, and CO2 tanks.
To get your fridge ready, you’ll change it to fit these new parts. You might have to drill holes for the taps or cut the door for a draft tower. Make sure to use the tools and follow the guide that comes with your kit. Proper installation is key.
With the fridge all set up, it’s time to put in the conversion kit. First, attach the taps and connect the hoses. You’ll also need to set up the CO2 for bubbles. Always carefully follow the instructions, especially for plumbing or electrical work. And don’t forget about safety.
After everything is connected, it’s time to pour a cold one. Enjoy being able to draw fresh beer at home. You’ll not only quench your thirst but also feel proud of your DIY kegerator project. Cheers!
FAQ
What is a kegerator?
A kegerator keeps beer cold and ready to drink. You can use it to store and pour beer from a keg.
Why should I build my own kegerator?
Building one saves money and is fun. You’ll always have beer ready to drink at home.
What size refrigerator do I need for my kegerator?
If you’re tapping one or two kegs, a small fridge is okay. Need room for more kegs? You’ll want a bigger fridge or a freezer.
What are popular refrigerator choices for kegerator conversions?
Danby fridges are good for small kegerators. For big setups, people use regular large fridges.
What is a kegerator conversion kit?
A conversion kit turns a fridge into a kegerator. It comes with taps, hoses, and a CO2 tank.
How do I modify the refrigerator for the kegerator conversion kit?
You might need to drill holes or cut the door. Always follow the kit instructions. Use tools like a power drill.
What is involved in installing the kegerator conversion kit?
Attach the taps, connect the hoses, and set up the CO2. You might need to do a bit of plumbing and wiring. Just follow the instructions.
Can I pour beer directly after assembling the kegerator?
Once everything’s set up, you’re ready to pour beer. It’s that simple!
Source Links
- https://www.beergifts.org/how-to-make-a-kegerator/
- https://tasteofartisan.com/detailed-kegerator-build-guide/
- https://www.kegerators.com/articles/how-to-build-a-kegerator/