4 Different Types of Kegerators

If you’re in the market to buy a kegerator this is a great place to start. Before you rush out and buy the first one you see, doing some basic research, knowing the different types that are available and their purposes, will help you purchase the best kegerator to fit your lifestyle.

1.  Mini Kegerator

Who it’s for: If you’re not ready to make a huge financial investment, or you just don’t have much space in your home, then a mini kegerator is a suitable alternative for you. This dispenser acts much like its full-size counterpart but is designed to fit 5L kegs.

Pros: A Mini Kegerator can give you a great draft experience without taking up much space or costing you a lot of money. It can sit right on your countertop or be taken with you on-the-go, as well as be easily stored out of sight when not in use. Mini kegerators can be a good starting point for someone interested in owning their own dispenser, but not quite ready to shell out the cash for a full size kegerator.

Cons: The downside of a Mini Kegerator is that it can be difficult to find a diverse selection of beers available in the 5L keg. Heineken, Coors Light and Newcastle Brown Ale are the only ones that are widely available. If you like to try a variety of beers, you’ll want to avoid the mini kegerator and aim for a larger unit that fits a sixth barrel keg.

In a Nutshell:

•       Affordable.
•       Doesn’t take up much space.
•       Holds 5L kegs, which is about 10 pints of beer.
•       Beer selection is extremely limited.

2.  Freestanding & Built-In Kegerators

If you want to have access to a wide selection of beers, you’ll need a dispenser that’s capable of fitting at least a sixth or quarter barrel keg. Most kegerators will be able to easily fit this size keg, with many units able to fit two or three, allowing you to keep multiple beers on tap at all times. These larger units are going to be found in two styles — Freestanding and Built-in.

Freestanding

Who it’s for: This is likely going to be the best kegerator for the majority of people and the most common unit available. You can pretty much keep them anywhere inside your house where you can fit them. They often come with casters attached at the bottom, allowing you to easily roll them from one spot to another.

Pros: You have a lot of options! You’ll find quite a bit of variety in the indoor units available. Some kegerators will come with extra features, like digital displays or multiple taps, while others are going to be barebones, yet still functional for what you want. You’ll also find units available in various sizes, shapes and finishes.

Cons: A freestanding kegerator is going to be a bit more expensive than the mini version, but also more affordable than outdoor and built-in units. The price will vary due to the features of the unit.

In a Nutshell:

•       Popular and affordable.
•       Can be put virtually anywhere indoors.
•       Cost less than outdoor and built-in kegerators.
•       Fits most keg sizes and shapes.

Shop Free Standing Home Kegerators

Built-in Kegerator

Who it’s for: If you’re going to buy a kegerator and want to make it a seamless part of your home, then you should consider going with a built-in kegerator.

Pros: Built-in kegerators are installed directly into your countertops, just like a dishwasher or oven would be, to have a seamless look and feel in your home.

Cons: The installation is going to be more complicated than a freestanding model, which only needs to be plugged in. If you’re DIY savvy, then you may be able to handle it, but it’s possible that you’ll need to hire a professional contractor.

In a Nutshell:

•       Seamlessly blends into your home.
•       Can be installed directly into your countertops.
•       Undercounter installation can be difficult, you might want to call in a professional.

Shop Built-In Undercounter Kegerators

3.  Outdoor Kegerator 

Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to keep a kegerator out in your garage or on your back patio, whether just for you or if you love to entertain.

Pros: An outdoor kegerator is specifically engineered to withstand the ever-changing elements of the environment. As the seasons roll by and the temperatures start to change, it’s important that your kegerator can operate within its surrounding environment.

Cons: If your outdoor kegerator is unable to operate under the environmental conditions, it’s not only going to have a shorter lifespan, but it may affect the overall freshness of the beer inside. An outdoor kegerator is going to cost a little more than an indoor, but it’ll continue to keep your beer cold during the hot summer and keep working in the face of winter’s coldest months.

In a Nutshell:

•       Can use anywhere.
•       Cost more than indoor units.
•       Can withstand extreme temperature fluctuations.
•       Available in both freestanding or built-in.

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4.  Commercial Kegerators 

Who it’s for: Commercial direct-draw kegerators are the large units ideal for bars or restaurants. Oftentimes, these will be significantly larger and more expensive than the average beer dispenser you’ll find in residential homes.

Many of these units are designed to be more than just a kegerator. They all generally have space for kegs, but also are engineered to have extra refrigeration space for bottles, cans and other items a bartender may need during the course of their shift.

Pros: Due to how these will be primarily used, you can expect these dispensers to have all the bells and whistles, as well as be suitable for indoor or outdoor use.

Cons: As you can imagine, some of these commercial dispensers can get quite large, as well as pretty costly.

In a Nutshell:

•       Designed for bars and restaurants.
•       More expensive than residential units.
•       Lots of options, sizes and features to choose from.

Shop Commercial Kegerators

Now that you have a general idea of the different types of kegerators available, the next step is to read about the factors to consider when buying a kegerator. Remember, with the right kegerator you’ll finally be able to enjoy a freshly poured draft beer from the comfort of your home anytime you want!