Dive into Kegerators
The Concept of Built-In Kegerators
Built-in kegerators are like the MVPs of homebrew, ready to crush it in style every single day. Fancy having endless draft beer flows without those annoying bar tabs? These cool gadgets slip right into your kitchen cabinets, making your home bar as sleek as a sports car on a showroom floor. Designed to let you pour beer straight from the keg, they keep each glass fresh and delicious.
Thanks to their nifty design and a bunch of options, built-in kegerators fit perfectly in homes, man caves, and areas where good times roll. Add one to your living space, and suddenly, you’re the ultimate host with drinks on tap. Cheers to that!
Benefits of Having a Built-In Kegerator
Why plunk down cash on a built-in kegerator? Well, your taste buds—and maybe your wallet—will thank you:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Space Saver | Built-in kegerators are like ninjas in your cabinets—stealthy and space-efficient, ensuring your countertop remains clutter-free. |
| Stay Fresh | Beer from a keg beats the pants off other storage. It laughs in the face of light and air, keeping that brew fresh and fizzy. |
| Mix and Match | Choose how many taps and keg sizes you want. Feel like showing off your beer variety? Go right ahead, customization is king. |
| Looks Great | These kegerators don’t just serve beer; they add a dash of class to your bar or kitchen, making them posh as heck. |
| Money Saver | Grabbing a keg isn’t just cool—it’s smart. Get more beer for your buck compared to cans or bottles, especially when the crowd rolls in. |
Bringing a built-in kegerator home isn’t just about the perks—it's about setting up a spot that speaks to your love of craft beer. Want more tips on pimping out your drink zone? Dive into our article on beer fridges you'll love.
Factors to Consider
When you're picking out a built-in kegerator, you gotta think about a couple of things to make sure it vibes with what you want. Let's break down two main ones: where you’re putting it and how much beer you want on tap.
Space and Location
First off, take a look at where you wanna plop this bad boy. Grab a tape measure and check out if it’ll snugly fit where you dreamed of placing it. Ventilation's a thing too. Leaving some elbow room around your kegerator is a good idea so it doesn’t get too toasty.
| Measurement | Recommended Clearance |
|---|---|
| Sides | 1 - 2 inches |
| Back | 2 - 3 inches |
| Top | 2 - 3 inches |
Accessibility is another key point, especially for those thirst-quenching, social gatherings. You want it easy to get to, so think about places like the kitchen, patio, or your man cave for easy access to liquid gold.
Capacity and Number of Taps
Think about how much beer you’re planning to have on deck and how regularly you're gonna be serving it. These kegerators come in all sizes, from small ones carrying a single half-barrel keg to the more enthusiastic setups with room for a few kegs.
| Capacity Options | Kegs Supported |
|---|---|
| 5 - 10 gallons | 1 - 2 Corny kegs |
| 10 - 15 gallons | 1 Half-barrel keg or 2 Corny kegs |
| 15 - 20 gallons | 2 Half-barrel kegs or 3 Corny kegs |
And how many different brews do you wanna offer at once? A kegerator with dual taps lets your guests sample more and keeps those party vibes rolling. For additional inspiration, check out our article on beer fridges you'll love and find more picks suited for your social shindigs.
Types of Built-In Kegerators
So, you're thinking about adding a built-in kegerator to spruce up your home. Lucky for you, there are a few options out there to fit any nook or cranny. Let’s check out three popular built-in kegerators types you might dig.
Undercounter Kegerators
Undercounter kegerators slip right under your countertops, perfect for those kitchens or bars where space is tighter than a drum. They look slick, like they belong with your cupboards.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Usually between 24 and 30 inches wide |
| Capacity | Fits one standard keg (just what you need for your beer fix) |
| Installation | Hides away neatly into your cabinetry for that seamless look |
These babies usually have a sturdy tap setup, so you can pour yourself some draft goodness without a hassle. Placing these under-the-counter beauties keeps everything looking tip-top in your kitchen.
Outdoor Kegerators
Love cracking open a cold one while grilling or hanging in the yard? Outdoor kegerators have got your back. Built tough to handle sun, rain, and whatever nature throws their way, these are your go-to outdoor party pals.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | Close to undercounter types |
| Capacity | Could hold one or two kegs |
| Special Features | Has its own cooling system to keep things chill outdoors |
With additions like LED lights and shiny stainless steel cladding, these kegerators keep your backyard looking fresh and festive.
Dual-Tap Kegerators
For those of you who don't want to pick just one brew, dual-tap kegerators let you pour two different kinds at once. Perfect for mixing things up when you’re feeling adventurous or just can’t decide.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | A bit bulkier than single-tap units |
| Capacity | Can house one regular keg and a smaller one (1/4 barrel) |
| Installation | Works inside or outside, wherever you want it! |
Dual-tap models are your best bet for keeping friends happy at your parties. And if you're looking for even more ideas to improve your beer game, check out these beer fridges you'll love.
Picking the right built-in kegerator means thinkin' about your space and what you really want out of your drink setup. Go have a look-see and find that perfect fit.
Maintenance and Care
Wanna keep that kegerator in top shape and your drinks tasting like they just walked out of the brewery? Keeping it clean and at the right temperature are your new best pals. Let's dive into how to keep your beer buddy happy.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
You don't want anything messing with your brew's mojo, right? Regular scrubbing and sanitizing are the name of the game. Leftover beer gunk, pesky yeasts, and spill mishaps can turn your kegerator into a party pooper if you're not careful.
Cleaning Checklist:
| Task | How Often? |
|---|---|
| Clean those beer lines | Every couple of weeks |
| Tidy up taps and couplers | Every month |
| Wipe down the inside | Weekly habit |
| Sort the drip tray | After each session |
- Beer Lines: Unhook the line, and let the cleaning solution do the rest.
- Taps and Couplers: Sanitize all parts like a clean freak to get rid of any leftovers.
- Interior Surfaces: Give it a once-over with some mild soap while you’re at it.
- Drip Tray: Don’t let it sit! Rinse it out after each pour to stop the yucky stuff.
Extra curious about storing things right? Check out collard greens storage tips for the fridge to master your fridge game like a pro.
Temperature Control and Calibration
The magic temperature for beer isn’t just a suggestion, it’s practically the law. Too warm? Spoilage! Too cold? Flat beer. Not cool (pun intended).
Ideal Temperature Range:
| Drink it Right | Keep it at: |
|---|---|
| Everyday brews | 38°F - 40°F |
| Crafty selections | 40°F - 45°F |
| Dark goodness | 45°F - 50°F |
- Set Temperature: Turn that dial till your kegerator hits the sweet spot.
- Regular Check-ins: Peek at the thermometer to make sure it's just right.
- Tweaking Time: Adjust if the numbers play tricks monthly.
Show some love to your kegerator, and it'll return the favor with perfect pours every time. If you're keen to learn more about making the most outta your storage, find out how to treat your ginger right at storing ginger root in the fridge properly.
