What are the best kegerators of 2021?
Kegerator has not been that long in the market and also the actual history isn’t long yet either. It does owe its history to the evolution of the draft beer system for if not for it, there wouldn’t be any need for a kegerator at all.
There is no exact origin to speak off when it comes to keg fridge kegerators. Who thought of it? Who first made it? What it seems is that kegerators came around when brewers thought they could create and store their own stuff at home.
Kegerator History
Kegerator could be that the very first ones came out in the 1900s. Only, they were most probably still very crude models back then and definitely called something else.
The era was the time refrigerators became commercially available and hat was pre-prohibition. Then it must be when prohibition started that serving draught beer began. Later came the canned beer. When the prohibition was lifted, 756 brewers went back into operation. The commercial beer was back, but not craft beer. Well, not until 40 years after.
In the 1960s, the beer keg was introduced. It was easier to clean and fill with brew and that was the idea behind its creation. Then the 1980s saw the revival of homebrewing that made a big contribution to the development of the modern-day kegerator.
“Historically speaking, this synchronicity has produced a unique experience in beer drinking history, which has to do with taste and pasteurization. The technology to make kegerators for the home had been in existence since just before the turn of the 19th century. But various social issues, including prohibition, war, economic depression, and the civil rights movement hindered advancement in such, shall we say, frivolous fields.” (Kegerators.com)
As now known, the popularity of the kegerator continues to grow, thanks to various innovations that should suit consumers’ needs. Today, kegerators come in different shapes, sizes, and styles.
Choosing a Keg Fridge Kegerator
Drinking enthusiasts differ when it comes to beverage preferences and level of social activities. Therefore, if one decides to purchase a kegerator, the buyer should already have an idea on which type to get.
For instance, homebrews are usually stored in soda kegs that can hold five gallons of liquid while drinks from liquor stores need bigger kegs. Therefore, one must think about beer preferences and keg sizes when buying a kegerator.
Types of Kegerator
Indoor Kegerators
Indoor kegerators are called so because they should be kept indoors. If the environment is below 50 degrees or above 85 degrees, don’t keep a kegerator there. That is why an indoor kegerator is appropriate for pubs and bars. Caterers also use it for indoor events. There are freestanding units as well as units that can be built onto countertops. Indoor kegerators are the most common bought and used kegerators that’s why it’s still at the top of the best kegerators that you can buy today.
Single Keg Units
- the smallest size available
- holds the least amount of beer (single ½ barrel keg holds about 15 ½ gal. of beer)
- can serve draft beer to approximately 110 people
- durable
- easy to maneuver
- usually freestanding
- usually stores CO2 tank outside of it
Multiple Keg Units
- bigger and holds more beer than single units
- can be freestanding
- can be installed directly into a bar
- may require casters to be moved
- includes extra tap towers to serve more kinds of beer
- can typically hold (2-5) ½ barrel kegs
- can accommodate smaller kegs (¼ barrel, ⅙ barrel)
Multi-purpose Keg Units
- maybe used as regular bar back coolers (for storing bottles and cans)
- many have glass doors to display the drinks
- drinks can be kept in one place
- great for bars
Outdoor Kegerators
Outdoor kegerators are listed as one of the top kegerators this 2021 because are designed to work in environments with temperatures that range from 45- to 100-degrees. Think of basements, patios…Caterers should wisely also own outdoor units for events done, well, outdoors. Meanwhile, as an option, getting a keg container beer dispenser would be a good thing — portable and easy-to-clean.
Light Duty Kegerators
Small-scale events call for light duty kegerators. Light duty kegerators are small and compact, that’s why it’s very handy and landed as one of the top kegerators this year. Their temperature range should be 32- to 50-degrees Fahrenheit. This type is a single keg unit that actually comes with almost everything needed to serve cold, draft beer. It does have three-inch casters for easy maneuvering. As for its function, just plug it in and beer is good to go!
Questions to Consider
These kegerators may be the best in the market but you still need to check if it’s the right fit for you. You can create a checklist. When making decisions on which type of kegerator to buy, these are the questions to consider:
- How frequent will the unit be used – daily, weekly, or just occasionally?
- How many people are expected to be served?
- Where will the kegerator be placed? Will it fit in the space well?
- Should the kegerator have casters to move the kegerator around?
- Is extra fridge space for bottles and cans preferred? Does the unit have that extra fridge space?
- How many tap towers and faucets are needed/preferred?
- Should it be an indoor or outdoor unit? How often should be it used outside?
Top Kegerators
Based on several online reviews, here are some of the best kegerators of 2021 on the market by brand:
AVANTI
Avanti CB350S-IS 1.7-cu.-ft. Portable Party Pub Beer Dispenser
EDGESTAR
- EdgeStar BR3001SS Full Size Kegerator Conversion Refrigerator Only w/Digital Temp Display
- EdgeStar Deluxe Mini Kegerator & Draft Beer Dispenser
- EdgeStar Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler
- EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator for 1/6 Barrel and Cornelius Kegs
- EdgeStar KC2000SS Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler
- EdgeStar KC3000SS Full Size Kegerator with Digital Display – Black and Stainless Steel
- EdgeStar KC7000SSTRIP Full Size Triple Tap Tower Cooled Built-In Kegerator – Black and Stainless Steel
HAIER
- Haier HBF05EBSS Draft Beer Dispenser
IVATION
- Ivation Portable Ice Maker for Counterop – Sleek Tinted Clear Top Window Design – 2 Selectable Cube Sizes – Yield Up To 26.5 Pounds of Ice Daily
KEGCO
- Kegco HK38BSC-2 2-Tap Commercial Built-In Kegerator w/X-CLUSIVE Dispense Kit
- Kegco K199SS-1 Kegerator Keg Beer Cooler – Single Faucet – D System
- Kegco Kegerator Digital Beer Keg Cooler Refrigerator
- Kegco Kegerator Digital Beer Keg Cooler Refrigerator – Dual Faucet – D System
KEGGERMEISTER
- Keggermeister KM2800BK Kegerator Full-Size Single-Tap Beer Keg Refrigerator and Beer Keg Dispenser
KOLDFRONT
- Koldfront KBC51SS Deluxe Stainless Steel Kegerator and Draft Beer Mini Dispenser
KRUPS & HEINEKEN
- KRUPS and HEINEKEN B100 BeerTender with Heineken Draught Keg technology
NOSTALGIA
- Nostalgia Electrics KRS-6100SS Kegerator Double Tap Beer Keg Fridge
- Nostalgia KRS2100 5.1 Cubic-Foot Full Size Kegerator Draft Beer Keg Dispenser
T-FAL
- T-fal VB2158 BeerTender Home Beer-Tap System
VERSONEL
- Versonel VSL155TDSS Freestanding Full Keg Kegerator Beer Fridge Dispenser LCD Temp, Black/Stainless Steel
- Versonel Freestanding Full Size Kegerator Keg Fridge Beer Dispenser Stainless Steel SPP155BDSS
So far, the current leading brands are Edgestar followed by Kegco.
See also: The best Kegerator products of 2020 –
Choose and Chill
Getting a kegerator is easy, but choosing the right one is the harder part. There are things to consider seriously or else, the buyer ends up with a low-quality unit that will hardly satisfy.
Thankfully, sellers like Keg Fridge are committed to providing the best customer service possible. That includes helping the client find the best-suited kegerator for him/her. Keg Fridge prides itself on having knowledgeable personnel who are well-versed in the refrigeration business, in kegerators in particular.
So if you’re looking for the best kegerators of 2021, don’t hesitate to ask Keg Fridge Kegerators! They will be very happy to accommodate any inquiries. Feel free to ask away!