Kegerator may not be a part of people’s common vocabulary just yet. That’s mainly because the term is fairly new. However, the thing itself is not entirely new. It is only now that the idea to name it has caught up.
The term is simply the marriage of two words “keg” and “refrigerator” — keg refrigerator. Kegerator for short. The intention is to have something that can store and dispense at least half-a-barrel of beer even right at one’s own home. And so enthusiasts have found a way to enjoy their beer without the need to go to the grocery store and ridding of bottles after every time.
Kegerators Big and Small
Kegerators come in various sizes, from the mini 5-liter to the full size. It depends on what the owners prefer and how much draft beer they can take. They have the option to create their own at-home draft beer dispensers if they opt to turn their refrigerators into kegerators. There are retail outlets and companies that offer kegerator conversion kits.
There are advantages to this. It can extend beer life for as long as six months, and it should help them save a bit of money since it can already dispense more quantity to satisfy a drinker. No need to buy more outside. An owner may also modify a refrigerator/freezer so that so that it can accommodate kegs already. It is enjoyable and definitely convenient.
Most kegerators are small enough to fit behind a home bar. Meanwhile, giant kegerators have four taps and built-in ice machines. Full-size ones, typically free-standing refrigerators, have pressurized carbon dioxide tanks and couplers connected to the beer faucets.
Commercial kegerators are of similar size and can hold half-barrel (full-size), quarter-barrel (half-size or pony) or mini kegs (5-liter). Outdoor kegerators are for outdoor use but are also great for garages and basements. They keep beer frosty in environments above 85° or below 50°.
The Best Part
What is most important to owning a kegerator is that everything functions well the way it should. Beer should be stored at the ideal temperature, which is from 36° to 40° Fahrenheit. There should be little to no change in temperature so as not to affect beer flavor, especially in more sensitive beers.