Which Kegerator is Right for Me?

April 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment

It’s very easy to get excited about making a kegerator purchase. The very nature of the product brings thoughts and images of great get-togethers, joyous celebrations, and all-around good times. It’s certainly not like shopping for new windshield wipers, or perhaps, say, napkin rings (if those things excite you, there’s absolutely no judgment here). But beer is something that instills a certain sense of excitement simply because it reminds us of fun, and oh-so-delicious, times. Mmm, beer…

Wait, let’s not get ahead of ourselves! It’s important to remember that there are many things to consider when making a kegerator purchase. Will you enlist it to serve up large amounts of libations regularly, or only break it out for special occasions? Will you use it inside, outside, or both? Do you want to install it in your home bar area, or will it stand uncovered on its own, to bask in all its glory? These are just some of the many important questions you should ask yourself when deciding which kegerator to outfit your space with. Remember, there are a lot of kegerator models out there to choose from, but the one you choose will most likely become an official member of your household, so choose wisely!

There are more types of kegerators than you might think. There are a wide variety or full-size home kegerators, commercial kegerators for restaurant and bar use, and even mini kegerators, designed specifically for use with 5-liter “mini kegs”. The following will detail the capabilities and drawbacks of each type of kegerator, and will ultimately help you decide which one is right for you.

Full Size Home Kegerators

These kegerators are designed for personal use in your home and come in a great number of styles to suit all sorts of applications. They are great for those that like to keep larger quantities of beer and/or entertain guests often and are capable of holding full-size half-barrel kegs.

1/2 barrel keg

First, choose a model based on whether or not you want to use it indoors or outdoors. If you plan on using your kegerator exclusively indoors, there’s no need to shell out the extra cash for outdoor capabilities that you do not need. Full-size indoor kegerators can either be designed for freestanding or built-in (under-counter) installation. Freestanding models are fully-finished, fully-enclosed units that can stand on their own.

EdgeStar full size beer kegerator

EdgeStar KC2000

Additionally, most models include casters that allow you to move the unit about easily (as seen on the underside of the EdgeStar kegerator above). Though, freestanding kegerators require at least 3-4 inches of space between the back of the unit and wall, as well as 2-3 inches on each side in order to properly ventilate. Because the compressor is located on the back of the unit, there must be a sufficient buffer that allows the hot air produced by the compressor to escape. Using a freestanding kegerator in a built-in application could cause overheating and will undoubtedly compromise the unit’s performance overall.

So, if you’re looking to install your kegerator under cabinetry or another type of enclosure, built-in models are for you. Kegerators that are capable of built-in installation will always highlight the ability as a feature due to the fact that it’s the sole differentiator from a freestanding unit. Otherwise, built-in models tend to look very similar, if not identical, to their freestanding cousins. You can also usually spot them out because they typically have cooling systems that ventilate out of the front of the unit.

Summit triple tap built in kegerator

Summit SBC490BITRIPLE

This feature allows flush installation without a need for any extra space around the sides and back. Though some units on today’s market still vent from the back, but have an additional fan to help channel and force the hot air away from the cabinet. One downside of built-in kegerators is that they usually cost more due to a more complex cooling system design. Higher-end units are also completely enclosed, including the backside.

Now, if you want to use your kegerator outdoors full-time, say, in a patio entertainment area, or just want to have the ability to use it outside, say, for a backyard barbecue on the weekend, you should go with an outdoor kegerator.

Summit professional outdoor kegerator

Summit SBC490OS

 

These outdoor-specific units are different from those built for indoor use in that they have a weatherproof construction, made to outlast the elements. Additionally, they have increased insulation to keep your beer at the perfect temperature, and are also equipped with more powerful compressors that have greater cooling capabilities to combat extreme ambient temperatures. Keep in mind, outdoor kegerators will typically cost more than units made for indoor use due to these upgrades in design, functionality, and versatility.

Mini Kegerators

Don’t have the space for a full-size kegerator or just don’t have a need for a full-size keg? Then your best bet is a mini kegerator, which is small enough to sit on your countertop while taking up minimal space. They are designed to store and dispense beer from 5-Liter Kegs, which come in a variety of offerings.

EdgeStar mini kegerator

EdgeStar TBC50S

 

Mini-kegerators are perfect for people that prefer draft beer over bottled, but don’t like to commit to multiple gallons of a single beer. A mini-kegerator gives you the power to pour yourself a fresh pint as you would get at a bar, but from the comfort of your own home and without the premiums involved. Also, mini kegerators are great for European beer enthusiasts as many popular Eurobrews are sold in 5-liter kegs. These mini kegs can be tapped easily without having to purchase a European-specific coupler to fit the keg, as you would with a full-size keg.

It’s also important to be aware of the fact that mini kegs come in pressurized and non-pressurized varieties. Pressurized kegs come filled with the gas necessary to dispense the beer. All mini kegerators are able to dispense from pressurized kegs, making them the more convenient option. However, some of your favorite beers may only be offered in non-pressurized kegs, in which case you will need to make sure that your mini-kegerator has the ability to dispense from them. These mini kegerators will specify if they have the ability or will sometimes offer an additional kit that allows you to infuse gas directly into the keg. This gas cartridge system will add the perfect amount of gas to your keg on the spot, and will provide the pressure necessary to serve beer from the previously non-pressurized keg.

Koldfront mini kegerator

Koldfront KBC51SS

Commercial Kegerators

The biggest, and typically most expensive, breed of the bunch is the commercial kegerator. These are kegerators designed specifically for use in commercial settings, including bars, restaurants, and grocery stores. They are constructed of the highest quality materials and feature a sturdier design to withstand high usage levels.

True Single Kegerator

True TDD-1-S

Unlike many residential kegerators, commercial units often employ a different cooling method known as forced air cooling. Instead of using a cold plate within the refrigeration chamber to maintain internal temperatures, a fan forces cold air throughout the space. The result is a more evenly cooled space that allows all contents to reach and maintain the same temperature. With forced air cooling nothing within the kegerator can come in direct contact with cooling components. With cold plate cooling, you can get cold spots, where kegs that are closer to the plate will have a lower temperature.

Commercial kegerators are definitely not for everyone, as they carry a higher price tag, and can take up a lot more space. Additionally, larger commercial units are intended for a single point installation, and cannot be easily moved from place to place. However, they are ideal for businesses and even residential applications that demand the absolute best performance capabilities and durability.

While there are a tremendous amount of options and aspects to consider when picking your perfect kegerator, just remember that it’s a kegerator! I’m willing to bet that it’s one of the purchases in life you’ll be most excited to shop for. When you find the perfect fit and pour that first pint, be sure to raise it not only to your friends, but to your delicious draft beer-dispensing kegerator, too!

 

Filed Under: Buyers Guide, Kegerators Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Host a UFC Viewing Party at Home

April 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

UFC Jones v EvansWhether you’re a hardcore UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)  and MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fight fan that religiously watches each event (like me), or you’re just wanting to have some friends over to watch an anticipated fight card, you may be looking for ideas to spice up your viewing party. With the UFC now on FX, you can host one of the free events if you’re new to the sport, or you can purchase the next Pay-Per-View event, UFC 145 Jones vs. Evans.

The essentials to host a fight at your home are food or snacks, beer, wine, or beverage of choice, a large HDTV and plenty of seating.

I’ve hosted a good number of events and have been to many hosted at friends’ homes. Besides these essentials, you’ll need great company to enjoy them with you!

For food or snacks, I personally love to grill if the weather permits. Then friends will bring other side items to add to the mix. You could also order pizza, have chips and salsa, and some sweets for later Outdoor Televisionin the evening. If I could put together my ideal viewing party, I would love to set up a backyard/patio living space, equipped with  outdoor furniture, a nice grill (maybe even with a stove on the side),  an outdoor TV and an outdoor beverage refrigerator. If the weather isn’t as friendly (especially for the big New Year’s event they have each year), you could get a griddle for your gas stove. Turkey sliders have been a hit at past events, since they’re easy to eat, and they come out great on a griddle as opposed to a normal frying pan.

The next essential piece for a UFC viewing party is beer, and plenty of it! If you plan on hosting a UFC event on more than one occasion (I tend to rotate with friends), a great addition to your home is aMini Kegerator kegerator, that way your beer is cold and on tap. Kegerators come in different sizes and for different uses. If you don’t want to take up too much space in your home, but like the idea, you could get a mini kegerator! Another alternative that works well if your friends usually bring their own beer is to purchase a beer cooler for your living room. Or maybe you and your friends prefer wine or margaritas… in that case you could get a wine refrigerator or margarator. WTF is a margarator you ask? We wrote about it here. An ice maker may also be an essential addition if you plan to have other drinks, and your fridge doesn’t produce enough. Whatever your preference is, it helps to be ready to entertain your guests.

Besides food and beverages, it’s essential that your television and seating is large enough to accommodate the number of people you plan to have over. I know from personal experience that standing, sitting on the floor, or struggling to see the TV amongst all the guests can be a buzz kill. Having an HDTV makes the experience even better!

Who’s your pick for Jones vs. Evans? Let us know by commenting below!

 

Filed Under: Cool Stuff, Sports Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

The Coolest Homemade Kegerators

April 5, 2012 By 1 Comment

For those that enjoy drinking draft beers at home, a kegerator is the best idea for getting great-tasting beer. Who can blame them? Kegerators are a sound investment, and they allow you to get a good supply of beer at a lower cost than buying them by the bottle.

Your kegerator is great. It gives you beer, and you drink it. That is your simple, easy relationship with this beer-dispensing god.

But what if your kegerator is lacking that certain look? While having a kegerator is awesome, most today don’t have an innovative design or layout. If you’d love to be able to build a kegerator out of everyday objects or into unique places, then you are in luck: today we’ll be showing you some of the coolest and most innovative homemade kegerators we’ve seen so you can get your creative juices flowing.

Chest Freezer Kegerator

chest freezer kegerator     chest freezer kegerator inside

This kegerator was made out of an old chest refrigerator/freezer and modified to hold up to 8 kegs, making the home it resides in a proverbial bar for anyone that walks through. The inside of the freezer holds both 5 liter and ¼ barrel kegs filled with local and national brews for those with varying tastes. Lines run through each keg to their respective taps, while gas lines run from the back of the kegerator to the kegs to give the pump enough CO2 to deliver the delicious liquid to your glass.

An extra side bucket keeps bottled beers on hand in case you don’t like what’s on tap. This unique kegerator is great because of the size of the container and quantity or variety of beers that it can hold.

Truck Tailgating Kegerator

truck tailgating kegerator

Let’s hope this doesn’t interfere with any open container laws! This innovative kegerator is made out of a truck bed toolbox, which allows you to drink and serve beer wherever you go. This is (of course) a perfect accessory for tailgating and BBQs, and you can be sure the party will stay wherever the beer goes.

It is also easy to change the kegs out, as the toolbox lid lifts up and allows you to access the inside of the refrigerated unit. The customized tap handles also give the entire kegerator that manly feel, just in case a truck kegerator didn’t do that enough.

Driver Arcade Kegerator

racecar arcade kegerator     driver arcade kegerator tap

For the hardcore gamer, the arcade car/kegerator allows you to play your favorites while drinking your favorites. Just relax in front of the screen and play any racing game you’d like. Whenever you get thirsty, just reach behind you and pour yourself another beer!

Recommended situation: if applicable, try playing Need for Speed while downing a nice brown ale such as a Newcastle, Sam Adams Brown Ale or Brooklyn Brown Ale.

Arcade Machine Kegerator

arcade machine kegerator

This is the dream of many men who still keep their inner child inside of them. As a fully stocked arcade machine and kegerator, the Arkeg allows you to play all of the classics while never having to go far for a nice pint.

This machine features 69 of the classic video games from the golden era of gaming, including Missile Command, Paperboy, 1942, and Mortal Kombat (among many others). You can also buy a 5 gallon keg of your favorite beer, or you can brew your own to taste whenever you’d like!

Refrigerator/iPod Kegerator

refrigerator ipod kegerator

Why own a regular refrigerator when you can have a fridge that solely serves beer? That seems like all you’d ever really need in your home. But what if that fridge also played your favorite tunes on a built-in iPod dock? Well, that would just be outright fun.

This fridge features a kegerator tap built onto the front of a fridge where the kegs of your favorite beer are kept, and the iPod dock is right above it, so you can change to your favorite song while pouring your favorite beer.

And you thought fridges were just for food…

We are always looking for great ideas for new kegerators. If you have a kegerator you’d like to show us, send us a picture on our Facebook page.

Filed Under: Cool Stuff, Homemade Kegerators Tagged With: , , ,

Kegerator Review: EdgeStar KC2000

March 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The EdgeStar KC2000: Beer to the Masses

Here at Kegerator.com, we work very hard to bring you the best in beer brewing equipment, beer dispensers and overall advice on how to enjoy a cold pint (hint: drink it). For as hard as we work, though, we play just as hard. Our parties and social events usually involve us trying new beers while conversing with each other over anything from sports to politics, or maybe about the new band we saw last weekend.

A main staple of these parties is our very own EdgeStar KC2000. Our parties start and end with the kegs we put into this bad boy, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether holding kegs filled with Shiner Bock, Live Oak Hefeweizen, or maybe just a simple beer like Lone Star (a Texas favorite), this kegerator helps bring the life to our parties.

EdgeStar KC2000

Our parties wouldn’t rock nearly as hard without it, so we felt it was important to review our EdgeStar kegerator.

Ease of Use

Let’s face it: not all kegerators are created equal. While the main function of every one of them is to dispense beer to people, many of them make it easier said than done. Having a kegerator that was easy to use was one of our main concerns, and the KC2000 made sure it delivered.

Arguably one of the easiest kegerators to use, the EdgeStar KC2000 adopts the simplicity of the “plug and play” formula. All you need to do is tap the keg, make sure the gas and beer lines are connected and ready, and pour your beer into the glass. It’s as simple as that. No convoluted “pouring methods” or complex controls to mess around with. Just plug and chug.

Ease of Use Score: 5.0/5.0

Space

Beer lovers enjoy having a plentiful bounty of suds at their hands, and we are no different. This is another reason why we chose this kegerator: it can store up to a full-sized half keg, which generally holds up to 15.5 gallons of beer. That is what we call the recipe for a great party.

Inside the KC2000

Luckily, most kegerators can hold the standard size of a half keg, and we are sure glad ours can too. However, the KC2000 doesn’t hold rubberized or kegs that bow out in the middle like Coors and Miller kegs, but we don’t drink that stuff anyway if we can help it, so it isn’t a problem.

Space Score: 4.0/5.0

Look & Design

Some kegerators can go overboard with their exterior look, which takes focus away from crucial design elements that most kegerators should have. The Edgestar KC2000 kegerator plays host to a large 5 lb Co2 tank on the back of the unit, where a featured holder is placed to keep the tank upright. While it is good to have a holding tank for your Co2 outside of the unit, the location of this kegerator’s bulky tank makes it hard to place the unit against the wall or flush with cabinetry without doing some extra work to make it fit.

Difficult room placement notwithstanding, the sleek and simple black cabinet design with chrome-accented railing and beer tower allows this kegerator to easily blend in with the décor of any kitchen, game room, or even garage. The overall look is very aesthetically pleasing and easy to clean whenever you have guests over.

Look/Design Score: 3.5/5.0

Top of the KC2000

Extra Features

While many kegerators try to sell you on their extra features such as electronic displays, full glass cabinets, and many other bells and whistles, the simplicity of the EdgeStar KC2000 is one of the more refreshing features of the unit.

A simple and easy-to-use temperature control enables you to turn the temperature down with five (5) cooling levels for easy use. While this may not be as accurate as most temperature controls, it is able to get the job done and stay simple enough for anyone to use.

EdgeStar Kegerator Temperature Control

Four (4) rolling casters make it easy to move the kegerator around and place it in other rooms, which is great for parties and get-togethers. Not only is the kegerator able to move with ease, but it can be locked with equal simplicity. The casters feature locking wheels that keeps the kegerator in its place when it needs to be, ensuring that your beer will stay safe.

Extra Features: 4.0/5.0

Summary

Overall, this kegerator was perfect for an office mixed with beer amateurs and craft professionals. The easy-to-use design mixed with several features to keep the party going ensure that this kegerator will serve your every need. We made sure of that during every one of our parties and this EdgeStar kegerator has yet to disappoint.

Filed Under: Kegerators, Product Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

WTF is a Margarator?

March 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

We’re always on the lookout for the next big thing in home appliances here at Kegerator.com, and one of our employees recently came across “margarators” while combing the net for interesting beverage dispensers.

Curious to find out more about this “mystery product”, we had some questions: Was it refrigerator-based like a kegerator? Can you build them into your counter space? And more importantly – is it as convenient as pouring from a keg? For example, can you purchase a large volume of already mixed margarita (like a keg of beer) for optimal serving ease?

After some more research we found that we, in fact, carry a selection of products that could be called “margarators”… So what is one? Well, a margarator is a machine used for blending and mixing frozen drinks both alcoholic and non (we call it a margarita machine). It’s different from a blender because the blades are crafted to specifically cut through ice and fruity deliciousness. And, instead of just selecting a speed, you can adjust the setting by consistency to ensure your concoctions turn out just right. Plus, the majority of “margarators” have more power than your average kitchen blender and include a built-in spout for easy pouring. It’s really a “must-have” for all margarita and frozen drink lovers.

If you’re going to get one (and you should), don’t be a fool and call it a “margarator”. Why? Because unlike a kegerator, the unit does not always chill and serve the contents (the commercial ones do, though), so naming it a “margarator” (which is seemingly synonymous with the term “kegerator”) just plain defies the logic of the name since it does not serve the same purpose of a kegerator.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on this hot topic. Do you think margarator is a fitting name for these products?

Filed Under: Misc. Tagged With: , , ,

Mini Keg Beers for the Mini Kegerator

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

EdgeStar Mini Kegerator

If you’re a draft beer lover like I am, there is something to be said for bottled beers. The beers they contain are delicious, but something about them being in a bottle just doesn’t taste as good as if they’re poured right from the tap. Unfortunately, most grocery and liquor stores force you to buy the bottles, and there is no way around the fact that you’ll have to drink bottled beer yet again.

That is where the 5 liter keg comes in. It was designed by draft lovers, just like you, to allow you to serve fresh draft beer in your home without having to buy a keg or build a home bar. We love these specialized kegs, but not every beer brand comes in this size. So, to help you out, we’ve compiled a list of a few brands that you will be sure to love on draft. If you’ve had them, try them on draft; if you haven’t had them, then be sure to put them on your grocery list!

 

heineken mini kegHeineken Lager

As one of the most popular European beer brands, Heineken’s unmistakable look and label has given the beer increased notoriety over the last few decades. This clean-tasting lager is malty and has a nice bite to it, and the most distinctive part of this beer is its “skunky” smell, meaning that the hops really take effect in the aroma of the beer. A good mix of sweet and bitter, this Dutch beer goes down smooth.

ABV: 5%

 

newcastle mini kegNewcastle Brown Ale

Newcastle Brown Ale is heralded by critics, thanks to its sweet and nutty flavor that seems to please most beer drinkers. Originating from Britain, the brown ale has hints of caramel, a malty taste, and a creamy texture that is easy to drink. The light body also gives this beer a certain quenching aspect that enables you to drink several without getting too full.

ABV: 4.7%

 

Coors Light Mini KegCoors Light Lager

Coors Light, one of the major American brews enjoyed by millions, is a thirst-quenching beer with a light body for easy consumption. The crystal clear beer features notes of grains and high carbonation, which is great for those who don’t like heavy or dark beers. A crisp finish and clean taste, this beer can be enjoyed by people of different tastes and styles.

ABV: 4.2%

 

Paulaner Mini KegPaulaner Oktoberfest Marzen Amber

A local favorite in Germany, the Paulaner Oktoberfest was a seasonal beer that was so popular, the brewery decided to brew it year-round. Very malty and sweet, this beer is great for those who don’t like an aggressively bitter taste, and the medium body has hints of bread and butter. Because of the malty taste, this beer goes down smooth and quite easily and leaves a bit of an aftertaste to enjoy.

ABV: 6%

 

DAB Mini KegDAB Original Lager

The DAB lager is a German pilsner with a very earthy smell and rich golden color. A simple beer, the taste of bread, malt, and hops are the key notes taken away from the taste, while a slight citrusy flavor combines to provide a great aftertaste. The light body allows for it to quench your thirst with ease, while the crisp flavor will leave your taste buds satisfied.

ABV: 5%

 

Widmer Mini KegWidmer Hefeweizen

This popular American brew is a slight mix between a hefeweizen and a wheat beer, as the taste is wheaty with a mix of a citrus flavor like most wheat beers. The medium body ensures that it will be lighter than wheat beers, but the overall light taste is reminiscent of a hefeweizen. With a malty feel and distinct taste, this hefeweizen will be sure not to disappoint.

ABV: 4.9%

 

Bell's Oberon Mini KegBell’s Oberon Wheat Ale

A typical wheat beer, Bell’s Oberon has a full wheat taste with a hint of citrus for flavor, as well as a nice, hoppy taste that will mix together well. A sweet, floral aroma entices you to drink more, while the malty texture mixes in with the smells and tastes to create a wonderful drink. The sweet flavor and medium body is great for drinking in the summertime, which is the only time this beer is in stores.

ABV: 5.8%

 

Rogue Yellow Snow Mini KegRogue Yellow Snow IPA

In the traditional fashion of most IPAs, Rogue Yellow Snow features high notes of hops, but it also has a citrusy bite to it that gives the beer some flavor. Beer drinkers should note that, like most IPAs, the bitterness of the hops in this beer takes over as the main flavor. With a hazy feel and medium body, this beer will quench your thirst as well as fill you up, and the aftertaste has hints of pine and, of course, hop.

ABV: 6.2%

 

Bitburger Mini KegBitburger Premium Pilsner

This light pilsner hails from Germany, and – as most pilsners – is very golden in color, and features a grainy aroma. However, Bitburger is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to pilsners, as it has a more hoppy flavor than others thanks to its origin. This beer provides a good balance of spice and bitters with malt to give a good, crisp taste.

ABV: 4.8%

 

Spaten Mini KegSpaten Premium Lager

Originating in Germany, the Spaten Premium lager is an easy beer to drink, thanks to the smooth taste and light body. The grassy, earthy aroma gives a clue to the taste: an herbal taste with a small amount of hops. A malty texture is another feature of this beer, and the balanced flavors make for an overall enjoyable drinking experience.

ABV: 5.2%

 

Warsteiner Mini KegWarsteiner Premium Verum

As a German pilsner, the Warsteiner Premium has a straw-colored yellow look with a crisp, light taste. The mild hop flavorings do not tend to overshadow the rest of the beer, and a malty sweet flavor tends to carry through the initial taste. A very simplistic but refreshing beer, the carbonation level is not too high, which is great for being able to taste the subtle notes inside.

ABV: 4.8%

 

Feel free to leave a note in the comments if I missed any!

Filed Under: Beer, Mini Kegs Tagged With: , , , , ,

Outfitting Your Man Cave

January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The Man Cave.

A simple yet misunderstood idea, the beginning origins of the man cave can be traced back over centuries. Many famous men throughout history had their own versions of man caves: Thomas Jefferson had his study at Montecello, Ernest Hemingway had a writing room and even Winston Churchill would be seen with a brush in hand at his very own art studio.

For a long time, men have needed these solitary confines to take respite from the burdens and responsibilities of everyday life. Today, many men decorate spaces inside their homes or garages to give themselves this much-needed area. The décor often reflects the things that these men hold dearly: sports, games, music, television and many other items that pique their interest. Outfitting today’s man cave requires thought into the man himself, and we are here to help. Here are the things men need to make their man cave great:

Kegerator

Undoubtedly the centerpiece of almost any man cave, the kegerator is perfect for dispensing brand name or homemade brews to your friends during game days or just when you’re hanging out. Kegerators can be installed in a wet bar or run freestanding; either way you set them, the result is the same: delicious, cold draft beer.

Our Favorites:

EdgeStar Slim Kegerator     EdgeStar Full Size Kegerator     True Dual Tap Kegerator

EdgeStar Slim Kegerator          EdgeStar Full-Size Kegerator          True Dual Tap Kegerator

Beverage Refrigerator

One of the best tools for your man cave is the beverage refrigerator, which can easily hold all that a man needs to survive. Able to store drinks like sodas and beer, as well as some food items that can last in low temperatures, the beverage refrigerator is an integral necessity to make your man cave even manlier.

Our favorites:

Danby Beverage Center     EdgeStar 120 Can Beverage Cooler     Danby Built-In Beverage Center

                            Danby Beverage Center            EdgeStar Beverage Cooler      Danby Built-In Beverage Center

Snack Machines

Something that is often overlooked in most man caves is an appropriate snacking machine. Men who forget this small but important detail generally have to leave the cave and head to the kitchen, which is a task that is unnecessary and avoidable if you stock your cave with essential foods and machines that can produce delicious snacks in little time.

Our Favorites:

Great Northern Popcorn Hot Dog Machine     Electric BBQ Grill Plate     Professional Popcorn Maker

                                   Hot Dog Machine                     Electric BBQ Grill Plate           Professional Popcorn Maker

 Wine Cooler / Racking

Wine collecting, tasting and drinking have become hobbies and pastimes for many men throughout the ages, and today’s modern, refined man is no different. For those man caves with a cultured palate, wine coolers are perfect for keeping your reds and whites chilled to perfection, while wine racks help you to store your collection during the aging process.

Our Favorites:

EdgeStar 21 Bottle Wine Cooler     Avanti 8 Bottle Wine Fridge     Wine Cellar Innovations 26 Bottle Scallop Rack

                              21 Bottle Wine Cooler              8 Bottle Wine Refrigerator               26 Bottle Scallop Rack

Deep Fryer

If there is one thing men love eating more than steaks, it is a deep fried steak. Men have deep fried everything from Oreos to butter, and modern technology allows your man cave to be suited with the latest in food frying machinery. For game days or just snacks, you can be sure to deep fry anything you want when you want it.

Our Favorites:

T-Fal Emerilware Deep Fryer     Bayou Classic Deep Fryer     Deni Mini Deep Fryer

                             Emerilware Deep Fryer            Bayou Classic Deep Fryer                 Deni Mini Deep Fryer

Filed Under: Buyers Guide, Man Caves Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

How to Clean a Kegerator

September 21, 2011 By 1 Comment

After actually getting your kegerator set up and dispensing, keeping it clean would be the next important step. It is recommended that you clean your kegerator beer lines after every keg. If you don’t, you could end up with bad tasting beer and what a waste that would be. To help you keep your beer tasting great, we’ve put together the following video to show you exactly how to clean your beer lines.

Don’t have kegerator cleaning materials? Well, we’ve got you covered. Check out our awesome kegerator cleaning kit for everything you need.

 

Video Transcript

Hi, this is Darin with Kegerator.com and today we’re going to show you how to clean your kegerator.

Why Cleaning Your Kegerator is Important

Now the reason you should clean after every use is to take the beer residue from the beer line and the beer faucet to make sure it doesn’t taint your other beers. So what we’re going to do today is clean the faucet area to the line that runs all the way down into your kegerator right here.

Your Kegerator Cleaning Kit

Okay, so, here are all of the accessories you will need to clean your kegerator. First of all, you’ll have the instruction booklet with you so you’ll know what to do. Then we’ll have the powdered beer line cleaning compound, which will help you clean the beer line more successfully and it’ll get rid of all of the residue. The bottle here is where we’re going to mix the solution and then pour it into the kegerator. The cleaning hose goes with the bottle and you’ll just screw it on like that and pump it into the kegerator.

The faucet brush will help you clean all those hard to reach spots on the faucet. The faucet wrench is going to help you take the faucet off of the beer line and the beer tower so you can easily clean your keg. The black rubber gasket will connect to the hose so it won’t leak out. The ball pin helps to relieve the pressure on the coupler so you can clean the line a lot easier.

Now I’m going to teach you how to take off the faucet so you can easily clean your kegerator.

Step 1: Remove Beer Faucet

So what you want to remember here is that the general rule for lefty-loosey, righty-tighty is the exact opposite on kegerators. So it’s going to be lefty-tighty, righty-loosey. What we’re going to do it take the faucet wrench, put it in the holes and take it off just like this. Once it gets loose enough, you can just take it off with your hands.

Step 2: Ready Keg Coupler

Next, you want to go down to the coupler inside the kegerator, and make sure you have the ball pin, and you’re going to put it into where the keg is tapped by the coupler. You want to make sure you pinch it so it goes in, apply the pressure and it should go in like that. Then, make sure you take out the gas line because you don’t want any water to get into it and just keep it up here.

Step 3: Prepare Beer Line Cleaner

You’ll need a tablespoon of beer line cleaner for every gallon of water to make sure you get the right amount of solution. Pour a little in here. You need to mix it with pretty hot water; I’d say almost scalding hot to make sure the solution does work. So make sure it’s super-hot, then fill up the bottle like so to the top line on the bottle. You’ll see the lines on the side. And then, you’ll want to put the hose on, and now, you’re ready to clean your kegerator.

Step 4: Flush Beer Line

One thing to remember when you clean out your kegerator is you’ll need to have a bucket handy so you can put your keg coupler into there to make sure it leaks out correctly. You don’t want it to go all over the floor and make a mess.

You’ll want to take the bottle with the solution in it, take the hose and put it on the faucet head where you took off the faucet that will connect to the beer tower. This will run directly to the line all the way to the keg coupler. When you’re ready, all you have to do is tilt it over and let it go. To make it go faster, you can also just squeeze it and make sure it comes out.

So what you’re going to see at the keg coupler is the water and probably some beer come out. It’s just going to empty into the bucket and this is going to ensure your line is becoming clean as it’s emptying.

For a deeper clean, you can flush the line twice this way or you can take the ball pin out from the coupler and just lit it sit in there for an hour or so and it should clean it.

Step 5: Rinse Beer Line

Now what you want to do after flushing the line the recommended two times is fill the bottle up with just hot water, no solution, and then flush it just like you did before. The hot water will take away all the residue of the solution and you’re line will be cleaner for that. We also recommend doing this at least two times as well.

Step 6: Clean Beer Faucet

So for cleaning the faucet, you want to make sure you have the faucet, a bowl to set all the parts in and your faucet brush. Make sure you also have the solution so you’re ready to clean with that.

What you’re going to do is you’re going to take the faucet apart. Take the faucet handle out, screw out this part here, then screw that out and make sure these two washers come out like so, because you want to clean them as thoroughly as possible. And then, for the faucet, you want to make sure you push this part out so it comes out like so.

You want to put about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of beer line cleaner in the bowl, add scalding hot water (make sure it’s a good temperature) and you want to fill the bowl with the water. Then you want to make sure the powder is all dissolved into the water, so I’m going to stir it a bit.

And then, you’re going to set the faucet in the bowl along with all the parts. Don’t forget the washers; they’re important too. You want to make sure they’re all sitting there and you probably want to keep it there for 30 minutes to an hour. Just to make sure it soaks and gets all of the beer residue out from the faucet.

About 30 minutes to an hour later, you’re going to take the faucet itself and take the brush and just clean it through like that. Get all of the residue out so do it thoroughly. Then do it down here as well to make sure you clean the whole faucet through. And just one more go around to make sure. And then, you want to empty the water from the parts. Make sure you do not flush any of the parts down the sink.

Step 7: Reassemble Your Kegerator

What you want to do is make sure this hole is lined up to go right here, so you’ll push it all the way through like so and you’ll see the hole right in there. And then, you’ll take the handle and stick that piece into the hole you put just in there. Make sure the white washer goes down like so, followed by the black washer. Then you’ll screw the handle on to the faucet itself. Make sure to not tighten it all the way because you want the handle to be a little loose when you pour the beer. Then screw the second part on and make sure also this is a little loose. Not too loose, but not too tight either. And then the tap handle, and you have your faucet.

So when you’re ready to put all of the accessories back on you want to make sure the bottle and hose are removed from the beer tower. And then also make sure that the ball pin is out of the coupler. And you’re ready to assemble it back together.

When you put the faucet back on make sure that lefty is tighty – remember that. Then take the faucet wrench and make sure you tighten it on correctly. You can do this one of two ways: you can either put the faucet at an angle so you can get an even pour or you can put it up the traditional way, just straight up. You want to make sure it’s tightened, so the beer doesn’t come out.

So after you clean your kegerator, you are now ready to enjoy a new keg of fresh draft beer.

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Where to Buy a Kegerator

August 24, 2011 By 1 Comment

Question: Where can I buy a home kegerator?

Home Kegerator

So you’re ready to make the leap into the draft beer world. Congratulations! Chances are, there are probably a few places near you that sell full-size kegerators. Check out your local home improvement store, but don’t expect them to have any actually in stock. There might be a display model for you to look at, but they will probably have to place the order for you and then have the unit delivered to your home.

Also, don’t expect them to have a wide selection of kegerators available. At best, the home improvement store will have maybe 2 models. You’re better off shopping online for the best home kegerator. You’ll have a larger selection to browse, you’ll be able to read reviews and, depending on where you purchase from, you will be able to have your questions answered by a kegerator expert. Also, the kegerator won’t take any longer to arrive than it would if you ordered it at the home improvement store.

Your local homebrew shop, if you’re lucky enough to have one, is a great place to visit and ask questions about what kind of kegerator you should purchase, but they probably don’t sell any pre-built kegerators in store. If you want to build your own kegerator though, then you should be able to find kegerator parts there.

Here is some additional reading to help you get started with your kegerator shopping:

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