How to Choose a Kegerator for Use at Home: 5 Things to Look For

Imagine transforming a corner of your home into the ultimate refuge for beer enthusiasts–a personal tavern where the taps never run dry, and your favorite brews are always available. The heart of such an oasis? A trusty kegerator, standing guard over kegs like a proud castle keep. 

But before you bring this bubbly bastion into your abode, let's tap into what makes for the perfect home kegerator. Prepare to embark on a journey through some frothy considerations.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing a Kegerator for Your Home

Embark on a quest for the ultimate draft beer experience right at home. Here's how to pick an at-home kegerator, with five essential tips ensuring you pour the perfect pint, every time.

1. Space Considerations

When adding an at-home kegerator to your domestic landscape, consider it like bringing home a new pet. Where will it sleep? Will it have enough room to breathe? Gauge your space’s dimensions. Picture your kegerator in that nook, filling glasses without cramping style or space. 

Compact units blend seamlessly for smaller abodes, while larger homes might welcome a full-sized beer dispenser with open arms – and thirsty guests. Remember, when space harmonizes with size, you're not just storing beer; you're crafting an experience for your guests.

2. Ease of Maintenance

Owning an at-home kegerator should feel like a joy, not a chore. Before you commit, peek under the hood – how simple is the cleaning process? Look for self-cleaning options or models with uncomplicated mechanisms that won't have you feeling like an under-qualified technician. 

Your kegerator should be a steadfast companion in your entertainment arsenal, low on maintenance and high on reliability. But if you choose to get a complex machine, make sure you have the number for an at home kegerator maintenance crew that’s experienced and reliable. 

3. Keg Type Compatibility

Pairing the right kegerator with your favorite keg is much like finding a glass slipper for Cinderella – it fits perfectly, or not at all. Various kegs, be it the hefty half-barrel, slender quarter-barrel, or the craft-friendly sixth-barrel, all demand their own special connectors. 

Before you invest, dance around with what’s on tap. Know whether you lean toward domestic drafts or have affinities for imports. It's about matchmaking more than anything, ensuring seamless connections that promise to keep the good times flowing without a hitch.

4. Temperature Range

Nailing the precise temperature in your kegerator is important. Most beers are at their best when chilled between 38 to 55 °F, but it varies. Lagers tend to bask in the cooler end, while stouts don't mind a bit more warmth. A kegerator with a reliable thermostat will keep your brew tasty.

An overlooked detail may leave you serving up disappointment on tap, with flavors muted or overly accentuated. Constantly opening and closing your unit or cramming it too full can throw off the internal temperature faster. Therefore, monitoring and adjusting becomes key here.

5. The Number of Taps

When selecting your home kegerator, the number of taps is a statement of intent. A single-tap system suggests a monogamous relationship with one beloved brew destined for uninterrupted enjoyment. But for those who prefer variety, a multi-tap system would be what you need.

The beauty in choosing multiple taps isn’t just in the diversity but also in the ability to become your own bartender. However, be conscious that each tap requires more time with line cleaning and maintenance. Either way, a well-planned multi-tap setup invites adventures in ale.

In Conclusion… 

With the wisdom of a seasoned brewmaster and these golden nuggets of kegerator know-how at your disposal, you're primed to elevate your home entertainment to new hoppy heights. Envision the lively conversations and joyful clinking of glasses that await. The leap from bottled to barrelled beers at home is simpler than you'd think, and far more rewarding.