Do you want to buy a kegerator but have some additional questions? You’ve come to the right place! Here is the Summit Appliance Kegerator FAQ. Here at Summit, we know everything there is to know about beer dispensers, so we tend to receive a lot of questions from people that are interested in buying or troubleshooting their kegerator.
Everything You Need To Know About Kegerators
We can help you whether you're a homebrewer, beer lover, or company owner trying to enhance your beverage options. Let's get started and address all your kegerator questions!
1. How does a kegerator work?
A kegerator is a specialized appliance designed to store and dispense draft beer and other beverages. Unlike a regular refrigerator, the interior of a kegerator is optimized to house one or more kegs and maintain a precise, chilled temperature. It uses a carbon dioxide (CO₂) cylinder and regulator to pressurize the keg, forcing the beer through the lines and out of the tap for serving. One of the best aspects of the dispenser is its high level of customizability.
While a kegerator has relatively few components, there are numerous options available for each of those parts. This allows users to create an ideal beverage dispensing system tailored to their specific needs. Kegerators are quite straightforward, and once you understand the essential components, you will be able to easily assemble your own customized system.
2. Can I use a kegerator for beverages other than beer?
Yes! Kegerators aren't just for beer - with the right setup, you can use it to dispense a variety of beverages.
Here are some examples:
Cold Brew Coffee
- Swap out the CO₂ tank for a nitrogen (N₂) tank to create smooth, creamy nitro cold brew.
- Keeps coffee fresh and ready to pour on demand.
Kombucha
- Works well with a standard CO₂ setup but requires lower pressure than beer (around 5-10 PSI).
- Helps keep kombucha fizzy and prevents over-carbonation.
Wine & Cider
- White wine and hard cider can be kegged and dispensed just like beer.
- Use lower CO₂ pressure to prevent over-carbonation.
Soda & Sparkling Water
- You can keg homemade soda or carbonated water using CO₂.
- Add flavored syrups for DIY soda flavors.
Cocktails & Mixed Drinks
- Pre-mix cocktails like margaritas, mimosas, or sangria and store them in a keg.
- Can be carbonated or served still, depending on the drink.
3. What sizes and capacities do kegerators come in?
Kegerators come in a range of sizes and capacities to accommodate different needs. The average full size dispenser can accommodate a single half barrel keg (15.5 gallons), a quarter barrel keg (7.75 gallons), or 2-3 sixth barrels (5.16 gallons).
At Summit, you can find kegerators in in 15" or 24" widths, as well as standard 34" heights or 32" high choices for use under ADA compliant counters.
4. What is the right place for my kegerator?
To ensure that your beer dispenser works at the maximum efficiency it was designed for, install it in a location where there is proper air circulation and electrical connections. Choose a location where the dispenser will be away from heat and will not be exposed to direct sunlight. Some kegerators are specially designed to be installed in the outdoors.
If your kegerator is a freestanding unit and not made for built in use, it must have adequate clearance space of 4 inches on all sides to function properly. Always consult your user manual to ensure you have left enough clearance.
5. Do kegerators require any installation or assembly?
Yes, kegerators typically require some level of installation and assembly. The extent of installation may vary depending on the specific model. Every Summit model comes with a Kegerator Kit and all the parts you will need to assemble your beer dispenser.
6. How long does beer last in a kegerator?
The typical shelf life for beer in a kegerator is 45-60 days for non-pasteurized beer (craft beers) and 90-120 days for pasteurized beer (most commercial brands). However, we strongly suggest you observe the brewers' shelf life, as times can vary depending on the style of beer and how it is stored.
To maximize freshness, keep your kegerator cold, clean, and properly pressurized! The recommended temperature to store your keg is 38°F. Avoid going significantly above or below this ideal range. If the temperature rises above 38°F, the warmer conditions can liberate carbon dioxide too quickly, resulting in foamier beer and a stale flavor. Temperatures exceeding 55°F also risk bacterial growth that can spoil the beer.
Conversely, keeping the keg below 28°F may cause the beer to freeze, which you'll want to prevent. To maintain the optimal 38°F temperature, it's best to store the keg in your kegerator or converted refrigerator.
7. How long should I wait before using my kegerator?
After turning your dispenser on, you should ideally wait at least 24 hours for the unit to cool properly. You may then adjust the temperature setting based on your preferences.
8. How do kegerators or beer dispensers affect the storage temperature?
Temperature is a crucial determinant of the taste of draft beer. Constant temperature is the most important element in beer storage. A kegerator keeps beer chilled at proper beer storage temperature, allowing you to keep beer for extended periods of time without losing quality or freshness. Because you usually only open the kegerator door when loading or unloading a keg, the temperature also remains more consistent than in a standard refrigerator that may experience more fluctuations with more activity.
9. How Do Kegerators Help Achieve the Perfect Pour?
Kegerators have multiple advantages over the plain beer keg. Not only do they keep your beer cool for several months, they also contain a mounted faucet to aid in pouring.
10. How much do kegerators cost? Why such a huge price difference?
Kegerators can vary widely in price, depending on factors such as size, quality, intended usage, and available features. Prices might range from $200 for basic models to over $2,000 for premium models. Here’s why there’s such a huge price difference: standard home models (typically ranging from $200 to $500) are designed to be freestanding and usually include a basic single tap kit. These are great for personal use but tend to have limited features. Dual or multi-tap kegerators ($800–$1,500) can dispense multiple kegs at once, increasing the price. Kegerators that are designed to be installed under counters (aka "built-in") require a more complex design and generally higher cost. Outdoor kegerators and commercial grade models will also call for higher pricing.
Summit kegerators are available at various price points and for different applications. All are approved for residential use, and many are also commercially approved for use in foodservice establishments. We also offer the ability to customize your kegerator with various tap styles and door finishes, and carry a wide selection of models that can be built-in under counters and used in the outdoors. Our selection includes panel-ready models that allow you to customize the front to match your own cabinetry and blend your kegerator into your home bar or kitchen.
Additional choices are available in stainless steel, black, and with glass doors to keep the kegs on display.
