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Have Chilled And Fresh Glass Of Beer With The Best Kegerator/Keg Dispenser
Last updated: 26 Mar 2022You cannot visit a pub or local brewery to have your favorite beer during any time of the day. Similarly, the beer cans won’t have the authentic taste of carbonated, chilled beer. As a result, you will yearn for more. But what if you have your keg dispenser for drinking your favorite brewed or draft beer? It would certainly be the most amazing thing because these dispensers can hold a lot of beer at once, thereby eliminating the need to visit the breweries often or rely on cans. They can also keep the drink fresh and carbonated for weeks so that you can enjoy it to the fullest. However, with so many kegerators in the market, it’s a challenging task to determine the best one for yourself. Owing to this reason, we have rounded up the finest kegerators/keg dispensers in 2022 that will surely meet your requirements
Show contentsHere Are The Best Kegerator/Keg Dispensers Of 2022Best Kegerator/Keg Dispenser Buying Guide
Choosing a reliable kegerator or keg dispenser can be difficult and cumbersome as you have multiple options. A wrong choice will completely ruin your plan of enjoying your favorite beer in a chilled and fresh condition. Therefore, we have crafted a full buying guide to explain all the key factors you should consider before making a purchase.
How Does a Kegerator/Keg Dispenser Work?
The CO2 cartridge produces carbon dioxide under high pressure according to the set psi value. Once you open the tap, the gas will apply pressure on the liquid from the top, causing it to rise above and enter the tube. Once it enters the tube, the beer will flow freely out of the dispensing tap under gravitational force. When you close the tap, the valve inside is also closed, and the gas pressure is restored so that the drink stays carbonated to its optimal level.
Consider These Features Before Purchasing a Kegerator/Keg Dispenser
Material
Most kegerators are made from high-quality and durable stainless steel. It can tolerate wear and tear without losing its tensile strength. Ideally, you should go for a product having a double-walled stainless steel body with a vacuum in between the walls. It will help prevent heat exchange, and your beer will stay cold for a long time. But if your chosen keg dispenser has a single-walled body, you might have to use a separate insulator sleeve to keep your beer chilled.
Keg compatibility
If you choose a keg dispenser that needs to be filled with a keg, check the size and type compatibility. For example, some products can accommodate a 5-liter keg that can be pressurized, non-pressurized, or reusable growler. You can also find kegerators that are compatible with ½ or ¼ sized American full kegs. Therefore, if you do not check the compatibility, you might end up buying an oversized keg that won’t fit inside the product.
PSI range
PSI is the value used to measure the pressure inside the kegerator. In some products, you can change the pressure from 0 psi to 15 psi, while a few keg dispensers allow you to set the internal pressure between 0 psi and 30 psi. If you like to have your drink with more carbonation, go for a product having a greater psi range.
Carbonation tuning system
There are two types of carbonation tuning systems: automatic and manual. In the manual system, either you have to rotate a cap or a turn-down dial to change the pressure inside and, thus, the carbonation level. However, for some people, this can be a cumbersome task which is why you can get a product with an automatic carbonation system. In such a keg dispenser, the pressure will be maintained at the optimal value for maximum carbonation of the drink.
Temperature
Keg dispensers are meant to keep the beer in chilled condition within a temperature range of 30 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit maximum. You can easily change the temperature using a regulator or a combination of (+)/(-) buttons at your convenience. Furthermore, insulating the kegerator will keep the beer cold and prevent its temperature from increasing now and then.
Dispenser tap
Before you buy a keg dispenser, it is crucial for you to check the dispenser tap. Make sure that it can pour the liquid easily into your beer mug or pint glass without forming too much foam or splatters. It should also be easy to clean to prevent the formation of clogs. It would be better to choose a product whose dispensing tap can quickly pour the liquid to maintain the carbonation level.
Cartridge
To carbonate the beer kept inside the keg dispenser, you need to use a CO2 cartridge. It will charge the liquid and maintain the pressure at the set value. Some products come with cartridges because they aren’t compatible with any other cartridge. Even though having this type of keg dispenser is cost-effective, you won’t be able to use a separate cartridge. That’s why it’s better to choose a product where the cartridge sleeve has a universal thread to accommodate any cartridge of a recommended weight.
Portability
If you want to carry the keg dispenser to different places, go for a product with a handle having a proper grip. This will prevent you from losing your hold over it.
What Are Some Additional Features You Can Find In the Kegerator/Keg Dispenser?
Some of the additional features that you can find in the kegerator or the keg dispenser are:
- A sight line will help you see the amount of beer left inside the keg.
- Some products have a small LED screen where the current internal keg temperature is displayed. This way, you can control the temperature with more accuracy.
- Some kegerators are reinforced with a tap lock to prevent the liquid from being dispensed.
- If you want more stability of the keg dispenser during transit, choose a product having thick rubber feet.
- Some keg dispensers have a powder-coated body that can prevent damage from scratches.
- If you want to keep an eye on the pressure value inside the keg dispenser, make sure it has a pressure gauge.
- In a few products, you will have a drip tray at the bottom. The liquid will be collected in the tray if somehow the tap is left slightly open or the beer overflows.
- If your chosen keg has an automatic carbonation system, ensure that it comes with a pressure release valve. This will help you release the pressure inside for the safe removal of the cap.
Here Are The Best Kegerator/Keg Dispensers Of 2022
1GrowlerWerks Carbonated uKeg Dispenser
– Best OverallCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPWith this keg dispenser, the beer from your favorite brewery will stay fresh for weeks. Its double-walled stainless steel body with vacuum in between offers excellent insulation. Therefore, the beer kept inside will always stay cold. At the top of its cap is the carbonation dial that can be rotated for changing the carbonation level (pressure) from 0 to 15 psi. It is also equipped with a pressure gauge at its base where you can see the current pressure value at any time.
Additionally, the sight glass will let you know the amount of beer left inside the keg. Since it is reinforced with a dispenser tap, you can easily pour beer without removing the cap. And if you want to prevent dispensing, simply push the tap lock inside. If you want to represent your favorite brewery or personalize the keg dispenser with your name, you can change its handle easily. With this kegerator, you will also get two food-grade CO2 cartridges for maintaining carbonation inside the vessel.
Pros- Can be washed easily with warm water for removing any left-out beer
- You can easily carry it due to the strong handle
Cons- CO2 cartridge can’t be reused again
2EdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator
– Coldest KegeratorCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPThis is the coldest keg dispenser you can find in the market as the temperature range is always maintained between 30 degrees to 40 degrees Fahrenheit using the 5 lbs CO2 cylinder. It is pretty big and can easily accommodate ½ or ¼ sized American kegs. Therefore, it’s ideal for both domestic and commercial purposes. You can also move it easily in any direction with the help of casters integrated into its wheels. An additional drip tray at the bottom will hold all liquid drips and other messes to keep your floor clean. This freestanding keg dispenser is equipped with a metal floor plate for additional durability. You will get more internal free space for storing full or half kegs because the gas tank can be mounted outside at its back. It also comes with a chrome-plated brass faucet that acts as a dispenser and a black tap handle.
Pros- No need to buy additional components of a kegerator as everything comes in the pack
- Highly durable and strong body made from stainless steel
Cons- Is not suitable for carrying to different places
3NutriChef Pressurized Growler Keg Dispenser
– Value For MoneyCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPThis affordable kegerator will keep the beer completely fresh for up to 60 days. For initiating carbonation of the liquid, you can use a universal 16g CO2 cartridge. Each cartridge can pump about 128 ounces of beer before it’s completely depleted of the gas. This keg dispenser also comes with a pressure gauge for reading the current pressure value that you can fine tune (0 to 30 psi) using the adjustment knob. Since everyone likes to have a cold beer, you can use the additional insulator sleeve that comes with the pack. The dispenser’s tap is made from 304-grade stainless steel for better durability and increased strength. It also comes with a pressure release valve to open the tap hardware without injuring yourself. What’s more, its lid is reinforced with a metallic screw for convenient transportation.
Pros- Easy to assemble and disassemble within a couple of minutes only
- Will keep the beer cold for a long time due to solid stainless steel construction
Cons- Does not have built-in thermal insulation
4Homecraft Black Keg Dispenser
– Best DesignCheck On AmazonTHE SCOOPIf you are looking for a stylish keg dispenser, get this product and improve your home bar’s drink collection. It is compatible with any 5-liter pressurized or non-pressurized kegs and reusable growler kegs. Thus, you won’t have to walk up to the brewery every time to refill the kegerator. Its body is made from black stainless steel that improves durability and adds an excellent charm to its looks. You can use any standard CO2 or N2O cartridges for keeping the beer carbonated and fresh for more than thirty days. At the top of this kegerator, there is a small LED screen with (+) and (-) buttons so that you can adjust the internal temperature within a range of 36 degrees to 53 degrees. Its tap handle also has a pull and release mechanism for easy dispensing of chilled beer. In addition, a stainless steel tray at the bottom will catch all drips and eliminate the need to clean the tabletop every time beer overflows.
Pros- Does not produce any noise or vibration
- Allows you to adjust the carbonation pressure using a turn-down dial
Cons- Does not come with a pressure gauge for reading the current psi value
Check On AmazonTHE SCOOPThe carbonation system works automatically in this keg dispenser and keeps the beer fresh and carbonated for weeks. You can even choose between high or low carbonation levels using the streamlined regulator cap as per your preference. To keep the beer cold and chilled, its body is made from double-walled stainless steel with vacuum insulation. Therefore, no heat will be transferred, and you can enjoy your drink at any time.
Its black powder-coated finish will prevent scratches and rubber footing will protect it from dents. This kegerator is also compatible with a food-grade 8g CO2 charger. On top of everything, it is reinforced with a dispenser tap that can be used in three positions—lock, unlock, and pour—for optimum use and easy dispensing.Pros- Can be transported easily to any place, thanks to its durable construction
- Keeps beer chilled for 7 to 9 hours maximum due to vacuum insulation
Cons- Does not come with CO2 cartridges
People Also Asked
Q: When should I use an insulator sleeve with the kegerator?A: If your chosen kegerator has no built-in insulation system, you need to use an additional insulator sleeve for keeping the temperature low. Thus, you can enjoy chilled beer without having to keep the product inside a refrigerator.
Q: Should I open the cap immediately once my keg dispenser is empty?A: You must first release the high pressure inside the keg dispenser using the pressure release valve. Once the psi value is 0, open the cap for cleaning the product.
Q: How long will the beer stay fresh inside the kegerator?A: Some kegerators can keep the beer fresh for weeks, while others are capable of maintaining the freshness of the liquid for two months.
The Cuisine Review Team’s in-depth guides and product reviews are designed to help you pick the best products for a beautiful and professional-grade kitchen and dining room. The Cuisine Review Team curates this content, and Cuisine’s editorial staff is not involved. Cuisine at Home is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.