What Is A Kegerator?

Imagine having fresh, pub-quality beer on tap without leaving the comfort of your home. Sounds too good to be true? With a kegerator (a.k.a keg system), it’s absolutely possible.

A kegerator is a purpose-built fridge designed to house kegs and dispense perfectly chilled drinks—most often beer—straight into your glass through a tap system. You can see how this setup comes to life in our Keghouse setup. Whether you’re a homebrewer, entertainer, or just someone who loves an ice-cold Great Northern after a day on the tools, this system turns everyday moments into something special.

Curious about what a kegerator is, how it works, and why every beer lover needs one? Let’s tap into the details.

Key Components of a Kegerator

If you’re wondering how this all-in-one beer station comes together, here’s a breakdown of its essential components:

1. The Fridge

The core of any draught system is the refrigerator. These fridges range in size, starting from compact bar fridge models to larger options with greater capacity, depending on how many kegs you need to keep chilled. The most popular sizes are designed to accommodate:

• 3–4 kegs (each 19L or 20L), or
• A single 50L commercial-sized keg.

You can opt for a purpose-built kegerator or convert an old fridge with a DIY draught beer kit. Purpose-built models are pre-outfitted with everything you need for a quick setup, making them perfect if you’re new to kegerators.

For those interested in customising their homebrew kegerator setup, A Man & His Cave provides detailed information on the necessary components and considerations.s.

2. Font and Taps

The font is the vertical tower sitting on top of the fridge, connecting to the beer taps. These taps are what bring that golden, fizzy goodness right into your glass. While most beer-on-tap fridges come with 2 or 3 taps, you can choose a setup with up to six taps if you want multiple beverages on offer.

Whether you’re hosting or enjoying a quiet drink, there’s nothing quite like pouring a draught straight from your own tap!

3. Gas Bottle and Regulator

To get beer flowing smoothly, you’ll need a CO₂ gas bottle paired with a regulator. Here’s how it works:

• The CO₂ pressurises the keg, keeping the beer carbonated and ready to serve.
• The regulator maintains the perfect pressure for that flawless pour.

4. Hoses and Lines

The kegerator is an orchestra of hoses, all playing their part. The lines:

• Ensure a consistent, smooth beer flow from keg to tap.
• Connect the keg to the beer taps and CO₂ bottle.

5. Kegs

No keg, no beer! Kegs come in several shapes and sizes that cater to different needs:

• 19L Corny Kegs are a popular pick for homebrewers.
• 20L Commercial Kegs, most commonly used steel kegs in smaller venues and are the perfect size for a home bar. 
• 20L PET Kegs (lightweight and recyclable) are becoming an eco-friendly alternative for single-use occasions,  perfect for keeping your favourite Tap That brews fresh and ready to pour.
• 50L Commercial Kegs are ideal for large gatherings or beer aficionados with a favourite supplier.

6. Couplers

If you’re using commercial kegs, you’ll need the right coupler to connect it to the beer lines. Different brands have specific coupler types, so make sure yours matches your keg.

How Does a Kegerator Work?

A kegerator may sound fancy, but its functionality boils down to three key tasks: cooling, pressurising, and pouring.

1. Cooling:

The fridge keeps your kegs at the ideal serving temperature (roughly 2–4°C). Unlike a standard fridge, this setup enables precise control to ensure your beer is always served refreshingly cold.

2. Pressurising:

The CO₂ system keeps the keg perfectly pressurised, which:

• Prevents your beer from going flat while stored.
• Guarantees each pour is consistent, with just the right amount of fizz.

3. Pouring:

When you pull the tap handle, CO₂ pushes the beer through the lines, delivering a crisp, perfect pint right into your glass.

For a beginner-friendly overview on setting up and operating a kegerator, KegLand provides a helpful guide that covers essential aspects of home beer dispensing systems.

Choosing the Right Kegerator

Not all beer tap fridges are created equal! Consider the size, number of taps, portability, and your budget when choosing yours. For a more detailed guide, check out our blog on How to Choose the Right Kegerator.

If you’re weighing up your options, SSKeg offers a detailed guide on selecting the right kegerator, considering factors like size, features, and budget.

Takeaway for Beer Lovers

A kegerator is more than just a fridge with a tap. It’s an investment in convenience, quality, and social connection and joy. Whether you’re a homebrewer, a craft beer enthusiast, or someone who loves entertaining, a kegerator transforms the way you enjoy drinks at home.

So, what is a kegerator really? It’s the key to unlocking bar-quality pours in the comfort of your own space.

If you’re ready to make the leap into beer-on-tap bliss, there’s never been a better time. Check out our kegerator packages and turn your home into your personal bar today!

—

Tap That Brewery and Keghouse: Elevating Your Drinking Experience.