Top 12 Best Mini Fridge For Kegerators In 2024
Peter Fonda Apr 27, 2024 10:20 AM
If you've done your homework and are seriously considering purchasing a Kegerator, you probably already know how pricey they can be.
You'll need to shell out at least $800 for the entry-level Kegerator if you want to have cold beer on tap, which is a hefty sum.
Converting a mini-fridge into a Kegerator on your own might save you a lot of money compared to buying a pre-made unit.
DIYing this project will save you a lot of money, especially considering that Kegerator-convertible mini-fridges can be purchased for around $150 and standard-size kegs can be purchased for around $25.
In addition, if you make your own Kegerator conversion, you can customize it to your exact specifications.
Here, you'll learn about the top mini-fridges for Kegerator installation.
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Price
Although it may seem obvious, this is the best location to begin learning about compact refrigerators.
Check out prices for items that fall inside your price range. If you're on a tight budget, it's best to limit your search to items that fit within that range so you don't end yourself falling in love with an incredibly costly alternative.
Mini refrigerators are surprisingly affordable, with several high-quality models available for less than $200. Finding one that is affordable and meets your other criteria shouldn't be too difficult.
Size
Before purchasing a micro fridge, measure the space available and ensure it will accommodate your kegs.
Verifying this in advance might save you time and energy in the event that you get it home and discover that your kegs do not fit.
This may sound like a no-brainer, but I, too, am guilty of this common blunder.
To a large extent, the type of keg you use will dictate the sort of compact refrigerator you may utilize.
Second, you should look for a model that will fit in your brewhouse. I should probably forewarn you that once you begin browsing kegs, you will be drawn to the largest and most elaborate ones.
In the end, I settled on a solution that could accommodate my kegs without overwhelming the space in my modest basement. I needed something compact because my homebrew gear already takes up so much room.
When you bring it home, remember that you'll need a place to store it.
Functionality
Mini refrigerators typically have extras like a built-in freezer. However, if the refrigerator's cooling lines pass through the top of the unit, a freezer there may prove to be an obstacle to installing the conversion kit.
Contrarily, some home brewers choose to use a freezer and prefer to install their conversion kit through the door as opposed to the top of the small fridge. Hops are among the items kept in the freezer.
All this boils down to making sure there are no cooling lines running through the spot you have in mind for the tap. Those obstructions will make it impossible to drill through and set up the kegerator conversion kit.
Temperature Control
It has been advised by several professionals that you invest in a mini-fridge with reliable and constant temperature regulation. To monitor the inside temperature, a thermostat is installed. Furthermore, this is totally dependent on the many beer varieties now available in your keg. This is due to the fact that different beers are designed to be served at varying temperatures, ranging from extremely cold to nearly room temperature.
The Freezer
There is a good selection of tiny refrigerators available when you start looking for the one that will work best for you. You'll be able to find one without a freezer, freeing up valuable floor space for your keg. Make sure your minifridge has enough room for your kegs, whether you choose with the larger options or the more commonplace regular sizes. Selecting one without the freezer or the tubes and wires that are frequently in the way can save your life.
Material
Kegerator mini-fridges made of stainless steel or another equally long-lasting and corrosion-resistant material should be your top priority. Stainless steel, because it is resistant to scratches, is an excellent option.
Because of the high volume of use and, in all likelihood, spillage that will occur in your Kegerator, corrosion resistance and longevity are crucial aspects.
Consequently, it is important that your Kegerator be resistant to corrosion and general wear and tear.
Additional Features
The design of a Kegerator mini-fridge can be modified to include a number of optional extras. When it comes to deciding where to put your refrigerator, these options can be helpful.
Mini-fridges, for instance, frequently come with casters or wheels as an extra feature.
With wheels, you won't have to strain your back or shoulders to move the mini-fridge to its permanent spot or to rearrange it if the arrangement no longer works.
A Kegerator mini-fridge with a door that can be opened in either direction is a fantastic appliance.
Because of potential obstructions, the placement of a refrigerator may be limited by the direction in which its door opens.
A reversible door solves this issue by allowing you to open it from either the left or right side.
What is a kegerator?
To put it simply, a kegerator is a mini-fridge combined with a keg. Taps are used to pour beverages from kegs stored in a refrigerator or similar appliance. Because they maintain the beer at the ideal temperature and pressure, kegerators have become increasingly popular. While the keg is responsible for keeping the pressure, the mini-fridge ensures that the beverage stays at the perfect serving temperature. Because of the increased pressure, the carbonation in the beverage will last significantly longer than it would without it.
There's a general consensus that beer straight from the tap is superior to beer in a bottle. Having frothy, icy beer straight from the tap is reason enough to invest in a kegerator. While kegerators are indeed convenient, they may be somewhat pricey. A mini-fridge and a conversion kit will turn it into a kegerator, solving the problem. You can enjoy the same refreshing beverage at any time for far less money.
Is Buying a Mini Fridge for Your Kegerator Worth It?
There are only a handful of factors that should be considered when deciding whether or not to invest in a tiny fridge that can be converted into a kegerator. The cost and effort involved in making the switch are two such considerations. Always remember that you'll need to purchase a conversion kit designed for your specific small fridge. This holds true unless you want to buy a mini-fridge that has already been transformed. In addition, the cost is usually a consideration in whether or not to make a major purchase, such as a kegerator or a tiny fridge converted into one. Buying a small refrigerator and converting it yourself is typically considered as preferable. The bottom line is that you need to think about everything involved before deciding whether or not to make the buy. Investing in a small refrigerator specifically for the purpose of converting it into a kegerator is a worthwhile project for most individuals. Those who appreciate a refreshing beer or other drink at any time of day will find this to be especially true.
How a Mini Fridge Works for a Kegerator
Having access to cold beer whenever you choose has many people wondering if and how a tiny fridge can be converted into a kegerator. Remember that just because you have a tiny fridge does not imply you automatically have a kegerator.
Before you can start using your mini-fridge as a kegerator, you'll need to do some reading and maintenance. You'll need to prepare for the conversion process by collecting the necessary materials.
Buying a converting kit that works with both your fridge and keg is the first and most crucial step. In most situations, you can get this when you buy your small fridge, especially if you're getting one that's made to be converted into a kegerator.
Whether or not you decide to buy a tiny fridge specifically to turn into a kegerator comes down to personal preference. There is a good chance that you will gain from making this investment and conversion if you frequently drink cold beverages from the tap. While not an all-inclusive list, the above are some of the finest kegerator-compatible mini-refrigerators currently on the market. You can sit down and conduct some research to figure out which one is ideal for you if you have the resources to do so.