Small kegerators have turned into a must-have for beer lovers and folks who love hosting at home. Once only in bars and restaurants, these nifty beer fridges let you enjoy draft beer right from a tap in your kitchen. But to get the best experience, picking the **right kegerator** is key.
The best small kegerator should maintain a consistent temperature, fit nicely in your space, and have a solid build to keep the beer fresh and the system running smoothly. Using an incorrect or poorly functioning kegerator can lead to issues like beer foaming, inconsistent temperature, and even spoilage.
When purchasing a small kegerator for your home, pay attention to important features like adjustable temperature settings, compatibility with various keg sizes, and durability of the interior components. It’s also a plus if the kegerator comes with an integrated tap system that’s easy to install and clean.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best small kegerator. Over time, we have invested in researching and testing various kegerators, and we have come to identify the ones that can assure excellent performance and durability. By the end of this article, you will have all the information you need to choose the best small kegerator for your specific needs.
Best Small Kegerator
Choosing the right small kegerator is crucial for enjoying your favorite beer in the comfort of your home. The kegerator should be user-friendly, sturdy, and effectively maintain a consistent temperature. With so many options available in the market, picking out the best one can be daunting. In this article, we have done all the heavy lifting for you. We have carefully analyzed, tested, and compiled a list of the best small kegerators, offering comprehensive insights to help you make an informed choice.
EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator for 1/6 Barrel and Cornelius Kegs
If you’re looking for a kegerator that can handle 1/6 barrel kegs, then the EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator is worth considering.
Pros
- The built-in CO2 tank holder and 5lbs aluminum CO2 tank provide a steady pour, and the regulator allows for adjustable pouring.
- The dual faucet design allows for serving two different beverages at once, making it perfect for parties.
- The kegerator’s compact size and reversible door make it easy to fit into small spaces.
Cons
- The kegerator doesn’t come with a 1/6 barrel keg, so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
- The built-in CO2 tank may not be enough for extended use, so you may need to purchase additional CO2 tanks.
- The kegerator’s plastic construction may not be as durable as other materials.
We’ve used the EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator for a few weeks, and overall, we’re happy with its performance. The built-in CO2 tank holder and 5lbs aluminum CO2 tank make it easy to serve beer without having to purchase additional equipment. The dual faucet design is also a nice touch, as it allows us to serve two different beverages at once.
One thing to keep in mind is that the kegerator doesn’t come with a 1/6 barrel keg, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. Additionally, the built-in CO2 tank may not be enough for extended use, so you may need to purchase additional CO2 tanks. Finally, the kegerator’s plastic construction may not be as durable as other materials, so you’ll need to be careful when cleaning and maintaining it.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact kegerator that can handle 1/6 barrel kegs and serve two different beverages at once, then the EdgeStar KC1000SS Craft Brew Kegerator is a solid choice.
Homecraft Black Stainless Steel Easy-Dispensing Tap Beer Cooling System Kegerator, Includes Reusable Growler, CO2 Cartridges, Removable Drip Tray & Cleaning Kit, Fresh for 30 Days
If you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use kegerator, the Homecraft Black Stainless Steel Easy-Dispensing Tap Beer Cooling System Kegerator is a great option.
Pros
- The built-in CO2 tank ensures a longer and more stable dispensing period.
- The kegerator is easy to install and operate, making it a great option for beginners.
- The removable drip tray and built-in faucet with a safety lock make cleaning up a breeze.
Cons
- The kegerator only has one faucet, which may be limiting for those who want to serve multiple types of beer.
- The CO2 tank may need to be replaced frequently, depending on how much beer is being dispensed.
- The kegerator may not be able to keep beer cold enough for extended periods of time.
We’ve been using the Homecraft Black Stainless Steel Easy-Dispensing Tap Beer Cooling System Kegerator for a few weeks now, and we’re overall satisfied with its performance. The built-in CO2 tank is a standout feature, as it eliminates the need to purchase and replace separate CO2 cartridges.
Installation was a breeze, and the kegerator is easy to operate. The removable drip tray and built-in faucet with a safety lock make cleaning up a breeze, which is especially important for those who plan to use the kegerator frequently.
One potential downside is that the kegerator only has one faucet, which may be limiting for those who want to serve multiple types of beer. Additionally, the CO2 tank may need to be replaced frequently, depending on how much beer is being dispensed. Finally, the kegerator may not be able to keep beer cold enough for extended periods of time, so it may not be the best option for those who plan to use it for extended periods.
Overall, if you’re looking for a compact and easy-to-use kegerator that’s great for beginners, the Homecraft Black Stainless Steel Easy-Dispensing Tap Beer Cooling System Kegerator is a solid choice.
BHTOP Kegerator, Draft Beer Dispenser, Stainless Steel Beverage Cooler，Mounted CO2 Cylinder, Temperature Control, Drip Tray & Rail | Fits 1/6 Kegs
If you’re looking for a kegerator that can keep your beer cold and carbonated, the BHTOP Kegerator is a great option.
Pros
- The digital temperature control allows you to easily adjust the temperature of your beer from 32℉ to 59℉.
- The CO2 pressure is also adjustable, allowing you to set it between 5-30 PSI to ensure the perfect pour every time.
- The kegerator comes with a 5-liter CO2 cylinder and a 1/6 keg coupler, making it easy to get started.
Cons
- The kegerator is quite heavy, weighing in at 34 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.
- The drip tray may not be large enough to catch all spills, so you may need to clean up occasionally.
- The kegerator is not suitable for dispensing wine or other beverages, so keep that in mind if you have a varied drink selection.
The BHTOP Kegerator is a solid choice for anyone looking to bring the pub experience into their home. The digital temperature control and adjustable CO2 pressure make it easy to get the perfect pour every time, while the stainless steel construction ensures that the kegerator will last for years to come.
One potential downside to the kegerator is its weight, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the drip tray may not be large enough to catch all spills, so you may need to clean up occasionally. Finally, it’s worth noting that the kegerator is not suitable for dispensing wine or other beverages, so keep that in mind if you have a varied drink selection.
Overall, if you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use kegerator, the BHTOP Kegerator is definitely worth considering.
EdgeStar BR3002BL 24 Inch Wide Kegerator Conversion Refrigerator for Full Size Keg – Black
If you’re looking for a kegerator that can handle a full-size keg, the EdgeStar BR3002BL is a great option.
Pros
- The 24″ wide design is perfect for those who want to serve a large number of guests.
- The built-in cold temperature of 36-40°F is ideal for storing and serving your favorite keg beer.
- The single tap dispense system is easy to use and clean.
Cons
- The dispense line must be primed with beer before pouring, which can be messy.
- The kegerator does not come with CO2, so you’ll need to purchase it separately.
- The kegerator is quite heavy, so you’ll need help moving it into place.
The EdgeStar BR3002BL is a great choice for those who want to serve a large number of guests. The 24″ wide design is perfect for hosting parties, and the built-in cold temperature of 36-40°F ensures that your keg beer stays fresh and cold. The single tap dispense system is easy to use and clean, making it a great choice for those who want a hassle-free kegerator experience.
One downside of the EdgeStar BR3002BL is that the dispense line must be primed with beer before pouring, which can be messy. Additionally, the kegerator does not come with CO2, so you’ll need to purchase it separately. Finally, the kegerator is quite heavy, so you’ll need help moving it into place.
Overall, the EdgeStar BR3002BL is a great choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use kegerator for their home or business.
NutriChef Pressurized Growler Tap System, 128oz Stainless Steel Mini Keg Dispenser Portable Kegerator Kit, Co2 Pressure Regulator Keeps Carbonation for Craft Beer, Draft and Homebrew
If you’re looking for a portable draft beer dispenser that’s easy to use and clean, the NutriChef Pressurized Growler Tap System is a great option.
Pros
- The tap system comes with CO2 chargers, making it easy to carbonate your beer without the need for an additional CO2 tank.
- The stainless steel growler keg is durable and holds up to 128 ounces of your favorite draft beer.
- The growler tap system is easy to use, and the CO2 regulator helps you control the carbonation level of your beer.
Cons
- The CO2 cartridges may not last long, depending on how much beer you plan to dispense.
- The tap system may not be suitable for larger kegs.
- The growler tap system may not be as durable as some other portable draft beer dispensers on the market.
We’ve used the NutriChef Pressurized Growler Tap System to dispense our favorite draft beers at home, and we’re impressed with its performance. The tap system is easy to use, and the CO2 regulator allows us to adjust the carbonation level of our beer to our liking.
The stainless steel growler keg is durable and holds up to 128 ounces of beer, which is perfect for small gatherings. The tap system is also easy to clean, which is important if you plan to use it frequently.
However, we’ve noticed that the CO2 cartridges may not last long, depending on how much beer we plan to dispense. Additionally, the tap system may not be suitable for larger kegs, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it for commercial purposes.
Overall, we think the NutriChef Pressurized Growler Tap System is a great option for anyone looking for a portable draft beer dispenser that’s easy to use and clean. It’s a bit of an investment, but it’s worth it if you’re a craft beer enthusiast who wants to enjoy their favorite draft beers at home.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best small kegerator, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the key features that make a kegerator stand out.
Capacity
One of the most important factors to consider is the capacity of the kegerator. The capacity will determine how much beer can be stored and dispensed at one time. For those who plan to use the kegerator frequently, a larger capacity may be necessary. However, for those who have limited space or plan to use the kegerator infrequently, a smaller capacity may be sufficient.
Temperature Control
Another important factor to consider is temperature control. The temperature of the beer can greatly affect its taste and quality. A good kegerator should have the ability to maintain a consistent temperature, typically between 36-40 degrees Fahrenheit. Look for a kegerator with a temperature control feature to ensure your beer stays fresh and delicious.
Dispense System
The dispense system is another important factor to consider. A good dispense system should be easy to use and clean. Look for a kegerator with a simple and effective dispense system that allows for easy pouring and minimal waste.
Size and Design
The size and design of the kegerator are also important factors to consider. A good kegerator should fit comfortably in your space while still providing the necessary features. Look for a kegerator with a sleek and modern design that will complement your home bar or entertainment area.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the kegerator. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, keep in mind that a good kegerator is an investment that will provide years of enjoyment. Look for a kegerator that fits your budget while still providing the necessary features and quality.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best small kegerator for your needs and enjoy fresh, delicious beer right in your own home.
