Build a Kegerator

In this project, I’ll outline how to build a basic, two-tap kegerator. It’s not a cheap project, but the benefits are tremendous and well worth the money.

Before you can get started buying all of the needed hardware, you need to decide if your kegerator is going to be housed in a refrigerator or chest freezer. Using a refrigerator is generally less expensive overall and requires less equipment, but a decent-sized chest freezer can usually accommodate more kegs (and thus taps). Also, used refrigerators can be had for very little money — and in some cases are free if you can pick them up yourself. Be aware, however, that old refrigerators consume a lot of power. Although the upfront cost may be right, a newer refrigerator may end up saving you money in the long run.

I opted to go with a refrigerator because it fit my brewing needs (and available space), required minimal hardware and was less expensive overall than going with a chest freezer. I ended up buying a new unit because I lucked into a model-clearance sale and got it really cheap. It’s an “apartment-sized” refrigerator/freezer combo, which looks just like a normal fridge, but it’s about 12 cubic feet (0.34 cubic meters) inside instead of the normal 18 cubic feet (0.51 cubic meter) or larger. It’s perfect for a two-, three- or even four-tap setup.

To figure out how many kegs a given fridge or freezer will hold, trace around the bottom of a Cornelius keg on a piece of cardboard, cut it out and take that with you when you go to look at your options. If you don’t have a keg yet, you can just draw an 8-inch diameter circle instead of tracing the bottom. Also, be sure to measure the fridge or freezer for vertical clearance. A typical ball-lock keg with the disconnects attached is about 26-inches (66-cm) high. Vertical clearance isn’t usually an issue with full-size refrigerators or chest freezers, but it’s good to know the height of the kegs when trying to squeeze just one more into a tight space in the back of the fridge.

The setup may be intimidating at first, but in no time you’ll be enjoying your brew on tap with friends and family. It’s a beautiful thing. For some handy formulas to help get your system fully tuned to your liking, check out http://kegman.net/balance.html

Tools and Parts

• 1 refrigerator
• Drip tray
• 2 Cornelius kegs
• 2 shanks
• 2 forward-sealing faucets
• 2 tap handles
• 2 10-ft (3-m) lengths of beer line (3⁄16 ID)
• 4 hose clamps (for beer line)
• 1 CO2 tank
• 1 dual-gauge regulator
• 3 feet (1 m) air line hose (1⁄4-inch diameter)
• 1 “Y” splitter (for air line hose)
• 6 hose clamps (for air line)
• 2 beer “out” disconnects *
• 2 gas “IN” disconnects *
• caulk
• keg lube
• elelctric drill
• 7⁄8-inch hole saw
• screwdriver
• Tap handles.

*(Be sure to match your disconnects to the type of kegs you have: either ball lock or pin lock.)