Kegerator

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kegerator is a term used to describe a residential draft (draught) beer dispensing device. A keg, typically of beer, is stored in a refrigerated container in order to keep the keg chilled. The user is able to maintain a tapped keg in such a device for extended periods of time, usually a couple of months, without losing any quality in the taste of the beer. A kegerator may be purchased in its finished form or built from a re-purposed refrigerator or a freezer with special equipment. The term "Kegerator" is a portmanteau combining the words keg and refrigerator.

Parts of a Kegerator

• CO2 tank
• Regulator
• Coupler
• Beer & Air Line
• Tap
• Tower
• Drip Tray
• Faucet
• Faucet Handle

One crucial part of a kegerator is a coupler. Beverage dispensing devices, such as the kegerator, have many standards for couplers:

• System D (US Sankey) - Standard for American beer
• System S (European Sankey) - Common for European beer
• System U - Used for stout and ale by a few breweries in UK/Ireland (Guinness)
• System G - Used by some breweries in UK/Ireland. (Also used in the US by Anchor Brewing).
• System A - Chiefly used by breweries in Germany.
• System M - Used by some German breweries (Schneider)

The D, S, U and G couplers are secured by twisting them in place (like a screw). The A-coupler is often referred to as a "slide coupler", because unlike the other couplers it slides in place and can be secured at any angle. (The M-coupler is also a slide coupler).

[edit] Kegerator Conversion Kit

A kegerator conversion kit is a simple way to convert a regular refrigerator or freezer^[1] (requires a temperature control device) into a beer-dispensing kegerator^[2].

Typically, a person will purchase a used refrigerator (from a yard sale, classifieds, etc) and use a kegerator conversion kit to turn it into a beer dispensing kegerator. One advantage of using full kegerators for home draught beer dispensing is that they can often hold more than one keg. This is the case when using slim kegs or pony kegs. Kegerator kits are also much cheaper and more economical than purchasing a pre-existing kegerator.

Kegerator Kits can create either door-mounted or tower conversion types^[3]. Typically, they are easy to install and include all necessary equipment and instructions^[4]. A few rudimentary tools, such as a socket wrench set and a drill with wide bits, are needed to modify the fridge. The CO2 tank needed for beer dispensing can sit either inside the fridge, or somewhere near/around it.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• How to build a kegerator instructions for download. (PDF)
• Kegerator and Keg Conversion Kit Questions & Answers: All the most common questions regarding kegerators and home kegerator kits.
• Step-by-Step Guide on Building a Kegerator.:Includes images and tips on avoiding mistakes.
• Chest Freezer Kegerator: Includes images, Cost Benefit Analysis and other information.
• DIY directions: Includes examples of materials as well as pictures and diagrams.
• The History of the Kegerator A 10-part series of articles discussing the rise of cold beer drinking and the kegerator.
• Kegerator Parts Explained Explanation of what each part of a Kegerator is and does.
• Keg Dimensions & Kegerator Plans Complete DIY Kegerator Instructions
• DIY Kegerator Project Includes detailed costs, research, and lessons learned.
• The Beer Launching Fridge Kegerator taken to the next level
• Keg Beer Discussion Forum Ask other kegerator owners