The Beer Barons

Never go thirsty again…

About two years ago, I decided to make the fiscal plunge and build my own kegerator.  This decision was reached after figuring out that manufactured kegerators run about $500.00, and they really only serve one purpose – serving beer.  Instead, I converted an old refrigerator so it could function as a kegerator, as well as a full sized fridge.  To this day, I could not be more pleased with my decision.  For anyone considering buying a kegerator, I strongly suggest you look into building your own.  It will probably be cheaper, and you will get extra freezer space out of the deal.

Here is a step by step:

Step 1:  Acquire a refrigerator.  Honestly – this could be the hardest step.  You will probably need one with that textured metal exterior (not stainless steel) to save yourself some trouble.  I found mine for $100.00 on www.craigslist.com.  I bought it from a woman who specifically told me “I hope you’re not going to use it just for beer.”  Well… sorry lady, but in my defense, I also use it to freeze stuff… so there…

Step 2: Go Online. This step can be as easy as finding a kegerator conversion kit online.  I ordered mine from http://www.beveragefactory.com/.  Now, you could find your parts individually, and some homebrew supply shops sell parts, but when I was looking, the online kits were the cheapest deals around.  These kits have detailed instructions, and I suggest you follow them.  Here’s what to look for:

- If you plan on using it for commercial kegs (i.e. kegs you buy at the store) – look for something that includes a coupler – you will probably want an American Sankey keg coupler.  Sankey kegs are the ones we all remember from college, the same kind that countless college guys stood around while shouting instructions at one other on how to tap it (“Nah bro, you’ve gotta turn it topwise… no, topwise!”).  The kit should also include a Co2 tank, a Co2 regulator (which allows you to control the outbound Co2 pressure for proper serving), a shank (basically a long hollow screw through which beer flows), a tap/faucet, a basic faucet handle and ample vinyl tubing – 10 ft should be plenty – half for gas into the keg and half for liquid out of the keg.  The kit will probably include a faucet wrench, which is probably necessary…

- If you were planning on drinking imported kegs, you will want to pick up whatever type of coupler corresponds to the kegs you’re planning on drinking… I’ll let you figure that one out. 

- If you were planning on drinking draft Guinness – then get ready to spend significantly more.  Guinness draft’s hallmark texture, taste and creamy head come from a nitrogen/Co2 mixed system.  You will have to first secure a local gas supplier that can fill a tank with a mix of nitrogen gas and Co2.  You will then have to buy the proper tanks and/or regulators for a nitrogen system.  Again, I’ll let you figure that one out.

-If you were planning on kegging your homebrew – then look for a kit marked “homebrew.”  The kit will include the items above, but instead of a Sankey Keg coupler, you will need one Gas In coupler, and one Beer Out coupler.  If you are homebrewing with Cornelius kegs, then you will probably need ball lock couplers.

Step 3: Wait for kit to arrive. (Second hardest step).  While you wait, pick a location for your kegerator and stake out your local gas and keg suppliers.  Nothing is worse than having your kegerator built with a cold keg inside, and having drive around aimlessly looking for a gas supplier that’s open at 10PM, because trust me, there are none.

You will also need a way to drill a hole through the door of your fridge.  I picked up a drill bit from Home Depot for a couple bucks.

Step 4: Build.  Assuming you have all the necessary items, just follow the instructions.  You will need to drill your hole(s), connect the hoses, tanks and kegs, and you will be slinging suds in no time.

**Obligatory Warning**

Kegerators can cause drunkenness; side effects of drunkenness include, but are not limited to:

1. Slurred speech
2. Inability to walk straight
3. Undesired or unexpected sexual activity
4. Loudness
5. Inclination to urinate anywhere except the bathroom
6. Excessive phone calls and/or text messages
7. False sense of one’s own hilarity
8. Excessive pizza or Chinese food consumption
9. Memory loss
10. Dancing that would never occur while sober

Cornelius keg, Co2 tank, dual guage regulator with split output, beer

Dual guage regulator with split output, Co2 tank

More beer, inside of door

Cornelius keg with oktoberfest homebrew, Gas In coupler (white), Beer Out coupler (black)