Whether it’s for a commercial venue or your own home bar, a kegerator can be a great addition. It enables you to pour the perfect pint of frosty-cold beer anytime you want it, without having to add the infrastructure of a regular tap system. If you’re thinking about buying one, however, you may have some questions. With that in mind, here are 10 of the most common kegerator questions and the answers. These should help you narrow down your search and find the unit that’s right for you.
Common Kegerator Questions
1. What types of kegerators are there?
There are a number of different types of units on the market today. These can range from single-door units on wheels that can be moved to different spots to larger three-door models that are meant to stay in one place. The most basic models feature a single tap, while more upscale models can have up to four. There are even kegerators specifically designed for outdoor use.
2. What size kegs will fit in a kegerator?
A typical residential kegerator will be large enough to store a full-sized keg or something smaller. Commercial units, on the other hand, may be able to hold multiple kegs. It’s important to think about your specific usage requirements before making your purchase.
3. How do you set up a kegerator?
It’s always recommended to check the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting to set up your unit. However, in general you’ll need to thread the hose through the draft tower before attaching your CO2 regulator onto the tank. Make sure you set the regulator for the proper PSI according to the owner’s manual.
4. How long will a kegerator keep a keg fresh?
Most of the time, a kegerator keeps a keg fresh for about six weeks as long as it remains activated. However, this can vary based on your pump, the style of beer you’re serving, the climate conditions and more.
5. How many kegs can be tapped on one CO2 tank?
The general rule of thumb is that a single five-pound tank can handle two to four half-barrel kegs. This will depend on whether or not the CO2 tank will be kept cold. Again, it’s recommended that you consult your owner’s manual for a more-accurate estimate.
6. How long will I need to wait before using my kegerator?
Once you have everything connected and turn on your unit, it’s recommended that you wait at least one full day before using it. This is to ensure the keg becomes sufficiently chilled to provide the best overall results.
7. How do you defrost a kegerator?
The simplest way to do it is to shut the unit off after the keg is emptied and let it sit for a while. Once the ice melts, dry up the inside of the unit with a towel. Defrosting is optional but may help improve performance if you’ve noticed the beer isn’t quite cold enough.
8. How do I clean a kegerator?
Specialized kits come with everything you need to clean out the coupler, taps, and beer lines. This will ensure better performance and better-tasting beer.
9. What does the CO2 in a kegerator do?
A CO2 tank is needed to carbonate the beer and create the pressure needed to push it through the lines.
10. What is the proper PSI for a kegerator?
In most cases, the proper PSI should be between 10 and 12. However, you should refer to your unit’s manual for the exact PSI for your specific model.
Now that you have the answers to the most basic kegerator questions, it’s time to browse through Iron Mountain Refrigeration & Equipment’s selection. We have a number of options when it comes to new kegs as well as commercial kegs, CO2 tanks and more. Get in touch with us today to learn more.