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Do you enjoy do-it-yourself (DIY) projects? Do you
like impressing your friends? Do you love beer?
Then keep reading to learn how to build your very own kegerator! (Or at least you'll learn how my roommate
built ours.)
 The ultimate accessory at any party or in any home,
a kegerator provides you with that cold beer you crave at every occasion and
also lets you boast about your workmanship.
What you
will need:
Chest freezer/fridge
Depending on the size of your desired keg, you
will need a chest freezer, a large mini-fridge, or even a full-sized fridge.
Make sure you know the dimensions of your keg and the inner dimensions of your
freezer or fridge. Nothing is more
disappointing than a keg-less kegerator.
Here are some typical keg specifications:
|
Type |
Volume
gal (oz) |
Equivalent
# of 12oz Beers |
Height*
In
(cm) |
Diameter
In
(cm) |
Full
Weight
lbs
(kg) |
|
Home
Brew/Corny Keg |
5
(640) |
53 |
23
(58.4) |
9
(22.9) |
49
(22.2) |
|
Sixth
Barrel |
5.16
(661) |
55 |
23-3/8
(59.4) |
9-1/4
(23.5) |
58
(26.3) |
|
Quarter
Barrel/Pony Keg |
7.75
(992) |
82 |
13-7/8
(35.2) |
16-1/8
(41) |
87
(39.5) |
|
Slim
Quarter |
7.75
(992) |
82 |
23-3/8
(59.4) |
11-1/8
(28.3) |
87
(39.5) |
|
Half
Barrel/Full Keg |
15.5
(1984) |
165 |
23-3/8
(59.4) |
16-1/8
(41) |
161
(73) |
 *This is the height of the keg only. The coupler and hosing
can add anywhere from 1-6 inches (2.5-15.2 cm) to the top of your keg.
Keep in mind that a full keg is equivalent to a
half barrel! If someone says sixth keg or quarter keg, they most likely mean
sixth barrel or quarter barrel.
External Thermostat/Temperature Controller ($60)
This is only required if you are converting a
freezer. Most refrigerators allow you to regulate temperature. Freezers, on the
other hand, are designed to freeze things. An external thermostat and
temperature controller will turn the freezer on when ambient temperatures get
too high and turn the freezer off before the keg gets too cold; otherwise, the
keg may freeze and become damaged.
CO2 Tank and Regulators ($60 and $45)
Your keg should be properly pressurized at all
times. If there's too much pressure, your beer will come out too fast and very
foamy. If there's too little pressure, your beer will go flat. The CO2 tanks
and regulators should also sit inside of your kegerator.
Other Components
To build your own kegerator, you'll also need these
components.
·
Sterilized ¼" tubing – For Beer and Air Lines ($6)
·
Tower Assembly – includes faucet and shank
($70-90)
·
Hose Clamps ($2)
·
Drip Tray ($30)
·
Coupler ($30-60) – Different beers require
different couplers. These will be discussed later.
Chrome is cheaper, but stainless steel is the preferred
material of construction.
All these components (not including the freezer or fridge) will cost about
$300-$350.
You can also purchase a kegerator conversion kit which does
not include the external thermostat and drip tray for $200-$300.
Got everything? Then let's get started!
The second part of this DIY Kegerator series will
run soon!
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Re: Build Your Own Kegerator!
