Kegerator Components

The Main Event
Draught beer tastes better than bottled and canned beer because keg beer does not have preservatives. Purchasing or building a kegerator can cut beer costs by 60%. Single-faucet and multi-faucet models can be portable or built-in. The primary component of a kegerator is an apartment-size refrigerator or freezer.

The Component Line-up
Components of a kegerator kit work together to create a perfect draw:

• CO2 tank - moves the beer from keg to glass. Refillable five-pound tanks will serve 2-3 kegs of beer.
• Keg Pump - moves the beer from keg to glass. Kegs powered by pumps are flat after several hours. Keg pumps are good backup when the CO2 tank is empty.
• Regulator - connects to the CO2 tank and sets the gas pressure level for proper beer dispensing. A double gauge regulator measures pressure going into the tank and the remaining air supply.
• Line Jumper - tubing that runs from the keg coupler to the regulator.
• Keg Coupler - attaches to the keg and taps the keg.
• Beer Line Jumper - five-foot tubing connects the faucet and shank to the keg coupler.
• Shank - drill a hole through the refrigerator door; the shank runs through that hole and attaches to the faucet and the beer line.
• Faucet - a valve, also known as the tap. Beer pours from here.
• Drip Tray - fits underneath the faucet.
• Faucet Handle - interchangeable handles or knobs that are pulled to make the beer come out of the kegerator.
• Thermostat - controls temperature and is necessary when using a freezer for a kegerator.
• Cleaning Kit - beer lines and taps should be cleaned every month or when the keg is changed to avoid growth of mold and bacteria.