How to Make a Kegerator Out of a Small Refrigerator

Beer is experiencing a renaissance at the moment, with consumption of craft beers skyrocketing. Alongside this new market is the realization by many that the delivery method matters when it comes to beer. In other words, draft beer simply tastes better. Capitalizing on this is a whole line of custom drafts for any purpose. By why pay for an expensive niche product when you can build your very own kegerator?

Things You'll Need

• Used refrigerator
• Keg(s)
• Keg coupler
• CO2 Canister
• Gas pressure regulator
• Shank, Faucet, and Knob
• Door Spacer
• Faucet Wrench
• Beer Hose
• Screwdriver
• Drill bits
• Hole saw
• Tape measure
• Crescent wrench

Instructions

1. Choose a refrigerator, then purchase a keg that will fit easily inside. If you already have a keg in mind take your keg measurements with you when purchasing the fridge. There are five standard kegs: Sixth Barrel, Short Quarter "Pony", Slim Quarter, Half Barrel, and Cornelius (for home brewing). They vary in volume from 5 gallons to 15.5 gallons. Height can be anywhere from 15 to 24 inches. Add to your keg's specific measurements an additional 5 inches of height to accommodate the keg coupler. Make sure your fridge is roomy enough to fit a keg (or two!), the coupler, and a small CO2 tank.

2. Drill a hole in door, then install your tap. A tap consists of a shank, faucet, and knob, which are often sold together as a set. Determine in advance whether you want your tap to extend from the fridge's front or top, as this will determine the type of tap you will want to purchase. Use the hole driller to cut a hole large enough to snugly fit the door spacer. Then simply run your tap through the spacer and affix it to the door's inside with a shank nut.

3. Time to wire it up! Run the beer hose--after washing with diluted soap and rinsing with cold water--from your tap to the keg coupler. The keg coupler will have two different input valves: the one on top is for the beer hose. Purchasing the right keg coupler will depend upon the beer being served. There are five different coupling systems, all suited to different beers. As such, make sure that your coupling system is always easily accessible, for both customization and cleaning.

4. Hook up the CO2. The narrowest input into the keg coupler, typically angled up from the side, is where the CO2 will attach. The line, attached with a snap clamp, will run from the keg coupler to the gas regulator, which will then screw into a CO2 cartridge. Strap the cartridge into the back corner of your kegerator.

5. Attach your keg. Simply screw the keg on to the bottom of the keg coupler, then pull heavy black lever down toward the keg to "tap" it.

6. Activate by refrigerating the entire system to 38 degrees F. If you can slip a sheet of paper into the refrigerator when the door is closed, then chances are the rubber seal is too worn and in need of replacement. Assuming refrigeration is a success, turn on the CO2 cartridge. The gas regulator will have a small white knob. The "On" position usually involves drawing the knob clockwise until it points down the length of your CO2 line. Pressure can be adjusted on the gas regulator's front using a flathead screwdriver and should typically remain between 10 and 12 PSI.

7. Pour a glass. The perfect pour begins with the glass one inch below the faucet at a 45-degree angle. Open the faucet, letting the beer hit the diagonal about halfway down the glass. As it fills, slowly bring your glass to an upright position. Drink deeply of the spoils of your labor.

Tips & Warnings

• Install a drip tray lower on the door for an extra bit of professionalism. Be sure to clean all the lines after each keg is finished.

Resources

• Kegerator Basics
• Kegerator for the Home Brewer
• Exact Keg Dimensions