How to Convert a Refrigerator Into a Keg Cooler

Keg coolers allow access to beer kegs while they are being chilled.

Keg coolers allow cold beer to be poured straight from a keg that is being chilled. Beer in kegs is often cheaper and better preserved than beer bought at restaurants. As well as being better beer, some kegs of beer contain product that the factory doesn't sell in cans or bottles. As a result, keg coolers often are prized possessions that are suitable for parties. Although keg coolers are highly coveted home appliances, their average price tag of at least $700 makes them uncommon. For about $400 and with few hours work, you can make your own keg cooler at home.

Things You'll Need

• Refrigerator
• 'Kegerator' conversion kit
• Screwdriver
• Circular saw
• Power drill
• 12-by-12-by-1/2-inch plywood

Instructions

1. The first step to building your own keg cooler is picking the refrigerator that you wish to convert. Find the dimensions of the kegs of beer you think you will be buying. Pick a fridge that will fit the largest of those kegs in every dimension. Refrigerators that are 5 feet tall can often hold 2 beer kegs with 1/6 barrel volume. Popular Mechanics has a keg dimension chart that can be used to help pick your refrigerator. As well as having the right dimensions, your fridge must also have easily accessible cooling lines and no freezer compartment. Note the location of the cooling lines before you buy your fridge. You can ask the salesman of your refrigerator about the location of the lines.

2. Remove all shelves, drawers and nonessential components of the fridge. Most fridges have plastic shelves and drawers that are meant to be adjustable Any pieces that are not removable can be cut out with your circular saw.

3. Drill two holes between the cooling lines of your fridge. Choose the bit of your drill carefully so as not to damage the cooling lines.

4. Use the circular saw to cut the plywood down to size until it fits over the cooling lines. The plywood should fit snugly over the hole where the cooling lines sit and should be at least 9 1/4-by-6 1/2 inches. If the hole is too small for the plywood to sit over it, use your saw to cut the plastic of the fridge to fit your plywood.

5. The rest of the refrigerator conversion process depends on the Kegerator kit that you buy. Most Kegerator kits use essentially the same process, but the individual parts and how they are installed differ from kit to kit.

References

• Popular Mechanics: DIY Kegerator - Draft Beer Fridge