Just in time for Christmas, I received my EdgeStar KC2000SS kegerator from Kegerator.com.

When referring to gifts, people often say it’s the thought that counts. However, when it comes to choosing a kegerator, I’ve found that the key criteria are aesthetics, an “ease of use” factor, performance, and cost. After using the KC2000SS for more than two weeks, I’d give the model highest marks in spite of a couple things I wish were built a little differently.

The Good:

1. Ready to dispense beer in less than 30 minutes. Assembly was truly easy, thanks in large part to clear directions and ready made components. The directions sheet has large, full color photos that show every step in detail (including how to adjust the CO₂regulator). I’ve seen directions for many other kegerators—including MicroMatic—that pale in comparison with the quality of these. For construction, the only tools you’ll need to complete the assembly are a pair of needle nose pliers and a flathead screwdriver. Most components are designed to be interlocking, while some “snap” together.
2. Extremely well-packed. Honestly, I was impressed with how much styrofoam, protective plastic, and cardboard were used to protect the KC2000SS while in transit. Mine arrived without a single blemish which is surprising considering it shipped UPS.
3. The stainless and chrome accessories are beautiful and worth the extra coin. The stainless steel door looks much sharper in person than on the website and gives the kegerator a high end look. I also like the fact they’ve used a chrome tower rather than black. It looks more professional. The railing on top is a nice touch, but purely aesthetic (more on this below).
4. Casters are essential. We have wood floors in the room, and the casters make transportation effortless while protecting the flooring. I look forward to wheeling it out on the back porch this summer for some out outdoor parties
5. Perfect pours from the get-go (after a minor adjustment to the CO2 regulator). I had an issue with too much foam on the very first glass, but quickly realized it was CO2-related. I bumped the pressure up to 12 pounds, and it has been perfect ever since. I periodically check to make sure it stays between 12 and 13 pounds of CO2 pressure to keep it that way.
6. Pricetag less than $400. This was the lowest price I could find on the net or otherwise.

The Bad:

1. Box has little room to spare. The KC2000SS kegerator uses a fridge box that is built just large enough to fit a full size (half barrel) keg. I purchased a keg of Shiner Bock and had plenty of height to spare, but getting the door on the fridge shut required a little extra effort. I had to reposition it to dead center and making contact with the back wall in order to get the door to close completely. There is no way one of those oversized, Coors-style half barrel kegs will fit in this unit.
2. Would prefer the railing and tower be more securely fastened. The way these components are designed, no drilling or hardware is required. While this is great for speed and ease of assembly, I found that the tower had a little play even after attached (note: this issue does not compromise performance). And as aforementioned, the chrome top railing looks slick but it isn’t fastened down using bolts or screws. More than once I made the mistake of trying to pull the kegerator by the railing which caused it to dislodge.
3. No digital thermostat. It’s a moot point for my keg of Shiner (I like it served as cold as possible), but should I ever get a keg of good Lager or Stout, I’ll be much more interested in storing the beer at their optimal serving temperature in order to preserve all the flavors.

Overall, I’m very pleased with this kegerator. The value, easy setup, and design are the strongest attributes. This will be a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year indeed!

Wishing you could be in Tampa Bay for Super Bowl XLIII this Year? Didn’t get picked in the random drawing and don’t know any professional athletes that will hook you up with tickets, much less have the money for the flight and the hotel? ($1,282 for the flight and Hotel for 2 adults from Austin, TX to Tampa, FL from Jan 31^st to Feb 2^nd) We’re all there with you. So you’ve decided to throw a Super Bowl Party at your house. Here are a few things to remember.

1. Inflatable beer chairs—great idea for the 80 pound kids…bad idea for the 300 pound friends. Remember that time that your uncle flopped down into that one a few years ago and all you heard was “POP!!!” Yeah let’s stay away from them.

2. Using your wife’s favorite dishes for the snacks—umm, how often does stuff get dropped, tripped over, thrown, of just generally treated poorly during the game? Nuff said.

3. The new $3000 sofa, pull that one into the other room and put the old beaten up one in its place, I mean c’mon no one is gonna notice when your team is creaming the other guys, right?

4. Beer—a must, and what better than a new kegerator to keep that keg nice and cold. I know we used to use the garbage can, trash bag, and ice method, but hey…we’re adults now right, grown up and looking cool with the awesome tap for everyone to use. And there’s no cans and bottles to worry about either.

5. Snacks—Let’s face it, you can have any kind of chips, popcorn, or pretzels, they’re going to end up on the ground anyways, so buy the cheap stuff, no one will notice if you pour the bags out into the nice (read : inexpensive) bowls you picked up at Wal-mart.

6. Pizza—For half time, after yelling and drinking for half a game, you gotta have this planned out ahead of time. Place the order a few days before the party and tell them you want it delivered at the end of the 2^nd quarter, that’ll get ‘em to you nice and hot just when they’re needed most, just as Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band take the stage.

Follow these simple suggestions and you’ll have the party people are talking about for weeks. And I promise you, you’ll need a bigger room for the next party you throw.

Recently, I noticed the new advertising campaign from Bud Light. In a market crowded with domestic light beers, they are working a new angle: “The Difference is Drinkability.”

The campaign is mildly amusing, with spots featuring either the freeze-frame monologues on drinkability, or the play-by-play commentary by the “cool guy” who draws diagrams for his friends in mid air.

The Freeze-Frame Monologue:

However, the thing I find most interesting is that this new marketing approach is such a significant detour from the usual fare I’ve come to expect from Anheuser Busch—all those mindless ads that induce laughs but do little to differentiate their product in the mind of the consumer.

My all time favorite? A seasonal piece from the “Real Men Of Genius” series that salutes the inventor of Egg Nog:

Come to think of it, Egg Nog and Bud Light have a lot in common regarding drinkability—I enjoy them both ice cold and only in very limited doses.