A couple of weekends ago, Kegerator.com set up a booth at the first annual Texas Testosterone Festival where attendees could enter to win a free EdgeStar KC2000 kegerator. We picked our grand prize winner, Trent of Taylor, TX, a few days later.

In his own words: “I can’t believe it. I’m so excited!”

Special mention must also be given to Stephen N.  of Austin, TX, who had the most entries in the drawing at 61! We were pretty impressed that someone dedicated so much time to entering and did not win. I think we’ll come up with some sort of a consolation prize so that time wasn’t a complete waste.

Again, congratulations to Trent! Happy drinking!

Behold! First photos of the new dual tap kegerator in development at Kegerator.com:

Above: Dr. Frankenstein (John) and the beer monster he created (John, you couldn’t find a nicer beer glass? It looks like you’re drinking out of a urine sample beaker…)

Below: Rudy fine-tuning the pressure hoses for the dual tap kegerator

Below: Shiner Blonde 1/4 barrel & Sierra Nevada sixer ready for drinkin’ (Looks like the pressure lines and beer hoses could use some rearranging though)

Below: Pair of chalkboard tap handles installed and decorated accordingly = no beer confusion

With a fully-functional prototype now completed, the folks behind the project must now focus their efforts on manufacturing and marketing the new product.

And while dual tap kegerator setups are nothing new, the target price point of this double tap kegerator is sure to turn some heads. The kegerator is expected to carry an attractive price tag — at or below $600. In comparison, the majority of dual tap kegerator setups and homebrew specials (with twin corny keg capacity) we’ve seen cost anywhere from $700 to well over $1,000.

For the project, a refrigerator box with larger internal dimensions is required to accommodate the dual slim quarter (1/4) barrel kegs and house the CO2 tanks internally. The slim quarter barrel is essentially an elongated version of the pony keg.

Here in Austin, we were pleased to find most domestic beers come in the slim quarter barrel, and even more impressed by the veritable cornucopia of craft beers and import choices available in that size from Spec’s Wines & Spirits. (You’ll notice that for the maiden voyage of the “experimental kegerator” they tapped a slim 1/4 barrel of Shiner Blonde and a 1/6 barrel of Sierra Nevada.)

This kegerator should also be quite attractive to the aforementioned homebrewers, who will have no problem socking away two cornelius kegs in the cavernous confines of the kegerator.

Stay tuned for more exclusive photos/updates and chime in with other features you’d like to see on your “dream” dual tap kegerator setup.

2. Choose the type of kegerator
I’m sure this topic looks like it should have been the first tip, but knowing the types of kegs you plan on having might determine which type of kegerator you buy.

A kegerator can come in any size you want it to if you’re building it yourself. You can pick the finish, color, hell you can even use a trash can. I don’t mean like the kegs at college frat parties, more like the kegmobile:

However, if you don’t feel handy enough to build your own kegerator, don’t have the time or just don’t want to go through the hassle, then your choices are a little more limited but a lot more classy.

The Mini Kegerator

Yes, even your mini keg can have its own draft beer refrigerator. These fit perfectly on your kitchen counter and are a nice size for one person or to share with a friend or significant other. If you don’t drink a lot of beer very often, then a mini keg & kegerator might be the best solution. Or if you just really love Heineken.

Freestanding Home Kegerator

This is a full size kegerator. They are freestanding, so they can be placed anywhere you want except under a counter or directly against a wall because of the venting and the CO2 tank is attached to the back. Many come with caster wheels that can be attached so the kegerator is portable and it isn’t too heavy or difficult to move around when empty. These can also be fitted to have dual taps since the full-size kegerator can hold two sixth barrel kegs. If you want it to hold two slim quarter kegs, then you should stick to Danby or Summit brands.

Undercounter Kegerator

Undercounter kegerators are specially designed to fit under a counter. The CO2 tank is stored inside the refrigerator and the venting is on the front. These are a great replacement for that outdated trash compacter you still have in your kitchen. They also look nice in your home bar if you’re lucky enough to have one (I’m not, note the hint of jealousy).

Commercial Kegerator

I’m not suggesting you run out and buy one of these commercial kegerators for your home, but just informing you they do exist. However, they aren’t typically in a person’s price range for a home kegerator unless that person only wants top-of-the-line. They do the exact same thing as the models that are lower in price. What makes them stand apart is an adjustable thermostat and they automatically defrost.

Outdoor Kegerator

It’s probably not a smart idea to keep your kegerator that close to your pool, especially since I see no outlet near there so the beer is probably warm, but there is such a thing as an outdoor kegerator. They are built to withstand elements and are perfect for a barbeque or pool party. Also, there’s no reason you can’t move your outdoor kegerator inside, but I wouldn’t suggest moving your indoor kegerator outside unless it’s a very nice day.

Keep checking in for Tip #3!

Tip #1: Check the Size

Over at www.instructables.com, one of the designers shows us how to make a keg out of a watermelon. While this is obviously a one use item, I can see it being good for one of those last minute parties that you don’t have time to run and grab a keg for. And it requires a lot less clean up. Pick up the hardware you need at home depot and keep it on hand for that run to the grocery store before the party.

While small, should be nice for a few drinks

After looking at this, I am thinking you could use it for beer if you cleaned it completely out, or put any of a number of mixed drinks in here, many using the watermelon you scooped out. Also, I’m pretty sure that as long as you can find a way to stand it on end, you could use any size watermelon…

Imagine that Keg!

Well now I think it’s time to go enjoy a nice Daiquiri and follow it up with a Corona and a lime.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Tap-a-Watermelon-or-How-to-Make-a-Watermelon-Keg/

Football season is upon us!

Which means there is no better time to purchase or create a kegerator for your home. If you’re going to be hosting game watching parties every week, then a kegerator is the best way to save money on beer and you can get your friends to pitch in on the keg.

Don’t just run out to the store though and buy the first cheap kegerator you see. As with all appliances, there are things you should look out for when choosing the right kegerator.

1. Check the size
If your brew of choice is made by Coors, then unfortunately, you might have to look harder to find a kegerator that holds a Coors keg. Coors kegs are wider than typical kegs, so many will not fit in a standard kegerator. A standard keg has a 16″-17″ diameter while Coors kegs are 17.5″. That half inch might not seem like a lot, but it will keep the kegerator door from sealing shut and your keg from cooling properly.

One way around this is to build your own kegerator using a refrigerator that has enough depth to hold the CO2 tank and the 17.5″ keg (measure first!). Or make sure to check the dimensions listed for the inside of the kegerator you want to purchase and ask a sales associate if you are unsure.

The size of the kegerator you purchase will also depend on the type(s) of kegs you plan on buying the most often.

Here is information on the different types of kegs:

The Different Sizes of Kegs

• Half Barrel Keg – This is what most people think of when they picture a keg. It is the largest size available with a 17″ diameter and 23-3/8” height. They hold 15.5 gallons, or roughly 165 glasses of beer (12 oz.) and weigh around 160 lbs full.

• Quarter Barrel Keg or “Pony” Keg – Half the size of the half barrel, this keg weighs only 87 lbs when full and holds 7.75 gallons, or 87 glasses of beer. They are 16-1/8” in diameter and 13-7/8” tall. These are good if you plan on only having a small party.

• Slim Quarter Barrel Keg – The slim quarter holds the same amount as a pony keg, but is a little taller and skinnier (11-1/8” diameter, 23-3/8” height). People purchase these kegs for dual tap kegerators.

• Sixth Barrel Keg – These kegs are tall and skinny and only hold 5.23 gallons, or 55 glasses. A sixth barrel is 9-1/4” in diameter and 23-3/8” tall. They weigh 53 lbs when full and are used for homebrewing, microbrewing and dual tap kegerators.

• Cornelius “Corny” Keg – Corny kegs are mostly used for homebrewing or microbrewing. They hold 5 gallons (53 beers) and weigh 49 lbs. They are only 9″ in diameter and 23″ tall.

• Mini Keg or “Bubba” – Mini kegs are becoming more popular and the most common one available is the Heineken mini keg seen in supermarkets. They only hold 1.32 gallons (14 beers) and weigh 13 lbs. They have a 6-3/4” diameter and 9-7/8” height. Most people buy mini kegs because they are more portable than others and they want them for individual use rather than a party.

Take measuring tape with you to the store if you have to or, if ordering online, call and double check dimensions with a sales associate, they should know the ins and outs of the product. Do the same with a refrigerator you plan on converting. Nothing is worse than spending the money and doing the work only to find out you can’t drink your favorite beer from the kegerator.

Tip #2: Kegerator Types

There’s nothing new about the party bus idea. Sororities, bachelor parties and high school prom groups notoriously hire the vehicles to escort them around for a night and block traffic everywhere they go.

One of the best uses of the party bus I’ve heard though is hiring one for beer tasting. Beer tasting is a lot like wine tasting, but inherently better because it involves beer and you’re less likely to find your grandmother at a brewery. Unlike wine though, there is not really a designated “beer country,” which makes it easier for people to organize a beer tasting trip because chances are there are a few microbreweries just down the road from where you live.

A group of guys here in Central Texas have made it an annual event. They hire a party bus to drive them to different breweries in the area to taste the local beer and keep a keg on the bus so they can continue drinking while in transit. Now that’s how you should spend your Saturday afternoon.

Another great way to avoid having to choose a designated driver is the beer bike:

Unfortunately, they only seem to exist in Europe at the moment, but hopefully that will change in the future. What better way to get where you want to go than with a mobile bar and all of your friends? Carpooling to work is already looking more exciting. They’re also eco-friendly for those worried about carbon emissions.

There is some labor involved obviously since you are pedaling the bike, but it’s evenly distributed and should be simple, unless you invite a lazy friend who would rather prop his feet up. Make him pay extra. The girls will be up for knocking back a few pints though, knowing the calories will be burned as they drink.

Beer bikes are obviously the future of transportation. Embrace it and share the word.