Kegerator Under the Tree

10. Raises Home Value
If you plan to sell your house one day in the future, then explain to your wife that having a built-in kegerator will only enhance the perceived value of your house.

9. For Medical Reasons
As this article shows, beer helps prevent prostate cancer. No need to mention the coffee part unless you like it. The exercise portion is taken care of in #8.

8. Lifting Kegs = Exercise
Your wife will most likely roll her eyes when she hears this one, so it is your duty to make her carry the first keg into the house.

7. Saves Space in the Refrigerator
There will now be more room for whatever it is your wife wants to fill the kitchen refrigerator with, like yogurt.

6. Kegs are Eco-Friendly
A kegerator means no more wasting bottles and cans. Even if you do recycle them, it is still conserving more to not use them at all.
      6a. Conserves Water
      Obviously if there is draft beer in the house you’ll be more likely to drink that
      instead of a glass of water. I wouldn’t go as far as telling her you’ll shower in
      beer though.

5. Quid Pro Quo
Strongly hint she’ll only get the gift at the top of her wish list if you get yours.
Note: Do not hint that she won’t get any gift at all. This will only make her angry and vindictive.

4. You’ll Spend More Time at Home
She won’t be wondering where you are or why you’re still at the bar because you won’t be out.

3. Saves Money
No, really. It does.

2. She’ll be a Legend
Not only will you be forever grateful, your friends will revere her. Their wives will be jealous. She will be known as “The Greatest Wife in the World.”

1. You’ll Share
It might be considered your present, but unless she gets you a mini kegerator, you will gladly let her enjoy the benefits of having draft beer in your home.
Note: This should be obvious, but this reason only works if your wife drinks beer. And she should, because that same article on prostate cancer above also mentions that beer may help prevent breast cancer.

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

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