Best Kegerator Reviews

Kegerator Compressor Location

The compressor is one of the most important components of any refrigeration equipment. They control refrigerant flow, and by extension, drive the cooling cycle that keeps your beers at the right temperature. Depending on your kitchen layout and the equipment surrounding your kegerator, you can choose between rear- and side-mounted compressors.

• Rear-mounted compressors: These are located along the back wall of the unit. They allow for an even interior that maximizes storage space, but may require more clearance behind the unit for proper ventilation, which can negatively impact your bar layout.
• Side-mounted compressors: These sit on the left or right side of the unit. Both side locations function the same, and the best option depends on where you want to install the unit and what other types of equipment will be around it. These compressors leave the back wall of the cabinet flat, but create an uneven interior floor with a raised compressor hump, which can decrease storage capacity. Additionally, they require extra clearance on the side the compressor is mounted.

Keg Capacity and Number of Taps

The capacity of your kegerator directly impacts how much beer it can hold and how often you'll need to change kegs. Changing a keg isn't necessarily difficult, but it can disrupt service time, especially during your busiest hours. Analyze how many beers you plan to offer when measuring how many kegs a kegerator can hold. Most manufacturers operate based on a half keg, the standard size, as well as how busy you expect to be, while deciding on a keg capacity.

Along with how many kegs a unit can hold, you must also consider how many taps it features. Smaller operations or establishments with a limited drink menu may only need 1 tap, while busier bars or restaurants might opt for kegerators with 2 or more taps. For establishments that serve a wide variety of brews or expect heavy demand, you can even choose units with 8 or more taps, each serving a different type of beer.

Number of Kegerator Taps

Extra features can make or break your unit. While a standard, base-level kegerator might work fine for limited use, others require specific functions to offer the best possible drinking experience. Consider your serving preferences and how these features might impact your overall workflow.

• Automatic electric defrost: Some kegerators utilize an internal heater to remove frost buildup from inside the unit, specifically on cooling coils. This reduces maintenance frequency to keep your unit working at maximum efficiency for longer.
• Dual temperature units: These units are capable of holding different kegs of beer at different temperatures internally and are ideal if you plan to load two different types of beer inside.
• LED lighting: Some kegerators feature LED lighting to make it easier to see inside the unit. Not only does this make it easier to swap kegs, but it also helps when adjusting settings like CO2 pressure or performing routine maintenance.
• Energy Star qualified: Any equipment that is Energy Star qualified is certified by the EPA to meet particular energy-efficiency standards, helping you reduce operating costs and comply with environmental requirements.

Written by Jason Kurtz

Over his 5+ years with WebstaurantStore, Jason has spent countless hours learning, researching, and writing about the foodservice industry. With expertise in technical topics, he takes pride in helping customers and readers understand everything from troubleshooting their equipment to the fundamentals of starting a business.

Learn more about this author and WebstaurantStore's Content Writing Team here!