When it comes to homebrewing, one of the most exciting decisions you'll make is how to store and serve your beer. Two popular options are kegerators and keezers. Both have their unique advantages and can significantly enhance your homebrewing experience. In this article, we'll dive into the differences between kegerators and keezers, helping you decide which one is the best fit for your needs.
What is a Kegerator?
A kegerator is essentially a refrigerator designed to store and dispense kegs of beer. It keeps your brew at the perfect serving temperature and allows you to pour a fresh pint whenever you want. Kegerators are typically tall and narrow, making them a great fit for smaller spaces.
Types of Kegerators
There are two different types of kegerators. The first are purpose built kegerators, such as the Series X from KegLand. The second is a custom built kegerator, created by making some modifications (like installing taps) to a regular fridge or fridge/freezer combination.
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| An example of a custom kegerator with taps fitted to the door |
Pros of Kegerators:
- Size: Refrigerators typically have a smaller footprint as they are taller rather than wider/deeper.
- Availability: Regular refrigerators are generally more readily available on the second hand market.
- Compressors: Compressors for fridges are designed for keeping the contents at around beer serving temperature (generally 1-5°C).
- No Font: If converting a regular fridge, no font is required - taps can be installed directly into the door.
- Freezer Section: If converting a refrigerator with a freezer section, it can still be used which is perfect for storing homebrewing ingredients like yeast and hops.
- Capacity: Other items can still be stored in the fridge on shelves or between kegs and are easily accessible.
- Assembly: Minimal assembly required.
- Serving Temperature: Inbuilt temperature control aligns with serving temperature for beer.
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| The Kegland Series X is a purpose built kegerator |
Cons of Kegerators:
- Keg Capacity: Due to their size and shape, kegerators typically hold fewer kegs compared to keezers.
- Cost: Purpose built kegerators can be expensive to purchase.
- Problems: Second hand or older model fridges are more susceptible to issues/failures and can be costly to repair.
- Leaks/Spills: Leaks or spills are not well contained and will spill out of the fridge onto the floor.
- Modifications: If converting a fridge to a kegerator, holes may need to be drilled in the door for taps, and potentially in the sides to feed gas lines into (unless you store the gas bottle in the fridge as well). There is a risk of damaging the internal plumbing/components of the fridge if you don't know exactly where they are (which can be difficult to determine).
What Is A Keezer?
A keezer is a chest freezer that has been converted into a beer dispenser. This setup allows for greater customization and can store more kegs than a kegerator. Keezers are popular among homebrewers who need to store large quantities of beer.
Pros of Keezers:
- Keg Capacity: Keezers can typically hold more kegs than a kegerator, making them perfect for homebrewers with high production volumes, or for those wanting a greater variety of beers available on tap.
- Leaks/Spills: Leaks and spills are more contained due to the opening being at the top.
- Versatility: Customizable: You can build a keezer to your exact specifications, adding multiple taps, custom paint jobs, and more.
- Energy Efficiency: Chest freezers are generally more energy-efficient than refrigerators, which can save you money on electricity.
- Cost: Chest freezers are typically cheaper to buy than purpose built kegerators.
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| You can go all out on customizing your keezer, like this one from Hazy and Hoppy |
Cons of Keezers:
- Lifting kegs in and out can be difficult.
- A wooden 'collar' is often required to raise the height of the lid which will need to be custom made to fit your freezer.
- If using a font on top of the lid, this may be problematic or need to be removed when opening the lid (or otherwise plenty of clearance is required behind the keezer when opening).
- Other items can still be stored in the freezer however will not be as easy to access (if they're small you may need to bend over into the freezer to reach them).
- Larger footprint than a fridge.
- Freezer compressors are generally designed for maintaining freezing temperatures lower than what would be used for serving beer.
- Purpose built keezers aren't typically available to buy off the shelf, so if you want to go down this path you'll more than likely need to make some modifications to the freezer you wish to use to make it work.
Which One Should You Choose?
The choice between a kegerator and a keezer ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you value ease of use and have limited space, a kegerator might be the best option for you. On the other hand, if you need to store large quantities of beer and enjoy customizing your setup, a keezer could be the way to go.
Our advice would be go with whatever you have more readily available or accessible. If you have an old fridge lying around, or can get one cheaply and easily, then it makes sense to go with that. And same for an old chest freezer. If you have the budget, it's hard to go past a purpose built kegerator.
Depending on where it will be stored, and how heavily you value the pros and cons above will really determine what option is best for you.
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