What Size Mini Fridge for Kegerator? The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Capacity
What Size Mini Fridge for Kegerator?
The recommended size for a mini fridge for a kegerator conversion is around 4.4 cubic feet.
One top pick is the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, which offers adjustable and removable wire shelves, a reversible door, and is energy-star compliant.
Other options include the BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V with 3.2 cubic feet capacity and the NewAir Beverage Cooler with 3.4 cubic feet capacity.
Factors to consider when choosing a mini fridge for kegerator conversion include the size of the keg and CO2 tank, interior space, ventilation, and additional features.
It is important to avoid using the freezer compartment unless for other purposes.
Key Points:
- Recommended size for a mini fridge for kegerator conversion is around 4.4 cubic feet.
- Top pick is the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 with adjustable and removable wire shelves, reversible door, and energy-star compliance.
- Other options include BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V with 3.2 cubic feet capacity and NewAir Beverage Cooler with 3.4 cubic feet capacity.
- Factors to consider: size of keg and CO2 tank, interior space, ventilation, and additional features.
- Avoid using the freezer compartment unless for other purposes.
- Energy efficiency is a key consideration with options like the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 being energy-star compliant.
Did You Know?
1. A standard mini fridge for a kegerator can typically hold a 5-gallon keg, which is equivalent to approximately 55 12-ounce beer cans.
2. The size of the mini fridge required for a kegerator depends on the dimensions of the keg. For example, a tall and slim keg will fit better in a mini fridge with a narrow width and greater height.
3. When converting a mini fridge into a kegerator, it’s important to ensure proper ventilation for the cooling system to prevent overheating. This can be done by modifying the fridge’s basic insulation setup.
4. Some mini fridges designed specifically for kegerators come with additional features like digital temperature control, adjustable shelves, and a built-in CO2 tank mount for a convenient and efficient beer dispensing setup.
5. Mini fridges used as kegerators often have a separate compartment to house the CO2 tank, allowing for easy access and maintenance, while keeping it away from the keg to avoid temperature fluctuations.
Top Pick: Danby Designer Dar044A4Bdd-6
When it comes to converting a mini fridge into a kegerator, the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 is the top pick for many enthusiasts. This mini fridge offers a spacious 4.4 cubic feet of internal space, providing enough room to accommodate a keg and a CO2 tank. The adjustable and removable wire shelves allow for flexible storage options, making it easy to fit various sizes of kegs or even bottles.
One of the standout features of the Danby Designer is its mechanical thermostat, which allows for precise temperature control. This ensures that your beer is always kept at the optimal temperature. Additionally, the reversible door hinges provide the convenience of opening the door from either side, making it adaptable to your space requirements.
Not only is the Danby Designer functional, but it is also environmentally friendly, being energy-star compliant. This means that it operates efficiently and does not waste excessive energy. However, it is worth noting that this mini fridge lacks leveling feet and can be a bit noisy. Overall, the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 is a reliable and well-rounded option for a mini fridge kegerator conversion.
Other Mini Fridge Options
If the Danby Designer doesn’t suit your needs, here are a few other mini fridge options that you should consider for your kegerator conversion:
-
BLACK+DECKER BCRK32V: This mini fridge offers a slightly smaller capacity of 3.2 cubic feet, but it can still accommodate most kegs. It is energy-star compliant and has adjustable temperature controls to keep your beer at the perfect temperature. However, it may struggle with extreme temperature fluctuations and running tap lines through the door for the freezer compartment can be inconvenient.
-
NewAir Beverage Cooler: If you’re looking for a stylish option, the NewAir Beverage Cooler is an excellent choice. It features a sleek stainless steel frame and a glass door that allows you to showcase your selection of brews. With a capacity of 3.4 cubic feet, it can accommodate a keg. The NewAir Beverage Cooler operates quietly, ensuring that it doesn’t disturb your environment. However, the thermostat may not be as precise, and the manual LED light control may require some extra effort.
-
hOmelabs Mini Fridge: With a capacity of 3.3 cubic feet, the hOmelabs Mini Fridge offers a cooling system with a small convection fan for uniform temperatures. Its glass door and 33-inch height make it easy to fit any keg. The advantage of the hOmelabs Mini Fridge is that it doesn’t have a freezer compartment, which saves you the hassle of dealing with additional components.
-
Remember to monitor and adjust the temperature as needed for optimal performance.
Guide To Choosing The Right Mini Fridge
When selecting a mini fridge for your kegerator conversion, there are several factors to consider:
- Size: The mini fridge should accommodate your desired keg and CO2 tank. Check the common keg sizes and dimensions provided by the manufacturer for a proper fit.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow is crucial for optimal performance. Leave at least a 1-inch space between the back of the mini fridge and the wall to prevent overheating and potential damage.
- Features: Look for mini fridges with a controllable thermostat, LED lights, and a freezer compartment. A controllable thermostat allows temperature adjustment, LED lights enhance visibility, and a freezer compartment may require additional modifications and can be more challenging during the conversion process.
Tip: Ensure the mini fridge’s interior space has removable shelves or drawers for different storage needs.
Steps To Convert A Mini Fridge Into A Kegerator
Converting a mini fridge into a kegerator is a rewarding project that allows beer enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite brew on tap at home. Here’s a brief overview of the steps involved in the conversion process:
- Choose the appropriate mini fridge for your desired keg size and CO2 tank.
- Remove any existing shelves, drawers, or compartments that may interfere with the keg placement.
- Create holes or openings for the beer lines, CO2 lines, and tap tower. This may involve drilling into the mini fridge’s exterior or door.
- Install the tap tower onto the mini fridge’s surface or door, ensuring a secure fit.
- Connect the beer lines, CO2 lines, and tap faucet to their respective fittings.
- Install the CO2 tank inside the mini fridge, securing it in place to avoid movement during use.
- Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature for serving your beer.
- Test the kegerator by pouring a beer, ensuring that the system is properly pressurized and functions correctly.
It is important to note that if your mini fridge comes with a freezer compartment, it is recommended to avoid using it for storing beer. Freezer compartments can create freezing issues and may interfere with the overall performance of your kegerator.
- Choose the appropriate mini fridge
- Remove any existing shelves, drawers, or compartments
- Create holes or openings for the beer lines, CO2 lines, and tap tower
- Install the tap tower onto the mini fridge’s surface or door
- Connect the beer lines, CO2 lines, and tap faucet
- Install the CO2 tank inside the mini fridge
- Adjust the thermostat to the desired temperature for serving your beer
- Test the kegerator by pouring a beer, ensuring that the system is properly pressurized and functions correctly.
Mini-Fridge Recommendations
When it comes to converting a mini fridge into a kegerator, the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 is a top pick. However, there are other mini fridges worth considering as well. One such option is the RCA RFR321-FR320/8 IGLOO Mini Refrigerator. This compact fridge offers a decent capacity and reliable performance. Despite its small size, it is versatile and can fit into tight spaces. The price range for these mini fridges varies between $200 and $400, depending on the model and brand, providing options to suit different budgets.
When choosing a mini fridge for your kegerator, it’s essential to consider factors beyond size and features. Ease of use and cleaning are equally important. Look for a mini fridge with durable construction to ensure its longevity. It’s also beneficial to read customer reviews regarding noise levels and overall performance. Ultimately, selecting a mini fridge that matches your desired space, kegs, and beer taps will result in the best kegerator experience.
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
What size refrigerator do I need for a kegerator?
When considering the size of refrigerator needed for a kegerator, it’s important to keep in mind that small-sized fridges with a capacity of around 4 to 5 cubic feet are typically suitable. These compact fridges can comfortably hold a single half-barrel keg or a few quarter-barrel kegs. Additionally, their adjustable shelves offer flexibility to customize the storage space according to your requirements.
Can you use a mini fridge as a kegerator?
Yes, it is possible to use a mini fridge as a kegerator with some modifications. To make this conversion, it is crucial to ensure that there is enough space inside the fridge to accommodate a keg and potentially the CO2 tanks. While it is not mandatory to have the gas tanks inside, doing so can help maintain a more compact setup. By making adjustments to the shelves and removing unnecessary components, such as the freezer section, you can create enough space to fit the keg and equipment required for a kegerator setup inside the mini fridge.
How many kegs can fit in a mini fridge?
To maximize the space in a mini fridge, it is essential to consider the size of the kegs. A mini fridge with a capacity of 3.2 cubic feet can accommodate one small keg comfortably. However, if you intend to store larger kegs or a full barrel of beer, you will need a slightly larger mini fridge of at least 4.4 cubic feet to ensure a perfect fit. Therefore, the number of kegs a mini fridge can hold depends on the size and capacity of the fridge itself.
Is a fridge or freezer better for a kegerator?
When it comes to converting a refrigerator into a kegerator with multiple taps or needing extra storage space for lagering, opting for a large storage freezer conversion would be a wiser choice. A freezer offers more space, allowing you to store and serve a greater number of kegs simultaneously. Additionally, it provides the opportunity to utilize the extra storage capacity for chilling beer or storing other beverages and food items, enhancing convenience and versatility.