Kegerator vs. Keezer: Building the Ultimate Home Bar
Kegerator vs. Keezer: Which Draft System Rules?
So, you’ve graduated from bottling. You’re tired of cleaning 50 glass bottles every batch, waiting weeks for carbonation, and dealing with inconsistent fizz. You’re ready for kegging.
But now you face the classic homebrewer’s dilemma: Kegerator or Keezer?
Both keep beer cold and dispense it on draft, but they approach the problem in very different ways. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and costs of each to help you build the home bar of your dreams.
What is a Kegerator?
A Kegerator is a purpose-built refrigerator designed to hold kegs.
- Commercial Kegerators: You buy these off the shelf (brands like Komos, Kegland, or Danby). They come with a tower, taps, and CO2 tank mount pre-installed.
- DIY Kegerator: You take a standard mini-fridge or full-size fridge, drill a hole in the door or top, and install taps.
Pros
- Plug and Play: If you buy a commercial unit, you can be pouring beer in 30 minutes.
- Footprint: Usually takes up less floor space than a chest freezer.
- Aesthetics: Looks like a polished appliance. fits well in a kitchen or den.
- No Collar Needed: Taps usually mount on a shiny metal tower.
Cons
- Capacity Limits: Most standard kegerators fit 2 or 3 Cornelius (Corny) kegs max. If you want 4+ beers on tap, you’re out of luck.
- Cooling Issues: Tower coolers are often needed to prevent the first pour from being foamy (because the tower sticks up into warm air).
- Cost: A good dual-tap unit starts at $600 and goes well over $1000.
What is a Keezer?
A Keezer is a chest freezer converted into a kegerator. Because freezers run below freezing (obviously), you must use an external Temperature Controller (like an Inkbird) to cut the power when it reaches serving temp (38°F/3°C). Most builders add a wooden “collar” between the freezer body and the lid to mount the taps without drilling into the freezer itself.
Pros
- Massive Capacity: Even a small 7 cu. ft. freezer can often hold 4 kegs plus a CO2 tank. Large ones can hold 8–10 kegs.
- Insulation: Freezers are far better insulated than fridges. They run less often and save electricity.
- Customizability: This is a DIYer’s paradise. You can stain the wood collar to match your furniture, add tile tops, LED lights, or tap handles made from deer antlers.
- Cost: You can often find used chest freezers for $50–$100. The total build is often cheaper than a new kegerator.
Cons
- Heavy Lifting: You have to lift full 5-gallon kegs (45+ lbs) over the high wall of the freezer to get them in.
- Footprint: Chest freezers are wide and boxy.
- Moisture: Because freezers don’t have auto-defrost cycles like fridges, condensation can pool at the bottom. You need a dehumidifier (like an Eva-dry).
Comparison: The Tale of the Tape
| Feature | Kegerator (Commercial) | Keezer (DIY) |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Instant | Weekend Project |
| Keg Capacity | Low (1-3) | High (4-8+) |
| Cost | High ($$) | Medium ($–$$) |
| Energy Efficiency | Moderate | High |
| Ergonomics | Easy Loading | Heavy Lifting |
| Noise | Can be noisy | Very Quiet |
Step-by-Step: The Basic Keezer Build
If you choose the Keezer route (which most serious homebrewers eventually do), here is the basic roadmap:
- Get a Freezer: 5 cu. ft. for 2 kegs, 7 cu. ft. for 4 kegs. Bring a cardboard cutout of a keg base to the store to test fit!
- The Temperature Controller: Buy an Inkbird ITC-308. Plug the freezer into the “Cooling” socket. Tape the sensor to a keg (insulated with bubble wrap) to measure beer temp, not air temp.
- The Collar: Build a square frame out of 2x6 or 2x8 lumber. Glue/screw it to the top of the freezer rim. Re-attach the freezer lid to the collar.
- Drill & Mount: Drill holes in the wooden collar for your shanks and faucets. This saves you from risking hitting a coolant line in the freezer wall.
- Gas Management: Buy a CO2 manifold (splitter) so one tank can serve all your kegs.
Which Should You Choose?
- Buy a Kegerator if: You live in an apartment, you aren’t handy with tools, or you only ever need 1–2 beers on tap.
- Build a Keezer if: You want 3+ beers on tap, you want a fun project, or you want to save money in the long run on electricity.
The “Keezer” is the badge of honor for the obsessed homebrewer. Just remember to lift with your legs!