Kitchen Appliances & Fixtures

Taps, Kegs and Fit: How to Pick the Best Kegerator for Home

Eight kegerators from Kegco, EdgeStar and Summit compared by keg fit, coupler and placement, with what each listing leaves out.

Steel beer faucets on a copper tap tower with warm bar lights blurred behind
Steel faucets on a copper beer tower.

A kegerator is a refrigerator that holds a keg and pours from a tap. Add a CO2 tank to push the beer, a coupler to connect the keg and a tower with a faucet, and you have a small draft system at home. It suits people who host often, who brew their own or who simply like beer that comes from a tap.

The hard part of buying one is not the cooling. It is fit: which kegs go in the cabinet, which coupler comes in the box, and whether the unit may be built in or taken outside. This guide compares eight models from three makers on those points, because a kegerator that cannot take your keg is just an awkward fridge.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a restaurant kitchen looks for, product specifications and verified buyer reports.

Quick verdict: which kegerator to buy

The best kegerator for home use, for most people, is the Kegco 24-Inch Dual Tap Digital Kegerator: the listing says it holds any full-size keg, including Miller, Coors and rubber kegs, and it comes with a complete tapping kit and digital control. For one beer in a narrow space, choose the EdgeStar 20-Inch Single Tap Kegerator. For home brew, get the Kegco Home Brew Single Tap Kegerator.

Five standouts are side by side below, followed by all eight in full.

Two stainless steel beer kegs on the floor next to a black crate of glass bottles
Two stainless steel beer kegs beside a crate of bottles.

Five kegerators at a glance

Five picks for five kinds of home, with the details each maker or listing gives. All eight kegerators are covered in full below.

Kegerator Best for Keg fit Placement Buy on Amazon
Any full-size keg, two taps Any full-size keg Rolling, 24 in wide View on Amazon
One standard keg, narrow space Half barrel, no Coors or Miller Freestanding, 20 in wide View on Amazon
Home brewers 3 Cornelius, ball lock 24 in wide View on Amazon
Built-in home bars 2 sixth barrels Undercounter, 24 in wide View on Amazon
Patios and outdoor kitchens Half barrel or 3 sixth barrels Outdoor, 24 in wide View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Details are as stated by each maker or listing; check the listing before you buy.

Our picks for the best kegerator for home

These eight come from Kegco, EdgeStar and Summit, and they cover single and dual taps, narrow and wide cabinets, undercounter and outdoor models, and a home brew setup. Every one is a complete kegerator, not a conversion fridge that needs a separate kit. All details come from the listings and maker text, so where a listing is silent, we say so.

1. Kegco 24-Inch Dual Tap Digital Kegerator – Fits Any Full-Size Keg

Best overallKegco K309SS-2 24" Wide Dual Tap Stainless Steel Digital Kegerator

This is the kegerator we would look at first, because it removes the most common buying mistake. The listing says the cabinet holds any full-size keg, including Miller, Coors and rubber kegs, which the narrower EdgeStars turn away. It can also take two 5 gallon D system kegs or three 5 gallon Cornelius home brew kegs.

The kit is complete. Kegco lists a 5 lb aluminum CO2 tank, a single gauge regulator, an air line, D system couplers and a chrome double faucet tower. The tank ships empty, so plan on getting it filled locally before your first pour.

Temperature is set with push buttons and shown on a digital display, and fan-forced cooling goes as low as 32 degrees. A deep chill function runs the compressor for up to 24 hours to bring down a warm keg. A stainless floor mat spreads the weight of the keg and helps it slide in and out. Casters that lock let you roll it into place.

One thing to check when you order: the listing’s title says K309SS-2, while its model field says K309SS-1. The title, the faucet option and the text all describe the dual tap version, so go by those and confirm two taps on the product page.

Why we like it

  • Holds Miller, Coors and rubber kegs, per the listing
  • Digital display and push-button control
  • Fan-forced cooling down to 32 degrees
  • Deep chill function for warm kegs
  • One year parts and labor listed

Key specifications

Model K309SS-2 (model field says K309SS-1)
Taps 2
Keg capacity Any full-size keg, 2 D system 5 gal or 3 Cornelius 5 gal
Coupler included D system
Temperature control Digital, as low as 32°F
Size 33.25 x 24 x 25 in (cabinet)
Placement Rolling casters that lock
Warranty 1 year parts and labor

Why we recommend it

Buy this if you want two beers on tap and do not want to wonder which kegs will fit. It suits a household that buys from whatever brewery or store has the keg it wants, and it converts to a plain refrigerator when the keg runs out.

Skip it if you have a tight 20-inch gap. At 24 inches wide, it needs more floor than the narrow EdgeStar models.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Widest keg fit here
  • Complete dispense kit
  • Digital temperature control
  • Converts to a refrigerator

Cons

  • CO2 tank ships empty
  • Wider than the 20-inch EdgeStars
  • Model field on the listing is confusing

Check price on Amazon

2. EdgeStar 20-Inch Single Tap Kegerator – The Simple Entry Point

Best for one beerEdgeStar KC2000 Full Size Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler

If you want one beer on tap and nothing fancy, this is the plain choice. It stores one standard half barrel, a pony keg, or two sixth barrel or Cornelius kegs in a cabinet about 20 inches wide.

Read the keg note before you buy. EdgeStar says this model holds US standard quarter and half kegs and does not support Coors, Miller, rubberized or other oversized kegs. If your usual beer comes in one of those, the Kegco above is the better fit.

The temperature range runs from the low 30s to the mid 40s. A 5 lb CO2 cylinder comes empty, and EdgeStar says the unit converts easily to a refrigerator. Casters and a drip tray are included, and the door is reversible. This model is for freestanding use only, so it should not be boxed into cabinetry.

Why we like it

  • Narrow 20-inch cabinet
  • Reversible door
  • Casters and drip tray included
  • Converts to a refrigerator, per EdgeStar

Key specifications

Model KC2000
Taps 1
Keg capacity 1 half barrel, pony, or 2 sixth barrel or Cornelius kegs
Coupler included Not stated
Temperature control Low 30s to mid 40s°F
Size 50-7/16 x 20-3/16 x 20-1/16 in (with tap and casters)
Placement Freestanding only, casters
Warranty 1 year parts, 90 days labor

Why we recommend it

This suits a first kegerator in a game room or a spare corner of the kitchen, where a single standard keg is all you need.

Skip it if you drink beers sold in Coors, Miller or rubber kegs, because EdgeStar says they will not fit.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Narrow footprint
  • Holds a full half barrel
  • Reversible door

Cons

  • No Coors, Miller or rubber kegs
  • Freestanding only
  • Labor coverage is 90 days
  • CO2 cylinder comes empty

Check price on Amazon

3. EdgeStar 20-Inch Dual Tap Kegerator – Two Taps in Less Width

Best narrow dual tapEdgeStar 20 Inch Wide Dual Tap Kegerator

This is the single tap EdgeStar’s two-faucet sibling, and it answers a common question: can you get two beers on tap in a 20-inch cabinet? Yes, as long as you buy smaller kegs. The listing says it stores a full half barrel or two sixth barrel kegs, and two sixth barrels are what give you two different beers at once.

A half barrel will fit, but one keg means one beer however many faucets the tower has. So think of this model as a home for a pair of sixth barrels or Cornelius kegs, and buy with that in mind.

The same keg limit applies: EdgeStar says it does not support Coors, Miller, rubberized or other oversized kegs. A 5 lb CO2 cylinder comes empty and can mount inside or outside the cabinet. Casters and a protective floor plate are included, and the temperature range runs from the low 30s to the mid 40s.

Why we like it

  • Two taps in a 20-inch width
  • CO2 cylinder mounts inside or out
  • Casters and protective floor plate
  • Reversible door, per the listing title

Key specifications

Model KC2000TWIN
Taps 2
Keg capacity 1 half barrel, pony, or 2 sixth barrel or Cornelius kegs
Coupler included Not stated
Temperature control Low 30s to mid 40s°F
Size 48-1/2 x 20-1/10 x 24-13/16 in (with tower)
Placement Freestanding only, casters
Warranty 1 year parts, 90 days labor

Why we recommend it

Choose this if your space is narrow and you want variety, such as a lager on one tap and something darker on the other, and you are happy buying sixth barrels.

Skip it if you want two full-size beers on tap. Only the sixth barrel or Cornelius route gives you two separate kegs here.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Slim dual tap option
  • Flexible CO2 mounting
  • Room for a half barrel when you want one

Cons

  • Two beers means smaller kegs
  • No Coors, Miller or rubber kegs
  • Freestanding only

Check price on Amazon

4. EdgeStar Digital Single Tap Kegerator – Digital Control, One Tap

Best digital single tapEdgeStar KC3000 Full Size Kegerator with Digital Display - Black

The step up from the 20-inch EdgeStar adds the features you notice daily. It has a digital display, adjustable temperature and a deep chill mode, and the stated range is 32 to 50 degrees. That makes it easier to see what you have set than on a model with a loose range from the low 30s to the mid 40s.

The cabinet is wider, about 23 and 5/8 inches, and the listing says it fits half barrel, slim quarter, corny and sixth barrel kegs. Dispensing parts, a guard rail, a drip tray and casters are included, and two wire shelves let you use it as a refrigerator between kegs.

Two listing notes are worth reading. The retail box shows part number BR3001BL, but the listing says everything that makes up the KC3000 is inside. It also arrives curbside, so have someone on hand to help you move it. The listing gives no warranty term for this model, so check that before you buy. Like the other EdgeStars here, it is for freestanding operation only.

Why we like it

  • Digital display with adjustable temperature
  • 32 to 50 degree range
  • Deep chill mode
  • Two wire shelves for refrigerator use

Key specifications

Model KC3000
Taps 1
Keg capacity Half barrel, slim quarter, corny, sixth barrel
Coupler included Not stated
Temperature control Digital, 32 to 50°F
Size 33-1/2 x 23-5/8 x 23-3/8 in (without casters or tower)
Placement Freestanding only, casters
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

This suits someone who wants one tap but likes to see and set an exact temperature, and who will use the shelves when no keg is in.

Skip it if you need two faucets or a warranty term you can read before you buy. The Kegco above answers both.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Clear digital control
  • Shelves included
  • Fits several keg sizes

Cons

  • Warranty term not on the listing
  • Curbside arrival
  • Freestanding only

Check price on Amazon

5. Kegco Home Brew Single Tap Kegerator – Made for Ball Lock Kegs

Best for home brewKegco HBK309S-1 Keg Dispenser

Most kegerators are set up for kegs from the store. This one is set up for the beer you make yourself. It comes with ball lock couplers for Cornelius kegs, and it can dispense one 5 gallon keg while holding two more at temperature.

It also has a second job. Kegco says the temperature range is wide enough to ferment in, and the cabinet takes a 6 gallon bucket or carboy. So one appliance can ferment a batch, then serve it. Digital controls adjust by a single degree, read in Fahrenheit or Celsius, and go as low as 32 degrees.

The important limit is printed plainly on the listing: this model will not tap commercial D system kegs. That is fine for a home brewer and wrong for someone who plans to pick up a keg from the store. Kegco also sells a two tap version of this model, the HBK309S-2.

Why we like it

  • Ball lock couplers included
  • Holds three Cornelius kegs
  • Can double as a fermentation chamber, per Kegco
  • Temperature set one degree at a time

Key specifications

Model HBK309S-1
Taps 1
Keg capacity 3 Cornelius kegs, dispenses 1
Coupler included Ball lock (not D system)
Temperature control Digital, as low as 32°F
Size 33.25 x 24 x 25 in
Placement Not stated
Warranty 1 year

Why we recommend it

Buy this if you already brew or plan to. Fermenting and serving in the same box saves space, and you will not need to swap out couplers before the first pour.

Skip it if you buy commercial kegs. The listing says it will not tap D system kegs.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Ready for home brew kegs
  • Holds spare kegs cold
  • Doubles for fermenting

Cons

  • Will not tap D system kegs
  • One tap only

Check price on Amazon

6. Summit Undercounter Dual Tap Kegerator – Fits Under a Low Counter

Best undercounterSummit 24" Dual Tap Kegerator

The freestanding kegerators above are not meant to be boxed in. This Summit is the one for a built-in look. At just over 32 inches high, it is sized to sit under ADA-compliant counters, and its stainless steel wrapped door is user-reversible.

The trade-off is keg size. Inside there is room for two sixth barrel kegs and a CO2 holder, not a full half barrel. Summit says the steel floor makes loading heavy kegs safer, and the CO2 tank and a two-piece stainless drip tray are included.

This one has a commercial background. Summit lists it as ETL-S listed to NSF-7 commercial standards and says it meets UL-471 for food service. Its controls are mechanical with a dial thermostat, and automatic defrost cuts down on upkeep. The listing does not give a temperature range or warranty term, so check both first.

Why we like it

  • Designed for ADA-compliant counters
  • ETL-S listed to NSF-7, per Summit
  • Automatic defrost
  • Reversible stainless wrapped door

Key specifications

Model SBC58BLBIADA
Taps 2
Keg capacity 2 sixth barrel kegs
Coupler included Not stated
Temperature control Mechanical dial thermostat
Size 32.25 x 23.63 x 22.75 in
Placement Undercounter
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

This suits a kitchen remodel or a built-in home bar where a kegerator on casters would look out of place, and where two smaller kegs are enough.

Skip it if you want a full half barrel, because Summit lists capacity as two sixth barrels.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Built-in fit
  • Commercial listing
  • Steel floor for loading kegs

Cons

  • No full-size keg
  • No digital display
  • Warranty term not on the listing

Check price on Amazon

7. Summit No-Drill Front Tap Kegerator – No Holes in Your Counter

Best no-drillSummit 24" Undercounter Kegerator

An undercounter kegerator with a top tower normally needs a hole in the countertop. This Summit avoids that. The taps sit on the front, reached through the door, so you can tuck it under a counter without cutting into anything.

That makes it a good fit for a rental, or for a stone counter you would rather leave alone. The fully finished cabinet also lets it stand on its own if your plans change.

Capacity is two sixth barrel kegs, with a CO2 holder inside and a CO2 tank and front-mounted stainless drip tray included. Summit says it is ETL-S listed to NSF-7 for commercial or residential use. Controls are mechanical, and automatic defrost is included. It is deeper than the other Summit at more than 27 inches, so measure your space and door swing.

Why we like it

  • Front taps need no countertop drilling
  • Freestanding or undercounter
  • ETL-S listed to NSF-7, per Summit
  • Includes CO2 tank and drip tray

Key specifications

Model SBC7BRSFRTP
Taps 2 (front mounted)
Keg capacity 2 sixth barrel kegs
Coupler included Not stated
Temperature control Mechanical dial thermostat
Size 33.5 x 23.63 x 27.38 in
Placement Undercounter or freestanding
Warranty Summit warranty; term not stated

Why we recommend it

Pick this if you want a built-in look but cannot or will not cut a counter. It is also a neat answer for a low bar where a tall tower would look out of scale.

Skip it if you are short on depth or want a full half barrel. It is more than 4 inches deeper than the other Summit undercounter model.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • No drilling
  • Works built in or alone
  • Commercial listing

Cons

  • Sixth barrels only
  • Deep cabinet
  • Warranty term not on the listing

Check price on Amazon

8. Summit 24-Inch Outdoor Kegerator – Built for the Patio

Best outdoorSummit 24" Outdoor Beer Kegerator

Most kegerators here say nothing about living outside. This one is built for the job. Summit says solid 304 grade stainless construction allows it to be placed outdoors.

The 5.6 cubic foot interior takes a full half barrel or a quarter keg, or up to three sixth barrel or Cornelius style kegs. The tap kit includes a CO2 tank and regulator, a draft arm, an American tap, connection hardware and a cleaning kit. A digital thermostat and automatic defrost round it out.

This listing is short, so expect some homework. It does not give a full set of dimensions, a warranty term or a coupler type, and the temperature range is not listed either. Ask the seller for the manual, and follow Summit’s install notes on where it can go.

Why we like it

  • Stainless construction for outdoor placement
  • Takes a full half barrel
  • Complete tap kit with cleaning kit
  • Digital thermostat and automatic defrost

Key specifications

Model SBC683OS
Taps Not stated; one tap listed
Keg capacity 1 half barrel, quarter, or 3 sixth barrel or Cornelius kegs
Coupler included Not stated
Temperature control Digital thermostat; range not stated
Size 24 in wide; other sizes not stated
Placement Outdoor
Warranty Not stated

Why we recommend it

This suits an outdoor kitchen or a patio where you want draft beer without running back inside.

Skip it if you need a full spec sheet before you buy. The listing leaves out too many details to plan a built-in from it alone.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Stated for outdoor placement by Summit
  • Full-size keg fit
  • Cleaning kit included

Cons

  • Sparse listing details
  • Warranty term not on the listing
  • Coupler type not stated

Check price on Amazon

How to choose a kegerator for your home

Keg fit. Start with the keg you plan to buy. The half barrel is the full-size keg, and the quarter and sixth barrel are smaller. Size is not the only issue, since shape matters too. EdgeStar’s 20-inch models turn away Coors, Miller and rubberized kegs, while the 24-inch Kegco takes them. If you have one beer in mind, ask the seller what keg it ships in.

Coupler. The coupler is the fitting that joins the line to the keg. Kegco’s standard dual tap comes with D system couplers, the home brew version comes with ball lock couplers, and the two are not interchangeable. Several listings do not say which one is included, so confirm this before you order, and ask about it for any imported beer.

Number of taps. Two faucets only help if you can fit two kegs. In most cabinets here, that means two sixth barrels or Cornelius kegs. Think about how much beer you really pour, too, since a full half barrel is a lot for a small household.

Placement. This is where appliances differ most. EdgeStar says its 20-inch models and its digital model are for freestanding use only. Summit makes undercounter and outdoor models. Do not assume that a freestanding unit can be built in, or that any unit can live outside, unless the maker says so. Also measure the height with the tower in place, since the single tap EdgeStar is over 50 inches tall with its tap and casters.

Temperature control. A digital display with one-degree steps is easy to read. Mechanical dials are simple and have fewer parts. Deep chill is useful if you bring home a warm keg, since Kegco says it runs the compressor for up to 24 hours.

Warranty and parts. These are large, heavy appliances, so read the warranty before you buy. EdgeStar’s listings show one year on parts and 90 days on labor for the KC2000 models. Kegco lists one year. Several Summit listings do not state a term, so ask.

A person holds a clear cup under a tall steel beer tap as beer pours over a drip tray
Beer pouring from a tall tap into a clear cup.

Keeping a home draft line clean

Beer lines need regular cleaning, and it is the job most people forget. For bars and restaurants, the Brewers Association’s draught beer line cleaning log says the record should show a last cleaning within the past two weeks. A home system pours far less, but that is a useful yardstick, and cleaning the line each time you change a keg is a sensible habit.

Use a kit and cleaner made for beer lines, follow its directions, and take care with the chemical. The Brewers Association warns that line cleaning chemicals must be handled with caution. The Summit outdoor model includes a cleaning kit. For the other models, check the box contents and plan on buying one.

Handle the CO2 tank by the book as well. The Kegco and 20-inch EdgeStar listings say the tank comes empty, so you will need a local supplier to fill it. Read your kegerator’s manual for its mounting and regulator instructions before you connect anything.

A tattooed arm pulls a chrome tap handle while pouring beer into a small stemmed glass over a drip tray
Beer poured from a chrome tap into a stemmed glass.

How we picked these eight kegerators

We compared Amazon listings and maker text for complete kegerators from makers you can identify, and we kept only models that were in stock with no scarcity warning when we wrote this. We looked for a clear statement of keg fit, included parts and placement. Conversion fridges and tower kits were left out, because they are not complete kegerators.

We did not test these kegerators. A general web search for reviews returned mostly affiliate pages with conflicting claims, so we did not rely on those, and the picks rest on the listing and maker details. One forum thread at the American Homebrewers Association does show a poster preferring the Kegco K309SS-2 to the EdgeStar dual tap for its interior space and digital readout, but that is one opinion and not a test.

We also searched the CPSC recall database by brand for EdgeStar, Kegco and Summit and found no kegerator recalls. That is a check of one database, not a safety rating.

Two glass mugs of beer sit on a black bar mat on a counter
Two mugs of beer on a bar mat.

Kegerator questions, answered

What size keg fits a home kegerator?

It depends on the cabinet. The EdgeStar models and the standard Kegco here hold a half barrel, with limits on keg shape for the EdgeStars. The two Summit undercounter models hold two sixth barrels.

Does a kegerator come with everything I need?

Mostly, but not the beer or the gas. Most listings here include a CO2 tank or cylinder and dispensing parts, and several say the tank comes empty. You buy the keg separately. Check that the included coupler fits your keg.

Can I use a kegerator as a refrigerator?

Often, yes. Kegco and EdgeStar both describe converting their units to a regular refrigerator, and the EdgeStar digital model includes two wire shelves. If wine is your main concern, see our guide to the best wine fridge value instead.

Can a kegerator go outside?

Only if the maker says so. The Summit outdoor model is stated for outdoor placement. The Kegco listing mentions rolling onto a patio for a barbecue, which is not the same as living outdoors.

Can I use a kegerator for home brew?

Yes, with ball lock parts. The Kegco Home Brew model comes ready for Cornelius kegs. Its listing warns that it will not tap commercial D system kegs.

How cold does a kegerator get?

The models here that state a range go from the low 30s to about 50 degrees. Follow the brewer’s advice for your beer.

Pouring at home, and where to go next

A kegerator holds a lot of beer, so keep it where only adults can reach it, and pour responsibly. For the glass, our guide to the best beer glasses covers shapes, and the best beer growler guide helps if a keg is more than you need. Canned drinks and sodas need a different kind of fridge, which our best beverage cooler guide covers.

And if you would rather someone else poured tonight, see the drinks list or call to order.

Call Menu Directions