So a while back I mentioned I got a kegerator for my birthday. I thought those of you who don't already have one would like to know how easy they are to make. As I was never into Greek society in college, I didn't have any first hand knowledge. Actually, I agonized over the possibilities for about 6 months. Do I get one of those fancy pre-fab keg coolers? One tap or two? Would it be easy to make my own? What is the price difference? Will it really save money? After much research and soul-searching, I decided to call Terry Boyd of Mountview Plaza Wines and Liquors in Naugatuck CT. If you are ever in the area check this place out!Terry has an excellent assortment of imported and domestic bottled beer. But most importantly, he also has access to an impressive variety of kegs at a very fair price. Not only this, but as I found out, he knows a thing or two about kegerators. His store even sells some spare parts for them! It's a good thing I called Terry because he had some wise words:
1: Go with a two tap system (if you have room). It's not that much more expensive and in the long run, and two taps offer a lot more versatility. For instance, Chimay for you and Bud Light for your guests who don't know any better.
2: If you are planning to drink wheat beers or stouts its way better to go for the G-mix system. G-mix is the term to describe a gas tank that combines CO2 with nitrogen, making it less reactive with certain types of beer. Although you can pour all other beers on a G-mix system, the same arrangement does not apply for a CO2 system. Your results could be very foamy, problematic, and ultimately cause serious depression.
3. Get two air tanks because you will never run out of Co2 unless you're having a party and it is a holiday weekend.
4. Place your order for a keg conversion kit with Micromatic.com because they have pretty amazing service. This turned out to be true. When we finally ordered our kit, it came the next day (no special shipping charges) and only cost $210! This is great news if you are in a hurry to drink delicious beer on tap!
1: Go with a two tap system (if you have room). It's not that much more expensive and in the long run, and two taps offer a lot more versatility. For instance, Chimay for you and Bud Light for your guests who don't know any better.
2: If you are planning to drink wheat beers or stouts its way better to go for the G-mix system. G-mix is the term to describe a gas tank that combines CO2 with nitrogen, making it less reactive with certain types of beer. Although you can pour all other beers on a G-mix system, the same arrangement does not apply for a CO2 system. Your results could be very foamy, problematic, and ultimately cause serious depression.
3. Get two air tanks because you will never run out of Co2 unless you're having a party and it is a holiday weekend.
4. Place your order for a keg conversion kit with Micromatic.com because they have pretty amazing service. This turned out to be true. When we finally ordered our kit, it came the next day (no special shipping charges) and only cost $210! This is great news if you are in a hurry to drink delicious beer on tap!
The truth is, when we accepted our free refrigerator, we had no idea how perfect it would be for a tap system. It's a compact (freezer on top) model. It turns out we can fit three logs (2 tapped and 1 chilling) or a half barrel plus the 20lb. g-mix tank fits in the door! Other than taking out the shelves, all we really had to do was drill two holes through the front door and the rest was totally easy. Just screw in the taps, hook up the hoses, and order yourself a keg! Oh yeah, and put up a drip tray. Micromatic sells drip trays with their conversion kits but Neil decided to get crafty add these hip monkeys instead. It was a fun way to add a custom touch. Besides, we're not holding frat parties or serving Bud, so why should our kegerator look like it? All in all we only spent about $260: Kit- $210, full g-mix tank -$50, monkeys and tray- priceless! Not bad considering the $700 I almost dropped on a new pre-fab cooler, which, mind you, does not come with monkeys!
If you'd like to look at pre-fabs coolers http://www.beveragefactory.com/ is a good place to start. They also have great directions for installing conversion kits at http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/conversion-kits/tower-kits/How+to+Build+Kegerator.shtml
No comments:
Post a Comment