Keezer vs Kegerator, how do these two vital pieces of equipment compare, and how does each perform its function of keeping beer cold? Remember that serving a cold beer has many benefits, such as a refreshing taste, improved aroma, and a longer shelf life. So, acquiring one that best suits the job is ideal.
Keezer Vs Kegerator Overview
Keezer and Kegerator are two famous pieces of equipment for keeping beer cold and fresh. While they serve the same purpose (keeping your beer cold), they have similarities and differences worth noting. This way, you can choose one that suits your taste and preference.
Whether you are an amateur brewer or have been in the game for some time, you must ensure that your friends and customers (if you are into beer making business) enjoy a fresh beer. That’s why Keezer and Kegerator are vital in your brewing arsenal.
Keezer
A keezer is a chest freezer converted into a draft beer dispensing system for home brewing. The name “keezer” is a combination of “kegerator” (a refrigerator that has been converted into a beer dispenser) and “freezer.”
Homebrewers use keezers to store and serve their homemade beer at the perfect temperature and carbonation level. The conversion typically involves installing taps and a temperature controller and modifying the freezer to accommodate kegs and CO2 tanks.
The carbon dioxide in the tank helps to displace beer at a continuous pressure. This helps replace the poured beer by occupying the space that would otherwise remain empty. CO2 also helps beer stay longer.
The temperature controller ensures you adjust the temperature to the required level. For instance, you can adjust it to a temperature of 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which is ideal for serving beers like imperial stout and old ales.
Pros of a Keezer
- Keezers are spacious and can hold more kegs compared to a kegerator. This makes it ideal for a commercial setting.
- Keezers are cost-effective as far as electricity is concerned. They use less electricity compared to other equipment that helps keep beer cold.
- Their big size can accommodate larger kegs.
- Keezers are customizable and can be designed to fit specific needs.
Cons of a Keezer
- It requires more space than a kegerator, which can be a drawback for those with limited space.
- Lifting and moving kegs may require more effort, especially when the keezer is full.
- Any slight mistake in the building process may result in additional costs for repairing and purchasing other new parts.
Kegerator
Kegerator comes from the words “keg” and “refrigerator.” When the words are put together, they form a kegerator. Therefore, a kegerator is essentially a refrigerator that has been modified to store and dispense beer and other beverages. The stored beer is kept at the proper temperature, typically between 34-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
The device contains components that work together to create a system that can store and dispense beer at an ideal temperature. For instance, it has a CO2 tank that pressurizes the keg and forces beer out of the tap. The CO2 also keeps beer fresh and carbonated until the keg is empty.
The kegerator also contains a beer tower that sits on top of the unit and dispenses beer. The equipement typically has faucets that allow you to pour beer into a glass. Its tower is cooled by a refrigeration system, which helps to keep beer cold as it flows through the system. A keg is connected to a tap on the outside of the kegerator, allowing the user to pour beer directly into a glass.
Pros of a Kegerator
- A kegerator is environmentally friendly as it helps curb the spread of waste that comes from packaging.
- It is easy to assemble. All you need is to buy the components and start the installation process.
- Convenient and easy to use, there is no need to constantly restock the fridge with beer.
- It can be customized to fit the style and decor of your home or bar area.
Cons of a Kegerator
- Kegerators require regular maintenance to keep the beer lines clean and prevent bacteria growth. This can be time-consuming and expensive.
- If the kegerator is not correctly calibrated, the beer can be over-carbonated or under-carbonated, affecting the taste and quality of the beer.
- It can be costly since it uses electricity to operate.
Comparison Between a Keezer and a Kegerator
Now that you better understand a keezer and a kegerator, it is vital to understand the differences and similarities. This way, you will be able to make a decision and choose one that suits your need. Here are the similarities and differences:
Similarities
- Both are used for storing and dispensing draft beer.
- Both require a CO2 tank and regulator to maintain proper carbonation and dispensing pressure.
- Both can be customized to accommodate different keg sizes and a number of taps.
- Both require periodic cleaning and maintenance to ensure the quality of the beer and the longevity of the equipment.
- Both can be DIY projects or purchased pre-made from retailers.
- Both are powered to operate. So, you either have electricity, a generator, or solar system to ensure your beer remains chilled and fresh.
- Both require temperature control to keep the beer chilled.
- Both can be used for dispensing other beverages, such as cider or wine, with the appropriate equipment.
Differences
- A kegerator is generally more mobile than a keezer, as it’s usually on wheels and can be moved around more easily. A keezer is usually a more permanent fixture in a home or garage.
- A keezer usually has better temperature control than a kegerator, as it’s easier to adjust the temperature of a chest freezer. Kegerators can sometimes struggle to maintain a consistent temperature.
- A keezer can usually hold more kegs than a kegerator, as you can stack kegs on top of each other in a chest freezer. Kegerators usually have a limited capacity.
- With a keezer, you have more options for customization, such as the size and number of kegs you can fit. Kegerators are generally more limited in terms of customization.
- A keezer is generally cheaper to build than a kegerator, especially if fancy DIY projects. However, a kegerator may be cheaper if you buy a pre-made unit.
- Kegerators are smaller and are ideal for personal use, unlike keezers that can hold a large amount of beer. It means keezers are better used when holding a party or operating a bar.
The Major Distinguishing Factor
The major distinguishing factor between the two is that a keezer is made from a full-size chest freezer, while a kegerator is made from a refrigerator. This means that a keezer demand more space than a kegerator.
When to Use a Keezer
The best time to use a keezer is when you have more kegs. This is because a keezer can hold many kegs compared to a kegerator. You may also want to use a keezer when you want to minimize electricity costs. They use less electricity than other equipment that helps keep beer cold.
When to Use a Kegerator
The best time to use a kegerator is when you want to keep your beer cold but have limited space. Kegerators are known to occupy a smaller space than a keezer, making them a better choice for homebrewers or people with limited space in their bars.
A kegerator is also suitable when you want a cooler that you can easily move around. Most are on wheels, making them easy to move around.
Which Is Better Keezer vs Kegerator?
The better option between the two is definitely a keezer. This is because a keezer can hold more kegs than a kegerator. You can stack kegs on top of each other in a chest freezer. This stacking makes it possible to hold more kegs.
Keezers are also cost-effective since they use less electricity compared to kegerators. Therefore, if you have a bar or homebrew setup, a keezer may be an excellent option for keeping your beer cold without breaking the bank on utility bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Beer Last in a Kegerator?
A pasteurized beer will last for up to six months in a kegerator. An unpasteurized beer should be consumed within 2-3 months. However, the duration may also depend on the beer style and condition of a kegerator. It’s essential to regularly clean and maintain your kegerator to ensure the quality and freshness of your beer.
What Is the Best Temperature for Beer Kegs?
The best temperature for keeping the keg is 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping a keg at higher temperatures can cause the beer to become foamy and lose its flavor. On the other hand, a lower temperature can cause it to freeze.
How Many Kegs Are in a Keezer?
A keezer can hold as many as five standard kegs when stuck on each other. That is why keezers are more convenient than kegerators because they offer more room. However, the number of kegs it will hold depends on the freezer size and your kegs.
Conclusion
Kegerators and keezers are excellent equipment that helps store and dispense beer at home or any joint. Both have temperature controls to help keep beer chilled and fresh. They are also flexible and can be used to dispense other beverages, such as cider and wine. Always remember to drink responsibly.