How To Build A Fridge Kegerator
How to build a fridge kegerator
Let’s admit it; we all love draft beer! There is nothing like enjoying a frosty pint in the comfort of your home. While the thought fills us with excitement, the cost of kegerators becomes a real downer. But what if we told you that you can turn your fridge into your own homemade kegerator? All you need is a spare fridge, a set of equipment, a little bit of DIY skills and a ‘can-do’ attitude to come up with a real beer- dispensing beauty. Sounds good? So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get started.
First things first; make a list of the items you will need to convert your fridge into a kegerator and keep them handy while working. Here are the objects you’ll require:
- Refrigerator
- Conversion kit
- CO2 cylinder
- Screwdrivers
- Power drill
- 1⅜-inch and ⅞-inch hole saws
- Measuring tape
- Hacksaw
- A keg of your favorite beer
Once you have collected all the components, it will take only four easy steps to assemble them into a fully functional kegerator:
Step 1: Make sure there is enough space in the fridge for the CO2 cylinder and kegs
While choosing the fridge for your kegerator, keep in mind that a full-sized keg is 16 1/8 inches in diameter and to fit in the CO2 cylinder as well, you need a minimum internal space of 28/18 inches. So, while choosing the fridge, make sure there is ample space within the cavity.
Step 2: Drill a hole and insert the PVC
While drilling the hole for the tap, make sure that you have it low enough so that the freezer door does not hit the tap. Carefully measure the distance from the freezer door and mark the spot with a pen. Now drill a ¼-inch pilot hole through the door of the fridge. Next, take a 1 ⅜-inch hole saw to drill the outer layer of the door. Through the inner layer of the door, you’ll have to drill a ⅞-inch hole saw. Finally, you can saw the PVC pipe into the hole.
Step 3: Install the tap and the coupler
Once you are through with drilling and putting the PVC pipe, the next step will be to install the tap. Insert the shank into the PVC pipe and fasten it with the shank nut. Push the beer hose onto the other end of the shank and fasten with a clamp. You will need to put the loose clamp onto the hose before attaching it to the shank. After installing the tap, you can install the keg coupler within the cavity of the fridge. You can also install a drip tray about a foot below the tap for convenient operation.
Step 4: Connect the CO2 cylinder and the keg
Now your kegerator is almost complete; you just have to give the finishing touch by connecting the CO2 cylinder and the keg. First, add a clamp to the gas hose and then fasten it to the thin end of the keg coupler. Now add another clamp to the other end and fasten it to the end of the CO2 regulator. Once this is done, insert the coupler into the keg and rotate the coupler until it stops. Lastly, turn the regulator clockwise and make sure the pressure is not more than 10psi. You will have to adjust the gauge to get the right amount of gas in the keg.
Finally, your masterpiece will be ready to dispense your favorite draft beer; just fill the keg and start impressing your friends and family.