Beer Forum

sizzle · #1 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 01:37 PM

I am new, but I am like a kid in a candy store. What is the best kegerator on the market and of course price matters.

Thanks.....

cubby_swans · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 02:54 PM

you'll have to be more specific on "price matters".

Commercial units, like the Beverage Air and True are top notch, but they're louder, and you're looking at somewhere around $1500.

Sanyo/Summit are great for the price. You're looking at $700+ or so.

Cheap kegerators can be decent, but they can suck too. I got my Danby for $430, and with $20 in parts and a 1/2 hour of my time, it works absolutely fine. Basically, most cheap kegerators need a little modification to actually get them to work properly. You can often find them on Craig's list practically new for a steep discount, because their owners can't figure out how to make the Google work properly, so they have no clue that they can actually fix their kegerators themselves easily.

OR, you can build your own out of a freezer and you'll have the best of both words. Cheap (< $500) and works fantastic.

domefoam · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 03:24 PM

My kegerator is the best... Why?? Because it is in my house! Seriously, you will find that everyone has an opinion on what is the best and why. I would recommend searching this great forum and determine what is best for your needs and price range. I highly recommend craigslist. I have found commercial units, consumer units, homemade and even some really cool retro fridges that have been converted. I bought a couple years old True TDD-1 for less than half price of a new unit plus it came with an empty keg shell (saved me a deposit) and a co2 tank, which most new units don't come with. If you do go the craigslist route be ready to jump if you find the kegerator of your dreams! Good luck and welcome!

jackstraw · #4 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 03:29 PM

Sizzle,

I would recommend the Sanyo/Summit for the best bang for your buck. $595. First step after getting it, would be to install a blower to cool the tower, but other than that you should be good to go.

If you live near a MicroMatic distribution center, you can go pick it up and save yourself the $100 shipping.

http://www.micromatic.com/keg-refrig...d-BC-1206.html

sizzle · #5 (**permalink**) 10-13-2008, 05:37 AM

thank you all......

WhiteToad · #6 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 04:24 AM

The one you build yourself.

pvs6 · #7 (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 06:59 AM

The best for you will be the one that does what you are expecting it to do and for the lowest price. The lowest entry level I've seen was $230.00 home depot Vassina model. If you buy in at that level you will as stated above spend up to $100.00 to tune it for performance but can get it done for $50.00 min. It least you'll need is fan tower cooling and keg box fan to blend the temp. in there. I bought the same unit with a different brand name allpied Edgestar off Ebay for $400. and free shipping. $100.00 tweeks with external temp. control = $500.00 I figure it will pay for it's self in 3 years and then start saving me money. To ask what's best means best for you. Will it be inside the house and so the smaller footprint it has is best, or will it be in the basement reck. room or garage where size is no issuse? Only one man's view ie mine, but I think the best is a mini chest freezer with an external temp. controler. Better insulation, so a little cheaper to use, you build it your self so there is the pride factor every time you pull the tap. Downside is they're top loading and not front loading like a frig. I just started out this year, I did the research and liked the freezer idea better but my lack of experience drove me to get a kegerator first and I figured that with all the buddies over sampling the free beer I will get one of them to buy it from me for $400. and will then have enough knownledge to build a freezerorator.

jbachman · #8 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jackstraw

Sizzle,

I would recommend the Sanyo/Summit for the best bang for your buck. $595. First step after getting it, would be to install a blower to cool the tower, but other than that you should be good to go.

If you live near a MicroMatic distribution center, you can go pick it up and save yourself the $100 shipping.

http://www.micromatic.com/keg-refrig...d-BC-1206.html

I wasn't aware I could pickup directly from the distributor. That would help immensely concerning price. Any idea where I can find information on their distribution centers? I see they ship out of PA, which is conveniently where I live, however I cant access their Micromatic's distributor info as I don't have an account.

dvandriesen · #9 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:17 PM

the ship out of center valley pa its near the promenades in saucon valley. Dorney park area if your not familiar at all.

jbachman · #10 (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 06:20 PM

Forget it, found the info I was looking for. Thanks for the heads up.

panthermark · #11 (**permalink**) 11-05-2009, 07:16 AM

Depends on what you need.

If cost is the #1 concern, then the cheapest route is probabaly building one yourself out of an old fridge...but that depends on the cost of the fridge. Or...finding a used one on Craigslist.

I opted for some upgrades, but you can get a standard "deluxe" kit (with drip tray), along with a #5 CO2 tank for about $200. Depending on how much you pay for your fridge, you can easily have beer for under $250. But it will be an upright fridge, which isn't so pretty. Also check Craigslist for used kegerators.