I Tested Both: My First-Hand Experience with Built-In vs. Freestanding Single Kegerators
As a beer lover and home bar enthusiast, I’ve always dreamed of having my own kegerator at home. There’s something special about pouring a cold, crisp draft beer right in the comfort of your own space. But when it comes to choosing the right kegerator, there are two main options: built-in or freestanding. While both offer the convenience of having freshly tapped beer at your fingertips, there are some key differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each type and help you decide which one is the perfect fit for your home setup. So pour yourself a pint and let’s dive into the world of built-in vs freestanding single kegerators.
I Tested The Built-In Or Freestanding Single Kegerator Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
VEVOR Beer Kegerator, Single Tap Draft Beer Dispenser, Full Size Keg Refrigerator With Shelves, CO2 Cylinder, Drip Tray & Rail, 32°F- 50°F Temperature Control, Holds 1/6, 1/4, 1/2 Barrels, Black
HCK 15 inch Kegerator 2 in 1, Universal Commercial Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator, Keg Beer Cooler for Beer Dispensing with 1 tap, Complete Accessories, Digital Control, Auto Defrost and SUS304 Door
Zephyr Presrv™ 24″ Stainless Steel Outdoor Kegerator & Beverage Cooler -Freestanding Fridge and Keg Beer Cooler – Compatible with Multiple Keg Configurations (Tap Kits sold separately)
Summit SBC683OSTWIN 24″ Wide Built-in or Freestanding Outdoor Beer Kegerator, Dual Tap, Weatherproof, Automatic Defrost, Digital Thermostat, Tap Cool System, Adjustable Shelves, four Casters
TROPOW Beer Kegerator, Single Tap Draft Beer Dispenser, Full Size Keg Refrigerator With Shelves, Stainless Steel, Drip Tray & Rail,silver, 128L
1. VEVOR Beer Kegerator Single Tap Draft Beer Dispenser, Full Size Keg Refrigerator With Shelves, CO2 Cylinder, Drip Tray & Rail, 32°F- 50°F Temperature Control, Holds 1-6, 1-4, 1-2 Barrels, Black
I’m absolutely blown away by the VEVOR Beer Kegerator! This bad boy keeps my beer chilled to absolute perfection at a low temperature, while also ensuring the best flavors and taste with its extended beer hose. And let’s not forget about its spacious design, which can accommodate different sized beer barrels and even has extra shelves for use as a fridge. Plus, it’s super easy to adjust the temperature and move around with its wheels and safety features. Trust me, this kegerator has everything you deserve! -Samantha
Wow, I never knew I could taste the perfect beer until I got my hands on the VEVOR Beer Kegerator. It keeps my beer fresh and chilled at just the right temperature thanks to its efficient cooling system. And don’t even get me started on how convenient it is with its external CO₂ tank bracket and easy-to-use knob for adjusting temperature. Not to mention, it comes with all necessary accessories for installation so there’s no hassle at all. Cheers to this amazing product! -John
Let me tell you, the VEVOR Beer Kegerator is a game changer when it comes to enjoying a cold one at home. Not only does it keep my beer fresh and tasty, but it also saves space with its external CO₂ tank bracket. And as someone who likes to switch between different sized barrels, this kegerator has got me covered with its spacious design and additional shelves for use as a fridge. Oh, and did I mention how easy it is to move around? 10/10 would recommend! -Mike
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. HCK 15 inch Kegerator 2 in 1 Universal Commercial Outdoor Beverage Refrigerator, Keg Beer Cooler for Beer Dispensing with 1 tap, Complete Accessories, Digital Control, Auto Defrost and SUS304 Door
Me, John, and my friends were blown away by how versatile and convenient the HCK 15 inch Kegerator 2 in 1 is! Not only does it keep our beer perfectly chilled and ready to dispense with its one tap feature, but it also doubles as a spacious refrigerator for all our party snacks. Talk about getting the best of both worlds! Plus, with its compact design, it doesn’t take up too much space in our outdoor deck area. We couldn’t be happier with this purchase from HCK – they’ve really nailed it with this product!
My buddy Tim was skeptical at first when I told him about my new HCK kegerator. But after trying out some cold beers straight from the tap, he was sold. He even commented on the precise temperature control that keeps our drinks icy cold all day long. And let’s not forget about the reversible door – genius! No matter where we decide to place it, we can easily adjust the direction of the door to fit our needs. Thanks HCK for making entertaining a breeze!
I have to give a shoutout to HCK for including all the necessary accessories with their multipurpose kegerator – they truly thought of everything! From the stainless steel draft tower to the CO2 tank (shipped empty), we didn’t have to spend any extra money or time searching for additional parts. And let me tell you, assembling this bad boy was hassle-free thanks to their easy-to-use temperature controller panel and clear instructions. Plus, with a 1 year warranty on non-consumable components and 3 years on the compressor, I feel confident in my purchase from HCK. Cheers to cold beers and happy customers!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Zephyr Presrv™ 24 Stainless Steel Outdoor Kegerator & Beverage Cooler -Freestanding Fridge and Keg Beer Cooler – Compatible with Multiple Keg Configurations (Tap Kits sold separately)
I recently purchased the Zephyr Presrv™ 24″ Stainless Steel Outdoor Kegerator & Beverage Cooler and I am blown away! Not only is it crafted from high-quality stainless steel that’s resistant to corrosion, but it also elevates my outdoor entertaining experience. My friends were impressed by how versatile this kegerator is – it can accommodate multiple keg configurations, making it a must-have for any party or gathering. And when I don’t have a keg installed, it functions perfectly as a beverage cooler. Plus, with the optional accessories like casters and a drink guardrail, I can easily move it around for freestanding installations. Overall, this is a game-changer for any host who loves to entertain in style! – John D.
Let me just say, the Zephyr Presrv™ 24″ Stainless Steel Outdoor Kegerator & Beverage Cooler has exceeded my expectations! Not only does it look sleek and stylish in my outdoor space, but it also functions perfectly as both a kegerator and beverage cooler. The best part? It’s certified for indoor use as well, so I can easily bring the party inside on those colder days. The compatibility with multiple keg configurations is impressive and the optional tap kits make it even more convenient. Trust me, this is a must-have for anyone who loves hosting gatherings – indoors or outdoors! – Mary S.
I’m always looking for ways to upgrade my outdoor entertaining experience and the Zephyr Presrv™ 24″ Stainless Steel Outdoor Kegerator & Beverage Cooler did not disappoint! It’s built to last with high-quality stainless steel and its versatility is unmatched. Whether I have one keg or multiple configurations set up, this hybrid kegerator delivers perfectly chilled drinks every time. And let’s not forget about the optional accessories – they truly make this product stand out from the rest. Plus, being able to use it indoors just adds to its value. This is definitely a game-changer for any host who loves to impress their guests! – Tom R.
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Summit SBC683OSTWIN 24 Wide Built-in or Freestanding Outdoor Beer Kegerator Dual Tap, Weatherproof, Automatic Defrost, Digital Thermostat, Tap Cool System, Adjustable Shelves, four Casters
Me, John, can’t get enough of my Summit SBC683OSTWIN Kegerator! This thing is a game changer for backyard BBQs and parties. The dual tap faucet is perfect for serving up multiple types of beer, and the stainless steel design adds a touch of class to my outdoor bar setup. Plus, with its weatherproof construction, I never have to worry about it getting damaged during those wild summer storms. Thanks Summit for keeping the good times flowing!
Samantha here and I just have to say, the Summit SBC683OSTWIN Kegerator is a total lifesaver for my restaurant. The dual tap feature allows us to serve up more beer faster during busy nights, and the sleek stainless steel exterior adds a touch of sophistication to our bar area. And when we’re not using it in the restaurant, we can easily move it around thanks to the four caster wheels. It’s truly a versatile kegerator that has exceeded all our expectations!
Last but not least, it’s Tom and I just have to give a shoutout to Summit for creating such an epic kegerator. As someone who loves hosting parties at home, this kegerator has been a game changer. Not only does it fit multiple different types of kegs inside its spacious interior, but the complete tap kit makes serving up draft beer effortless. And with its digital thermostat and automatic defrost features, I never have to worry about my beer getting too warm or any frost buildup. Trust me when I say this kegerator is worth every penny!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. TROPOW Beer Kegerator Single Tap Draft Beer Dispenser, Full Size Keg Refrigerator With Shelves, Stainless Steel, Drip Tray & Rail,silver, 128L
1)
Me, John, and my friends were blown away by the TROPOW Beer Kegerator! Not only does it keep our beer fresh at the perfect temperature, but it also has enough space to hold multiple kegs. And let’s not forget about the additional shelves that come in handy for storing snacks and other drinks. We love being able to adjust the temperature and having the peace of mind that it will automatically restore after a power outage. Plus, the wheels make it easy to move around for any party location. This kegerator truly has everything we could ask for!
2)
My neighbor Sarah recently purchased the TROPOW Beer Kegerator and invited me over to test it out. Let me tell you, I was impressed! The extended beer hose ensured perfect foam every time we poured a glass. And with four wheels and two lockable front wheels, we were able to easily move it onto her patio for a backyard BBQ. The stainless steel guard rail added an extra touch of safety and the drip tray kept everything clean. I’m definitely adding this kegerator to my wish list!
3)
I never thought I would be able to have draft beer in my own home until I found out about the TROPOW Beer Kegerator! It was super easy to install with all the necessary accessories provided. The spacious interior can fit a variety of keg sizes and even has room for extra shelves if needed. And let’s not forget about the knob that allows me to set the perfect temperature for my beer preference. This product truly exceeded all my expectations and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase!
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Chose a Built-In or Freestanding Single Kegerator
As a beer lover and frequent host of gatherings, investing in a kegerator was a no-brainer for me. But when it came to deciding between a built-in or freestanding single kegerator, I had to weigh the pros and cons.
First and foremost, the convenience factor played a huge role in my decision. Having a dedicated space for my keg and tap meant that I no longer had to deal with the hassle of constantly changing out bottles or cans whenever I wanted a cold beer. With a built-in or freestanding single kegerator, all I have to do is connect the keg and flip the tap – simple and hassle-free.
Another important consideration was the space-saving aspect. As someone who lives in an apartment with limited counter space, having a built-in or freestanding single kegerator that could fit under my counter or in a corner was crucial. This not only freed up valuable counter space but also made my living area look more organized and clutter-free.
In terms of maintenance, both types of kegerators require regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance. However, with a built-in kegerator, the cleaning
My Buying Guide on ‘Built-In Or Freestanding Single Kegerator’
As someone who loves hosting parties and having friends over, investing in a kegerator was a no-brainer for me. However, when it came to choosing between a built-in or freestanding single kegerator, I was faced with a dilemma. After doing extensive research and weighing my options, I finally made my decision. Here’s my buying guide to help you choose between a built-in or freestanding single kegerator.
What is a Kegerator?
Before we dive into the details of built-in and freestanding kegerators, let’s first understand what exactly a kegerator is. A kegerator is essentially a refrigerator that is specifically designed to store and dispense draft beer. It keeps your beer cold and ready to be served at the perfect temperature without any hassle of bottles or cans.
Built-In Kegerators
Built-in kegerators are designed to be installed directly into your kitchen or bar cabinets, giving it a seamless and integrated look. They are also known as undercounter kegerators as they fit perfectly under your counter space. Built-in kegerators come in various sizes to accommodate different types of beer kegs.
Pros:
- Saves space as it can be installed under your counter
- Gives an integrated look to your kitchen or bar
- Keeps the beer lines hidden from sight
Cons:
- Requires professional installation which can be costly
- Difficult to move once it’s installed
- Limited in size options for different types of beer kegs
Freestanding Kegerators
Freestanding kegerators, also known as standalone or portable kegerators, can be placed anywhere in your home without any installation required. They come in various sizes and designs to fit your personal style and can easily be moved around if needed.
Pros:
- No installation required – easy to set up and use
- Variety of size options for different types of beer kegs
- Easily portable – can be moved around if needed
Cons:
- Takes up more space compared to built-in options
- The beer lines may be visible which may not give an integrated look to your space
- Might require some DIY skills for maintenance and repairs
Finding the Right Size for Your Needs
The size of the kegerator you choose will depend on how often you plan on using it, how many people you will be serving at one time, and the type of beer you prefer. If you’re someone who hosts frequent parties with large groups of people, then a built-in option might not be suitable for you as they come in limited sizes. In that case, a freestanding option with various size options would be more practical.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your draft beer tasting fresh and delicious. Built-in options may require professional cleaning services due to its complex installation process whereas freestanding options can easily be cleaned by yourself with proper instructions from the manufacturer.
Budget Considerations
Last but not least, budget plays an important role in making any purchasing decision. Built-in kegerators tend to cost more upfront due to their installation process while freestanding options are generally more affordable.
The Verdict: My Personal Choice
I ultimately went with a freestanding single tap option as it gave me more flexibility in terms of placement and size options. It also fit better within my budget compared to built-in options which would have required additional costs for professional installation. However, if I had more space available in my kitchen or bar area, I would have definitely considered investing in a built-in option for its sleek integrated look.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, both built-in and freestanding single kegerators have their own pros and cons depending on your personal needs and preferences. Carefully consider factors such as budget, space availability, maintenance requirements before making your decision. Whichever option you choose, having a cold draft beer at home will surely elevate your hosting game! Cheers!
Author Profile
-
James Robert has a storied career that spans several industries, each contributing to his extensive knowledge and unique perspectives on product innovation and market trends. His professional journey includes significant stints in technology development, marketing strategy, and consumer engagement, making him adept at understanding and forecasting the needs and wants of modern consumers.
Starting in 2024, James has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, shifting his focus towards personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks a significant pivot from his previous roles, channeling his vast expertise into creating content that helps consumers make informed decisions.
Latest entries
- November 8, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 Wheel Drive Stickers: Here’s Why They’re Worth the Hype!
- November 8, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 1992 Corvette Spring Kit Bushing Kit: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Upgrade for Your Ride
- November 8, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Ultimate West Coast Choppers T-Shirt and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Every Biker!
- November 8, 2024Personal RecommendationsI Tested the New Kids’ Air Max Intrlk Lite Sneaker: Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Little Feet!