How Does a Kegerator Work?
A kegerator is more than just a refrigerator with a keg inside; it’s a clever appliance designed to keep your favorite beer perfectly chilled, pressurized, and fresh.
Understanding how a kegerator works can help you know how to use it, maintain it properly and troubleshoot common problems.
In this article, we’ll break down the components and operations of a kegerator, focusing on the refrigeration system, the keg tap, and the carbon dioxide (CO₂) system that makes it all work.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A kegerator is a specialized appliance designed to maintain beer at an ideal temperature (36°F–40°F), pressurized using a CO2 system, and properly dispensed through a keg tap. It combines refrigeration, carbonation, and dispensing technology to ensure beer remains fresh and enjoyable.
- The kegerator refrigeration system uses a compressor, condenser, and evaporator coils to cool the keg and maintain a consistent temperature. A pressurized CO2 tank regulates the flow of beer from the keg, ensuring proper carbonation and smooth dispensing.
- Proper maintenance of the kegerator includes checking for CO2 leaks, examining the refrigerator compartment door seal and ensuring the refrigeration system operates efficiently by cleaning the condenser coils.
The Kegerator Refrigeration System: Keeping the Beer Chilled
The refrigerator compartment houses the keg and maintains a consistent and ideal temperature for beer, typically between 36°F and 40°F. The refrigeration system operates similar to systems that cool mini fridges.
Here's how a typical kegerator refrigeration system works:
- The cycle begins when the compressor compresses the refrigerant gas, raising its temperature and pressure.
- The hot refrigerant gas flows through condenser tubes that are typically located behind the refrigerator compartment. The condenser tubes cool the hot refrigerant gas down and the hot gas condenses into a high-pressure liquid.
- The high-pressure liquid refrigerant goes through a capillary tube to lower its pressure and atomize it into droplets so it will efficiently absorb heat inside the evaporator plate at the back of the refrigerator compartment.
- The low-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the evaporator coils inside the cooling plate in the kegerator refrigerator compartment. Here, it absorbs heat from the inside air, cooling the interior of the refrigerator compartment.
- The cold control thermostat cycles the compressor on and off to maintain the set temperature inside the refrigerator compartment.
The CO2 Charging System: Making the Beer Flow
The CO2 tank and its regulator are typically positioned on the back of the refrigerator cabinet. A bracket holds the CO2 cylinder in place.
The CO2 cylinder provides pressurized carbon dioxide gas which pushes the beer out of the keg and into a glass by creating pressure inside the keg. It carbonates the beer while providing the force to push it out through the tap.
The regulator on the tank limits CO2 pressure (typically between 10-14 p.s.i.) so the beer flows smoothly through the tap with the right amount of carbonation.
The Keg Tap: Dispensing the Beer
The tap allows air in from the regulator and beer to lets beer flow up to the tower where the faucet at the top of the tower above the refrigerator cabinet releases beer into the glass or container.
The keg tap system uses these parts to deliver the beer through the tower faucet:
Coupler
The coupler is the device that connects to the top of the keg. It has two ports: one for the CO2 hose (typically red or blue) and another for the beer hose (often clear).
The coupler locks into the neck of the keg. It has a probe that breaks the seal of the keg when you pull the coupler handle outward and push it down.
CO2 Supply Hose
The red or blue CO2 hose connects the carbon dioxide gas coming from the tank through the pressure regulator to the coupler to pressurize the tank and push the beer out.
Beer Supply Hose
The clear hose carries the beer from the top of the coupler to the faucet at the top of the beer tower.
Tap Faucet
The faucet is the part you see at the top of the tower. Pull the faucet lever release beer into a glass or container.
How to Tap a Keg
Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual for your kegerator to tap a keg.
Here are general steps required to tap a keg in most kegerator models:
- Place the keg in the kegerator and allow it to reach the right serving temperature.
- Open the cut-off valves on the CO2 tank and set the outlet pressure on the pressure regulator (usually to around 10 p.s.i.).
- Remove the dust cover from the keg tap and connect the keg coupler. Twist the coupler clockwise until it’s snug to lock it in place.
- Pull the coupler handle out and down to tap the keg.
- Pull the handle on the faucet to dispense beer.
FAQ’s and Troubleshooting Tips
What types of kegs will fit in my kegerator?
Many kegerators will accommodate kegs that are 16-1/8-inches or less in diameter, and 23-3/8-inches or less height.
Certain brands (such as Coors) use different shapes or sizes, not allowing the keg to fit in some kegerators.
Some ¼ barrel kegs that have a rubber seal or bulged wall around the keg that increases their diameter to 17-inches. In certain kegerators, you can make these kegs fit by raising the keg inside the unit, so that the wider section is above the “step” in the bottom rear of the cooler (see image below).
This image show the types of kegs that will generally fit in most standard single-keg kegerators:
Why is my Kegerator Leaking CO2?
There are several places where the kegerator can leak CO2. Any of the connections from the CO2 cylinder to the coupler, and the coupler itself can potentially leak.
Find the Location of the Leak
Sometimes the source of the leak will be obvious because you will hear CO2 hissing out.
If not, you may be able to feel gas leaking with your fingers.
If that doesn’t work, you can make a solution of soapy water and brush it on fittings, hoses and components to find the leak. A leak will cause bubble to appear in the soapy solution.
Fix the CO2 Leak
If gas is leaking from the connection between the CO2 cylinder and the pressure regulator, make sure that the washer seal is in place inside that fitting. Use a wrench to tighten the fitting firmly to prevent the CO2 leak.
Follow the same steps to fix a CO2 leak in any other fittings in the Kegerator.
If the coupler leaks, check the pressure release valve. The O-ring in that valve could be out of place. You may be able to reseat the O-ring by pulling the valve out and then releasing it so the release valve resets. If this doesn’t fix the CO2 leak, you may need to replace the coupler.
Why Isn’t My Beer Cold?
Follow these troubleshooting tips to resolve the problem with warm beer coming from your kegerator tap:
Measure the Actual Temperature Inside the Kegerator Refrigerator Compartment
Place a cup of water in the front corner of the unit and allow an hour for the water to cool down. Use a thermometer to find the temperature of the water and the air inside the kegerator refrigerator compartment.
If the temperature inside the kegerator refrigerator compartment is normal, give the keg longer to cool down.
Check the Refrigerator Compartment Door Seal
A damaged door seal will allow warm air into the compartment and the keg won’t cool properly.
Inspect the door seal and replace the seal if it’s damaged.
Check for a Dirty Condenser
Dust accumulation on the condenser coil can inhibit cooling. Clean the condenser coil if it’s covered with dust.
Also, make sure that you have at least 2-3 inches of clearance around the kegerator for proper airflow through the condenser coils.
Check Ambient Temperature
Cold ambient temperatures can cause the cold control thermostat to shut off the compressor and the keg inside the refrigerator compartment may not cool properly.
Consult the owner’s manual for your kegerator for guidance on unit placement and ambient temperature limits.
If you’re unable to fix a cooling issue, schedule refrigerator repair and we’ll send a Sears Home Services technician to your home to fix the kegerator.
Why Does my Beer Have Too Much Foam?
Warm beer or improper CO2 pressure going to the keg are the most likely causes of too much foam.
Check Beer Temperature
The first beer that you draw will typically have excess foam because beer in the supply hose going up the tower to the faucet will likely be warm than the beer in the keg. Draw a second glass and check for excessive foam and check the temperature of the beer in the second glass.
If the beer is too warm, follow the troubleshooting steps described in the section above for the beer not being cold.
If you’re unable to fix a cooling problem on your own, schedule refrigerator repair and we’ll send a technician to your home to fix the kegerator.
Check the CO2 System
Make sure there are no CO2 leaks, and that the proper pressure is set on the CO2 pressure regulator.
Make sure the CO2 cylinder and pressure regulator cut-off valves are fully open.
To minimize foam when drawing beer, pull faucet handle forward completely and smoothly. Keep glass tipped at an angle until it’s about ½ full, then start tilting the glass upright until it’s full.
Can I Use My Kegerator for Import Kegs?
As long as the keg is within the dimensions listed above, it should physically fit in the kegerator refrigerator compartment.
The standard coupler for American beer kegs often won’t fit imported beer kegs. You’ll likely need to find and use a compatible coupler for imported beer kegs.
You can typically find the right coupler at your supplier or online.
A kegerator is a perfect blend of refrigeration, pressurization, and dispensing technology, working together to deliver the ultimate beer experience. By keeping the beer cool, pressurized, and fresh, it ensures every glass is as enjoyable as the brewer intended.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening, understanding how your kegerator works and maintaining it properly will keep the beer flowing and your guests smiling. Cheers!
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