Kegerator Bar

Saving Money With Your Kegerator

Nobody wants to use more energy than is necessary because energy is expensive. Refrigerators are some of the worst culprits when it comes to using a lot of energy in the home, and kegerators fall into this category. Thankfully you can keep the cost of running one down if you know what to do.

Keeping your kegerator running as efficiently as possible is the key to keeping your costs down. You need to make sure that the beer fridge isn't working any harder than absolutely necessary.

One of the biggest factors that contribute to the efficiency of a kegerator is how it is built. If you buy one, check for the Energy Guide Sticker on it to see how efficient it is. If you have built your own, there are some things you can check to see if its efficiency can be improved. The most important things to look into are the seals. If the seals are worn out, a lot of heat will creep in through them and cause the fridge to run frequently. If you are looking for optimum efficiency, buy a kegerator instead of building one.

Something else you need to think about is where you are going to keep the kegerator. Make sure it isn't sitting somewhere that direct sunlight is going to get to it. Also, keeping it in an open space is going to help it be more efficient. Many people like the idea of putting their kegerator in a cubby under their bar to hide it, but this can actually make it work harder.

Refrigerators put off heat when they are working, just like any machinery. If they are enclosed in a space, the heat from the back and sides can't escape. This can lead to the kegerator overheating, which will in turn make it work harder than it needs to. Try to find a spot for it where it will be out of the way, but will also have room to breathe.

If you have a basement or cellar, this is actually the best place for your kegerator and any other coolers. The constant temperature that you generally get with underground rooms is ideal for helping your kegerator to be efficient.

Another way to keep it efficient is to open it as little as possible. Since kegerators are generally tapped, you shouldn't have to open it very often at all. Switching out kegs, hooking up kegs once the beer settles, and cleaning everything should be the only reasons for the fridge to be opened.

Keep a thermometer in your kegerator as well. This way you can make sure that it is staying at the proper temperature. The generally recommended temperature is about 38 degrees. If you find your kegerator is getting colder than this, you can adjust it accordingly. Getting too cold isn't good for your beer, and also costs more money, so it's bad all around!
By checking a few things and keeping your kegerator in the right spot, you can save a lot of money on your energy bills. This will make enjoying your beer that much easier.

About the Author

This article was written by Felicia Jenkins for
http://www.beerkegaccessories.com
- the source for
draft beer towers
and other home bar supplies.

The Fundamentals Of Home Bar Design And How To Save Money And Time By Accessorizing

 

Designing and adding a bar is a great addition to your house. For a project of this kind, many decisions have to be made throughout the design and construction process to determine what the bar will look like, where it will be positioned within the home and just how many dollars you want to expend on such a venture.

Before starting out, take some time to design, look at various materials and colors, and then how to accessorize your bar.

And, if you already are the proud owner of a home bar, don’t overlook the chance for revamping it with a coat of paint, some new apppliances and then some personalized bar accessories that makes you feel good.

But, if it’s out with the old and in with the new or you don’t have a bar and your a first time bar owner, here’s the key points for investigation:

- the bar and chairs

- the shelving systems required for the drinks

- refrigeration for bottles and possibly a kegerator

- any requirements for water and sinks and their associated plumbing

- any electrical work because of increased electricity use

- perhaps even lighting to create the right atmosphere

- and finally those finishing touch bar accessories like customised bar runners, drink coasters and pub signs.

So the task can range from the small through to the substantial, and the outlay will alter accordingly. Your final decision could possibly have involved review of numerous themes as there are a myriad of choices to suit all personality traits.

Of course, no bar is complete without your favourite drinks. And if you have the space, try to have a shelf of glasses, and personal things as suits your taste.

Within your home, it’s your spatial situation which will largely limit your renovations extent and complexity. And off course the amount you wish to outlay

Creating a home bar is less expensive than renovating a kitchen and equally rewarding; and quite obviously, the larger the renovation the greater the outlay.

And do remember, a few thoughtful extra bar accessories could save you a fortune, a lot of time and certainly some commotion around the house whilst personalising the bar.

Enjoy

 

Kegerator Recommendations?

My husband built a small bar in our basement. I would like to get him a kegerator for XMas. Does anyone have any recommendations - brands/places to buy one that you may have personally had a good experience with? I don't need anything too fancy, but I know you get what you pay for these days. Thanks, I appreciate the help!

Avanti Kegerator BD6000

Relatively inexpensive and very stylish if ya ask me. We have one in the garage. Surprisingly, it wasn't very heavy at all. I installed everything on my own. Just a tip, measure the lengh of it before you go off and cut the wood for the bar.....(i had a bad experience)
gettin back to the avanti, it was a great deal (under $500) and it holds most 1/2ers and 1/4ers
good luck and many happy nights ahead

BUYING A HOME BAR: 5 THINGS TO CONSIDER