Advantages of building your own kegerator

One of my favorite projects combined a little bit of tech with a little bit of beer. I dabbled with brewing my own beer for a few years because, you know, I have a lot of hobbies. I no longer brew, but I still have the kegerator.

Creating a kegerator offers not just an opportunity for convenience, but also a deeper appreciation for the art of homebrewing. Building your own kegerator provides fresh draft beer right at home, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite brews without frequent trips to the store. The process of crafting this piece of equipment is an enriching experience that enhances both practical skills and knowledge of beer storage.

Through a customized setup, one can experiment with unique configurations tailored to personal preferences and space constraints. This allows users to explore various options for faucets, CO2 systems, and keg sizes, ensuring a perfect fit for their brewing style. By taking control of each component, brewers gain a greater understanding of the balance required to serve ideal pours.

In addition to the personal satisfaction of constructing something unique, there are cost benefits. Assembling a kegerator can be more economical compared to purchasing pre-built models. The ability to select and upgrade individual parts over time provides an evolving experience, adapting as one’s brewing journey unfolds.

Cost Savings Over Time

Building a kegerator can provide significant cost savings. By purchasing ingredients in bulk and reducing packaging needs, individuals can save money. Additionally, investing in durable equipment ensures long-term savings through reduced maintenance and replacement costs.

Bulk Purchase of Ingredients

Homebrewers often find savings by purchasing ingredients like grains, hops, and yeast in bulk. Bulk buying lowers the per-unit price, leading to substantial long-term savings. Grains and hops, being key ingredients, have an extended shelf life when stored properly. This allows enthusiasts to make multiple batches without frequently re-purchasing materials, which adds to financial efficiency. Additionally, local brewing supply shops often offer discounts for bulk purchases, further enhancing savings.

Reduced Need for Individual Packaging

Creating a kegerator reduces the reliance on single-use packaging associated with store-bought beverages. When homebrewing, bottles, cans, and other packaging become unnecessary, reducing costs and waste. Reusable kegs serve multiple uses, eliminating the need for constant purchase and disposal of individual containers. This not only provides financial savings but also has environmental benefits by cutting down on packaging waste.

Long-Term Durability of Equipment

Investing in a high-quality kegerator kit means parts like taps, hoses, and regulators are built to last. Durable equipment minimizes the need for replacements, contributing to ongoing savings. Routine maintenance ensures longevity, requiring only small expenditures over time. Stainless steel components, for instance, resist corrosion and wear, making them a worthwhile investment for long-term enthusiasts looking to avoid frequent repair costs.

Below are a few of the parts I used to build my kegerator:

Perlick Faucets - Model 650SS: https://amzn.to/42uwnxD

Kegco Kegerator Kit - 3PDCK2-5T: https://amzn.to/3EonITi

Customization and Control

Creating a custom kegerator allows individuals to set precise settings for temperature and carbonation. It also offers flexibility in brewing different beer varieties and supports unique personal branding through design.

Tailoring Temperature and Carbonation

The ability to adjust temperature settings ensures each brew is served in optimal conditions. Finished beers can develop off-flavors if kept too warm, or they may lose character if too cold. I use an inkbird digital thermometer to help regulate my temps.

Inkbird All-Purpose Digital Temperature Controller: https://amzn.to/42sFdMo

Carbonation levels can also be controlled. This flexibility allows for subtle modifications to enhance each brew, catering to personal taste. Craft enthusiasts can replicate preferred commercial brews at home, enjoying a similar pour quality. The kegco kit above helps me with this.

By building a custom kegerator, enthusiasts can manage these aspects effortlessly, leading to a better beer experience.

Variety and Seasonal Brewing Flexibility

With a personalized kegerator, home brewers can easily experiment with new recipes and rotate seasonal brews. When brewing a diverse lineup, having control over space and keg types facilitates seamless transitions between different beer styles.

A kegerator that supports various keg sizes will increase the variety of beers on tap. This flexibility benefits small batch brewers interested in frequently changing selections. Homebrew setups can be adjusted seasonally without investing in new equipment.

Such adaptability contributes to a dynamic brewing culture and broadens the user's palate.

Personal Branding and Aesthetics

Building a custom kegerator allows individuals to reflect their personality through design choices. Options range from selecting unique materials to designing decals, contributing to a signature look.

Creative elements can turn a functional appliance into a conversation piece, showcasing owner craftsmanship. It enables the creation of a space that matches personal tastes and offers a tailored experience.

Users have the opportunity to brand their kegerator with their logo or use colors that align with a home brewery theme. This personal touch enhances the social aspect of enjoying a homebrew.

Below are a few pics of my build. It's 'powered' by a kegbot program I loaded on to a raspberry pi (that's a post for another time). On the tablet, I can display temperature of the beer, how many pints have been drank, and how many are left. I even have a picture of the type of beer in each of the kegs.