Helping You Tap Into
the Right Kegerator!
the Right Kegerator!
If you’ve got a fresh keg chilling in your kegerator, you might be wondering: How long will this beer stay good? Whether you’re serving up pints every weekend or only pouring one here and there, it’s a good question — because nobody wants to pour a flat or funky glass.
In this guide, we’ll break down how long beer lasts in a kegerator, what factors affect its freshness, and how you can keep your beer tasting crisp for as long as possible.
Here’s a general idea of how long beer can last once it’s in your kegerator — assuming you’re using CO₂ and proper storage:
⚠️ But don’t walk away just yet — the real shelf life depends on how you store, tap, and care for your setup.
Pasteurized beers — often mass-produced or imported — are heated to kill bacteria, giving them a longer shelf life. These can last up to 3–4 months in a kegerator when kept cold and under CO₂.
On the other hand, most craft beers and homebrews are unpasteurized. They’re fresher, but also more fragile, and usually last only 1.5 to 2 months once tapped.
Temperature plays a huge role. Ideally, keep your beer at 36–38°F (2–3°C). Warmer temps speed up spoilage and affect carbonation. If it creeps into the 40s, flavor and shelf life can suffer.
Using CO₂ to dispense beer (instead of oxygen) helps maintain freshness. Keep your pressure steady (usually between 10–12 PSI for most beers). If the pressure drops too low or is inconsistent, your beer might lose carbonation or oxidize.
Looking for a CO₂ refill for your kegerator? Discover the best local options, what it costs, and whether buying a tank online is worth it.
Homebrewers often use Cornelius kegs (aka Corny kegs), which have easy-to-clean ball lock or pin lock connections. These kegs can preserve beer just as long as commercial kegs — assuming they’re cleaned and sealed well.
Want to stretch your keg life? Follow these best practices:
If you’re serious about longevity, investing in a kegerator with digital temperature control and a dual-gauge regulator is well worth it.
Here’s how you know it’s time to say goodbye:
Tapping a keg with CO₂ doesn’t ruin it — it just starts the clock. Here’s a general rundown:
Can I drink beer from an old keg?
Technically yes — but it may taste flat or off. As long as it’s been refrigerated and not contaminated, it’s unlikely to make you sick.
Does beer expire in a kegerator?
Eventually, yes. Even with CO₂ and refrigeration, beer loses freshness over time. Always go by taste, smell, and clarity.
Can I re-carbonate flat beer in a keg?
If you catch it early and your CO₂ system is working, yes — you can bump up the pressure and shake the keg gently to help reintroduce carbonation.
What’s the best way to store a keg I’m not using?
Keep it cold and sealed. If it’s untapped and refrigerated, it’ll last longer than you think.
Beer can last weeks or even months in a kegerator — if you treat it right. Keep your temps steady, lines clean, and pressure dialed in, and you’ll be pouring fresh pints long after tapping.
👉 Not sure if a kegerator is the right investment? Read this guide to see if owning one is worth it.
