Is Owning A Kegerator Worth It?

Is owning a kegerator worth it?
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Investing in a kegerator—a specialized refrigerator designed to store and dispense beer kegs—can be a smart move for anyone who loves draft beer. But like any home upgrade, it’s important to weigh the benefits and costs before diving in.

There’s nothing quite like the taste of cold, draft beer straight from the tap — and with a home kegerator, you can enjoy that experience anytime you want. Whether you’re a casual beer drinker or a dedicated home bar enthusiast, the idea of owning one brings up a common question: is a beer kegerator actually worth it?

💡 If you’re ready to explore your options, check out our guide to the best kegerators for home use — it covers top picks, comparisons, and what to know before buying.

Cost Savings Over Time

Purchasing beer in kegs often leads to substantial savings compared to buying individual bottles or cans. For instance, a standard half-barrel keg (15.5 gallons) of Budweiser might cost around $100, equating to approximately $0.76 per 12-ounce serving.

In contrast, the same volume in cans could total about $160, or $1.06 per serving. This difference means each keg could save you around $60, suggesting that after buying several kegs, the kegerator could pay for itself. 

Environmental Benefits

Using kegs reduces the need for single-use bottles and cans, minimizing waste and promoting environmental sustainability. A single keg can replace numerous bottles or cans over its lifespan, significantly decreasing packaging waste.

Convenience and Freshness

Having a kegerator at home offers the convenience of enjoying draft beer without visiting a bar. It ensures your beer is stored at the optimal temperature, maintaining its freshness and flavor for extended periods. Properly stored, a keg can remain fresh for up to two months.

How Long Does Beer Last in a Kegerator?

How Long Does Beer Last in a Kegerator?

Wondering how long your keg will stay fresh? Learn how temperature, CO₂ pressure, and beer type affect shelf life — and how to keep your beer tasting great.

Read More

Versatility Beyond Beer

Kegerators aren’t limited to dispensing beer. They can also be used for other beverages like cold brew coffee, kombucha, or even carbonated water, adding versatility to your home beverage options.

Kegco HBK309S-2 kegerator

Kegco HBK309S-2 Home Brew Keg Dispenser, Stainless Steel, 2 Tap

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⚠️ Things to Consider Before Owning a Kegerator

While owning a kegerator has plenty of perks, it’s not a decision to rush. Before you commit, take a moment to think about how it fits into your lifestyle — do you drink enough beer to justify it, and do you have the space to store it properly?

In the next sections, we’ll cover some key considerations like upfront cost, ongoing maintenance, and space requirements to help you decide if a kegerator is truly worth it for your home.

Upfront Costs and Maintenance

While there are clear benefits, it’s important to consider the initial investment and ongoing maintenance. Kegerators can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on features and quality. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.

Space Considerations

Kegerators require dedicated space in your home, and their size can vary. It’s essential to ensure you have adequate room for the unit and consider factors like ventilation and proximity to seating areas for convenience.

Kegco HBK309S-2 kegerator
Kegco
HBK309S-2
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EdgeStar KC2000 kegerator
EdgeStar
KC2000
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Danby DKC054A1BSL2DB kegerator
Danby
DKC054A1BSL2DB
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Ivation IVBKADT491B kegerator
Ivation
IVBKADT491B
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Conclusion

Owning a kegerator offers several advantages, including cost savings, environmental benefits, and the convenience of enjoying fresh draft beer at home. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against the initial costs, maintenance requirements, and space considerations. A kegerator can be a worthwhile investment for beer enthusiasts who frequently consume draft beer and have the necessary space.