Helping You Tap Into
the Right Kegerator!
the Right Kegerator!
If you’re new to draft beer at home, the terms keg and kegerator might seem interchangeable — but they refer to two completely different (yet connected) parts of the beer-dispensing experience.
Let’s break it down in simple terms so you know exactly what each does — and how they work together to bring you that cold, crisp pint.
A keg is a pressurized metal container used to store and transport beer. You’ll often find them in bars, breweries, and backyard parties. They’re the modern-day upgrade to traditional beer barrels.
The primary function of a keg is to store and dispense beer (or other carbonated beverages) in a way that keeps it fresh, pressurized, and ready to pour. Most kegs are designed to:
Because of these functions, kegs are ideal for serving draft beer on demand, whether at bars, restaurants, events, or right at home with a kegerator setup.
Also called a half-barrel keg, this is the standard keg size used in bars and commercial settings. It holds about 15.5 gallons of beer, which equals approximately 165 12-ounce pours or 124 pints. It’s ideal for large gatherings, events, or anyone who drinks a consistent brand of beer in volume.
However, due to its large size and weight (over 160 lbs when full), it requires a full-size kegerator and can be difficult to move without help.
Best for: Events, home bars with large fridges, commercial use
The pony keg is half the size of a full-size keg, holding about 7.75 gallons (roughly 82 12-ounce beers). It has the same diameter as a full-size keg but is shorter, which is where it gets the name “pony.” It’s a nice middle-ground for parties or smaller get-togethers where you want a decent amount of beer without dealing with a massive keg.
Best for: Medium-sized gatherings, home use with spacious kegerators
Sometimes referred to as a “sixtel,” this keg is a favorite for craft beer lovers and home setups. It holds 5.16 gallons, or about 55 12-ounce servings. It’s tall and slim, allowing some kegerators to fit two side-by-side — making it great for dual-tap systems. You’ll often find these kegs used for rotating craft beer selections at home or in taprooms.
Best for: Small home kegerators, dual-tap systems, craft beer fans
Originally used by soda manufacturers, Cornelius kegs are extremely popular with homebrewers. They hold 5 gallons — just slightly less than a sixth barrel — and feature easy-to-use ball-lock or pin-lock connectors. Because they can be opened for cleaning and filling, homebrewers love them for storing and serving their own creations.
Best for: Homebrewing, experimental batches, custom drinks (even kombucha or cold brew coffee)
Kegs require a way to dispense the beer, and that’s where the kegerator comes in.
A kegeratoris a combination of the words keg + refrigerator. It’s an appliance that stores your keg at the proper serving temperature and allows you to pour beer from a tap — just like at a bar.
Main purpose:To keep the keg cold and provide a controlled way to dispense beer using CO₂ pressure and a tap system.
A typical home kegerator includes:
Some models are single tap (for one keg), while others are dual tap (to serve two different beers at once).
Think of the keg as the container that holds the beer, and the kegerator as the system that keeps it cold and lets you serve it on demand.
Without a kegerator, you’d need to manually chill your keg (often in an ice bucket or cold garage) and use a portable tap. This can lead to foam, inconsistent pours, and warm beer.
With a kegerator, your keg stays cold and pressurized — meaning:
Looking for beginner-friendly kegerators?
👉 Check out our Best Kegerators for Home Use guide with top picks, side-by-side comparisons, and real user feedback.
A keg holds the beer. A kegerator makes drinking that beer better.
If you’re serious about draft beer at home — whether you’re hosting friends, setting up a man cave, or just love a cold pour on a Friday night — a kegerator is a smart investment that takes your keg to the next level.
