What Is a Keezer? Keezer vs. Kegerator Difference
Beer enthusiasts understand the importance of proper storage. Beer needs optimal conditions to maintain the perfect temperature and freshness. Commercial and residential bartenders rely on specialized storage devices to preserve beer kegs, including Keezers and kegerators.
Keezers and kegerators are the best ways to store and maintain kegged beer. Both keep the brew chilled and fresh, though they have certain notable differences. Kegerators are smaller and better for personal use, while Keezers are customizable and great for holding a large amount of beer.
Are you ready to invest in a keg storage unit but unsure whether to commit to a Keezer or kegerator? This article breaks down the major differences and helps you determine the best one for your needs.
What Are the Differences Between Keezers and Kegerators?
Both Keezers and kegerators are beer dispensers designed to keep your brew chilled and fresh.
Both appliances are primarily intended for personal use, and while they serve the same function, they reach the ends by very different means.
When deciding whether a kegerator or Keezer is best for you, you should consider several factors:
- Assembly
- Cost
- Space
- Intended use
- Electricity use
- Temperature control
I’ll discuss these factors in more detail below:
Assembly
Both kegerators and Keezers require some degree of assembly. The kegerator, however, requires considerably less.
Kegerator
A kegerator is essentially a very large keg refrigerator that stores and dispenses homemade and other beer types.
Kegerators have three basic components:
- A hollow center where the kegs sit
- A latching door
- A dispensing tower
Kegerators generally use the following parts:
- CO2 cylinder
- Pressure regulator
- Drip tray
- Faucet
- Faucet handle
- Shank
- Keg
Bartenders open the door, place the keg, and the kegerator does the rest.
Kegerators are user-friendly and designed to be easily assembled, loaded, and unloaded. Assembly is simple; all you need to put together is the inside mechanics and the beer tower.
Keezer
Keezers are more elaborate and susceptible to user error than kegerators. Bartenders build their own Keezers using chest freezers and an assortment of parts, including:
- A CO2 tank
- A primary regulator
- Tubing
- Manifold
- Hose clamps
- Faucets
- Beer lines
- Faucet shanks
- Tap handles
- Thermostats
Bartenders can gather these parts themselves or buy them in a Keezer kit. To start building a Keezer, you need a suitably-sized chest freezer to hold your kegs. You’ll also need additional parts to convert the freezer into a storage unit and dispenser.
Keezers require a lot of work, time, and some special tools. You’ll need to cut and drill a beer tower opening, which requires strength and equipment. They are customizable, making them the perfect appliances for bartenders with specific beer storage needs.
A Keezer’s success depends on your ability to assemble it because installation can go awry and ultimately ruin it.
Keezers allow for more style variations than kegerators and can be chosen based on their compatibility with your decor.
Cost
Kegerators have higher initial price tags. Depending on the model purchased, they can cost between $500 and $3500. However, they require less time investment and are guaranteed to work.
There’s little to no risk of failed assembly with kegerators, whereas Keezer assembly can easily go wrong. You won’t need to search for obscure parts to maintain your kegerator.
A Keezer’s costs begin at $400 and vary based on the parts used. Keeping the price low heavily depends on choosing the optimal chest to convert into your freezer—higher degrees of customization run up a higher tab.
Additionally, they rely on your construction abilities, and you may end up spending more money repairing improperly built Keezers than your initial investment.
Space
Kegerators take up less space than Keezers. While this is great for many home bars, it limits how much beer you can store at once. Kegerators hold one keg at a time. One keg holds about 15.5 gallons (58.67 L) or 165 servings of beer.
Although Keezers take up more space than kegerators, they can hold more beer, a definite advantage. This makes them ideal if you have a bar with 5 to 6 taps. Keezers are heavier than kegerators, so be sure you set them up where you want them to stay.
Intended Use
The victor in the battle between Keezers and kegerators depends on your intended use. Kegerators are best if you’re hoping to store and chill smaller quantities of beer for a home bar. The chillers also work well for storing home brew.
Keezers work better in a professional and commercial setting. Home Bars with ample space will appreciate the extra storage opportunities.
Electricity Use
Kegerators use a great deal of electricity which contributes to their overall cost.
Keezers use less electricity, making them more efficient and keeping the cold from escaping. They also have thick walls that ensure the cool stays in, and you’ll spend less money powering a Keezer than a kegerator.
A Keezer’s lower electricity use also keeps the device quieter. Kegerators aren’t deafening, but their running noise is more intrusive than that of a Keezer.
Temperature Controls
To help your beer last as long as possible, you should store it at optimal temperatures. The video below illustrates this:
These break down as follows:
- Macro-brand brews: 34 – 38°F (1.11 – 3.33°C).
- Pale lagers, light ales (craft beers): 41°F (5°C).
- Standard ales, amber lagers, dark lagers, ciders (craft beers): 46°F (7.77°C).
- Imperial stouts, old ales, barleywine (craft beers): 50 – 55°F (10 – 12.77°C).
Because a kegerator is specifically designed for beer storage, the temperature control is precise and designed to ensure the best conditions for your brew. The thermostat is simple to use and begins at temperatures favorable to beer.
A kegerator’s climate control provides beers with a long lifespan. They can keep non-pasteurized beer fresh for up to 60 days and pasteurized brews for up to 120 days.
Because Keezers are built from chest freezers, they may not have the appropriate temperature range for storing your beer.
It’s important that your freezer can manage temperatures higher than 40°F (4.44°C) because anything below that may freeze different types of beer.
Conclusion
Keezers and kegerators both effectively store beer, keeping it fresh and cool. Each device has strengths and weaknesses that help determine which option is best for you.
Kegerators are smaller and easier to assemble, while Keezers are large and require a great deal of construction.
Consider your space, budget, and needs, consult this article, and prepare to enjoy your favorite keg of beer in its purest form.
