As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about putting a pony keg in a kegerator. The pony keg, also known as a quarter barrel keg or a stubby quarter, is a popular choice for those who want a smaller amount of beer on tap. It holds just one quarter of a barrel, which is equivalent to about 62 pints.
Now, when it comes to fitting a pony keg in a kegerator, it's important to consider the size and design of the kegerator. Most kegerators are designed to accommodate standard-sized kegs, such as the half barrel or full-size kegs. These kegs are taller and narrower compared to the pony keg, which has a wider base and a shorter height.
In terms of capacity, most kegerators are designed to hold only one keg at a time. This is because the internal space is optimized for a specific keg size, allowing for proper cooling and dispensing of the beer. Putting a pony keg in a kegerator that is designed for a larger keg may not provide the best results in terms of temperature control and beer flow.
However, there are some kegerators that are specifically designed to accommodate pony kegs. These models may have a wider and shorter internal space to fit the squat shape of a pony keg. It's important to check the specifications and dimensions of the kegerator before purchasing to ensure it can fit a pony keg.
In my personal experience, I have used kegerators that are capable of accommodating pony kegs. These kegerators typically have adjustable shelves or racks that can be configured to fit different keg sizes. This flexibility allows for the use of pony kegs alongside larger kegs, providing more options for beer selection.
If you are considering using a pony keg in a kegerator that is not specifically designed for it, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you may need to remove or adjust the shelves or racks to create enough space for the wider base of the pony keg. This may limit the number of kegs you can fit in the kegerator at a time.
Secondly, since the internal space of the kegerator may not be optimized for a pony keg, you may experience some challenges in terms of temperature control and beer flow. It's important to monitor the temperature regularly and make adjustments as needed to ensure the beer is properly chilled. Additionally, you may need to adjust the pressure and flow rate of the CO2 to achieve the desired carbonation and dispensing speed.
While it is possible to put a pony keg in a kegerator, it's important to consider the size and design of the kegerator. Most kegerators are designed for standard-sized kegs and may not accommodate the wider base of a pony keg. However, there are kegerator models available that are specifically designed to fit pony kegs. If you are using a kegerator not designed for pony kegs, you may need to make adjustments to the internal space and monitor temperature and beer flow carefully.