When you purchase a kegerator, you can expect to receive a tap kit that contains all the necessary components for dispensing beer. The specific parts included may vary depending on the model and manufacturer, but I will provide a general overview.
1. Beer Tower: The kegerator will come with a beer tower, which is a vertical column that holds the faucet. This tower is typically made of stainless steel or chrome and is mounted on top of the unit. It has a shank that extends into the kegerator to connect to the beer lines.
2. Faucet: Attached to the beer tower, the faucet is where the beer is dispensed from. It is usually made of brass or stainless steel and has a handle that you can pull or push to control the flow of beer. Some kegerators may come with multiple faucets, allowing you to serve multiple types of beer simultaneously.
3. Handles: The handles on the faucet are used to control the flow of beer. They are typically made of plastic or metal and can be easily operated with one hand. The design and style of the handles may vary, adding a touch of personalization to your kegerator setup.
4. Hoses: The tap kit will include hoses that connect the keg to the beer tower. These hoses are usually made of food-grade vinyl or beverage-specific tubing to ensure the quality and taste of the beer. The length of the hoses may vary, but they are typically long enough to reach from the keg to the tower without any issues.
5. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Tank: To dispense beer, you will need carbon dioxide (CO2) gas to create pressure in the keg. The kegerator will come with a CO2 tank, which is usually made of aluminum or steel and can hold a certain volume of gas. The tank will need to be filled or exchanged when it runs out of CO2.
6. Coupler: The coupler is a crucial component that connects the beer keg to the CO2 tank and beer lines. There are different types of couplers depending on the brand and type of beer you are dispensing. For example, the most common coupler in the United States is the American Sankey coupler, which is used for domestic beers.
7. Regulator: The regulator is used to control the pressure of the CO2 gas being delivered to the keg. It ensures that the beer is dispensed at the optimal pressure, preventing excessive foam or flat beer. The regulator is typically attached to the CO2 tank and has a gauge to monitor the pressure.
These are the basic components that come with a kegerator's tap kit. However, it's important to note that some kegerators may include additional accessories or features, such as a drip tray to catch any spills, a cleaning kit for maintaining the system, or even a temperature control system to ensure the beer is served at the ideal temperature.
Personal experience: As a brewer and beer enthusiast, I have set up multiple kegerators over the years. Each time, I have found that the tap kits provided with the kegerators have been comprehensive and included all the necessary components for dispensing beer. However, I have often customized my setups by adding extras like upgraded faucets or additional accessories to enhance the functionality and aesthetics of the kegerator.