Best Mini Fridge for Kegerator [2024 Review]

If you want to enjoy a chilled beer, you need to equip yourself with a kegerator. However, kegerators are expensive, and a viable option is to convert a mini-fridge to a kegerator. The best mini fridge for kegerator shouldn’t have cooling lines on the roof. 

What Is a Kegerator and What Does It Do? 

Also known as a keg or a refrigerator, a beer kegerator is a device designed or altered to keep beer cold and carbonated. It consists of a CO2 tank, a keg, and a mini fridge, making it easy to keep ice-cold beer on tap.

The device works by chilling the beer to the correct temperature, usually 38 Fahrenheit. After the beer has chilled to the desired temperature, it flows into the keg through an internal tube system. The beer then mixes with Carbon dioxide and is now ready to dispense through the spigot. The CO2 then pushes the beer out through the spigot, making it easy to enjoy your nice cold draft.

My Top Mini Fridge for Kegerator Reviews

Not all mini-fridges can be converted into kegerators as they must have sufficient storage space for a keg. In this review, I will help you identify the best mini fridge for kegerator. 

Best Overall Mini Fridge for Kegerator: EdgeStar BR1500SS Built-In Kegerator Conversion Refrigerator

The design of the EdgeStar BR1500SS aims at turning it into a full kegerator by accommodating a tub spout. The forced-air refrigeration used in this mini fridge makes the temperature control more manageable and consistent. 

Although the front air vents sometimes get warm, they prevent the mini-fridge from getting hot. This fridge can get as low as 32 degrees if you love cold beer, making the beer almost frozen. 

On the other hand, its temperature ranges to 60 degrees, making it suitable for people who love brews that are almost room temperature. 

Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, this mini fridge comes with a wheeled bottom, making it easy to move it from one room to another. 

Although this mini fridge has minimal ratings, it’s specifically designed and engineered for kegerator conversion with forced air Refrigeration Technology. Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, it lacks interior LED lights, making it problematic to access it in a dark room. 

Pros

• The forced-air refrigeration ensures easy and consistent temperature control.
• The front air prevents the fridge from getting hot
• The temperature ranges up to 60 degrees, making it ideal for beer enthusiasts at room temperature

Cons

• Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, it lacks the interior LED lights
• It is the second heaviest on my list, making it challenging to move around

Best Kegerator Mini Fridge for the Money: Kuppet Draft Beer Dispenser & Kegerator

If you are looking for a mini fridge with essential accessories for preparing cold tap beer, then the Kuppet Draft Beer Dispenser & Kegerator is the way to go. 

This mini-fridge comes with an empty CO2 tank, a single gauge regulator, a coupler, an ID gas line, an ID beer line, and a stainless steel faucet to help you prepare cold tap beer. 

Unlike the Danby DAR044A4BSLDD- 6, you can quickly move this kegerator from one room to another, thanks to the four casters on the bottom. You can lock this unit using the front casters to ensure it doesn’t roll on the floor when it comes to safety. 

The internal floor mat is made of stainless steel to protect the liner as the tub moves in and out during the loading and unloading of kegs. 

Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, the installation manual doesn’t clearly outline the installation procedures. Also, the lack of a temperature display makes it challenging to make a home-brewed beer. 

Pros

• The included accessories allow the preparation of cold tap beers
• Like the RCA RFR320, the casters make it easy to move from one room to another
• The internal floor mat ensures protection of the liner during loading and unloading

Cons

• Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, the installation might be challenging
• It’s the heaviest on my list, making it unsuitable for moving around

Best Cheap Mini Fridge for Kegerator: RCA RFR321 -B- Black-COM RFR321 Mini Kegerator

If you are looking for a practical mini-fridge to convert into a kegerator, the RCA RFR321 might be the ideal choice. This mini fridge has dimensions of 18.5 x 17.7 x 32.8 inches making it suitable for a small kitchen, a dorm room, or a small office. 

With a compressor cooling technology, this kegerator allows you to maintain your beer at an ideal temperature even during hot weather. The RCA RFR 321 features a reversible door and adjustable lever feet offering you the ultimate versatility you may need. 

The reversible door also allows you to fit this kegerator in any location of your room. Besides, with an adjustable thermostat, you can regulate the inside temperature to ensure the beer remains cool. 

Like the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, this kegerator is reasonably quiet allowing you to put it in your living room or bedroom. Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, the copper tubing on its compressor is fully exposed on its lower back which might require careful handling and installation.

Pros

• Like the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, it ensures a silent operation.
• The compressor cooling technology allows maintenance of beer ideal temperature even in hot weather
• The 18.5 x 17.7 x 32.8 inches size is ideal for small spaced rooms
• Reversible doors allow you to place this mini-fridge anywhere in your room 

Cons

• Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, its compressor design is less impressive
• Unlike the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, it lacks a scratch-resistant worktop  

Best Mini Fridge for Kegerator With Reversible Doors: Danby DAR044A4BSLDD- 6 Mini Fridge

If you are in search of a large mini-fridge for a kegerator, the Danby DAR044A4BSLDD-6 is the perfect option. It features a storage capacity of 4.4 cubic feet, 1.2 cubic feet larger than the RCA RFR 320, making it suitable for dispensing homebrew or commercial beer. 

The kegerator features reversible door hinges, allowing people with limited space to customize it and fix it in whatever space they want. This mini-fridge comes with two full-width and one half-width adjustable glass shelves allowing you to put varying sizes of kegs.  

Featuring a mechanical thermostat and an automatic defrost, this mini fridge ensures that the contents inside are at the set temperature. Unlike the RCA RFR 320, the Danby is a bit noisy, making it unsuitable for use in the bedroom. The lack of casters makes it problematic to move around.

Pros

• Like the Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6, it’s spacious enough for commercial beers
• The shelves allow storage of different sizes of kegs
• The reversible door hinges are easy to customize and fix in whatever space you want
• The thermostat and automatic defrost ensures that the interior temperature is consistent 

Cons

• Unlike the EdgeStar BR1500SS, it lacks casters for movement convenience
• Unlike RCA RFR 320, the compressor is a bit noisy

Best Mini Fridge for Kegerator With LED Lights: Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 Mini Fridge 

The Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 is a sleek and elegant-looking mini-fridge that features a storage capacity of 4.4 cubic feet, the same capacity as the Danby DAR044A4BSLDD.  This mini-fridge comes with an integrated door handle making the opening of the door easy. 

The door is also reversible allowing you to fix it open with the right or left swing. The interior LED light of this mini fridge makes accessing the fridge easy even in a dark room. Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 features a scratch-resistant worktop enhancing its durability. 

Unlike the RCA RFR320, this mini fridge features a smooth back design that has no bulky exposed components, allowing you to fit anywhere in your room. With two full width and one 1/2 width adjustable wire shelves, this mini fridge ensures undisrupted air circulation  

Like the RCA RFR320, this mini fridge operates almost noiseless, making it suitable for use in bedrooms. However, the thermostat is located at the roof, and therefore the need to be cautious when drilling holes. 

Pros

• Like the RCA RFR320, the fridge ensures a quiet operation
• The LED light ensures easy access to the mini-fridge even in a darkroom
• The wire shelves ensure undisrupted air circulation
• The smooth back design of this mini-fridge allows it to fit anywhere in your room 

Cons

• Unlike the Danby DAR044A4BSLDD-6, the thermostat is located at the roof of the mini-fridge
• Unlike the RCA RFR320, it is difficult to move for it weighs 22.2 pounds more 

What Are the Advantages of High Quality Mini Refrigerators for Kegerators

The kegerator offers an ideal temperature that ensures you enjoy a nice cold beer at a tap. However, when looking for a mini fridge to use when building a kegerator, it is easy to jump at the first one you come across. This should not be the case. You need an ideal mini fridge that won’t disappoint after a few days or months.

Remember that a cheap mini fridge does not guarantee that it will keep your beer as cold as you want. Therefore, before acquiring a high-quality mini refrigerator to help you build an ideal kegerator, you must explore its advantages to ensure quality. The following are some of the advantages of a high-quality mini refrigerator for a kegerator:

• A high-quality mini fridge offers a controllable temperature range that makes it easy to set to the temperature you want your beer to be. 
• A high-quality fridge has a fan to keep air flowing through the unit, preventing condensation from forming inside or outside the door.
• A high-quality mini refrigerator will give you more options for storing other items besides just beer. This is due to the controllable temperature range.
• High-quality mini-fridges are environmentally friendly because they use less electricity compared to normal refrigerators.

Building a Kegerator: Step by Step

If you are a beer enthusiast and want to enjoy this drink cold without any hassle, it is essential to have your kegerator. The following steps will help you come up with a quality kegerator:

Step 1: Purchase a Mini-Fridge and a Conversion Kit

The first step is purchasing a quality mini fridge that fits where you intend to put it. Remember that this is the core item, containing all the necessary equipment to regulate the temperature. You can order one from the already reviewed mini-fridges and wait for delivery. 

Next, purchase a kegerator conversion kit. The kit contains tools such as a spigot, a CO2 tank, a coupler, and an instructional manual.

Step 2:  Organize your Tools 

The next step is to ensure that all your tools are well-organized and that the tools at hand are right for the job. Using the wrong tool can damage your fridge. 

The tools needed in this step include the following:

• Drills and drill bits
• Screwdriver
• Saw bits 

Step 3: Make Modifications 

Now that you have all the necessary tools, it is time to start modifying your mini fridge. Ensure that the fridge has enough space by removing the shelves, freezer compartment, and other components that eat up the space.

Step 4: Complete the Conversion

Armed with the instructional manual and the necessary tools, you can begin the conversion process. Ensure you adhere to the instruction from the manual to avoid damage.

One of the most delicate parts is the cooling lines inside your new mini-fridge. You want to avoid drilling it since it can lead to leaks if drilled.

Features to Consider for the Best Kegerator Mini Fridge 

Since you want a mini-fridge that you can convert into a kegerator by yourself, the slightest difference in functionality and size can complicate the whole process. Here are some of the features you should consider when purchasing a mini-fridge for a kegerator.

In addition, the table below provides you with an overview of the varying capacity and dimensions of the mini-fridges. 

Product	Capacity (Cubic Feet)	Dimensions (Inches)	Weight (Pounds)
RCA RFR320-B- Black-COM RFR321 Mini Kegerator	3.2	18.5 x17.68 x32.8	42.5
Danby DAR044A4BSLDD-6 Mini Fridge	4.4	20.16 x20.16 x33.16	70
Kuppet Draft Beer Dispenser & Kegerator	6.0	21.3 x 26.61 x35.43	88
Danby Designer DAR044A4BDD-6 Mini Fridge	4.4	20.16 x 20.16 x 33.16	64.7
EdgeStar BR1500SS Built-In Kegerator Conversion Refrigerator	3.35	24.06 x 14.94 x 33.44	84

While you’re at it, pair your mini fridge up with a great mini-kegerator!

Size

Many people think that they can purchase a small mini-fridge, put a keg inside and call it good. The problem with most small-sized mini fridges is that they fail to maintain the cold temperatures that are required in a good kegerator. 

Keep in mind that kegs vary in size and you will need to get the right mini fridge size for your keg. If you are unsure of the right dimensions, you should consider purchasing a mini fridge first and then purchase the right keg size for the fridge. 

For instance, a 5-gallon keg requires a mini-fridge of at least 9 by 25 inches such as the Kuppet Draft Beer Dispenser & Kegerator. A 5.23 gal keg requires a mini-fridge of at least 9.5 by 23.3 inches. The short 1/4 barrel of keg requires a mini-fridge of at least 18 by 14.8 inches. 

A 7.75 gal quarter of keg requires a mini-fridge of at least 11 by 23.3 inches. Apart from the interior shelving dimensions of the mini-fridge, you’ll also need to consider the exterior mini fridge dimensions depending on where you are planning to place the new kegerator.

Temperature Control  

Every beer has its ideal serving temperature which might be different from the other beers. That means you need a mini-fridge that allows you to control the interior temperature precisely. For example, the ideal temperature for most beers is between 38 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Usually, stronger beers need to be served warmer than weaker beers so you can get their full flavor. Remember to make the beer colder than the temperature you want to drink it, so you can compensate for the temperature loss to your hands and glass. 

Mini fridges that feature a specific design for conversion into kegerator have better temperature control options than the dorm fridges or the regular mini-fridges. For instance, the EdgeStar BR1500SS is specifically engineered for kegerator conversion and will offer you excellent temperature control. 

Functionality 

Many mini-fridges come with a freezer. Although this feature might be appealing to many people, it might be problematic when you want to convert the mini-fridge into a kegerator. 

Many mini-fridges that come with a freezer have their cooling lines passing through the top where you may want to run your conversion kit. If you want to eliminate this problem, purchase a mini-fridge that doesn’t have a freezer like the RCA RFR320  -B- Black-COM RFR321 Mini Kegerator. 

If you need a mini-fridge with a freezer to keep your beer bottles frozen or to freeze your hops, then you can pass your conversion kit through the mini-fridge door. 

Material 

Kegs tend to be heavy and you don’t want a scenario where you are mini fridge shelving fails to hold it. Ensure the mini-fridge you are purchasing is constructed of high quality and durable materials such as aluminum or stainless steel. 

Mini-fridges such as the Kuppet Draft Beer Dispenser & Kegerator feature a stainless steel interior which ensures durability and ease of cleaning. 

Value for Money 

Even if you might want to purchase the cheapest mini-fridge for a kegerator, especially when you are on a tight budget, it doesn’t mean you will obtain value for your money. Value for money is the relation of a mini-fridge to its capacity, size, build quality, and specs. 

You might be surprised that the best value-for-money mini-fridge on my list is the EdgeStar BR1500SS. Although it is the most expensive on my list, the size, build quality, and specs are worth it.

Wheels

You may want to move your mini-fridge from one room to another. Consider purchasing a mini-fridge that has casters such as the Kuppet Draft Beer Dispenser & Kegerator. 

The advantage of this kind of caster is that you can use the front ones to lock the mini-fridge into place to prevent it from rolling on a hard floor. 

Noise Level

The noise level produced by your mini fridge can be an important aspect to consider especially when you are planning to use it in the bedroom. A mini-fridge for a kegerator such as the RCA RFR320 has minimal noise levels, making it suitable for use in the bedroom or living room.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Converting a mini fridge into a kegerator is a cost-effective solution to keeping the beer cool. However, not all mini-fridges can be converted into a kegerator. Depending on your room space, capacity requirements, and budget, you can choose any of the above best mini fridges for a kegerator.