A beer dispenser lets you serve draft-style beer at home. Options range from full kegerators that chill and tap a standard keg to portable growler kegs and party-size pressurized kegs. The right choice depends on how much you drink and how much space you have.
The six picks below cover kegerators, a portable keg and a party keg from established names. We have not used these products ourselves, so the descriptions come from general product knowledge. Please confirm size, keg compatibility and what is included on the current listing before buying. A good rule is to start from how much beer you actually drink in a month. A full kegerator rewards regular drinkers, while a portable keg or party keg suits occasional hosts. Also measure the space, since most kegerators need clearance around the sides and back for airflow, and think about where you will store the CO2 tank.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Keg size | Match the dispenser to the keg size you plan to buy |
| Taps | One tap is simple; two taps let you serve two beers |
| CO2 system | Check whether a regulator and tank are included |
| Footprint | Full kegerators need floor space and ventilation |
| Portability | Small kegs travel to parties and tailgates |
Specs at a Glance
| Dispenser | Type | Taps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kegco K199SS-1 | Kegerator | One | Stainless steel finish |
| EdgeStar KC2000TWIN | Kegerator | Two | Full-size kegerator style |
| Danby DKC054A1BSL | Kegerator | One | Check the listing for keg fit |
| NewAir Kegerator | Kegerator | Varies by model | Check the model number |
| GrowlerWerks uKeg | Portable growler keg | Single dispenser | Stainless steel |
| Party Pig Original | Pressurized party keg | Single dispenser | For homebrew and fresh beer |
The 6 Best Beer Dispensers
1. Kegco K199SS-1 Kegerator
A stainless steel kegerator with a single tap tower, designed to hold a keg and chill it for serving. Kegco is one of the best-known names in home draft equipment.
Suits: a home bar or garage. Strengths: a well-known maker. Weaknesses: needs floor space. Skip it if you drink little draft beer.
View Kegco K199SS-1 Kegerator on Amazon
2. EdgeStar KC2000TWIN Kegerator
A kegerator with two taps, which lets you serve two beers from a single unit. It is a pick for people who like to rotate styles.
Suits: beer variety. Strengths: two taps. Weaknesses: the footprint is large. Skip it if you only need one beer.
View EdgeStar KC2000TWIN Kegerator on Amazon
3. Danby DKC054A1BSL Kegerator
A kegerator from a long-time appliance brand. Check the listing for the keg sizes it accepts before you buy.
Suits: a basement bar. Strengths: an established appliance brand. Weaknesses: keg fit needs checking. Skip it if you want a portable option.
View Danby DKC054A1BSL Kegerator on Amazon
4. NewAir Kegerator
A kegerator line from a home appliance brand, offered in a few styles. Compare the model number and the tap setup on the listing.
Suits: shoppers who want options. Strengths: a range of styles. Weaknesses: models differ. Skip it if you want a single known model.
View NewAir Kegerator on Amazon
5. GrowlerWerks uKeg Pressurized Growler
A portable stainless steel growler with a built-in dispensing tap and a CO2 system, made to keep draft beer fresh on the go.
Suits: trips and tailgates. Strengths: portable and insulated. Weaknesses: holds little. Skip it if you want to serve a crowd.
View GrowlerWerks uKeg on Amazon
6. Party Pig Original Beer Dispenser
A pressurized party keg popular with homebrewers, used to carbonate and serve beer without a full keg setup.
Suits: homebrewers. Strengths: a low-cost way to serve. Weaknesses: not a chilled system. Skip it if you want a refrigerator-style unit.
View Party Pig Original on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Clean beer lines regularly with a cleaning kit.
- Give a kegerator room for airflow.
- Check CO2 levels before a party.
- Let a fresh keg settle before tapping.
- Replace gaskets and washers if you notice leaks.
- Keep the drip tray clean and empty.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking which keg sizes the unit accepts.
- Skipping line cleaning.
- Placing a kegerator in a hot spot.
- Forgetting to buy CO2.
- Setting the temperature too warm, which causes foamy pours.
- Forgetting to check that the keg coupler matches your keg type.
Beer Dispenser FAQ
What is a kegerator?
A refrigerator built to hold and tap a keg.
Do I need CO2?
Most draft systems use a CO2 tank to push the beer. Check whether the listing includes one.
Can I use a smaller option?
Yes. Portable kegs and growlers work for small groups.
Do I need a certain keg type?
Yes. Kegerators and party kegs use different couplers and sizes, so check which keg types the unit accepts before buying. A standard commercial keg needs a compatible coupler, while small party kegs and growler kegs are filled by you.
The Short Version
For a classic single tap, the Kegco K199SS-1. For two beers, the EdgeStar KC2000TWIN. For an appliance brand, the Danby. For style options, the NewAir. For travel, the uKeg. For homebrew, the Party Pig. R