A draft beer dispenser pours beer from a keg or a can, with the cold, smooth pour you get at a bar. Some are full kegerators that chill a keg and hold a CO2 tank. Others are smaller countertop devices that add a draft-style foam to beer from cans and bottles.
The six products below cover full-size kegerators and compact countertop units. We have not used these products ourselves, so confirm the keg size they accept, whether they include a CO2 tank and regulator, and the footprint on the current listing before buying. Setups differ between versions, so we keep descriptions general. Treat these notes as a starting point, then compare sizes, set contents and current availability across the listings before you decide.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Keg size | Check which keg sizes fit, because common home kegs differ in height and width |
| CO2 setup | Most kegerators need a tank and regulator, which may or may not be included |
| Taps | Single-tap models are simple, while dual-tap models let you serve two beers |
| Footprint | Measure the space and the door swing before you buy |
Specs at a Glance
| Dispenser | Type | Taps | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kegco K199SS-1 | Full kegerator | Single tap | Stainless finish |
| EdgeStar KC2000 | Full kegerator | Single tap | Complete kit |
| Danby DKC054A1BSL | Compact kegerator | Single tap | Smaller size |
| Summit SBC635M | Commercial kegerator | Single tap | Sturdy cabinet |
| NewAir Kegerator | Kegerator | Single tap | Modern look |
| Fizzics DraftPour | Countertop dispenser | Single pour | Compact |
The 6 Best Draft Beer Dispensers
1. Kegco K199SS-1
A full-size stainless steel kegerator with a single tap. It is a popular choice for home bars, with a freestanding body and room for a full-size keg.
Suits: home bars. Strengths: a sturdy full-size build. Weaknesses: it takes up floor space. Skip it if you need a small unit.
2. EdgeStar KC2000
A full-size kegerator from a well-known appliance maker, usually sold as a complete kit with a tap and CO2 equipment. It is aimed at buyers who want an out-of-the-box setup.
Suits: first-time owners. Strengths: a ready-to-use kit. Weaknesses: bulky for small rooms. Skip it if you have limited space.
View EdgeStar KC2000 on Amazon
3. Danby DKC054A1BSL
A compact kegerator from an established appliance brand. It fits a smaller footprint and suits an apartment, office or game room.
Suits: small spaces. Strengths: a compact size. Weaknesses: fewer keg options. Skip it if you want a big keg.
View Danby DKC054A1BSL on Amazon
4. Summit SBC635M
A commercial-style kegerator with a sturdy cabinet, popular with small bars and restaurants. Summit makes many refrigeration products, and this one is built for regular use.
Suits: bars and cafes. Strengths: a solid commercial build. Weaknesses: higher in cost than home models. Skip it if you want a basic unit.
5. NewAir Kegerator
A kegerator from a brand known for compact appliances. It combines a cooling cabinet with a tap and a CO2 setup, and suits both indoor and covered outdoor use.
Suits: flexible spaces. Strengths: a modern design. Weaknesses: features vary by model. Skip it if you need a specific keg size.
View NewAir Kegerator on Amazon
6. Fizzics DraftPour
A countertop device that pours beer from cans and bottles with a draft-style foam head. It does not use a keg, so it suits people who want a pour without a full setup.
Suits: can and bottle fans. Strengths: no keg needed. Weaknesses: does not chill the beer. Skip it if you want true draft from a keg.
View Fizzics DraftPour on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Clean the beer lines on a regular schedule, because old beer residue leaves flavours and can clog the tap.
- Wipe the faucet and drip tray after each use so sticky residue does not build up.
- Keep the cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources so it can hold its temperature.
- Check the CO2 gauge from time to time and refill the tank before it runs empty.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping line cleaning, which spoils the taste of fresh beer.
- Buying a kegerator that does not fit the keg size you plan to use.
- Forgetting that CO2 tanks may be sold separately.
- Putting a kegerator in a spot with poor airflow.
Draft Beer Dispenser FAQ
Do I need a CO2 tank for a draft beer dispenser?
Most kegerators do, because gas pushes the beer out of the keg at a steady pressure. Countertop pour devices that work with cans and bottles usually do not need one.
How long does draft beer stay fresh in a keg?
It depends on the beer and how it is stored, so follow the brewer’s guidance and keep the keg cold. Unpasteurised beers usually have a shorter window than pasteurised ones.
Can I use a kegerator outdoors?
Only if the manufacturer says the model is made for it, because heat, rain and direct sun can harm many indoor units. Check the listing for outdoor or covered-patio guidance.
The Short Version
For a home bar, the Kegco K199SS-1. For a ready kit, the EdgeStar KC2000. For small spaces, the Danby DKC054A1BSL. For a small bar, the Summit SBC635M. For flexible spaces, the NewAir Kegerator. For simple pours, the Fizzics DraftPour.