Kegerator Gift

[Millergal]

I'm trying to find a good, reliable kegerator for my husband as a gift. I've read about the Haiar (bad?), Danby (bad?), Bev Air and Tru (expensive). What about Summit or Frigidaire? I really just want him (us) to be able to pour a beer without all of the hassels I'm reading about - warm beer, foam, ice buildup etc. Can any of you HELP me? Just want to be a good wife!!! Thanks so much.:)

[danno]

here's the basic physics of any carbonated beverage. the higher the temp, the more co2 comes out of solution. (think a warm can of soda...) so, to not have any issues pouring beer, some effort needs to be made to chill the tower. Haier doesn't seem to understand that issue (or doesn't care). if you look inside the more expensive kegerators, BevAire, Summit, etc. you'll see a forced air system which pumps cold air into the tower. that's one of the reasons they're significantly more expensive than the el cheapos... in this instance, you really do get what you pay for.

another option, if this is destined for a basement or other room where aesthetics aren't as much an issue, look into converting a standard fridge into a kegerator. the tap gets mounted into the door, which keeps the entire beer system cold, and completely avoids the foaming issues... (and, conversion kits are significantly less expensive...)

good luck, and welcome!

[Millergal]

Thanks for the info - aesthetics is an issue so guess the better models will have to be it. Do you think ordering on line is OK - are there any companies to stay away from?

[Bard]

I was completely satisfied with my online order from beveragefactory.com (bev-air unit). The shipping company wasn't quite as pleasant. I explained to them when they notified me a day prior to delivery that I would be at work and that I needed about a 30 min warning since they couldn't give me a delivery window. They couldn't commit to it but told me that I could call that morning and get an idea of the time by where I was on the delivery list. I called at 8am and it was too early. The route hadn't been planned yet. I called back at 8:30, same thing. The driver calls me at 9 and says he's sitting in front of my house :eek: I haul booty home and catch him as he's closing his door to leave. After that it was all good.

[corkybstewart]

I bought a wine cave from beveragefactory and I had a good experience with them so you're probably safe. As the other guys have said it's well worth it to buy well the first time and not worry or cuss yourself with every mug of beer.