Tap a Draught Keg Inside Your Fridge

Several years ago, 5 liter kegs hit the market.  Soon after, manufacturers developed mini fridge systems which keep the keg cold and provide a tap for convenient dispensing. Initially, the price for these appliances was prohibitive, and the system required the use of ample counter space as well as constant power to maintain the beer at a proper temperature.

The goal for this project was to have draft beer at home but without the typical trappings of a kegerator system (dedicated fridge, CO2 tanks, and electrical expense) or a dedicated appliance type of dispenser system (counter space & electrical expense).

Although the DraughtKegs are a great solution, the included dispenser requires that the keg be placed towards the front of the fridge so that you and your glass can reach the plastic spigot. This instructable provides details of how to attach a standard beer tap to your mini keg for added convenience and enhance the draft beer experience without a dedicated kegerator.

Another advantage of this setup is that the rig it is not affixed to the refrigerator and can be made into a mobile draught keg. Check my next Instructable called 'Make Your Draught Keg Mobile' to do just that:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-Your-Draught-Keg-Mobile/

Step 1 Supplies Needed

For the basic setup you will need the following items:
Mini Keg
Mini Keg's included dispenser
Standard refrigerator faucet (details of the tap pictured below: polished brass faucet with a 1/4" shank that measures 4 1/8" long. Includes barbed 1/4" nipple and black handle.)
About 2 feet of Micro Matic tubing 1/4 ID x 1/2 OD (internal & outer diameter)

Comments

[alucas2]

Can this be done with the other mini kegs? The Heineken look like the same design but the Miller light and Coors light look a bit different.

[davec75]

Hello mate, I've found this CO2 tap for those other type of kegs you can reuse them and buy replacement bungs etc, have a look here: http://www.leylandhomebrew.com/item2600.htm

[Toki Wartooth]

Simple and cheap! I really like it.

I wonder if buying these Mini Keg's is any cheaper than just buying bottle beer though. :/

[losman]

Unfortunately it's not. New Castle by the bottle is always cheaper than the mini keg - at least in my area!

[barnes]

But New Catle in the mini keg is much much better. Their clear bottles ruin the beer.

[zpollack]

if you really want to go the extra step. mount it right on the fridge door or rout it through the water line so instead of water coming out the freezer, beer comes out

[craig3]

Where did you get the tap from?

[losman]

Craig3 - I purchased my tap at a local brewery supply store in Cincinnati (listermann.com/). You can look in your area or check out eBay. Best of luck!

[lemonie]

That's very nice. That mucky-stuff needs to be served cold... and these days it's brewed in Gatehead

L

[Kaelessin]

a work of brilliance! when some extra funds roll around I'll be sure to add this!

[technosasquatch]

You sir are a god among men.