Buying Used Kegerator

MrDonde · May 9, 2015

Hello,

I am looking at buying a used kegerator online and I was curious if there is anything I should be worried about. The kegerator is a converted minifridge and it has all the lines, a C02 tank, shank, and faucet. It also comes with a pony keg.

The ad says the fridge is working but he also said he has owned it for a while so I can check to see if everything is cold. But, I was wondering if there is anything else I will need to make sure is working/clean. I just don't want to waste my money on this.

Thanks for any tips you can offer.

jekeane · May 9, 2015

you'll want to replace the beer lines and clean the tap if it has been sitting. It would be good to know for certain that the regulator was working. If you are looking to convert this to corny kegs you will need to change your connections up.

MrDonde · May 9, 2015

jekeane said:
you'll want to replace the beer lines and clean the tap if it has been sitting. It would be good to know for certain that the regulator was working. If you are looking to convert this to corny kegs you will need to change your connections up.

Is there any easy way to tell if the regulator is working when I go to look at it? He has the tank but said it is not full.

Here is the ad for reference: http://austin.craigslist.org/app/4999084542.html

jekeane · May 9, 2015

without gas in the tank no. The regulator looks like a $30-40 economy regulator so you wouldn't be taking a big hit to that price. I would also ask him to have it plugged in and running when you get there so you can tell if its cold. looks like a decent price though. 75 for fridge 30 for the pony 40-50 for the tower and tap 20 for the coupler 65-75 for the tank and 35 for the regulator. Ice grab it if that is what will work for you!

TommyTbar · May 9, 2015

I would ask how long he has had the Co2 tank. They have to have a hydrostatic test done every 5 years to ensure they are safe. The test costs about $50 to get done. Also that reg looks like one that only shows tank pressure. So you might want to get a dual gauge regulator like this one http://www.homebrewing.org/Taprite-Dual-Gauge-Regulator-_p_2907.html especially for homebrew

But for the price it seems like a good deal, (if the fridge runs and tank has a few years left on it)

MrDonde · May 9, 2015

Thanks for the information. I am going to give me a ring and ask him to plug it in so I can make sure it is cold. I also am going to take one of my secondarys over there to make sure it can fit in the fridge.

Along with being able to serve beer from a keg, I also want to use this hold brews like Lagers since I don't have a spare fridge.