Help me decide on a kegerator!

[sbstoval]

Hey all, super excited to get started on this journey. I'm looking to add a kegerator to my screened in porch. Don't necessarily have $1000's to drop on an outdoor/commercial grade unit, but also want to avoid the cheap indoor ones that will not be able to handle the elements (although again, this will be under a screened in porch and fairly protected from everything except for heat and cold). I'm also not very handy, so don't feel confident in the DIY route. And finally, my plan is to start with commercial kegs, but would not rule out getting into homebrewing at some point in the future. With that being said, I'm currently targeting the following options (all used):

• Bevair BM23-B (one tap) for $350, comes with empty CO2 & a keg, regulator, hoses/beer lines, temperature gauge on exterior, etc.; basically ready to roll
• 3 Tap Avantco for $500, not sure what the model is but it's supposedly 2 years old and has been used for kombucha and was regularly serviced until put into storage 6 months ago... comes with 3 lines and CO2+regulator
• Micromatic MDD23-E Pro Line Direct Draw for $600, comes with 1 line/tap and CO2+regulator

All seem to be good deals for these types of outdoor/commercial units and all sellers claim they are in great working condition. I'm leaning towards the Bevair since that seems to be one of the most reputable manufacturers and it's the best price, but also tempted to go the Avantco route simply because it's already fitted for 3 lines (although not sure if it has a tower cooler).

Will try to add in photos below if helpful. Thanks all!

 

[sbstoval]

BevAir Pictures:

 

[sbstoval]

Micromatic:

 

[sbstoval]

Avantco:

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

Hey all, super excited to get started on this journey. I'm looking to add a kegerator to my screened in porch. Don't necessarily have $1000's to drop on an outdoor/commercial grade unit, but also want to avoid the cheap indoor ones that will not be able to handle the elements (although again, this will be under a screened in porch and fairly protected from everything except for heat and cold). I'm also not very handy, so don't feel confident in the DIY route. And finally, my plan is to start with commercial kegs, but would not rule out getting into homebrewing at some point in the future. With that being said, I'm currently targeting the following options (all used):

• Bevair BM23-B (one tap) for $350, comes with empty CO2 & a keg, regulator, hoses/beer lines, temperature gauge on exterior, etc.; basically ready to roll
• 3 Tap Avantco for $500, not sure what the model is but it's supposedly 2 years old and has been used for kombucha and was regularly serviced until put into storage 6 months ago... comes with 3 lines and CO2+regulator
• Micromatic MDD23-E Pro Line Direct Draw for $600, comes with 1 line/tap and CO2+regulator

All seem to be good deals for these types of outdoor/commercial units and all sellers claim they are in great working condition. I'm leaning towards the Bevair since that seems to be one of the most reputable manufacturers and it's the best price, but also tempted to go the Avantco route simply because it's already fitted for 3 lines (although not sure if it has a tower cooler).

Will try to add in photos below if helpful. Thanks all!

That's a tough call as all three look like good units. Having three taps is a bonus, and it must be a larger unit. Adding a fan to cool the tower isn't hard and not expensive.

Adding extra taps to a single tower is an option too.

I'd consider the first two, and weigh your options.

 

[Willy]

I would also explore Facebook marketplace for decent used options. Personally I prefer a keezer to a kegerator because I believe it is more likely to last a long time.

And yes... More taps is better. Once you get into it, you will want more taps. I have 6 now and still wish I had more.

 

[OakIslandBrewery]

No guarantees on anything you buy. Those three units are commercial kegerators, chances are they should be better quality than residential appliances unless you snag a thirty year old chest freezer or fridge.