I am Canadian.
As such, specific equipment is often much more difficult to come by. We generally have access to the same things, but often in slightly different variations, models, etc.
I wanted to make a kegerator, and I was set on the Sanyo 4912 because it is tried, tested, and true. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one, so I set out to find an appropriate mini fridge for an entry-level single-keg kegerator. I only own one keg at the time of this writing.
I found the Whirlpool WAR349BSL Refrigerator at FutureShop (sister company of Best Buy Canada) on sale for $169.99 (regular $199.99) plus 13% sales tax (Ontario).
The Whirlpool WAR349BSL:
There was also the larger 4.4 Cubic Foot Whirlpool WAR488BSL--the big brother in this line, which is basically a nicer-looking clone of the Danby fridge that people have been converting for some time now. I thought about opting for the larger unit, but at $249.99, the extra $90 (with tax) just didn't seem worth it.
My Whirlpool WAR349BSL:
It is now a working kegerator (that's me on the right hand side, and my brew partner on the left):
Kegerator cost: $345.43 tax included (fridge and tower)
Breakdown of Costs:
If you are american, all of these things will cost you much less.
To see the 37 picture album, with captions explaining each step, see the Whirlpool WAR349BSL Kegerator Conversion Album page.
To see the step-by-step slideshow complete with explanations, rationales, and instructions, visit my Whirlpool WAR349BSL Kegerator Conversion Slideshow page.
As such, specific equipment is often much more difficult to come by. We generally have access to the same things, but often in slightly different variations, models, etc.
I wanted to make a kegerator, and I was set on the Sanyo 4912 because it is tried, tested, and true. Unfortunately, I couldn't find one, so I set out to find an appropriate mini fridge for an entry-level single-keg kegerator. I only own one keg at the time of this writing.
I found the Whirlpool WAR349BSL Refrigerator at FutureShop (sister company of Best Buy Canada) on sale for $169.99 (regular $199.99) plus 13% sales tax (Ontario).
The Whirlpool WAR349BSL:
- 3.3 Cubic Feet (fits a corny keg and CO2 Cylinder with Regulator)
- No freezer compartment (chill plate is along the back wall)
- Is aesthetically pleasing (faux-stainless door, black trim, sleek lines)
- Is a reputable brand (is manufactured by Danby, incidentally--licensed by Whirlpool)
There was also the larger 4.4 Cubic Foot Whirlpool WAR488BSL--the big brother in this line, which is basically a nicer-looking clone of the Danby fridge that people have been converting for some time now. I thought about opting for the larger unit, but at $249.99, the extra $90 (with tax) just didn't seem worth it.
My Whirlpool WAR349BSL:
It is now a working kegerator (that's me on the right hand side, and my brew partner on the left):
Kegerator cost: $345.43 tax included (fridge and tower)
Breakdown of Costs:
- Whirlpool WAR349BSL Fridge ($169.99+tx or $192.88)
- Micromatic Polished SS Tower w/ Faucet ($135+tx or $152.55)
- Corny Keg (already had it, but about $50 value)
- CO2 Tank + 2-gauge regulator (already had it, but about $150 value)
- Hole Saw (Already had it, but around $15 value)
- Misc tubing (Already had it, but approx $20 value)
- Quick Connects / ball lock (Already had, but approx $20 value)
If you are american, all of these things will cost you much less.
To see the 37 picture album, with captions explaining each step, see the Whirlpool WAR349BSL Kegerator Conversion Album page.
To see the step-by-step slideshow complete with explanations, rationales, and instructions, visit my Whirlpool WAR349BSL Kegerator Conversion Slideshow page.