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How to Set Up a Kegerator

Last updated on 7/1/2020

After you've deliberated and chosen the best kegerator for your business, it's time to set up your beer dispenser and start serving fresh, cold beer! We've got step-by-step directions and an instructional video to help you through the process, allowing you to pour the perfect pint. Use our steps as a general guideline, but always refer to your equipment manual for the manufacturer's specific instructions.

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1. Unpackage the Kegerator

  1. Remove all the packaging from your kegerator. 
  2. If the unit has been transported on its side, let the unit stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in. 
  3. Move the unit to its final location and install it on a level surface.
  4. Make sure to provide clearance around the unit for ventilation, per the manufacturer's instructions.


2. Install the Draft Tower

Emergency Supplies like a Exits sign, fire extinguisher, and gas stove

Once your kegerator is unpackaged and placed in its final location, you can begin installing the draft tower. Gather your materials and look for the circular opening on top of the unit.

You'll need the following materials:

  • Rubber washer
  • Draft tower
  • Beer line
  • 4 mounting screws
  • Air hose
  • Tap faucet handle



Follow these steps:

Emergency Supplies like a Exits sign, fire extinguisher, and gas stove
  1. Place a rubber washer on top of the circular opening.
  2. Feed the beer line down through the opening into the interior cabinet.
  3. Place the draft tower on top of the opening and secure it with 4 mounting screws.
  4. Feed the air hose into the draft tower from inside the cabinet.
  5. The air hose helps to keep the beer cold as it travels up the beer line.
  6. Screw the tap handle onto the tap faucet.
  7. Connect the tap faucet to the draft tower.




3. Connect Beer and Gas Lines

Emergency Supplies like a Exits sign, fire extinguisher, and gas stove

You'll need two lines to set up your kegerator - the beer line and the gas line. The beer line connects to the keg by way of the keg coupler and delivers cold beer to the tap faucet. The gas line connects to the CO2 regulator on the CO2 tank, then also connects to the keg coupler.

Depending on the manufacturer of your unit, you may need to purchase some of these required beer dispensing components separately. Refer to your kegerator manual for more information.

You'll need the following materials:

  • (2) Rubber washers
  • Nut
  • Keg coupler
  • Beer line
  • Gas line
  • Beer keg
  • CO2 tank
  • CO2 regulator

Emergency Supplies like a Exits sign, fire extinguisher, and gas stove

Follow these steps:

  1. Keep the tank upright at all times.
  2. Attach the beer line to the keg coupler, placing a rubber washer at the connection point.
  3. Attach the gas line to the CO2 regulator output barb and tighten screw clamp.
  4. Connect the other end of the gas line to the keg coupler and tighten screw clamp.
  5. Using a rubber washer and nut, attach the CO2 regulator to the CO2 tank.
  6. Screw the coupler onto the keg.
  7. When the coupler is fitted into place, push the coupler handle down to open the seal.
  8. Place the keg inside the kegerator.

4. Adjust the CO2 Regulator

hand flipping the shut off valve on a CO2 regulator With your beer and gas lines in place, you're almost ready to start dispensing your customers' favorite beers. You'll just need to make some adjustments to your CO2 tank and regulator to release the gas and make sure it's at the correct pressure.



Follow these steps:

  1. Turn the handwheel on the CO2 regulator to the left to open the air tank.
  2. Flip the shut-off valve on the regulator to ON.
  3. You should hear air enter the gas lines.
  4. Adjust the PSI so the pressure gauge reads between 10 and 15.
  5. Carefully place the CO2 tank into the cabinet and close the door.

Now that your kegerator is in place and ready to use, set up a schedule to maintain your beer system and ensure your taps and beer lines stay clean. Inspect the CO2 levels on your tank regularly and check the PSI gauge to make sure the pressure is at the right level. With proper maintenance, your beer dispenser will provide many years of service.


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