Step-by-Step: How to Set Up a Kegerator

Now that you have your own home kegerator, it’s time to assemble and install it before enjoying a fresh pour. This general reference guide to set up a standard full-size kegerator can help you get to that point faster.

Depending on the kegerator brand, make, and model, slight modifications may be needed in the assembly and installation. Be sure to refer to the user manual that comes with your specific model.

For a visual reference of parts that are numbered in parentheses in this installation guide, view the kegerator diagram below.

Listed Parts:

For more on the ins and outs of kegerators, visit our kegerator buying guide.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Assembling Your Kegerator

Assemble your kegerator and install/tap a keg inside of it with these step-by-step instructions and images.

1. Install Caster Wheels

Before beginning, make sure the unit is empty, including the white metal keg floor (11). Then, carefully tip the beer dispenser on its side. Connect the casters (13) to the cabinet by screwing in each metal bracket into one of four caster holes. The casters in the front of the cabinet require the washers (12). When done, carefully set the unit upright.

2. Remove Plug

Open the door and, with your hand, push the top cabinet plug through the top of the cabinet until it comes out. Alternately, you can use a flathead screwdriver as a prying tool.

3. Install Tower

Now you can begin to install the draft tower (3). Unravel the beer line hose from the bottom of the tower and feed the hex nut and beer line through the hole you uncovered in the top of the cabinet.

4. Secure Tower

Once you have fed all the line into the cabinet, you are ready to place the tower into the unit. Align the black plastic adapter on the bottom of the tower to the hole in the top of the cabinet. Once the adapter is securely lined up to the hole, turn the adapter about 25° clockwise to lock it into place. The faucet connection for the tower should now face the front of the cabinet, but if not, remove it and reinstall from another position.

5. Install Railing

Take the railing (4) and place its feet into the pilot holes in the top of the cabinet.

6. Install Handle Faucet

Screw the black faucet handle (1) on to the faucet (2), and then screw the faucet onto the faucet adapter on the front of the tower (3). Make sure the faucet is vertical with the black handle facing the ceiling, and that the faucet is screwed on tightly. Place the plastic drip tray (5) beneath the faucet.

7. Connect Tube to Regulator

Check the switch below the main body to make sure the CO2 regulator (6) shutoff valve is closed (the switch should be perpendicular to the tubing). Install the 4-ft. CO2 gas line tube (7) to the regulator by attaching one end of the tube into the hose barb connection on the CO2 regulator, and secure the tube by using one of the two self-locking red plastic snap-on clamps (15).

Use pliers or clamp crimpers to snap the clamp on as high as possible, and make sure the clamp does not impede the valve. Then, remove the black rubber plug from the back of the unit and feed the remaining unused end of the tubing through the hole.

8. Connect Regulator to Cylinder

Make sure the CO2 cylinder (8) is full and closed. Then attach the CO2 regulator (6) to the cylinder by screwing the loose golden regulator nut into the cylinder valve and tightening with a wrench or pliers. Note that a fiber washer is normally required to connect a regulator to a CO2 cylinder, but a standard regulator generally includes a built-in O-ring.

9. Mount CO2 Cylinder

Now mount the CO2 cylinder holder (9) to the cabinet. Match up the holes on the holder with the screws jutting out of the back of the cabinet and slide the holder down to lock it in place. Position the CO2 regulator (6) in the holder so that you will be able to read the numbers on the gauge and have easy access to the shutoff valve.

10. Connect Keg Coupler

To connect the keg coupler (10) to the keg (17), first make sure the black pull handle of the keg coupler is in the closed (diagonal/upper) position. Insert the keg coupler into the locking neck of the beer keg and turn clockwise 25° to lock in into place. Now the keg coupler is secured to the keg.

11. Attach Tube to Coupler

Now attach the remaining open end of the CO2 gas line tube (7) to the keg coupler’s hose barb (10). Then secure the tube by using the remaining self-locking red plastic snap-on clamp (15). Use pliers or clamp crimpers to snap the clamp securely as close to the coupler as possible.

12. Connect Beer Line to Coupler

Now connect the beer line from the tower (3) to the keg coupler. Insert the neoprene washer (14) into the beer line hex nut (the beer line is the line coming from the tower and faucet). Remove the blue rubber protective cap located on top of the keg coupler and firmly screw the nut with the neoprene washer to the top of the keg coupler.

13. Tap Keg

To secure the tank connection, pull the tap handle out—away from the keg coupler (10)—and push down until it locks into position. Listen for the “click” of the pull handle when it shifts into the final downward position, and your keg will be tapped.

14. Calibrate Regulator

Below are step-by-step instructions with images for how to calibrate your regulator.

A: With the shut-off valve on the regulator (6) closed, open the valve on the gas cylinder (8) completely.

B: Loosen the adjustment nut with a pair of pliers, allowing the adjustment screw to be turned counterclockwise until the screw can no longer turn.

C: Slowly turn the regulator adjustment screw until the desired pressure is shown on the output pressure gauge. Under normal circumstances, we recommend setting the regulator at 12 PSI.

NOTE: Other conditions, such as altitude or special beer type, may require some adjustment. On regulators designed for draft beer, turning clockwise will increase the output pressure, and turning counterclockwise will decrease the output pressure.

D: Open the shutoff valve on the regulator, ensuring the switch below the main body is parallel to the tubing. Gas should now flow from the regulator to the keg coupler (10), and you will hear the keg pressurizing. The output needle will drop momentarily while the pressure is equalizing, and then it will return to the point at which you set it.

E: The keg coupler is designed with a pressure relief valve (PRV). Pull the ring on the PRV briefly to allow gas to vent. This will permit gas to flow through the regulator and help obtain a more accurate reading on the output pressure gauge.

F: Re-check the output pressure on the regulator and, if necessary, re-adjust using step B until the desired pressure is shown.

NOTE: Follow up any adjustment to the regulator with a brief pull of the PRV ring to ensure an accurate output reading.

15. Position Keg

Place the metal keg floor support (11) back into the cabinet. Then, carefully tilt the beer keg (17) and rest the edge on the keg floor support on the bottom of the interior cabinet. Slide the keg in slowly, ensuring that it is properly located and all hoses are clear of obstructions. Close door.

Enjoy a Fresh Draft of Beer

Now that your keg is fully assembled and the keg is tapped, the only thing left to do is enjoy a fresh draft beer in the comfort of your home.