If you’re searching around for information on kegerators, the odds are you’ve seen one at a party and now you have to have one for yourself. If you thought your only option was a pre-made kegerator which can cost hundreds of dollars, you have another option. Building your own kegerator can not only give you a great party piece, but you can save a load of money compared to the pre-made ones.

You don’t need a degree in engineering, either. Just a few power tools and some friends to help and you can have your own kegerator. Once you’ve finished it, you’ll be throwing the best parties in town.

The first step is to get your hands on a refrigerator. Even cheap models can cost hundreds of dollars at the store, including things like a crisper, humidity control and racks that you’re not going to need.

Your best option is to get a hold of someone who has an old fridge they’re looking to sell. You should be able to snag one pretty cheap on Craigslist, and some people are just looking to get rid of it so you may be able to find one for free so long as you haul it off yourself.

Next, you’re going to need to buy a kegerator conversion kit. These kits are not typically very expensive and they should come with everything you need to turn the old fridge into a kegerator. Be sure your kit comes with installation instructions so you know exactly how to install that specific kit.

You’re going to be running hose and installing a tap so you will need the proper tools for the job. Since you need things like gauges and compressed CO2, you’re not going to be able to build this part from scratch.

Installing the kit in the fridge is the hard part, once that’s done you should be home free. Since most fridges are big enough to hold a standard keg, once you attach the kit there shouldn’t be anything else to do. If you do run into any snags, be sure to reference the instructions that came with the kit as they might have your answer or a number you can contact.

Once the kegerator is completely built, you get to customize it however you like. When you buy a kegerator, you only get the options the manufacturer builds in. With your own, you can paint it team colors for a Super Bowl party or use a stainless steel fridge for something classic.

A metal fridge can even hold magnets so you can change your style around or put up pictures of friends at past parties. You can also get custom tap handles and serving glasses for almost every occasion or hobby. Sure, it’s easier to buy a kegerator, but for the ultimate party accessory you just have to build your own.

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