Every kegerator gets a score from 0 to 100% built from seven factors, which maps onto the 5-point rating shown on the site (a 0% score would be 1.5 stars; a perfect score, 5). Each factor is scored against fixed reference points, not against the other products in the list, so adding a new model never moves another model’s rating. Kegerators are grouped by type: full-size freestanding units, built-in and outdoor units, and compact and mini units that hold less than 12 gal at once. All three groups use the same scale.
| Factor | Measures | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Value | price per gallon of keg capacity | 25% |
| Keg capacity | most beer the cabinet holds at once | 15% |
| Taps | number of faucets supplied | 10% |
| Coldest setting | lowest temperature setting | 10% |
| Dispense kit | CO2 cylinder, dual-gauge regulator and all-stainless beer path | 15% |
| Features | digital thermostat, fan-forced cooling, built-in and outdoor ratings, casters and lock | 15% |
| Warranty | parts and compressor warranty | 10% |
Where the numbers come from
Keg capacity, taps, temperature range, the dispense kit, installation ratings, dimensions and warranty come from the maker’s spec page or manual, or from the maker’s own copy on a retail listing. Figures in the maker’s own copy that conflict (for example a title that gives one keg count and a bullet that gives another) are left out rather than guessed. Prices are checked at the stores the page links to, and the lowest price among them is used.
The factors
Value is the current price divided by the keg capacity in gallons, on a log scale, so halving the price always counts the same. $250 per gallon scores zero and $35 per gallon full marks.
Capacity is the most beer the cabinet holds at once, in gallons: the largest of a 15.5 gal half barrel, a 7.75 gal quarter slim, the number of 5.16 gal sixtels or 5 gal corny kegs the maker says fit, or a 5 L mini keg. 1.3 gal (one 5 L mini keg) scores zero and 15.5 gal (a half barrel) full marks.
Taps is the number of faucets on the tower or door: one scores zero and three full marks.
Coldest setting is the lowest temperature the maker states the unit holds: 40 F scores zero and 32 F full marks.
Dispense kit is 40% for an included CO2 cylinder, 30% for a dual gauge regulator and 30% for an all-stainless beer path (tower, faucet and shank).
Features is 25% for a digital thermostat, 15% for fan-forced cooling, 20% for a built-in rating with front venting, 20% for an outdoor rating, 10% for casters and 10% for a door lock.
Warranty combines the parts warranty (60%) and the compressor warranty (40%, the same as the parts warranty when no longer one is stated): 1 year scores zero and 5 years full marks.
What isn’t scored
Dimensions, weight, the coupler type (D system, ball lock or mini keg), the CO2 cylinder size, compressor or thermoelectric cooling, the warmest setting and release date are listed but not scored.
Missing data
If a figure isn’t published, that factor gets the neutral middle score (50) and the product page marks it as estimated. The dispense kit and features score neutral only when none of their items is published; an item the maker doesn’t mention otherwise counts as absent. The exception is warranty: a maker that doesn’t publish one gets no warranty counted, so that factor scores zero, the same as a one-year warranty, and is marked estimated.
Ties and discontinued models
Products are ranked by score within each group. Discontinued models stay listed but rank below every current model and can be hidden with the “Hide discontinued” filter.