- Full-size single-tap refrigerated beer dispenser
- Accommodates 1 full- or pony-size keg or 2 5-gallon kegs
- Keeps beer carbonated for weeks; chrome guardrail; 4 durable casters
- Empty CO2 bottle included
- Measures 20-2/7 by 26 by 32 inches; 90-day limited warranty
For starters, stop reading reviews prior to 2011. The early issues with this kegerator have been addressed to the point Nostalgia really should assign it a new model number. As reported by others the regulator is now a pretty nice dual gauge unit, with a lockable output valve. Meaning once you get your CO2 settings dialed in you can lock the knob so it doesn't get changed accidentally while changing out a keg, etc. Also, the unit is dead quiet.
The instructions have been completely revamped and are very easy to follow. All the spare parts provided have been labeled in the manual, no mysteries there either. Before this arrived I downloaded a PDF copy of the old instructions, and it's true the early buyers were basically left in the dark.
I followed the instructions, charged my tank, threw in a 1/4 barrel, and no problems at all. The beer has a perfect head on it, and my monitoring of temps have been hovering around 34-35f. That's with the thermostat set to maximum, so I'll be watching that closely. I don't want my beer to freeze!
A few things to note:
1) The keg tower rubber washer (#5) was not already installed, and is not really mentioned in the manual. Be sure to install it otherwise there's not a tight seal between the tower and fridge and cool air will escape. You'll know if it's not on because the tower installs too easy and doesn't feel tight. The nice side effect of this design is that the tower is basically cooled, so less stale beer in the line.
2) A 5 pound CO2 tank will fit with a full 1/2 barrel, and can be bought at a local gas supply or welding shop filled for about 50 bucks. Refills on the tank are around $9. The 2.5 pound tank shipped is fine, and I'll be filling it so I have a full tank at all times. The 2.5 pound tank should be able to dispense 2-4 1/2 barrel kegs, the 5 pound tank 4-8 1/2 barrel kegs. Tighter fittings, lower CO2 settings, more kegs...
3) The casters are optional, and there are already self leveling feet installed if (like me) you prefer the unit to be shorter and stationary. Height to the top of the fridge door is exactly 31 inches without the caster installed.
Anyway, given all the features and the insane price of $380 shipped I can't see how anyone could be unhappy at this point. All the negative reviews made me really ponder this purchase, but I'm happy to report they're all talking about a different product. I'll post a follow up at 12 months, or before if I experience any problems.
And thanks to the early buyers who posted reviews! Nostalgia listened and thanks to you I have a really nice unit.
Buy Nostalgia Electrics KRS2100 Kegorator Beer Keg Fridge, Black Now
NOTE: I've updated this post in March of 2013, after a year of ownership. My basic feelings of the kegerator are still the same--but I just wanted to update some of the information provided in this review. In summary, I did end up replacing the regulator with a higher-quality one.
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This is an excellent kegerator. We purchased it as a Christmas gift for my dad, and we are currently on our second half-barrel of lager! I was a bit skeptical of this based on previous reviews, but as many reviews state, Nostalgia had changed some parts and old issues are no longer present with this model.
LOOKS
We all think it's a good looking unit. Nostalgia offers the same unit but with a stainless steel door. I decided against the stainless steel model because we currently have stainless steel appliances and they show smudges and fingerprints easily. We keep the kegerator in our garage so the black is more appropriate. This unit also features a rounded front door, so the keg partially hangs out when the door is open. Most other kegerators have a flat door, which makes the whole unit looks larger. It is also not the highest quality appliance you will find, as the internals of this unit seem to be a bit plasticky, especially next to a nice, expensive refrigerator. But if you temper your expectations, you will be very happy with it.
ASSEMBLY
The instructions are a bit frustrating. Each section doesn't seem to be in proper order. Also, there are plenty of extra little parts that come with it. I still don't know where they all go, but it's good to have them I guess. My best advice to get it up and running as soon as possible:
* first have a keg ready to go (call a local beer store, and have them order and hold a keg of your favorite beer until you're ready for it--it may take a few days for them to get the keg if it is not in stock).
* Unbox the unit and put the casters on (not too tightly or they will be difficult to spin).
* Plug it in and turn the thermostat to the coldest setting.
* Get your Co2 tank filled up. I took mine to a paintball place, but you can also try a welding or outdoor sport shop. If you're still stuck, call a hardware store for some suggestions. Also, the beer store you're getting your keg from may swap Co2 tanks.
Take your time with assembly and read the instructions carefully. It may be a bit frustrating at times with all the different sized washers and parts, but keep at it and you will work through it just fine. At first, I used nylon tape on the fittings, but later found that there is no point to this, as the various washers in place are there to stop leaks, rendering the nylon tape unnecessary--but there is no harm in doing so. I had a tough time getting the tower on with the rubber washer (the instructions didn't say to put it on but it is in the parts bag, and the tower doesn't fit right without it). I recommend putting some dish soap on both sides of the washer, put it in place, stand on the left side (when you're facing the unit) and hold the unit in place with your knee while you push down hard and turn the tower clockwise until it locks. It may take a few tries and some effort but it eventually fits snug and will help keep cold air in.
REGULATOR
Past complaints have been about the regulator. The old regulator was a single gauge--this newer one is a dual gauge. After a few months of usage, I decided to replace the regulator due to it allowing the keg to become over-pressurized despite my low-psi setting. The Co2 pressure SHOULD remain constant throughout the life of your Co2--if you are constantly fighting the pressure, get rid of the regulator and buy a new one. Over-pressurizing your keg will waste Co2 and end up costing you more money and frustration anyway. After some research, regulators from Micromatic seem to be held in high regard, so I went ahead and purchased one from their website (dual-guage, premium, part #642). If you do purchase a new regulator, remember to get a new gas line and barbed tip so you can connect it to the keg coupler--Micromatic sells all of this. I've had zero issues since changing the regulator. Also, the regulator I purchased was a bit larger than the stock one, so it may be a tight fit depending on your keg and Co2 tank sizes.
Remember that when you have a new keg, the keg is already pressurized somewhat, so you will need very little Co2 pressure through the first few pours until the keg pressure is relieved, or alternatively relieve the pressure using the pressure relief valve on the tap. After that, you will have slower pours, which is your cue to turn up the pressure. Don't turn it up too high or else you will get foamy pours. There is a relief valve on the regulator to reset the pressure which is helpful during adjusting. There is another relief valve on the keg tap as well, which can also help troublesome pours. This kegerator comes with a 5lb Co2 tank, but it was quickly swapped out for a larger tank. It may be a good idea down the road to get a 10lb tank and keep the included smaller tank as a spare.
Another note: always remember to use a nylon washer between your Co2 tank and the regulator. Failing to use a nylon washer will result in a leak. If you swap your tank at a beer store, they will likely give you a washer. The Micromatic regulator I've described above has a permanent washer in place.
THERMOSTAT
Some reviewers wrote about modifying the thermostat by removing the cover on the thermostat and adjusting the little screw. I would recommend taking a wait and see approach to determine whether you need to do this--you don't want to adjust it too much and unnecessarily freeze up your beer (most beer freezes around 28-29 degrees). I ended up waiting 24 hours before I gave the adjustment screw a clockwise turn, waited a few hours, then checked again (my keg was hovering around 40 degrees, I was shooting for about 36). After the adjustment, the temp has been steady around 36.
THERMOSTAT ADJUSTMENT
Here is how to get to the adjustment screw: first, unplug the unit, then on the back of the unit, turn the temperature dial to the max setting, then pull the knob off. Now, remove the two screws that hold the thermostat housing to the side of the kegerator. Then remove the two screws to take the thermostat off of the housing. Then on the thermostat, there is a small phillips screw above the temperature adjustment dial. Turn it once clockwise to go colder, counter-clockwise to go warmer (just one turn was all I needed). Put everything back together, plug the unit back in, then wait a couple of hours before you check the temperature and make another adjustment as necessary.
After a year of ownership, the kegerator has remained cool and reliable.
CLEANING
An important topic that I did not previously cover in my original review. Make sure you buy a nice kegerator cleaning kit (I recommend this one: Beer Line Cleaning Kit). You will want to keep the beer lines clean, otherwise, bacteria from the beer line can creep back into the beer, causing the beer to go bad. I recommend cleaning the lines after every keg change--it's a simple process of disconnecting the lines and running a cleaning solution through the lines, as well as disconnecting the tap and cleaning some of the little parts. There are also little parts for attaching to the tap to cover the tap opening when not in use for extended periods of time--they can be easily found on Amazon.
I have not had any shipping/packaging issues that other reviewers spoke of. I also have not had any reason to contact Nostalgia customer support.
NOTES: Some issues people commonly have, especially when they are new to kegs, are that the beer either comes out too slow (which basically means you're out of Co2 or don't have enough pressure), or the beer comes out too fast (meaning too much Co2 is in the keg), resulting in a foamy mess. Firstly, your regulator has two gauges--one, (the left side) gauge, shows the pressure coming from your Co2 tank, and the other (the top gauge), shows the pressure you are delivering to the keg. Typically, the left-side Co2 tank gauge reads anywhere from 500 to 1000 bar psi (which will vary on the tank temperature), and it is perfectly normal for the tank to read in this range when it has enough Co2. When your tank begins to run out, it will quickly hit zero. And when you're setting up a new keg, the pressure may fluctuate a bit as the system normalizes, so while the correct pressure may be set once you first hook up a fresh keg, checking back an hour or two later, you may notice it needs readjusting. This is normal.
Now, in the event that you over-pressurize your keg, it means you have way too much Co2 in there, and as a result, your beer will come out very fast and very foamy. Some reviewers blame this on the kegerator, but really it is their own fault. The simple solution is this: close the valve on your Co2 tank as well as close the switch on your regulator. Then, find the relief pin on your keg tap (you have two relief pins--one on the regulator, one on the keg tap). Pull this pin hard (helpful if you use a pair of pliers) and it will slowly release the pressure in your keg. It may take a minute or two, but the pressure will slowly die down. When the pressure is relieved, start pouring beer until the pour is too slow (it may even take a few pitchers more of foamy beer, but it will get there--be patient). Finally, when the pour is too slow, open your Co2 tank valve, then turn on the regulator switch to the open position as well, and finally slowly adjust your Co2 on the regulator until you get a nice pour. It may take a while and readjusting in an hour or two, but be patient!
Finally, when your keg is kicked, close off the valve on your Co2 tank as well as the switch on the regulator to avoid losing any Co2.
Overall, I think you will be very happy with this unit. It's one of the cheapest ones you'll find on the internet, so as long as you take your time setting it up and do your research on this unit to find out its quirks, you will be happily pouring fresh, draft beer in no time!
Cheers!
Read Best Reviews of Nostalgia Electrics KRS2100 Kegorator Beer Keg Fridge, Black Here
I was a little hesitant buying this kegerator because of some of the bad reviews it received from this site and others. However, I trusted Amazon to take the return if it came in broken or did not perform. I've had this item for about 2 weeks now and I have to say it works beautifully. If you are concerned about the following items don't be:
Thermostat does not keep the beer cold enough false, I've had to turn down the fridge because it was TOO cold. Did not modify it at all.
Regulator only has one gauge false, this kegerator came with a dual gauge regulator.
Slow shipment false, ordered with prime, shipped 3 hours after I ordered it, packaged very well.
CO2 tank held by cheap band false, CO2 tank is held by a plastic mesh and fits very nicely in the back.
Overall this has surpassed by expectations for a kegerator under $400
Want Nostalgia Electrics KRS2100 Kegorator Beer Keg Fridge, Black Discount?
I ordered this item on September 14th. Didn't get delivered until October 4th. Way out of the time range that was initially given. Product information made it appear that all you would need to do is supply the Keg and get the CO2 tank filled. WAY OFF. The "regulator" that comes with the Kegerator doesn't regulate ANYTHING its simply an off on switch for the CO2. After spending 2 days wasting beer I took it to my local tavern and confirmed what I already thought. So I had to drive to my local Beer Supply store and spend an additional $50 for an actual regulator. Then I experienced the problem that any regulator you buy doesn't connect to the supplied air hose as it should. Next stop Ace hardware where i purchased new tubing and fittings (another $10 down the drain). Upon affixing my new regulator and air hoses I realized that the beer comes out WAY too fast causing an excessive amount of foam. Last trip to Ace Hardware and got a water flow restricter for another $3 and now at long last i finally have a fully operational kegerator. Cheers and have fun.
So I was skeptical to order this kegerator, but after reading some of the more recent reviews I decided to take the plunge. Unit arrived in 3 business days, and didn't take too long for me to put together.
I ordered a 1/2 keg, and went to my local welding supply to get the CO2 tank filled.
When I put this kegerator to the test I was initially disappointed that it seemed to be hovering in the 46-48 degree range. I tried to pour a beer, but it just had too much foam.
After reading some recommendations on some forums, I took the faceplate off the thermostat, and then found the calibration screw. I gave it a few turns clockwise, and waited an hour. When I came back the temperature was now 42 degrees. With another couple turns of the adjustment screw the unit was staying in the 36-38 degree range no problem.
After attaining the proper temperature, the beer poured PERFECTLY at ~9.5 psi. Very excited I was able to get it working, and now I can relax and enjoy fresh draft microbrews at home :-D
P.s. As other reviewers have stated there is a rubber ring that goes under the tap tower, but it does not tell you to install it in the instructions. The tower isn't very sturdy unless you put the rubber ring under it. Once I put it under, and twisted the tap tower to lock it in, it was sturdy and solid.
The water and ice from the dispenser was beginning to taste funny. I inserted a new filter and the bad taste disappeared immediately. Easy to install. Sure wish they lasted longer and weren't so expensive.
