Quiet, reliable Kegerator for Home - Advice??

You have two pretty good choices there.Couple different ways to look at this.
-Beverage Air unit best choice for reliable temps and no fuss.(But a little noisy when compressor kicks on)
Nice s/s top with drain built in.
-Summit unit quieter but sometimes requires installing circulation fans and a tower cooler. (Also half the price)
Formica top with cheap plastic pan.
Since your looking at "Lower volume use the Summit might be the better avenue to take.Unless you just like buying quality stuff go for the beverage air.If your gonna install under a counter you will lose function of drain on bm23 and the nice s/s top.

Check this link to see my BM23 converted for two kegs with (IMO an absolute must) Secondary regulators.
http://i1098.photobucket.com/albums/g377/Selfbiasresistor1/bm23/keg1_zpsbd44eb49.jpg

 

This. I've been very happy with it. The price has also dropped since I bought it. It's very quiet and cools quickly. Upgrade to the Perlick faucets if you go with it.
http://beermeisters.com/product/dual-tower-with-stainless-door-value-line

 

Beware, built in units are different than free standing. They are much more expensive and designed for the limited air flow conditions they will be in. Building in a free standing unit will lead to premature compressor failure.

 

I'm probably the only one who has ever been disappointed in the BevAir BM23. I bought one thinking it would be the last kegerator I ever bought since they were so reliable. Wrong! 2 years after buying it, the thermostat went out and it froze my beer. There was no doubt it was way louder than other models and way louder than a standard fridge. My issue was also that it was too wide to fit under my bar, so I had to turn it sideways to make it fit. Anyway, when the thermostat went I just decided to try a regular under counter fridge (forward cooling venting) and drill my own holes for the lines. That was 5 years ago and I could not be happier. The fridge is even with temperature, fits 2 sixtels perfectly and is as quiet as a church mouse.

So, the moral of my story. Don't limit yourself to looking at those 2 models....there are other choices.

 

what refrigerator did you use?

 

I have a sumit sb that is about 10 years old built into my kitchen counter. I am replacing counter top so I want to replace the unit. I was going to get the bev air but the noise might be an issue since it backs my tv room and the couch is right there. I want a good fridge any advice. I have an external blower on the unit i have>

 

I have a decibel meter app on my iphone.(probably not 100% accurate but should be close) Will give you the readings tonight when I get home on the Bevair..
Mine is in the garage.But know someone that has theres in there living room. Only noticeable when compressor comes on.

 

I bought a Summit FF7 series. It's a commercial grade under counter with front venting unit. I love it. Fits 2 sixtels side by side perfectly.

 

I like the look but will it fit 2 slim quarters

 

thanks

 

Ok. My results:
Avg household frig/freezer running (@55dbs)
Bevair at idle evaporator fan always runs pushes about same (@52-55dbs)
Bevair when compressor is running(@62-65dbs)
65dbs would be a normal conversation dbs rating

 

No, it's not wide enough.

 

I just got a summit sbc490 outdoor unit in stainless steel brand new display model for 650 and I installed it yesterday under the countertop. I removed the sheet rock from the kitchen side and put a register in the wall to the tv room. It is on the loud side. I also removed the back steel plate to give better heat exchange. I might try putting it back on to reduce the noise