Bar built but now which kegerator

We just recently finished remodeling the basement of a cabin at the lake. It's been a fun project although just working when we are there (about an hour from our home) has made it a long process over a couple years. Anyway, most of the work we planned has been done with the exception of some minor trim work, some decision for wrapping the lolly columns and then painting the walls. The good thing is we are ready to add a beer tap or two.

I'm looking for a good quality kegerator that will last, be low maintenance and work reliable once operating. I'm willing to spend the money for a nice system and looking for recommendations for what system to buy and the vendor to buy from either online or in the southeast in person.

Here are a few picture of our remodel. Starts with the original pics and then my crude attempt at a plan using sketch-up. It's amazing how many iterations the plan went through in deciding how best to use the space but also interesting to look back and see how closely the actual came out to the plan I drew up almost two years ago.

 

Original Bar space


Original Back of cabin just off bar area


Sketch-up plan:



Tear-out complete and starting the build:



The beginning of the bar:


Some of the outside work that was done including the replacement of a window with a double door:






And finally, the bar (kegerator will go on the right side of the bar against the wall)

 

I was planning to put it just to the right of the back bar as a stand alone unit. When I was doing the design I just could not come up with a good design that had the kegerator as part of the bar and still have room for storage, glassware, etc. Being just outside of the enclosure of the bar also makes in more convenient for guests to use the tap to fill up their glass as well without coming behind the bar.

I did contemplate replacing the wine fridge (see picture above) with the kegerator but my wife wanted to have keep that in place and liked the idea of the keg being outside the bar.

 

Doug - that is an exterior wall so no options of using any space beyond that wall. I do have space to the left of the back bar but it would be about 12-15 feet from where I intended to put the tap. If you look at my sketch up diagram above, the utility area with a hot water heater is in the small area to the left of the back bar (to the back and right of the full sized stainless fridge you see in the pictures). Not sure if running lines that far would be worthwhile and efficient.

 

Forgot to mention this previously, but for any home bar enthusiasts, have you seen the ice ball presses? I started with just the molds for the large ice cubes but then ordered an ice press earlier this year. It has been a huge hit at our lake parties for those that enjoy a nice bourbon or scotch.

Here is a video I made of my press in action (it is a clone of the expensive ones on the market):

 

The ice press is just solid aluminum. I think it weighs about 20lbs and works just through simple thermodynamics with heat transfer from the aluminum into melting and shaping the ice. The press does get cold and would need to be run under warm water if you wanted to continue making ice balls one after another.

 

I'm pretty flexible on the budget. More concerned that the unit is reliable, effective and low maintenance. I see you avatar has something like I had in mind for my bar. Is that the True or Bev Air kegerator? Is there a company you'd recommend working with to order online?

 

Thanks for the video Zero_signal. That looks like a great set-up.

Rick