Hi, We just got our first kegerator - a Kegco K309B-2 with SS 2-faucet tower, Perlick 525SS faucets and a double gauge regulator (ordered from BeverageFactory.com). We primarily drink German beers and/or hefeweizens, with Franziskaner and Hoegaarden being our faves, so we of course also ordered an A System coupler. Got our first keg of Franziskaner, and it doesn't fit in our kegerator once tapped with the A coupler. We are short by a good 1.5-in with tubing. I've researched if there is a "low profile" version of the A coupler, and have come up empty. At this point, it looks like I spent $900 on a kegerator that I can't use for the beers I drink, and $200 on a keg of Franziskaner, which I literally poured as foam into pitchers and down the drain tonight (but not without tears). Even knowing what I know now, I can't find any documentation through BeverageFactory.com or Kegco that indicates that this model won't accommodate certain kegs and/or couplers. A 1/2-barrel keg is a 1/2-barrel keg, as they are a standard size, right? All specs list that I can fit a full-size keg. I think Hoegaarden comes in 1/6-barrels, but once tapped with the A coupler, I assume I'll not be able to fit its height into my system either, right? I see no complaints about this anywhere - I can't be the only one. Advice and/or insight? Thanks in advance. Hooi
Also I don't think those beers are standard 1/2 barrels I believe they are the European "50 liter" barrels
Hi zero_signal, Yes - once tapped, the keg/coupler combo is taller than the inside dimensions of the kegerator. I even tried to insert the keg at an angle, but still not even close. I haven't heard of the European 50 liter vs the standard 1/2-barrel, but I'm new to this. Total Wine and local vendor Custom Home Pubs listed Franziskaner as a 1/2-barrel and I didn't question it. I knew (thought) that Franziskaner only came in a full-size 1/2-barrel, and thought I was making sure I purchased a unit that would accommodate that, since it is what I planned to have tapped most of the time. Thanks for your reply.
Hmmm.. Not familiar with a "A" system low profile coupler. There are 90 degree elbows available but you still sound too high. Can you post a pic? Maybe can come up with an idea...
Ok just checked 50 liter keg is shorter than 1/2 barrel. So if advertised to fit half barrel shouldn't have any problems. What brand "A" coupler you using?
Ok just copied this from kegco website: Large Interior: The interior of this keg beer cooler is spacious enough to easily hold any full size keg, including Miller kegs, Coors Kegs and rubber kegs. It can also hold up to two 5 Gallon D System kegs or up to three 5 Gallon Cornelius Ball Lock Home Brew kegs, allowing you to dispense more than one beer at a time. So as advertised should be no problems. Again please post some pics: all around and close ups.
The coupler is a Kegco - same as the kegerator. Even without the line, the keg + coupler/attachments doesn't clear the top. I wanted to compare height specs on different brands of A couplers, but didn't find specs published for most. Just looking at photos, they seem to be about the same. The keg is empty now, so much easier to handle, and I can see I'm definitely only 1-1/4 in short of a fit. The line fits under the "overhang" that sits over the door when it's closed. I don't see a way to upload a photo here, but it's on dropbox - https://www.dropbox.com/s/gs8mzdiohyh8pbn/2014-03-13_00.12.30.jpg
I tried Chrome and Firefox - when I try to drag an image here, I get the message "Uploads are not available." I'm on a Mac, so no telling why.
I saw your pic.. Not sure why your having height issue if they claim this unit to fit "all half barrels ". I have a micromatic " A" coupler I will measure height on tomorrow.
the A coupler height is 5 3/16". doubtful, from the pic, that a 90 adapter will help. looks like a very close fit. maybe. http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/fittings-pid-FT872.html keg couplers are standardized for good reason. I don't think you will have much luck finding a short A coupler. there is a low profile D coupler but I have never seen a low profile anything else. does not mean it doesn't exist, just haven't seen one. luckily, you bought from a reputable dealer. ask them if they have a fix, maybe they can send a 90 adapter free or let you know of another fix. ask for a replacement kegerator if you can't get your beer working. they didn't say anything about not fitting the A coupler with a Euro barrel, so how could you know? Cheers.
there will be some discrepancy depending on if the measurement is from the bottom of the rim, bottom of probe, the inside the cap etc. MM claims 5 3/16". add maybe 1/4" for a 90 elbow when threaded. I think we could argue that from the top of the spear to top of the fridge interior requires at least 5 1/2" in this instance. kind of sucks that the kegerator is so close to the required space. just an RCH shy of what is needed, but I guess the manufacturer could squeeze another 10 into the shipping container this way.
Sorry didnt have my coffee yet..I will go with 4 1/2" (or exact 17/32" NOT 16ths!! LOL) sitting on my table with handle locked.
That 5 3/16" is the probe measurement with handle up.They not measuring in-gauged. Probe is longest part when handle down, and its only 4 1/2" from top top bottom of probe.
+1 for working RCH into your reply. That's the exact thought I had when I first looked at the picture
