External Depth for Kegerators: How to Choose Yours

How Do I Measure My Available Space for a Kegerator?

To establish your required external depth, you must measure the distance from the front of your intended installation point to the back wall or obstruction.

Measuring the Swing Zone

The most common error in measuring depth is forgetting the door swing. You must ensure there is enough clearance for the door to open at least 90 degrees. If the unit is placed in a nook, measure the depth of the nook and subtract the distance the door requires to swing fully open without hitting a wall or a nearby cabinet.

Ensure your setup fits the floor plan by checking the proper external width for kegerators before buying.

Locating the Depth Value

The external depth is usually listed in the product specifications as a single number in inches. Look for “Depth” or “Dimensions” on the manufacturer’s data sheet. Note that the depth provided by the manufacturer is the measurement of the unit while the door is closed.

Checking for Rear Obstructions

If the unit must sit against a wall, check for the presence of electrical outlets or plumbing. Many units require a small gap at the rear for ventilation. If your space is exactly the same as the unit’s depth, you may need to choose a model with a smaller depth to allow for this necessary air gap.

What Happens if the External Depth Is Wrong?

Choosing an external depth that is too small or too large creates specific functional failures that affect the usability of the kegerator.

The Problem with a Depth That Is Too Shallow

If the external depth is too shallow for your needs, the primary issue is the door swing. A unit that is too compact may have a door that hits a nearby wall or counter before it opens wide enough for you to reach the taps or access the internal components. In some cases, a very shallow unit may also lack the internal volume to house a standard 1/2 barrel, forcing you to use smaller 1/6 barrels which may not meet your volume requirements.

The Problem with a Depth That Is Too Large

A depth that is too large creates a footprint issue where the unit protrudes into walking paths or blocks other equipment. If the unit sticks out too far into a kitchen or garage, it can create a tripping hazard or make it difficult to move around the workspace. Furthermore, a unit that is too deep for the room may be impossible to position in the intended location, forcing a relocation that might not be ideal for your plumbing or power access.

You should also verify the correct external height for kegerators to ensure there is enough clearance for your counter.

What If My Space Falls Between Two Depth Options?

When your measured space falls between two standard depth categories, you should prioritize the smaller depth if the door can still function correctly.

Choosing the Smaller Depth

If you have 30 in of space and the options are 28 in and 32 in, the 28 in unit is generally the safer choice. This provides a buffer for ventilation and ensures the unit does not feel cramped. You should only choose the larger option if you specifically require the extra internal capacity that a deeper chassis provides.

Choosing the Larger Depth

Choose the larger depth only if you have confirmed that your specific use case requires more internal volume or a more powerful cooling system. If you are planning to run the unit constantly at high flow rates, the extra depth often correlates with larger cooling components. Ensure you have at least 2 inches of clearance beyond the unit’s depth to account for heat dissipation and ease of cleaning.

Before ordering, confirm the specific dimensions and door swing requirements for your location to ensure the unit fits your physical environment.

Reviewed by the MyHobbyLobby editorial team. MyHobbyLobby writes these guides from the 200 most-reviewed Kegerators listings in our retail dataset, not from manufacturer copy.