Edgestar KC2000 Vs KC3000 Vs KC7000SS Kegerator Comparison

The three main lines of EdgeStar kegerators are the KC2000, KC3000 and KC7000SS. The latter two are recent additions. Edgestar launched them about a year ago at the time of writing this article (1/22/15). They have been in business since 1999. The parent company is Living Direct Inc. Their headquarters is in Austin, Texas.

What Are the Main Considerations When Buying a Kegerator?

• Price is obviously the largest factor for most people with normal incomes.
• Size is another big consideration. You want to accurately measure the area where you plan to place the kegerator and compare those measurements with the specs listed on the site. It can be an expensive proposition to return a kegerator that was incorrectly ordered online.
• Capacity is a matter often over looked until someone realizes they bought a kegerator too small to fit a half barrel of their favorite beer. I mean come on, if you are buying a kegerator, I am pretty sure you want at least half a barrel of sweet, delicious beer.
• Number of Faucets is critical to how many beers you can dispense without changing the lines. Base models typically have 1 faucet, meaning you can dispense beer from 1 keg. Higher capacity models have up to 3 faucets.
• Color selection is usually limited to black or stainless steel. Some stainless steel models just have a plate covering the door. Higher end models will be covered on all sides.
• Manufacturer warranties vary from 90 days to several years.

EdgeStar KC2000 Review

The KC2000 is cheap. Depending on the sale, it can be purchased for between $449 and $529. It can also hold many full size kegs, but fans of Miller / Coors / Yuengling and other companies who use over-sized shells are SOL The stock unit comes with a 5lb CO2 tank. This is nice touch since most of the ultra low priced brands come with a 2.5lb tank. That distinction costs users money in the end since filling 5lb tanks is more cost effective. Single and dual faucet versions are available. It can be purchased in black or stainless steel. I personally think of it as a great fraternity or college kegerator. I wouldn’t want it as the show piece for my man cave, but it gets the job done most of the time.

Pros

• Cheap
• Reliable
• Holds many full sized kegs

Cons

• Does not hold all full sized kegs (Miller, Coors, Yuengling do no fit)
• The back plate easily frosts over
• It is less reliable than either of the other two models
• Only fits 2 corny kegs
• No automatic defrost
• No external temperature display
• 90 day warranty on labor

– View the black single faucet version of the KC2000

– View the stainless steel single faucet version of the KC2000

– View the dual tap version of the KC2000 – $549

– View the dual tap stainless steel version of the KC2000 – $569

Edgestar KC3000 Review

The KC3000 is a huge step up from the KC2000. It typically costs $699 or about $200 more than the KC2000. Capacity is the biggest advantage. It can hold any full sized keg or three corny kegs. Temperature is displayed through an external digital display. My readers indicate this is a well made model with more consistent low temperatures. Kegerator.com has had trouble keeping this model in stock lately. If you have the money and the time, I highly recommend buying it over the baseline model.

Pros

• Fits oversized half barrels
• Fits three sixth barrels or corny kegs
• Digital temperature display
• Better made than the KC2000

Cons

• It is priced about $70 higher than it should be
• No automatic defrost
• No air cooled tower
• 90 day warranty on labor

– View the KC3000

– View the KC3000SS stainless steel kegerator – $679

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Edgestar KC7000SS Review

The Edgestar KC7000SS is the top of the line kegerator from Edgestar. It is typically priced at $12,99. Versions with up to three faucets are available. It has an air cooled tower. This means users won’t have to dump the first beer after the kegerator sits. The KC7000 is also the only line from Edgestar that will automatically defrost. If you have ever had an old school refrigerator, you will recognize how much time and aggravation this feature will save. Ships with sturdy red casters. The stainless finish is present on all outward facing panels instead of just the front door. Kc7000 kegerators can be used in built in or under the counter situations. Overall, this is a heck of a nice kegerator at a premium price.

Pros

• Beautiful kegerator with stainless steel on all sides
• Air cooled beer tower to prevent beer from warming and spoiling in the tower
• Automatic defrost
• Strong casters for easy movement
• Solidly built machine
• Able to be used in built in or under the counter situations
• Full 1 year warranty with in-home service

Cons

• $1449 is enough to buy 2 KC3000 kegerators

– View the KC7000SS – $1299

– View the KC7000SSTWIN dual faucet kegerator – $1399

– View the KC7000SSTRIP triple faucet kegerator – $1479

Conclusion

The KC2000 is a decent model if you are on a budget. Keep in mind that it won’t fit over-sized half barrel kegs, like those from Miller and Coors. I also wouldn’t expect it to last more than 3-5 years. It is a great kegerator for college, but on the low end for many serious beer drinkers. The KC3000 is personally my favorite. It is affordable and has the capacity to make most people happy. It sucks that automatic defrost is not an option. DIY types can make the tower air cooled with a $30 conversion kit found on Ebay. The KC7000SS is a great looking machine. Personally it costs too much for my budget. That said, it would easily be the crowning the jewel for almost any man cave.