Home Mini Bar on the Cheap

[Count Monaco]

I'm trying to set up a small minibar, complete with a small liquor cabinet, (1) beer dispenser icebox and possibly a bar gun (though that could be expensive). Basically, just enough to make a few mixed drinks and keep some beer cold. But before I start buying the pieces individually, I'm hoping to find an all-in-one solution. I'm thinking $500-1,000. Any ideas?

 

[VKK3450]

Originally Posted by Count Monaco

I'm trying to set up a small minibar, complete with a small liquor cabinet, (1) beer dispenser icebox and possibly a bar gun (though that could be expensive). Basically, just enough to make a few mixed drinks and keep some beer cold. But before I start buying the pieces individually, I'm hoping to find an all-in-one solution. I'm thinking $500-1,000. Any ideas?


I would skip the kegerator (beer tap). While very cool, I think they are a bit of a pain for home use. You have to deal with pressure, shelf life of non pasturized kegs, temperature, etc... Maybe get yourself a nice glass fronted beer fridge which can maintain a constant temp of ~1-2 degrees celcius? Also allows you to offer a greater variety than having one beer on tap.

K

 

[Count Monaco]

What about those "mini keg" deals? http://www.google.com/products?q=min...N&hl=en&tab=wf

 

[Star]

Originally Posted by VKK3450

I would skip the kegerator (beer tap). While very cool, I think they are a bit of a pain for home use. You have to deal with pressure, shelf life of non pasturized kegs, temperature, etc... Maybe get yourself a nice glass fronted beer fridge which can maintain a constant temp of ~1-2 degrees celcius? Also allows you to offer a greater variety than having one beer on tap.

K

I am with this guy. Far cooler to have a mini fridge with a glass door stacked with some non standard beers. Allows for more flexibiltiy.

 

[VKK3450]

Originally Posted by Count Monaco

What about those "mini keg" deals?
http://www.google.com/products?q=min...N&hl=en&tab=wf

I almost bought one when they came out years ago, but at 5 liters I dont really see the point. Its only a couple of beers more than a 12 pack! Again, I say if you have undercounter space lay down a nice beer fridge, a wine fridge, and a mini freezer for ice, frozen liquor (vodka, agermeister, etc), and some chilled glassware.

K

 

[tricota]

A buddy of mine used to have a keg, in mini format. After a year or so, he got rid of it. It was too complicated, he hardly ever used it, it sucked up an insane amount of electricity and it was loud as hell. And lets face it, beer on tap is not that great...

 

[edinatlanta]

Unless you are a craft beer aficionado or you live in a frat house, a kegerator ought to be skipped.

 

[Huntsman]

The very best bars do not have bar guns, and I can't think of any good reason why yours should, so there's some more cash saved right there.

~ H

 

[Bhowie]

Save your money and buy satin pants.

 

[scarphe]

get a decent small frdge and decent looking cabinet, and spedn the rest on quality liquour

 

[tricota]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

The very best bars do not have bar guns, and I can't think of any good reason why yours should, so there's some more cash saved right there.

~ H

Bravo. Besides, what is bar guns anyways? Dry stuff and water mixed together. Get the bottled stuff, and you'll be laughing...

 

[Huntsman]

Originally Posted by tricota

Bravo. Besides, what is bar guns anyways? Dry stuff and water mixed together. Get the bottled stuff, and you'll be laughing...
Well, if you mean bottled mixes I'm not inclined to agree. Fresh juices (at least the citrus), fresh syrups, nothing less, ever. ~ H

 

[itsstillmatt]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

Well, if you mean bottled mixes I'm not inclined to agree. Fresh juices (at least the citrus), fresh syrups, nothing less, ever. ~ H
You are right, as long as you grant an exception to Rose's. I know this is a contentious one for you, but Rose's is Rose's. It isn't lime juice.

 

[VKK3450]

Originally Posted by Huntsman

Well, if you mean bottled mixes I'm not inclined to agree. Fresh juices (at least the citrus), fresh syrups, nothing less, ever.

~ H

well, he was responding to a post about bar guns which do not commonly dispense juices or syrups. Bar guns are generally for carbonated beverages (sometimes water)

K

 

[tricota]

Originally Posted by VKK3450

well, he was responding to a post about bar guns which do not commonly dispense juices or syrups. Bar guns are generally for carbonated beverages (sometimes water)

K

Yeah, I ment for sodas and things like that.