Kegerator Drip Tray Depth: How Deep Is Needed?

What drip tray depth means on a listing

On a kegerator listing, the drip tray is the shallow basin mounted under the faucets to catch spills and drips. When a listing gives the tray's dimensions, depth is the front-to-back measure of that basin, from the edge closest to the tower to the edge that faces you.

Depth is one of three dimensions you may see stated: width (left to right), depth (front to back), and height (top to bottom). The depth of a drip tray is separate from its width. A tray can be wide enough to span several faucets yet shallow enough to hold very little liquid.

Some listings state the depth of the drip tray in inches. Others only say that a drip tray is included without giving its dimensions. When the depth is missing, compare the tray with the space below your faucets before you decide (see kegerator dimension planning).

How depth affects splash control

The main job of a drip tray is to keep splashes off the counter. How well it does that depends on the distance between the faucet tip and the bottom of the tray. A deeper tray places the bottom farther from the faucet, so a falling drop has less chance of bouncing off the bottom and over the rim.

A shallower tray leaves a smaller gap between the faucet and the basin. Drops can rebound out of a shallow tray more easily, especially when a faucet is opened quickly. A listing that describes the tray as deep generally points to better splash control, but the fit under your faucets still matters.

The Brewers Association's Draught Beer Quality Manual is a professional reference that describes draught system components and design. It is a useful background source when you compare what a kegerator listing includes.

How depth changes what the tray holds

A deeper tray holds more liquid before you need to empty it. Capacity is the practical side of depth: with a deeper basin, you can pour several servings without stopping to empty the tray.

A listing may state the tray's capacity in volume, or it may only state the depth in inches. When capacity is stated, that number is a direct answer to the question of how much the tray can hold before it needs emptying. When only depth is stated, compare depths between listings as a rough guide to capacity.

Keep in mind that a deeper tray is not automatically better. What matters is whether the tray fits under your faucets and whether the depth matches the number of taps you plan to use.

Fit under the faucets: the clearance question

Depth and height are different. The tray's depth is its front-to-back basin size, while the total height of the tray, from the countertop to the rim, determines whether it can slide under the faucets.

If the tray is too tall, it will not fit beneath the tower. If it is too short, the gap between the faucet tip and the tray rim grows, which brings back the splash problem. The ideal tray sits low enough to clear the faucets and high enough to catch the stream.

Before you choose a tray, look at the space below your faucets in general terms. Compare the tray's stated height with the room under the tower. The guide on tower height explains related fit questions.

What to read in the bullet list

In a listing, look for the drip tray among the included parts. Some listings state the tray's dimensions in the bullet list or in the box contents. Others say only that a drip tray is included, with no size given.

When a listing leaves out the depth, that is a sign to ask the seller directly. The phrase 'not stated by the seller' on this site means exactly that: the detail is not in the listing, and you should get it from the seller before you buy.

Also check whether the tray is included or sold separately. Many kegerator listings include the drip tray with the unit, but a listing may describe a 'tap kit' or 'dispense kit' that does not include the tray.

Matching depth to tap count

The number of taps you plan to use changes the tray width you need, and depth follows the same logic. A single tap produces a narrow stream, so a smaller tray can catch it. Two or three taps produce a wider target, and a deeper tray gives the drips more room to settle.

A four tap tower needs a tray that is both wide and deep enough to sit under all four faucets. Commercial listings often describe larger trays as part of the package. Home listings may state the tray depth as a separate dimension.

For guidance on tap counts, see the single tap and dual tap buying guides.

What to ask the seller about drip tray depth

Before buying, ask for the depth, width, and height of the drip tray. The depth tells you how much liquid it can hold; the width tells you whether it spans your faucets; the height tells you whether it fits under the tower.

Ask whether the tray is included with the unit or is a separate part. Some listings include the tray in the box contents, while others sell it as an accessory.

For the full picture, read the guide on drip tray size before you compare models.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Is a deeper drip tray always better?

Not always. Deeper trays hold more and reduce splash, but they must fit under the faucets. A tray that is too tall will not slide under the tower. Compare the tray's height with the space below your faucets before choosing.

Does drip tray depth affect which kegerator I should buy?

Yes, in two ways. Depth affects how much liquid the tray holds before emptying and how well it catches splashes. Fit under the faucets matters for every tower type, from a single tap to a four tap configuration.

What if the listing does not state the drip tray depth?

The detail is missing. This site marks it as 'not stated by the seller'. Ask the seller for the depth, width, and height before you buy, or compare it with the space under your faucets.

Is the drip tray included with the kegerator or sold separately?

It depends on the listing. Many kegerators include the drip tray as part of the box contents. Others describe a tap kit or dispense kit that may not include a tray. Read the box contents list carefully.

Does the number of taps change the depth I need?

Yes. A single tap needs a smaller tray; two or more taps need a wider tray. For three or four taps, look for a tray that is both wide and deep enough to catch drips from all faucets.

What material should the drip tray be?

Check the listing for the stated material. Many listings describe the drip tray as stainless steel. Ask the seller for the material if the listing does not state it.