Kegerator Tower Holes: How Many Do You Need?

What tower holes mean on a listing

On a kegerator listing, the tower is the vertical column that rises from the top of the cabinet and holds the faucets. The holes in the tower are the openings where the faucet shanks pass through. The number of holes directly corresponds to the number of taps the tower can support: a single tap tower has one hole, a dual tap tower has two, a triple tap tower has three, and a four tap tower has four.

When you read a listing, the tap count is usually stated in the title or the bullet list. If a listing says "dual tap tower," it means the tower has two holes. If it says "triple tap," it has three. The hole count is not a separate specification; it is the physical expression of the tap count. So when you compare listings, you are really comparing how many beers you want to serve at once. For a deeper look at how tap counts affect your choice, see our guide to dual tap kegerators.

Matching holes to taps

The simplest rule is that one hole equals one tap. A single tap tower serves one beer, a dual tap serves two, and so on. The hole count determines how many faucets you can install, which in turn determines how many kegs you can connect at once. If you plan to serve one beer at a time, a single tap tower is enough. If you want to offer a choice between two beers, a dual tap tower is the next step.

The number of holes also affects the tower's footprint on top of the cabinet. More holes mean a wider tower, which takes up more surface area. This matters if you have a narrow cabinet or limited headroom. A dual tap tower is the most common choice for home bars because it balances variety with a manageable size. Triple and four tap towers are more common on commercial or wide cabinets. If you are weighing between two and three taps, our comparison of dual and triple tap kegerators can help.

Spacing and fit

The holes in a tower are spaced so that the faucets do not crowd each other. The spacing is determined by the tower's width and the size of the faucet shanks. A wider tower can accommodate more holes with comfortable spacing. When you read a listing, look for the tower's dimensions, usually given in inches. This tells you how much space the tower will occupy on top of the cabinet.

For a dual tap tower, the holes are typically spaced far enough apart that you can turn the faucets on and off without your knuckles hitting the neighboring faucet. For triple and four tap towers, the spacing is tighter, but still functional. If you are considering a tower with many holes, check the cabinet width to ensure the tower does not overhang. A 24 inch cabinet is a common size that can accommodate a dual tap tower comfortably. For more on matching tower size to cabinet width, see our guide to 24 inch kegerators.

Reading listings for hole count

When you scan a kegerator listing, the hole count is usually implied by the tap count. A title like "Dual Tap Kegerator" tells you the tower has two holes. Some listings may mention the tower separately, such as "tower with two faucets." If the listing does not state the tap count, look at the images: count the faucets on the tower. This is a reliable way to determine the hole count.

If a listing says "not stated by the seller" for the tap count, you can still infer it from the tower's appearance in the photos. However, if the listing is vague, it is best to contact the seller for clarification. The hole count is a fundamental specification, so it should be clear before you buy. Understanding how to read these details is part of comparing kegerators on stated details, as explained in our main kegerator guide.

Choosing the right count for your situation

The right hole count depends on how many beers you want to serve at once. For a first kegerator in a home bar, a single tap tower is simple and affordable. If you often have guests or want to offer a choice, a dual tap tower is a popular upgrade. For a shared space or a small venue, a triple or four tap tower lets you serve multiple beers without changing kegs frequently.

Consider the cabinet size as well. A wider cabinet can support a larger tower without looking unbalanced. A 15 inch cabinet is best suited for a single tap tower, while a 24 inch cabinet can handle a dual tap tower easily. For four taps, a wide commercial cabinet is usually necessary. Match the hole count to your space and your serving needs. If you are planning for a narrow space, our guide to 15 inch kegerators offers options. For a venue setting, look at commercial kegerators.

Tower hole count and tap spacing

Tap spacing is the distance between the centers of adjacent holes in the tower. This spacing is not always stated on a listing, but it affects how comfortable the faucets are to use. Tighter spacing is common on triple and four tap towers, while dual tap towers usually have more generous spacing. If you plan to use larger faucet handles, you may want a tower with wider spacing.

When a listing gives the tower's width and the number of taps, you can estimate the spacing. For example, a 12 inch wide tower with two holes will have more space between them than a 10 inch wide tower with the same number of holes. If spacing is important to you, look for a listing that includes the tower dimensions. For more on how tap spacing affects your setup, see our article on tower tap spacing.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

Does the number of holes in a tower equal the number of taps?

Yes, each hole in the tower holds one faucet, so the hole count matches the tap count. A single tap tower has one hole, a dual tap has two, and so on.

Can I add more taps to a tower with fewer holes?

No, the holes are fixed. To add more taps, you would need a tower with more holes, which means a different tower or a different kegerator.

How does tower hole count affect the cabinet size I need?

More holes mean a wider tower, which requires a wider cabinet to support it. A single tap tower fits narrow cabinets, while four tap towers need wide commercial cabinets.

What if a listing does not state the tower hole count?

You can usually infer it from the tap count in the title or the number of faucets shown in the images. If it is still unclear, ask the seller before buying.

Is tap spacing the same on all towers with the same hole count?

No, tap spacing can vary based on the tower's width and design. A wider tower with the same number of holes will have more space between the faucets.