Product review (1 stars): No Quality Assurance - Save up for your LAST Keg Fridge
Update at 5 months: The unit is making creaky noises when trying to cool, and the temperature is getting warmer inside. I tried the internal thermostat adjustment again, but I think that the compressor is dying. Remember the review that said this was a good first kegerator? Well, I think I would have rather spent more for a good LAST kegerator. I have changed out the tap and the regulator for better quality, but I think I wasted that money because I think I will be replacing this unit soon.

1. You may need to adjust the pressure relief valve on the regulator for it to hold pressure. Mine continuously vented. I suspect others that have drained CO2 tanks may have had maladjusted relief valves. Look for slots on the end and adjust with a spanner wrench, or even needle-nose pliers. You may wish to remove it and reinstall with teflon tape on the threads.

2. You may not need to purchase a 5 pound cylinder! I exchanged my empty 2.5 pound cylinder for a full 5 pound cylinder for the cost of the gas plus $4. The larger diameter of the 5 pound cylinder did not interfere with the keg, though the holding strap would not stretch around it.

3. As others have mentioned, the big round rubber washer goes between the tower and the top of the unit.

4. Before inserting the beer check valve in the tap, turn it upside down to see if there is not one already there.

5. Flush water through the beer hoses and tap BEFORE you start assembly. This helpful hint was at the end of the instructions.

After initial experiences, and re-reading other reviews, I believe it is safe to say that this unit/company has terrible quality assurance. Some people have had great experiences - but you can't be assured of getting the same good experience some have had. Thus my 1-star review. As another reviewer said, if you buy this unit you will have to mess with it to get everything working. Here are my bad experiences:

1. I have adjusted the thermostat internally twice, and the temperature is still going 40 degrees. Other reviewers describe this.
2. The CO2 cylinder left a brass splinter in my finger the first time I picked it up. This is inexcusable. It's good that I got that one exchanged when I went to fill it!
3. The low pressure gauge on the regulator does not seem to register any pressure below 10 psi. It goes from 0 to 10 when any pressure is applied. I have been trying for a lower pressure because I have good beer that does not need to be overly-fizzy. It may be that my regulator goes from 0 to 10, as even slow adjustments go from no flow to too fast flow. Part of this is the high temperature of the unit (>40 degrees), but I decided to replace the regulator with a good quality one to avoid lost gas and to give more adjustment.
4. The instructions say to insert the beer check valve into the tap, but don't warn there might be one in there already. I found out by luck accident after inserting the one that came separately.