[dlihcsnatas]

As I was washing over 100 bottles today a buddy of mine asked why I didn't just put it in kegs. Good question, and honestly the answer to that is... I wouldn't know what the best route to go is and am just too scared I'd buy the wrong thing and waste a whole lot of money.

Since I have finally gotten on the internet and started talking about my love of brewing and such I would like to find out from all you people who have been kegging your brew for a while what the best route for kegging is. So here is my list of questions I have on the subject:

1. can you reuse the kegs that you buy in the stores, like those 16 gallon kegs I use to love at parties?

2. On the internet there are many different starter kits for kegging, is there one that just stands out as the absolute best one to get?

3. Would I have to buy one of those filter systems to filter out the remaining yeast and sediment before putting it in a keg?

4. How expensive are those CO2 bottles to refill and how often do they need to be refilled?

5. For you folks who have been doing the keg thing for a while, does it seem worth the investment and how much does it seem to cost to maintain it? My understanding is there are seals and such that have to be replaced regularly.

Yeah I know that is some pretty wide open questions that will probably come down to personal opinions for the most part, but I am just looking for user knowledge to determine what will be my best investment for getting into the keg way. It does get old washing bottles.

[wild]

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

1. can you reuse the kegs that you buy in the stores, like those 16 gallon kegs I use to love at parties?

Those are called Sanke kegs. They take a high pressure system and a few chemicals to clean each one. Corny kegs are used because you can open them up to see in them and to reach in to clean them.

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

2. On the internet there are many different starter kits for kegging, is there one that just stands out as the absolute best one to get?

No and sorry that I can't help you because I scavanged all of my parts. But when shopping, just make sure you're pricing all of the same basic parts, i.e.,
•Used 5 gallon rebuilt Cornelius keg with gaskets replaced
•Product line assembly with hand held style faucet
•New aluminum 5 lb CO2 tank
•Gas line assembly
•Dual gauge regulator with check valve

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

3. Would I have to buy one of those filter systems to filter out the remaining yeast and sediment before putting it in a keg?

Filtering is only for those that have no time. With the use of Irish Moss and the like along with the ability to crash your beer for a month or two will result in a clearer beer.

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

4. How expensive are those CO2 bottles to refill and how often do they need to be refilled?

I pay between $8 - $12 for a 5# tank. I've heard other paying less. A 5# tank can last about 5 5-gallon corny kegs.

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

5. For you folks who have been doing the keg thing for a while, does it seem worth the investment and how much does it seem to cost to maintain it?

Yes it does but I still bottle for gifts, competitions, and aging my really big beers.

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

My understanding is there are seals and such that have to be replaced regularly.

When the O-rings dry out they will need to be replaced. They are cheap but the better you take care of them, the longer they will last.

Originally Posted by dlihcsnatas

It does get old washing bottles.

There are ways to make it easier. Get buddies or playmates to help. Use the dishwasher (no soap) for sanitizing. Rinse right after emptying the bottle. Talk to the parents in the neighborhood about swapping beer for their kids as cheap labor .

Hope that helped,
Wild

[BierNewbie]

The 5-gallon corny or cornelius type kegs are the ones to get for homebrewing. They match a g-gallon batch pretty well.

I switched to kegging about 2 months ago and I think I'll give most of my bottling stuff to a buddy that wants to start brewing. I got a side-by-side old refridgerator from my sister who recently bought a bigger better fridge. It nicely holds 4 5-gallon cornies. With my 4 Perlick faucets, I now have 4 beers on tap now. That gave me the extra freezer space just in time for hunting season. Cost was under $450 for the kegs, faucets, CO2 tank/regulator, and plumbing.
Bottling nightmare over.

[dlihcsnatas]

First off... I thought I had posted a thanks for the help note on here a few days ago but I don't see it here today. SO... Thank ya'll for the advise.

I went today to a few local stores asking about Cornelius kegs and how they work and so on and found that apparently they are being phased out and one local drink machine company no longer even keeps them around. Least wise that is what I was told.

From the research I have done on the internet there appears to be two types of kegs, or well there may be more but these two keep coming up. There are Coke style and Pepsi style. They use different types of connections from what I have read wich leads me to my new question.

What type is the most reliable? Coke or Pepsi?

Thanks again for the advice so far. It has been a major help for a keg newbie like myself.

[wild]

I've found that the Pepsi (Ball lock) kegs are found easiest. The Body Connect fittings (nipples) take a 7/8" boxend wrench or deep socket. Best to use a 12 point wrench/socket. The pin lock keg needs a special socket created to fit over the pins. Also I believe the ball lock kegs are an inch narrower and a pinch taller than their counterpart. Search around on the net. There are always deals on kegs around $13 - $15 a piece.

Good luck,
Wild

[dlihcsnatas]

Thanks for the input. In additional searching on the net it does look like Pepsi wins the keg battle over Coke. They are almost available on all web sites and the parts for repairs seem to be more available and in some cases a bit cheaper.

I have done about all the research I am going to do and was all set to make that investment this month as kind of a Merry Christmas to ME. But as luck or maybe karma would have it, my truck blew a rod so all my money has gone to fixin that. I have been working almost two weeks pulling motors and rebuiding so hopefully this weekend I will have my truck back on the road. Guess I will have to wait till next year, good thing that ain't far away.

[wild]

I understand. My engine is being rebuilt over this past week and has hindered all brewing purchases. Good luck on your equipment additions.

Wild

[bcampbell2001]

A new product is available called EcoKegs.

EcoKeg is a plastic keg which holds 9 ½ gallons of home brewed beer and uses a standard Sanke tap just like at a bar. The inner shell is made from PET plastic (just like water bottles, recycling code 1) so you never have to worry about quality or taste. Also, EcoKeg only weighs 8 pounds (empty), so it is much easier to transport than a steel keg.

You can cotact Coogee Imports for a downloadable owner’s manual complete with pictures and instructions.

T +1 310 823 9010
F +1 310 861 5390

beersales@coogeeimports.com
Coogee Imports LLC USA Importer and Distributor of Quality Australian Beer and Beer Systems

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d1...001/EcoKeg.gif
Keg Specifications

Height 21 ½ inches
Diameter 15 ½ inches
Weight (Empty) 8 pounds
Beer Volume 9 ½ gallons
Working Pressure (Standard) 10-12 PSI
Working Pressure (Jockey Box) About 30 PSI