Hi All
Homebrew forums seem to be Cornelius-centric, and faintly xenophobic when it comes to kegs. Before I pressed my 23 litre Chinese-made keg into service, I checked posts about them. Most negative comments were from people who hadn't used them, as in this thread. The people who did have these kegs posted very positive comments about them, including a guy who's had years of good service from one.
My own keg is storing its 2nd brew, so I have no long-term impression. Immediate impression, however, is favourable. The build quality is entirely up to the job - welded seams look smooth and even. The lid seals without needing to be forced with CO2, so I can add priming sugars and walk away, and, of course, it takes a full brewlength for those many of us who want to make 5 galls.
I was never greatly impressed by the idea of being limited to an 18/19 litre brewlength, so never joined the cult of Cornelius worship! Nor am I likely to. The glut of used kegs has passed - the soft drinks makers must've pretty much cleared their inventory by now. Second-hand keg prices are so close to those of new kegs that, to me, it doesn't make sense to buy them. If new kegs are the sensible option, I'll stick to the 23 litre ones.
Ah well, you pays yer money...
Cheers, Chris