Corny keg C02 help

[Mattyde05]

Hi guys .
ive just brought some corny kegs but am unsure where to get my Co2 from ?I live in Kent UK . Also do I rent the bottles or can I buy the bottle and refill it . I’ve had a look at some websites that you can get them from but it’s a bit confusing.
Hopefully someone can help me .
Thanks matt

 

[MickDundee]

Most of the options appear to be that you hire a tank (either by monthly rental or a deposit) and then “refill” by swapping your empty tank for a full one like you do with patio/BBQ gas.

BOC and Hobbyweld are the biggest suppliers I believe but also the most expensive. I’ve gone with Hobbyweld because they are handy and I could sign up for a Hobbyweld account at the agent’s premises, whereas my local BOC dealer wanted me to sign up directly with BOC before ordering and I didn’t really know what I was doing.

Some people I’ve seen on various Facebook groups have been able to obtain empty tanks (I think GEB sell them) and get them physically refilled at fire extinguisher or welding suppliers, but I don’t think this is particularly common and you need to make sure you definitely have one in your area who would be willing to do this. There’s nothing like this near me (but I’m a long way from you).

It probably pays to Google “CO2 suppliers near [postcode]” and phone around to see what’s cheapest and most convenient. My options are pretty pathetic up here hence my going with one of the big boys.

 

[Banbeer]

I'm also with Hobbyweld, make sure you get food grade C02.

 

[MickDundee]

I'm also with Hobbyweld, make sure you get food grade C02.

Both the Dundee and Fife Hobbyweld agents only stock the food grade. There’s 2 in Angus who are the same company as the Dundee agent so I assume they are the same.

 

[Horners]

Hi guys .
ive just brought some corny kegs but am unsure where to get my Co2 from ?I live in Kent UK . Also do I rent the bottles or can I buy the bottle and refill it . I’ve had a look at some websites that you can get them from but it’s a bit confusing.
Hopefully someone can help me .
Thanks matt

I get mine from Adams gas which i think are in Margate. Paid an initial refundable deposit and then quite a reasonable price for refills. Problem for me is I live in SE London so I also have to pay delivery plus VAT on delivery fee albeit its a great service (they do my area once a week and just leave the new one behind the bag gate if I am out).

 

[Mattyde05]

Thanks guys for your quick and informative responses. I will look at both Hobbyweld and Adams has .

 

[Mattyde05]

Also just another quick one . What is the benefit of some C02 being mixed with nitrogen?

 

[Banbeer]

It's for giving a smooth creamy head on stouts etc

 

[Mattyde05]

Oh right I see . Ok thanks

 

[hemanresu]

Hi guys .
ive just brought some corny kegs but am unsure where to get my Co2 from ?I live in Kent UK . Also do I rent the bottles or can I buy the bottle and refill it . I’ve had a look at some websites that you can get them from but it’s a bit confusing.
Hopefully someone can help me .
Thanks matt

Thameside fire protection Basildon Essex SS14 3JD
£16 for a 6kg refill.I cant remember how much they charged for the cylinder but it was around the £50 mark.

 

[Mattyde05]

Thanks for your reply . On average how long does your bottle of C02 last ? I’ve got two corny kegs . Thanks

 

[Banbeer]

On average how long does your bottle of C02 last ? I’ve got two corny kegs

Obviously depends on the way you carbonate and what you are carbonating but a 6.3Kg bottle should last around 1.5-2yrs I've heard, I've only been kegging for 5 months so not 100% sure.

 

[MickDundee]

My first bottle last a week and a half, but that was because 1) I hadn’t tightened the regulator to the tank properly, and 2) I had a leak in my line. I’m extra vigilant now - PTFE tape is your friend!

I had been told somewhere between 6 and 12 months depending on frequency, carbonation levels, whether you are using gas for Closed transfers etc. Which is a lot shorter than Banbeer is reporting above. However I’m also a newbie to kegging and am just under a month in.

 

[Drunkula]

Also just another quick one . What is the benefit of some C02 being mixed with nitrogen?

Nitrogen mix lets you do higher pressure so you can push the beer further, like you'd need to do in a pub. If you're just using it for beer like most people the nitrogen is a waste. You can expect to get about 40 kegs worth out a 6.35kg cylinder if you're not fannying about too much.

Don't be scared of force carbing, it uses less gas than the actual serving, you get the beer quicker and cost wise it works out better than sugar priming the keg and losing beer to the gunk monster. Sugar priming a keg is a complete false economy.

 

[Banbeer]

Good tip I wish I knew before I had my keg delivered is when it arrives weigh it and make a note then as you use it you can keep weighing it and see what persentage of your C02 has been used.

 

[Drunkula]

I wish I knew before I had my keg delivered is when it arrives weigh it and make a note then as you use it you can keep weighing it and see what persentage of your C02 has been used.

There should be weights stamped on the cylinder that give you a rough idea - the tare weight is what it is empty. If you weigh your regulator you can get an idea of how much is left. My Parweld regulator weighs exactly 1100 grams which makes things easy.

 

[MickDundee]

There should be weights stamped on the cylinder that give you a rough idea - the tare weight is what it is empty. If you weigh your regulator you can get an idea of how much is left. My Parweld regulator weighs exactly 1100 grams which makes things easy.

I’m not sure how accurate this is (either that or it’s my scale). My last tank was stamped 13.7kg but was 14.6kg without the regulator attached according to my scales when it was completely empty.

I suspect the 13.7kg didn’t include the plastic handled collar