Getting started with kegs

[Krone9]

I have a brew going and am thinking I might have a go at kegs rather than bottle this one, but am a bit unsure where to start....

Can anyone advise on a starter set up?

After a bit of reading seems like the right thing would be a corni keg, regulator, some tubes and a CO2 canister - do I need a fridge too? I guess it needs to be big enough to fit the keg inside but is there a standard one everyone uses?

Getting the beer out then (important!) requires more tubing and some sort of tap - but I'm a bit confused around what exactly a kegerator is and whether this is sensible or if I should get something more portable as most of the brewing is done in the garage and if I just sit there and drink too SWMBO will get grumpy.

Thanks!

 

[uDicko]

Personally, I would get your suggested kit above.

Regulator
Cornelius keg
Gas and liquid connects
Party tap with line as well (malt Miller has one with pipe and connect which works well)
Some sort of gas set up

The gas set up is probably your bit you need to consider the most.

If you are going to force carbonate your bright beer from the FV then you may want a larger tank of co2. Sodastream works well with the relevant adapter for the regulator but it will work out significantly more expensive than big co2 tank refills.

If you decide to use priming sugar and carbonate that way you may be OK with a small regulator and co2 bulbs. More expensive than a tank or sodastream but infinitely more portable and easy to hide out of the way.

As for kegerator, I've been kegging years and don't have one. Never really had issues with my beer so this may be an expense you could avoid whilst dipping your toes in. I do however have cold spots I can store my beer in the shade.

Hope this helps but you are on the right track

 

[Krone9]

Super helpful - thanks all. When you say a large CO2 tank uDicko are you thinking 6kg? (And where is best place to find them)

My brewcave is a large garage so I have tons of room

 

[uDicko]

I use sodastream now as I have made a mistake of buying a 6kg tank in the past and not being able to find a local decent supplier of co2 as many places want you to swap a tank and not refill yours.

However I think a few people used ALDD
www.aldd.co.uk

Can't vouch or comment on process or price's but the regulars here won't be wrong.

 

[The Baron]

yes do not make the mistake of buying a cylinder as they need safety tests every so many years due to the high pressure involved and that is why most companies will not refill unknown cylinders or ones from other suppliers. I use ALDD or Air Liquide as it is also known as a example they charge a deposit of @ £65 for the cylinder and just exchange the cylinder for a filled one when empty at @£17. The deposit is refundable at any time so if you decide to pack in you can take the cylinder back. It is one of the cheapest ways to get your CO2 on average and they do have depots around the country
Ps Chippy do we have a CO2 suppliers list as a Sticky as it comes up regular does the supply problem

 

[Minimag1]

Agree with the above, I don't have a kegarator, as I mostly drink ales at room temp. I would recommend a pub cylinder arrangement rather than sodastream type as this will work out cheaper in the long run. I didnt pay a deposit at ALDD and the first cylinder (I'm still on it), cost me ~£20

 

[The Baron]

Yes Minimag the reason I put £65 is that is what should be charged however some depots especially the smaller ones turn a blind eye and if you are lucky get it with no deposit but it is not gospel

 

[Jay Nelson]

Check out your local drinks wholesaler Krone, i just picked up a 6kg bottle for £45 including the deposit for the cylinder.

Where abouts are you?

 

[Krone9]

Oh that sounds great. I'm near Newbury

 

[Jay Nelson]

http://www.dayladrinks.co.uk/other/dispense-gas/

Quick google has thrown these guys up in Aylesbury. Doesn't show costs but I found that these type of companies were most reasonable on prices.

 

[chrisbjones202]

I got my Adams gas bottle exchanged in Carterton (near Brise Norton), looks like there is also a stockist in Watlington. Check prices/location as after changing jobs it’s a trek for me to get a refill.

 

[Krone9]

I had a go this weekend - after a bit of trail and error I got the hang of it. Using a sodasteaam bottle to start with.

Thanks for the tips!