Getting started with kegs

[Tom Parsons]

I have a lovely new log cabin home office. It's big enough that I can finally start kegging my beer.

Problem is that I know next to nothing about kegging beer - can anyone recommend some reading for me to work out what equipment I need and how to use it?

 

[AnimatedGIF]

I can't recommend a specific thread but there's lots on here.
That said, I would start with a couple of youtube videos. Again, plenty out there, but there's nothing better than seeing someone doing it, in my opinion. If I remember, I'll try to link to a couple tomorrow unless you find some first.
Do you have the equipment yet? If not I can recommend either Brew Keg Tap, or The Malt Miller. I use both for different reasons, depending on what I am buying at the time. Both do complete keg staryer kits with everything you'll need (except possibly the CO2).
Two things are pretty much guaranteed:

1. You won't look back
2. You'll end up with more than one keg

 

[AnimatedGIF]

Sorry, just re-read that you don't have the equipment yet

 

[AnimatedGIF]

This is worth a read. Just saw it when looking to buy more kegs...

https://www.themaltmiller.co.uk/blog/so-you-want-to-start-kegging-your-home-brew/

 

[Tom Parsons]

Thanks AnimatedGIF. I've been watching some YouTube videos and feel like I will now be able start making some choices. Very tempted by a keggarator - that's a whole new can of worms!

 

[Gerryjo]

Thanks AnimatedGIF. I've been watching some YouTube videos and feel like I will now be able start making some choices. Very tempted by a keggarator - that's a whole new can of worms!

A keggerator is certainly a worthy piece of kit if you are kegging though set up will set you back but if you can get a second hand fridge or freezer to get started it will certainly help.My problem is I have one built and have had to stop using it as my son has commandeered my brew room for his bedroom now and have nowhere else to put it but shall work that out over time.

 

[xozzx]

1. You'll end up with more than one keg

I thought I was done when I had 10 x 19L cornies and 1 x 5L mini.... Bought another 5L and 2 x cornies as I definitely needed more!

 

[AnimatedGIF]

I thought I was done when I had 10 x 19L cornies and 1 x 5L mini.... Bought another 5L and 2 x cornies as I definitely needed more!

Heading down a similar path myself...

 

[Flat Foot]

My problem is I have one built and have had to stop using it as my son has commandeered my brew room for his bedroom now and have nowhere else to put it but shall work that out over time.

Cabin bed got the son!

 

[Gerryjo]

Cabin bed got the son!

Converted garage got the son as I did feel sorry for him as he was sharing a room with his younger brother but I'm just a big softie at heart.

 

[Rodcx500z]

Corny kegs are like rabbits they breed quicker than you blink, i started with one now got 4, 2 gas bottles, just bought my first tap and now looking at 10l kegs for holidays, but as above you will not regret it

 

[Victor Churchill]

I am feeling a bit stuck with my one keg. I lost my first SodaStream cylinder-full when I had a brainf*rt and misconnected a heating belt, thereby melting the CO2 pipe from regulator to keg. Bought a CO2 refill for the SS cylinder, connected up, drew a nice few glasses, then came down a few days later to find the SodaStream had emptied and I had no CO2. I don't know why. I had started turning the gas off at the regulator when not serving because I wanted to avoid just that. So I now have a pretty full keg of (still quite nice I hope) dark old ale but no means to serve it and I am nervous of buying more gas cos I seem very good at losing it.

I half-know I ought to get a proper 6.35Kg cylinder and stop faffing around with SodaStream cylinders but worry about the risk of losing a whole tank full.

When you use a regular size CO2 cylinder, does it have its own shut off tap before it gets to the regulator? And,
Is the cylinder 'open' through the regulator all the time between servings, or do you just pressurise the keg and then turn the gas off?

 

[AnimatedGIF]

I am feeling a bit stuck with my one keg. I lost my first SodaStream cylinder-full when I had a brainf*rt and misconnected a heating belt, thereby melting the CO2 pipe from regulator to keg. Bought a CO2 refill for the SS cylinder, connected up, drew a nice few glasses, then came down a few days later to find the SodaStream had emptied and I had no CO2. I don't know why. I had started turning the gas off at the regulator when not serving because I wanted to avoid just that. So I now have a pretty full keg of (still quite nice I hope) dark old ale but no means to serve it and I am nervous of buying more gas cos I seem very good at losing it.

I half-know I ought to get a proper 6.35Kg cylinder and stop faffing around with SodaStream cylinders but worry about the risk of losing a whole tank full.

When you use a regular size CO2 cylinder, does it have its own shut off tap before it gets to the regulator? And,
Is the cylinder 'open' through the regulator all the time between servings, or do you just pressurise the keg and then turn the gas off?

I think you need to find where the leak is. To do this, hook up to CO2 (ok, so you may need to get a soda stream refill for that), and spray all connections woth soapy water.
I would advocate a full size CO2 cylinder. Yes, they have their own shut off built in so you can isolate when not in use. I'll be honest, my cylinder stays on all the time, and I seldom touch the regulator either.

 

[RoomWithABrew]

You could get a 6.35 and then the adapter to refill your SS cylinder.
But you need to find the leak. Immersion in water is also a good way to find leaks in some components.
If using duotight fittings make sure that the tubing is really pushed in far enough also done up a quarter turn more than firm hand tight with a spanner.

 

[Eskimo John]

I would go for the full sized cylinder. Lots of small gas bottles sounds like an expensive way in any event.
Once you have the cylinder then refills aren't too expensive in the grand scheme of things and one carbonation is good you can turn off the gas when it's not being used.
Get a decent pressure gauge unit as well. One that tells you what pressure you have in the bottle and in the line as well. Then you need only turn on the gas when the line side drops. (It will tell you if have a leak in the line if the pressure drops with the gas off and no beer is being dispensed. )
But find the leak first.

 

[RoomWithABrew]

Although if you drink a pint and turn the gas on then off likely you will see pressure drop in the system once off as it all equalises.