Have you ever re-used the small supermarket kegs?

crofty83 · Apr 27, 2012

As the subject suggests really. I have noticed in supermarkets they have started to sell larger in small pressurised kegs. It seems to have a cap on the top where it was filled but has anyone ever tried to re-fill them

oz11 · Apr 27, 2012

I have re-used those type but I wouldn't use them again. The tap is flimsy and started to leak after my second refill, and the top bung is different to those that are used with Easy Kegs. It's very hard to remove without damaging the keg and given the tap issue I wouldn't bother again. If you can find ones with the better top bung (red plastic inserted into a black rubber bung) and the tap that turns rather than the push-button shown above than I'd definitely go for it. YMMV!

StrangeBrew · Apr 27, 2012

you can buy re-usable versions of these with spare bungs etc being available...

http://www.the-home-brew-shop.co.uk/aca ... _5ltr.html

:drink:

charlie_mead_face · Apr 27, 2012

i found this a few weeks ago its a bit pricey but looks very cool
http://www.brewsmarter.co.uk/brewferm-m ... 1272-p.asp

BIGJIM72 · Apr 28, 2012

If you are looking at mini kegs don't buy the starter kit-the plastic dispensing tap is ok (lasted me a year) but for that kind of money I would recommend buying bits separately. Leyland homebrew sell the Party Star tap which is much sturdier (although the dip tubes can be easily broken by over tightening) & has a longer serving pipe which gives a much nicer head. I use these rather than standard Co2
http://www.creamsupplies.co.uk/16gm-cre ... ?category=
Check out your local micros as well. There is a chain called Zero Degrees close to us that will sell full minis for aroundÂ£17-which isn't so bad when you can recycle the keg.

I use them quite a lot,but there are a few do's & don'ts

Do make sure you have reached your final FG before kegging
Don't over prime- I find 1 1/2 -2 teaspoons of sugar per keg more than enough. Too much priming sugar or kegging when the FG is too high can result in bulging or blown kegs
Always check kegs before use for distortion or damage along the welded seam
Always rinse well after use & sanitising
Don't be tempted with an expensive minikeg fridge. I found a cheap one on ebay for about Â£20 that will also run from a car cigarette lighter.

Thusyned · Apr 24, 2014

BIGJIM72 said:
If you are looking at mini kegs don't buy the starter kit-the plastic dispensing tap is ok (lasted me a year) but for that kind of money I would recommend buying bits separately. Leyland homebrew sell the Party Star tap which is much sturdier (although the dip tubes can be easily broken by over tightening) & has a longer serving pipe which gives a much nicer head. I use these rather than standard Co2
http://www.creamsupplies.co.uk/16gm-cre ... ?category=
Check out your local micros as well. There is a chain called Zero Degrees close to us that will sell full minis for aroundÂ£17-which isn't so bad when you can recycle the keg.

I use them quite a lot,but there are a few do's & don'ts

Do make sure you have reached your final FG before kegging
Don't over prime- I find 1 1/2 -2 teaspoons of sugar per keg more than enough. Too much priming sugar or kegging when the FG is too high can result in bulging or blown kegs
Always check kegs before use for distortion or damage along the welded seam
Always rinse well after use & sanitising
Don't be tempted with an expensive minikeg fridge. I found a cheap one on ebay for about Â£20 that will also run from a car cigarette lighter.

Hello BIGJIM72, I have modified blend twice and still not operating so have taken to my Small store nowadays for them to kind as still under assurance. I am having issues discovering an adapter that suits the smokeless heavy I have three but nine fit? Can anyone let me know which kind of adaptor will fit the smokeless heavy or deliver me a weblink to where I can buy one?

Duxuk · Apr 24, 2014

Funnily enough Bigjim72, I went to Leyland homebrew (about 7 miles away) a while ago and talked to the guy in the shop, who I had not seen before or since, and he said that the mini kegs were for taking beer to parties etc. and were not intended for long term use. Pity. They would be ideal to use if they had a good life expectancy and reliability.