Keg Confusion

[Rincon]

So up till now ive always bottled my beer (both kit and AG) but this Christmas I was thinking of giving it ago in a key or barrel (as we tend to have a house full and i see no point spending ages washing and drying bottles if i could just wash and dry one barrel) but im totally confused.

I have a barrel that ive never used, it has a tap on the bottom and I believe it has a Brass S30 valve at the top. What should go on this or is it just to release gas?

What about Co2 cartridges? do i need those?

I see a lot about King Kegs why are they better?

Do i need to keep the keg in a fridge?

And lastly, Im assuming the beer goes in the keg at the same time as if you were going to bottle it? Then leave it a month or 2 before drinking?

Or am I totally way off on all these questions and thoughts?

I know its a lot of questions but despite googling and searching im still a bit lost.

Thanks

Craig

 

[ManseMasher]

[ame]http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l4bkkrE2zEU[/ame]

Watch this for some tips mate.

 

[Rincon]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l4bkkrE2zEU

Watch this for some tips mate.

Thats really helpful, thank you!!

 

[charlieboy]

from 6.50 sec to 7m thats what happened to me, good 15 litres wasted and flat

 

[Rincon]

from 6.50 sec to 7m thats what happened to me, good 15 litres wasted and flat

thats so sad!!!! Must make sure that doesn't happen!