Kegging without a refrigerator and a few other keg-noob questions?

snailsongs · 02-27-2009, 04:37 PM

1. Is it possible to keg without a spare refridgerator or freezer to use? that seems like the biggest expense to kegging to me.....I have had a keg and C02 cylinder setup since xmas, and I haven't used it because I haven't been able to get the spare cooler.....it just occured to me to try and use it by just keeping the keg in my basement, at cellar temps (low 50's usually)....can I do this, or will I not like the results?

2. Can I fill half a keg with beer and still force-carb and pressurize to serve in a short time frame? (I'd still like to bottle at least some of most batches, for aging research and to send to friends/family)

3. My keg set-up came with spare O-rings, and I can't really figure out where the O-rings are supposed to go. Where are they located for future reference or in case I need to troubleshoot a leak in pressure?

4. How much does C02 cost?

thanks guys!

**david_42** · 02-27-2009, 05:14 PM

1. Some styles are best served at cellar temperatures. Bitters, browns, porters, stouts, etc.
2. yes
3. Big one - lid, mediums - posts, small - tubes under posts.
4. varies a lot. I pay $8/#5.

XXguy · 02-27-2009, 05:22 PM

Get friendly with your local craigslist.org to find a cheap used fridge.... unless your cellar stays 50 degrees year-round.

sirsloop · 02-27-2009, 06:14 PM

I paid $65 for a used sanyo 4910.. Two keg action... go cheap w/ cobra taps and you're money.

njnear76 · 02-27-2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirsloop

I paid $65 for a used sanyo 4910.. Two keg action... go cheap w/ cobra taps and you're money.

Good point. Kegging always seems daunting cost-wise to me since I always factor in the taps. Well perlicks and all the parts will add $60 per tap.

glockentalk · 02-27-2009, 08:31 PM

I've been kegging without a fridge for almost a year. I do want to get one, but I wanted everything else first. Can't say I miss it. My basement is cold enough for my ales. I can always bottle a batch if I want to refrigerate. I'm gonna need a fridge for my daughter's wedding, though, because I've volunteered to supply the drinkables.

**Coastarine** · 02-27-2009, 08:36 PM

You might look into ways that people run the beer line through an icebox to chill the beer on its way to the glass.

glockentalk · 02-27-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coastarine

You might look into ways that people run the beer line through an icebox to chill the beer on its way to the glass.

I was at a party where this technique was used to disastrous effect: all foam. Be sure to try it out at home first.