Keg Charger Questions

TsunamiBeer · 02-07-2012, 08:04 PM

I just ordered a Genuine Innovations Keg Charger from Midwest supply along with a box of cartridges. The website says you MUST use Genuine Innovations CO2 cartridges that cost about a buck more each. When I called Midwest to ask about it, I get the answer that it is what they recommend.

Has anybody used the charger with regular 16g CO2 cartridges, food grade or otherwise?

Can't tell if it is the company line or whether there is a design difference.

This will tell me whether I need to find a different product or a different supplier....

**Hammy71** · 02-07-2012, 09:40 PM

I have used non-threaded 16g cartridges with no issues. I bought a bunch off of ebay before I read a thread on here about how some may have oil in them for CO2 guns. Next time, I'll probably buy something that is more 'food grade'. I've used my stash a couple of times with no ill results or off flavors and plan on using them until I run out. So, I think you are OK using another brand. Just make sure they aren't designed for pellet guns or something.

**outside92129** · 02-08-2012, 01:58 AM

i believe standard bb/pellet gun cartridges are 12g (containing oil!), some soda chargers are 8g, Innovations are 16- that potential confusion (along with a profit motive) is probably why they recommend their cartridges.

TsunamiBeer · 02-08-2012, 02:22 AM

They had 16s that were another brand from Midwest. That is what I ordered.

TsunamiBeer · 02-12-2012, 05:28 AM

I must say that Midwest really came through. They attached two extra cartridges to the package and sent the more expensive brand-name cartridges...Kudos to them.

**mikeysab** · 02-12-2012, 03:59 PM

I bought a box of a hundred 8 gram carts for the first TAD. Nkw that I keg, I want a charger. I'm hoping to use the 8 gram carts. I've read you can stack some dimes to make up the size difference. We'll see.

**Hammy71** · 02-12-2012, 10:52 PM

WYI, I tried to use 12 gram cartridges and it didn't seem to have enough "oomph" to push the beer. Course I have about 5 feet of beer line on my set up.

TsunamiBeer · 02-13-2012, 12:14 AM

Hammy, I was wondering about getting one of those faucets that attach directly to the ball lock. any experience with them? Excess foam?