Keg Question

SO I see alot of debate of what kegs are made either 304 SS or aluminum. Is there a definitive way to tell? I got a Coors keg and would to find out what its made of. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Apparently not:

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/there-any-way-tell-if-something-stainless-steel-86086/

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f11/my-keg-stainless-steel-aluminum-89311/

Why do you ask?

I'd like to be able to brew with.... Possibly start to put together an AG setup....

Aluminum is quite soft. You will easily be able to scratch it with a knife or some sort of instrument. Either way, it should work as a brewing vessel.

I always thought aluminum produced off flavors. I've been reading thats a myth though cause I see alot of people use aluminum brew kettles. Thoughts?

There is a lot of debate about aluminum boil kettles.

The bottom line is that a lot of us use it and do fine. I don't, but would.

Have you tried a magnet?

Yeah it didn't stick

300 series Stainless is not magnetic. 400 is. A magnet shouldn't stick to 304. Use the scratch test. Either way, you'll get a lot of discussion as to which is better, but there is a lot of evidence (a really good sticky on this site) that shows the old myth about aluminum at low pH being related to brain issues (back before Alzheimer's was defined) as not supported. Taste is another issue and mostly opinion (certain people probably really are more sensitive to residual flavors than others).

busta98 said:

I'd like to be able to brew with.... Possibly start to put together an AG setup....

Click to expand...

Yup, I'd use it in a second.:rockin:
Brew on my friend.

If you turn the keg over and look at the bottom it should say 304 or whatever it is made of. Atleast mine do.

Thanks for all the info guys! Looks like I got an AG kit to start building!!! :rockin:

busta98 said:

Thanks for all the info guys! Looks like I got an AG kit to start building!!! :rockin:

Click to expand...

So, what is the prognosis? I would guess stainless being Coors.

A rare earth magnet sticks to mine.

I looked all over it and couldn't find any markings that could tell me. I even looked on the bottom.

If a magnet sticks just a little then it has to be stainlesss. Aluminiun won't stick at all.