New Kegging Questions

[BrewIt]

I'm taking the big leap into kegging. It should have happened a long time ago! I have a few questions though. I was wondering what brand of CO2 regulators to look into. I know to get a 2 gauge regulator. Also I was going to get a 10# bottle. Was wondering where the best place is to get one and a ballpark price on both the tank and regulator. Any input would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[glick]

Why not just purchase a kit?

 

[GunnyB]

Can't remember the cost since it was a kit through KegConnection but it is a Taprite. Check into where you will either refill or exchange cylinders. My local Air Gas only does 5# or 20# but not 10# (which I purchased).

 

[BrewIt]

I may do a kit. That's why I was asking opinions. My local welding supply does 10# bottles.

 

[GunnyB]

Check out the company I listed above. The setup is great, came put together mostly, and when I had a question about stuff they were more than happy to answer/clear up stuff. I'm certain that other suppliers are the same but Keg Connection is who I ordered from. BTW, get the 525SS Perlicks as they are fantastic and worth the upgrade

 

[day_trippr]

fwiw, I wouldn't buy a new CO2 tank unless you've already found a place that will do refills on demand. Many if not most gas suppliers only do tank swaps these days, so you could easily end up with a gnarly tank in exchange for your shiny new one...


Cheers!

 

[ticktock]

Look close at regulator, buy quality and save $ in long run.

 

[BrewIt]

fwiw, I wouldn't buy a new CO2 tank unless you've already found a place that will do refills on demand. Many if not most gas suppliers only do tank swaps these days, so you could easily end up with a gnarly tank in exchange for your shiny new one...


Cheers!

The welding supply shop I go to fills it while I wait.

 

[BrewIt]

How are Chudnow and Taprite regulators?

 

[Dolomieu]

Birdmanbrewing.com has some decent pricing on keg kits too.

 

[BrewIt]

Birdmanbrewing.com has some decent pricing on keg kits too.

That's who I'm probably getting it through.

 

[BigFloyd]

That's who I'm probably getting it through.

After shopping around a bunch, I purchased my 3-faucet keezer system from Brian at Birdman. Great guy to buy from.

Suggestions:

-Upgrade to a Taprite reg

-Upgrade to Perlick 525SS faucets and stainless shanks

-Call Brian and see about setting it up with 10-12ft of beer line instead of the standard 5ft. I wish I had done that since I'm now using 12ft lines.

 

[BrewIt]

After shopping around a bunch, I purchased my 3-faucet keezer system from Brian at Birdman. Great guy to buy from.

Suggestions:

-Upgrade to a Taprite reg

-Upgrade to Perlick 525SS faucets and stainless shanks

-Call Brian and see about setting it up with 10-12ft of beer line instead of the standard 5ft. I wish I had done that since I'm now using 12ft lines.

Thanks for the info. After looking around I was going to order from him and upgrade to the Taprite regulator. For now I'm just doing a picnic faucet. Why are you using 12' beer hoses now?

 

[BigFloyd]

Thanks for the info. After looking around I was going to order from him and upgrade to the Taprite regulator. For now I'm just doing a picnic faucet. Why are you using 12' beer hoses now?

It allows you to serve at 12psi and have a carb level around 2.5 volumes without excess foam.

 

[BrewIt]

It allows you to serve at 12psi and have a carb level around 2.5 volumes without excess foam.

Very good. Thanks for the input. I still have a bit to learn about kegging.

 

[fridge011]

i dont know if a 20# co2 tank is too big for you, but i ordered one from this guy. $40 plus $20 or so shipping to louisiana. everything went good and a lot of people bought from him. i believe he also has aluminum tanks for a little higher price.

https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f16/40-20-co2-tanks-415193/?highlight=tank

 

[BrewIt]

I'll look into that. I'm just going to be running 1 keg for now and expand later. A new 10# tank filled from the local welding supply shop is $80. That's a pretty good deal and even a 10# tank is too big. But I figure I'll grow into it. Thanks for the heads up. Much appreciated.

 

[BigFloyd]

I'll look into that. I'm just going to be running 1 keg for now and expand later. A new 10# tank filled from the local welding supply shop is $80. That's a pretty good deal and even a 10# tank is too big. But I figure I'll grow into it. Thanks for the heads up. Much appreciated.

Even running three taps and force carbing, a 10# tank lasts me a long time.

 

[BrewIt]

Even running three taps and force carbing, a 10# tank lasts me a long time.

That's what I figured. I'm only going to be running 1 keg for a little while. So I should be set for a long time.