2.5 Gallon Keg System

[Ringo311]

Hey All. I've been bottle brewing for a couple years with mixed results and I think its time to move on to kegging.

I'm intrigued by the 2.5 gallon keg systems. I like the flexibility and smaller batch size, since I'll be the one doing most of the sampling.

Any advice for setting up these systems?. I dont see a lot of examples out there. A quality kegerator that can hold (2) x 2.5 gallon kegs is a must for me.

Thanks!

 

[chickypad]

One thing to consider with 2.5 gal kegs is that some of them stack - they were handy when I had my smaller upright keezer. I've got the ones that they used to sell at Adventures in homebrewing but I don't think they have them anymore, they are just slightly taller than a 5 gal corney keg when stacked. The torpedos are on sale at a few places right now and those stack. Unfortunately IME it's nearly impossible to find used in that size.

 

[Ringo311]

Cool, thanks. I like those alot.

Before I pick something up. Is there a difference in keg quality? Are ball lock kegs preferred to pin lock?

 

[McKnuckle]

I love 2.5 gallon kegs. I have two each of 5, 3, and 2.5... and to be honest, I wish they were all 2.5! The small batches really work for the amount of beer my wife and I drink, especially with styles that need to be fresh and/or hoppy. I simply can't drink enough of those to justify bigger volumes unless it's the only beer I have on tap - and that's never the case!

I don't know if I've ever seen pin lock 2.5ers. Mine are all ball lock. They're identical to the larger kegs in every way except height.

 

[Lefou]

One of my goals is to eventually move on to kegs and nitrogen carbonation. It just seems to be more efficient to me. Can't justify it right now because there's too much invested in glass and learning the basics of bottle conditioning.
In the meantime, I just might try figuring out how to simplify a Rube Goldberg project with a pressurized container and a bicycle tire pump. Air is 78% nitrogen so I'm told, so that's a start.

 

[Yooper]

One of my goals is to eventually move on to kegs and nitrogen carbonation. It just seems to be more efficient to me. Can't justify it right now because there's too much invested in glass and learning the basics of bottle conditioning.
In the meantime, I just might try figuring out how to simplify a Rube Goldberg project with a pressurized container and a bicycle tire pump. Air is 78% nitrogen so I'm told, so that's a start.

Nitrogen carbonation? Carbonation is from c02 (carbonic acid). Nitrogen can push beer nicely, with a creamy head, but it won't carbonate it. Beer gas (75% nitrogen, 25% C02) can work with the right pressures, but it's not very efficient. You'd need like 100 psi to keep a beer carbonated with beer gas. It is generally used to dispense beers where you want a creamy and cascading head and mouthfeel.

 

[myelo]

In the meantime, I just might try figuring out how to simplify a Rube Goldberg project with a pressurized container and a bicycle tire pump. Air is 78% nitrogen so I'm told, so that's a start.

It's also 20% oxygen, which is bad for beer storage and 0.04% C02, which is not enough to carbonate beer.

 

[Homercidal]

I have a couple of 2.5 gallon Torpedo kegs and I want 2 more. I can only fit 2 kegs in my kegerator. With the torpedos, I can stack them and fit 4 of them in there. So right now I can fit 3 of my kegs in there (until I get more 2.5 torpedos, that is...)

I have found brewing 2.5 gallons of beer is enjoyable. Since I'm the only one drinking beer in my house that is an ok amount at a time. And I have the option to use a 5 gallon keg for something as mundane as an IPA, Witbier, etc. I use the 2.5 gallons for quick carbing batches, competition batches where I don't necessarily want 5 gallons, or for experiments.

They have been awesome for me. Only complaint is that I have noticed at least one of them doesn't seal as easily if the lid is put in the wrong way. Normally it doesn't matter which way you put the lid in, but once I put a lid in one of these and it leaked around the O-rig. I turned it around and it was fine. Also, the dull finish is easily marred by rubbing on other things. Also you can't connect/disconnect the fittings on the bottom keg when they are stacked, but that's obvious.

I'm about to build a gas manifold for my kegerator in preparation for 2 more 2.5 gallon kegs. Maybe Santa will bring me another pair!

 

[Weezy]

I use them and I built a traditional Keezer. I wish I would have used an upright full fridge and just put the taps out the front door.

 

[Steveruch]

I have a couple of 2.5 gallon Torpedo kegs !

Do they actually hold 2.5 gallons?
I've seen postings about the 5 gallon torpedo kegs not holding a full 5 gallons.

 

[Homercidal]

Do they actually hold 2.5 gallons?
I've seen postings about the 5 gallon torpedo kegs not holding a full 5 gallons.

You know, I never actually measured it. I lent one out this week and expect it back soon. I will try to calculate the actual volume and let you know. I know it's close enough for me.

 

[jekeane]

The 1.5 gallon ones hold a little more that 1.5 gallons. I love them. I'm planning on getting a few 2.5 eventually. I'm a big fan of splitting batches and smaller batch sizes.

 

[treacheroustexan]

In my kegerator I have one 5 gallon ball lock, and one 2.5 gallon ball lock from morebeer. Couldn't be happier with the 2.5 gallon one!

 

[govner1]

Cool, thanks. I like those alot.



Before I pick something up. Is there a difference in keg quality? Are ball lock kegs preferred to pin lock?

I use all 3 gal kegs & have 11.
Definitely avoid any of the Chinese crap ( usually shiny). The Italian made kegs and used American made are very good quality.

 

[Steveruch]

I use all 3 gal kegs & have 11.
Definitely avoid any of the Chinese crap ( usually shiny). The Italian made kegs and used American made are very good quality.

Torpedo kegs are made in China which has turned me off of getting one of those. Some kegs are made in India; I have no idea if those are any good.

 

[freshouj]

If you can find the older 3-gal American made kegs with one black handle I'd recommend those. Built like a tank and usually cheaper than new 2.5-gal kegs. Check Craigslist.

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