Advice on what to buy for adding more taps?

[Yesfan]

Hey gang,

I plan on buying a bigger freezer as I would like to have a couple more brews on tap. I currently have a basic 4 tap keezer with 4-way distributor and single tank and simple regulator.

What I would like is the ability to have a new keg force carbing while still serving from the other kegs. I'm looking at having 6 taps and bought two more Perlicks a few months back.

What about the air distributor? I have a 4 way now. I know a dual body regulator would probably be recommended. Would I have to do that, or could I use a secondary regular before/after the distributor (I see those listed at keg connection so was curious)? Could I just add another 4 way, or is it better to get a 7-8 way distributor? I thought 6 taps serving, one beer carbing would require at least a 7 way.

I'm thinking I need at least a dual body regulator and a bigger distributor. What else am I missing and/or what would you do? I don't want to blow a lot of unnecessary money, but I want to make sure I do it right too.

 

[Hammy71]

I think you have it down. A dual regulator is a must if your going to be serving a stout or something that requires a separate serving pressure. But, with 6 on tap and one charging, you shouldn't need to burst carb so you can just carb at serving temps. So, if you don't think you'll be doing any stouts, you should be OK with just getting a bigger manifold. However, I'd suggest you go with the dual regulator/6-way distributer combo if you can swing it. No sense having regrets down the road.

 

[chickypad]

Like Hammy said, it all depends what you want. If you carb all your beers to the same level and use the set and forget method you don't need a dual body or secondary regulator, you could just add another 4 way in line if you can't build onto your current distributor. On the other hand if you do a lot of burst carbing at high pressure or want to have multiple serving pressures then you'll likely want at least one extra regulator. It's not a problem to put a low pressure secondary downstream from your first manifold if that will fit your goals. That's what I do, because I need a few lines for carbing beers to a low level for my stout faucet.

 

[Yesfan]

This is the 4-way I have.

link


Could I just add another 3 or 4 way to what I have? If so, I guess all I need is another barb and some tubing to connect the two, right? What size barb? 5/16? or 1/4?

I think with the dual body reg, I like the idea of having some beers at different pressures and/or having one keg burst carbing while I can serve from the others. Right now, when I keg a new batch of beer, I shut the valves off except the one going to the new keg. I bump the pressure up to 20-30lbs for a day, then bump it back down to serving pressure (12lbs), then open up the valves to the other kegs.

I still have bottled home brew for that day I have a new keg carbing, but sometimes I'm in the mood for what's in the other kegs.

I guess I should bottle a few from my kegs before carbing up the new batch

Thanks guys!

 

[chickypad]

If you want to just expand your current distrubutor you could get another one like you have and connect it with a piece like this. That doesn't solve your problem of wanting a line for burst carbing though.

 

[Yesfan]

If you want to just expand your current distrubutor you could get another one like you have and connect it with a piece like this. That doesn't solve your problem of wanting a line for burst carbing though.

Yeah, that's why I'm thinking about the dual body regulator.

Which would you do?

1) Buy the dual body regulator. One gauge is for serving pressure, and the other is for burst carbing. Both distributors would be on serving line

2) Keep what I have but get a secondary regulator and a splitter. The line from the main regulator would be split, with one for burst carbing and the other going to the secondary regulator that's set for serviing. As with #1, both the distributors would be on the serving line.

 

[chickypad]

Again seems like personal preference, either way will work. If you keep your tank outside the keezer you'll need 2 holes going in with the dual regulator. I prefer just one line in with the secondary mounted inside. If you're happy with your current regulator just buying a secondary is certainly going to be cheaper.

 

[Yesfan]

Thanks. I really appreciate the help.