Calling kegging gurus

[Smashing]

I'm still very new to brewing but in light of Kegconnections sale tomorrow I'm thinking of jumping into kegging faster than expected. Needless to say I haven't done much research on it. Ok, almost none. LOL! I need help and a crash course.
My main questions are: Will the "starter kits" like this be a good enough?
http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=514

Is the 2.5# or 5# co2 tank the better option?

Pin or Ball lock?

Cheers guys!

 

[ArcaneXor]

I got my kegging setup from Kegconnection. I like the Taprite regulator, 10 lbs CO2 tank and ball lock kegs. Taprite because it's easy to adjust without having to use a screwdriver, 10 lb tank because it requires refilling only 2-3 times a year while still not being very heavy (a 2.5 lbs tank would have to be refilled all the time, and the refills can be pricey for small tanks), and ball lock kegs because they are skinnier - with pin locks, I wouldn't be able to fit two kegs inside my Sanyo fridge.

Call them up - they'll customize your order for you.

 

[JonK331]

Yeah that looks perfect. I would go with the 5# for sure unless it won't fit in your fridge. Go with ball lock, I haven't really seen too many pin lock kegs around.

 

[Smashing]

I really appreciate the quick responses!

What do you mean by ball lock with a pin lock - did you mod it?

Once you keg does it need refrigeration right away?

Do you need to put the co2 tank in the fridge or can you run it remotely?

I only plan a few kegs a year. How many kegs can a 5# run on average?

 

[motobrewer]

those kits are freakin great.

i got the 3-tap kit. get a perlick, its really a must-have. and taprite.

5# will probably do 3-4 kegs carbing and serving. i have a 10# and it lasts me quite a while. 2.5 is pretty small, but i'd rather have perlick/taprite and a 2.5lb tank than standard faucet/reg and a 5 lb.

ball lock. and get 10 ft beer lines.

 

[Shooter]

What do you mean by ball lock with a pin lock - did you mod it?

Are you referring to this?

...and ball lock kegs because they are skinnier - with pin locks, I wouldn't be able to fit two kegs inside my Sanyo fridge.

If so, he means he uses ball locks because they are skinnier. IF he was using pin locks he couldn't fit as many. He's not talking about modified kegs.

 

[ArcaneXor]

Are you referring to this?



If so, he means he uses ball locks because they are skinnier. IF he was using pin locks he couldn't fit as many. He's not talking about modified kegs.

That! +1

 

[MattCA]

I got this one here
Good price, free shipping, shipped fast,ball lock keg is in good condition (standard, not B grade), yes tap is already starting to stick.

Ball lock and pin lock are diff connections and also like they said ball lock kegs are a little taller and skinner

You don't need to refrigerate right away. You can carb it with sugar and let it sit. You just need to seal it with 30 lbs co2 after racking beer.

You can run co2 inside or outside fridge. Preference.

 

[Smashing]

Are you referring to this?



If so, he means he uses ball locks because they are skinnier. IF he was using pin locks he couldn't fit as many. He's not talking about modified kegs.

Yes I was. Boy did I misread that!!! lol! I could always upgrade to a metal tap later if I were to go with the cheap plastic tap for now, right?

 

[Shooter]

Yep, I started out with the plastic cobra taps and they work just fine. I've since upgraded to a set of Perlicks.

 

[funkadelicturkey]

I'm not a guru but I have been drinking and I do keg. First step is to get a kegerator or spare fridge that SWMBO doesn't mind being crowded by beer. Second step is to pick up a keg kit like the one you linked. I picked up this one (http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=428) anticipating converting a minifridge into a kegerator. After drilling through the freezer line on a free minifridge (d'oh) I purchased a Danby DKC645BL off a guy on craigslist. I hooked it up to a johnson temperature controller since the thermostat was busted. So, I ended up with an extra tower, now I want a tower with three taps but to many $$$.

To answer questions: ball lock is the bomb, easy to hook up, easy to clean. 5lb CO2 is enough to carb and push around 7-10 5 gallon kegs. If you pick up a Danby they usually come with CO2 tanks and regulators. They also come standard keg connection so if you lag in homebrew you can buy a keg and drink that.

Above all clean and sanitize your equipment regularly (between beers), using something like and brew clean and starsan. And above that DWRHAHB and enjoy your delicious beer!!!