CO2 Regulator Advise

[DrumForHire]

I'm thinking of replacing my CO2 regulator for a few reasons. 1) There's a slow leak somewhere in my system that I haven't pinpointed yet, but I suspect it's somewhere in the regulator. 2) The pressure valve requires a screwdriver, and I'd like something with a knob. 3) Along with the other two reasons, it might be a good chance to get a dual-read regulator.

My question is, are all regulators created equally? I'm figuring since there are several applications for gas regulators outside of home brewing I don't have to rely on a home brew shop to find a good one, but I also want to make sure I don't end up with the frustrations of a cheap product. Can I trust something from Amazon? (I have a few gift cards burning a hole in my pocket) Advice is helpful, but if you have a regulator you like I'd love to check out a link. Thanks all!

 

[TheHopfather]

I'd vote Taprite. I started out with a crappy no name regulator that gave me nothing but trouble. I upgraded to a dual gauge Taprite and it has been rock solid. So good in fact that I got another single gauge Taprite to use as my utility setup for CO2 transfers, keg purging, etc. around the brewery.

They aren't the cheapest regulators but they are good.

Dual Gauge: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002QAP6JC/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20
Single Gauge: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00J97GTYQ/?tag=skimlinks_replacement-20

 

[bleme]

If you look at the Amazon reviews, nothing gets better scores than the Taprite (which is what I have). However, the HLTEK seems to be fine if you get one with a good PRV and runs $13 cheaper.

 

[Rev2010]

Taprite and be done with it! I am a huge Taprite fan and have used their primary and secondary regulars with zero issues. Had a previous regulator from KegCo and that failed after one keg change no joke. That's how I came across Taprite. Been a happy customer ever since.


Rev.

 

[mirthfuldragon]

I bought a "Pro CO2 Beer Regulator" from Amazon; currently $69.99 (a fair bit cheaper than the Taprite). I am very satisfied with it. 52 reviews averaging 4.4 stars. Not trying to dissuade you on the Taprite, but there are other options out there. I have had mine for about 6 months without any issues. I was having the same debate as the OP, and chose to save some bucks, and didn't have any issues, so there's my review (sample size: 1).

 

[DrumForHire]

I think I'm going with the Taprite. That's right in my price range. Are the ones on Amazon legit?

 

[Rev2010]

I think I'm going with the Taprite. That's right in my price range. Are the ones on Amazon legit?

Yep, it's shipped and sold by Amazon. I recently bought the same dual regulator linked above for my new kegerator. With my prior triple tap kegerator I had the single gauge gauge along with a triple product secondary regular for a few years. Only sold it all due to a divorce and move.

Rev.

 

[SEndorf]

My first regulator was some POS that was screwdriver adjusted. No matter how little I tweeked it, it would either be 3 psi or 30.
Moved to all Taprite.
As some others suggest, perhaps they're not the only good game in town but at least you can be confident of paying for a quality product.

 

[DrumForHire]

So, the Taprite dual gauge regulator came in yesterday. Hooked it up and I'm already in love with it! Solidly built. Love the dials that are easy to fine-tune and lock in. I've always wondered why regulators rely on a plastic washer to prevent leaking instead of a rubber gasket, and I was delighted to find that the Taprite has the rubber gasket I've pined for. Great recommendation all. Thanks for the help!