Corny keg setup for $200?

[mikeysab]

Well now that christmas is over and the gifts have stopped coming in, my thoughts have wandered to starting a keg system. The cash/gift card total was a lowly $200, 100 cash and 100 Northern brewer gift card. I've been reviewing the tap a draft system for months and could get it all done that way for 100, and have enough left to spend at tigerdirect.com on some computer/electronics. Or,I could get started with a corny kegging setup. So does anyone think that for $200 I could actually get rolling with real kegging. Do those small college fridges fit corny's, or do I need something bigger? Obviously I'd need to buy all used kegs and a fridge, but does anyone think it's even remotely possible to try, or should I get the TAD and call it quits for now?

 

[NAUGHTYDOGBREWING]

When I decided to start kegging I went to my lhbs and purchased a corny kit from them. it was a little expensive but when I looked around online it seemed fair. It was 210 with a used corny a new 5lb co2 tank filled all new lines clamps regulator and a corny rebuild kit.

 

[mikeysab]

Oh, I forgot to mention, I dont have a LHBS, so all my shopping will be done online. I live in Staten Island, NY, and there's nothing even close to here.

 

[NAUGHTYDOGBREWING]

unfortunately co2 tanks cant be shipped full so it will cost an extra 15 bucks to have it filled.

 

[Wade E]

You cold most likely get this shipped to your door for about $170 but like said above youll have to find a place to fill your tank or even worse exchange your nice new tankfor a ysed ugly tank. Even with that said the experience of kegging your beer from here on in is worth it. The only thing I would change on these systems is the dispensing hose as they all seem to come with a 3'er and with it being that short they all will just pour foam in my experience, Id get a 10'er myself and replace the 3' pce.
http://www.midwestsupplies.com/products/ProdByID.aspx?ProdID=7738

 

[mikeysab]

thanks for the link wade. The only other thing I'd need would be a fridge, correct? Does anyone know of a mini fridge that would fit a corny keg? Actually maybe the dimensions of a corny would help, and I'd have to do my homework as to finding the smallest fridge to fit one or two kegs.

 

[Wade E]

Everyone here seems to love the Sanyo model 4912! Below is a link to all you need to know and how to do this easily!
https://www.homebrewtalk.com/f35/sanyo-4912-kegerator-conversion-19762/

 

[sea2summit3]

Do those small college fridges fit corny's, or do I need something bigger?

If you're looking in the used market for fridges (craigslist, etc), be sure to measure the fridge. Account for extra room on the top for couplers and webs of gas/beer lines. My college fridge would not have fit cornies! The keggerator I currently have (fits 4 cornies) is much bigger than your typical college fridge.

 

[mikeysab]

I'm thinking 200 smackers isn't going to cut it for this dream of mine. I have too many constraints, money, size of fridge, etc. I remember seeing cornies for 25 bucks, so I was hoping to get super lucky and be able to pull off a cheap system to stick in my brew closet. It's looking like the TAD and a college fridge is going to have to do for now.

 

[CDbrews]

look on craigslist you might find a fridge for free or cheap that would hold the one corney with a picnic tap

 

[sea2summit3]

look on craigslist you might find a fridge for free or cheap that would hold the one corney with a picnic tap

+1 on looking at craigslist. I find an awesome deal on some homebrewing item about once a month. Just a couple days ago, I found a CO2 tank, regulator, 2 sanke couplers, shank and facuet + extras for $50... in almost new condition. Every morning, spend five minutes with craigslist in your area and you might find great deals!

 

[DavidP]

With $200 in hand and wanting to keg I wouldn't waste your money on a tap-a-draft setup. Exercise some patience for a month or two and save up to get a used mini-fridge or chest freezer. Kegging tends to be a something of a money pit but it's well worth it.

 

[Scut_Monkey]

With $200 in hand and wanting to keg I wouldn't waste your money on a tap-a-draft setup. Exercise some patience for a month or two and save up to get a used mini-fridge or chest freezer. Kegging tends to be a something of a money pit but it's well worth it.

Ditto......

 

[Hoppus_Poppatopolis]

Earlier this year I bought a used fridge with CO2 tank, a sanke connector and another connector which I don't recognize, and a faucet that I saw in the local classifieds. My neighbor had two cornies which he picked up for free at a restaurant that was closing and gave them to me for some homebrew.
Total cost for the above: $50.
I spent a few bucks on a new faucet because the old one was brass and I wanted stainless. I think I spent another $25 or so having the tank tested and filled.

Be patient and watch your paper or Craigslist. And don't drill the tap hole near the top of the fridge door like the guy selling mine did. He only left room for about a 4" high tap handle; any taller and the freezer door will hit it.

 

[rca]

Anybody running sales on kegging equipment at this point? I haven't seen anything, but I haven't started looking in earnest yet. I'm thinking I need a 2 corny setup with regulator and tank to get started.

Ron