First time kegging - keg is pressurized?

[midnightferret]

OK, this is going to be silly.

I just got my Keg Connection kegerator kit. I want to put my beer in the keg. I read all of the FAQs. My kegs are pressurized! So, I should open them (carefully), clean them, sanitize them, and put the beer in, right? Then I should make it cold and begin the force carb process.

Right?

 

[JohnnyO]

Yes, you should definitely clean and sanitize your kegs before using them. While they come to you pressurized so you can see that they can hold the pressure, you don't know what process they went through to clean them. It is a good idea to clean and sanitize, and possibly replace the o-rings. I personally didn't replace the o-rings, and was fine. I think I was lucky though. Smell them. If they have an odor of soda or possibly rootbeer, you should probably replace them. Also, inspect them for any tears in them.

 

[midnightferret]

Keg connection said they cleaned them and I believe replaced the O-rings (I will check). It just totally threw me when I went to open one up and it hissed at me! HAHA! Thanks for your patience with my question!

-Christine

 

[user 21663]

Some of the cleaners these vendors use smell sweet like soda. I usually soak with warm oxiclean, and then force that out using co2 to another keg of bucket to clean the dip tube.

I got my keg setup from Keg connection and it is great! Have not had a single issue with it except I can keep enough beer on tap.

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

I got my keg setup from Keg connection and it is great! Have not had a single issue with it except I can keep enough beer on tap.

Cheers to that!

 

[TipsyDragon]

next time you get a keg pull the release tab (that little keyring looking thing attached to the lid). its the safest way to bleed the pressure off. once it stops hissing its safe to open. then do like you where thinking.

 

[JesseRYC]

+1 to that. I got my kegerator system through kegconnection as well. That place is awesome!

 

[midnightferret]

@TipsyDragon Yes, That is what I was talking about: I pulled the keyring thing and it hissed at me! I was totally floored, and began to doubt myself. I cleaned and sanitized, and transferred beer. All seems right with the world, so far.

Keg Connection is awesome!

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

My only gripe with kegconnection is their corny keg prices have skyrocketed. When I originally purchased my equipment they were like $29, now they are over $36, I have since gone to my LHBS to buy kegs because I get a 10% discount for being in our local brewclub, and even with tax they are less than KC.

However, KC's customer service is unbeatable. 6 in one 1/2 dozen in the other I guess.

 

[Scubasteve1976]

You guys should check out Adventures in Homebrewing (www.homebrewing.org). They have (4) ball lock kegs for $80. You will need to replace the o-rings, but it is still a great deal depending on how much it is to ship to whereever you live. For me it was only $20 for shipping, so I got 4 kegs to my door for $100. Pretty damn good deal, IMO! REally fast shipping too!

:end rant

 

[Merlin-CO]

Way to go on your first keg setup! Yeah, Keg Connection does do a good job with their products - and they have some of the best prices around (especially on Perlick Taps for when you get to that point!). Definitely check the o-rings on the posts since they do not replace them themselves. Most will be fine for a while, but every once in a while you'll get one that will leak. Just use the new ones they send with the keg(s) and be sure to lube them!

As a side note, Keg Connection (I would assume others do also, but I've only bought from KC) ships all their kegs under a bit of pressure so that you know the seals are all working when you get the keg. If there's no pressure when you get a "new" one from them you know something is amiss!

 

[Schnitzengiggle]

Sort of but I was thinking of ordering all silicone o-rings for my kegs (including the lid). My rationale is that you'd never have to replace them, unless of course you tear one, but they would not wear very easily, and are not sensitive to the temperature swings.

What do you think?