Good Deals on CO2 Tanks?

[jfrizzell]

I'd like to get into kegging and I'm checking around on all the various pieces of hardware I'll need. One thing I'm still trying to source is the CO2 tank / regulator.

Anyone have any ideas on where to get the best deal? I've checked with the local welding supply company and they want $89 for a new tank, plus $89 for a regulator - ripoff. I also called the fire extinguisher company and they get $65 for a refurbished tank (including the fill), plus $49 for the regulator. These are all 5 lb cylinders.

Thanks!

 

[krispy d]

that's about right unfortunately. I paid way to much when I started in retrospect. you make it up when you start filling and realize how cheap the gas actually is. I used Beverage factory dot com for all my parts. good company, reliable and great inventory, but pricey.

 

[Orfy]

Dunno,

But in the UK.
$20 for a 7Lb tank, $14 for the refill.
$30 for a twin gauge reg. (cash)

 

[Brewer3401]

www.micromatic.com

5# empty = $ 66.95

Cheapest I've seen anywhere (yes, it's new).

 

[krispy d]

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer.shtml

 

[Brewer3401]

http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer.shtml

Cheaper than Micromatic - and the 2.50 # is REALLY cheap.

 

[BierMuncher]

..I also called the fire extinguisher company and they get $65 for a refurbished tank (including the fill), plus $49 for the regulator. These are all 5 lb cylinders.

Thanks!

Go with refurbished (rental) program. No use in buying a brand new expensive tank unless you have a surefire place to get it refilled. THink of it like your BBQ propane tank exchange program.

I would definitley shy from the regulators offered locally unless you're experienced enough to know what to look for. Get you regulator from an on-line brewing or beverage company.

 

[jfrizzell]

Cheaper than Micromatic - and the 2.50 # is REALLY cheap.

Yes, at $3 more than the 5# tank, that's quite a bargain.

 

[mr x]

http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=TANK

 

[neckbone]

I got a 20# from one of my local fire extinguisher companies for $85 filled, and it was recently tested, so I don't have to worry about that for 5 more years. Not sure what kind of kegerator you've got, but think about getting a bigger tank. Refills will be about the same price whether you have a 5# or 20#, so if you have room, you may as well get 4X the gas. Mine takes up about the space of a corny in my fridge, and even if I had a 5lber, I'd only be able to fit 5 cornies in it anyway, so I'm not out anything.

 

[gnef]

i'm a big fan of buying off craigslist. i usually get the tank for 20, it is out of test, so the test costs another 20, and the fill around 15. so for around 55, i get a full tank of co2. this is for pretty much all sizes. you can find good deals if you look hard enough, and are patient enough.

i am also a big fan of spare tanks. i personally have 7 co2 tanks ranging from 2.5# to 50#. you never know when you will run out of gas, and it will inevitably happen when you need it the most.

 

[yeqmaster]

This is the cheapest site around for tanks!!!

http://www.co2-canisters.com/index1.html

$57.99 for a 5# tank!!!!!

 

[cubbies]

I used Brewers Discount to get all my parts, i.e. regulator and such. But I was able to get a 10# tank off Ebay for $65 shipped. I thought that was a decent deal.

 

[sphericalcamel]

I second craigslist. Search everywhere nearby to you and you might get lucky. I got a 20# tank & regulator (with a fridge) for free just by checking at the right time. [I'm in a college town and got it at the end of the school year from a landlord who found it in the rental unit & didn't want it]

 

[Chris_Dog]

Thanks again Biermuncher... I think the trade in option is a better fit for me. I called Airgas (in Orlando) it is about $86.00 (5#) for start up and roughly $18.00 for the trade in's. What is really cool is that Airgas is not far from the LHBS. (2 birds with one stone )

I am sure getting your own tank filled is less expensive. However I like the idea of being in and out in 5 Min's.

 

[pjj2ba]

Pay a little extra and get a 10# tank. I bought from Micromatic and it was $15-20 more expensive. However, while it cost $12 to fill my 5# tank, it only cost $15 for the 10#. We're mostly paying for the labor. Within 3 refills of the 10# tank, I'll have saved enough to make up for the extra cost.

 

[Buford]

I am sure getting your own tank filled is less expensive. However I like the idea of being in and out in 5 Min's.

The place I use around here (Richmond Oxygen) only takes about 5 minutes to do a fill - just walk in, a guy takes the tank out back and you go ahead and pay for it, and a couple minutes later he comes back with your frosty full tank. I realize not everyone has a place that can do that, but around here it's a no-brainer if you live anywhere near the southern Hanover County border. It's the cheapest supplier around to boot ($12.60 with the tax included). They can also do 20 cu ft tank 25/75 beer gas mix fills for $15 plus tax but also have a tank exchange program for that since they try to keep a couple filled tanks on hand as it takes longer to fill.

 

[BlindLemonLars]

I called Airgas (in Orlando) it is about $86.00 (5#) for start up and roughly $18.00 for the trade in's.

Airgas in Burbank quoted me $18, but by the time I got out the door it was more like $30, with various fees and taxes tacked on.

Now I go to Tavern Services. They fill my tank in about five minutes and I hand them a ten dollar bill...done!

Great little shop. Their primary business is servicing the bar/tavern/beverage industry, but it's also a mini-LHBS. They even have a grain mill available. Nice collection of micro-brews too, in kegs & bottles.

Tavern Services
18228 Parthenia Street
Northridge, CA 91325
(818) 989-3171