Kegging 5gal in a 1/2 bbl

[Rofgarr]

I inherited a kegerator from my cousin, and it came fully furnished with everything I need including a 1/2 bbl anheuser busch keg. I have yet to brew my first batch, but would like to use this keg if possible instead of purchasing a 5 gal corny. But I don't have plans on brewing a full 15 gallons. My question is, can I Brew 5 gallons and keg it in the 1/2 bbl. I'm under the impression that If I purge all the air from the keg with Co2, fill it with fermented beer, and then pressurize it for carbonation...I should have no issues besides consuming a large amount of Co2. I would greatly appreciate being told if I'm incorrect, and informed if going the way of the corny would be best for me. Great thanks, and salutations as well since this is my first post.

~Britton

 

[SweetSounds]

It will waste a lot of CO2 - Because all of that empty space must be brought up to pressure.

Aside from that - You'll be fine as long as you follow all of the other sanitary requirements.

That said, I have one of those kegerators, and you can fit 3 corny kegs in there, with the 5# CO2 tank.

When you're ready, you can add 2 more taps to your tower with a drill bit and some shanks.

You'll find that kegging 5 gallons in a sanke is a pain and a little wasteful. When you're ready, you can have 3 of your favorite brews, all on tap, from the same kegerator

 

[Rofgarr]

Awesome, thank you for that. I will buy a set of corny kegs in the future, but for the sake of being slightly broke at the moment I'll use the sanke. I'm really thankful for the feedback since this was a question that had been bugging me for months. I know it will be a waste of gas, but it won't be a continuing procedure. And as for the Tri-faucet/Tri-brew tower, that will be a great project in the future, and one I plan on doing already. I can't wait to step into realm of full fledged brewing!

~Britton

 

[moosetav]

do you have an LHBS? you should just go buy your first corny. Or, you can see if someone in the area will trade a corny for a 1/2 bbl. Unless you plan on cutting it up later for a 10 gal system, or plan on making 1/2 bbl batches, I don't know of a reason to keep the thing. either way you go, you'll be happy you've started kegging straight away. cheers!