Kegging Question - co2 manifold

[mosquitocontrol]

So I've been scoping out my upcoming kegerator project lately. Realized its way more expensive then I thought so I'll put it off awhile. Everything I have scoped out, including kegs, co2 tank, perlicks, etc. has added up to around $780 eek! Maybe I'm overworking it?

Anyway. I was planning a 3-tap (possibly 4) system in a converted chest freezer, with enough space for 6 kegs with a collar. I was hoping I'd have room for a lager and a keg to cool down. Then condition the other waiting kegs in the closet in the meantime.

Was planning on buying 8 kegs, so I could always have some conditioning. Figured I'd have to prime to carb, but then realized I needed to top off with co2 after filling.

Couple Questions:
1. Could I just get a 4-way manifold, with an extra set of hoses to top off the kegs with co2?
2. Do I need one of the two pressure regulators to do this? Do I need a separate connector for each keg?
3. Can I just get a 3-way manifold and unhook one of the kegs to top them off?
4. Do I really need perlicks? I thought I would do it right the first time and just get them.

 

[Denny's Evil Concoctions]

There's now way you should have to spend 780 bucks. Go with used equipment. I'd go with the perlicks if you can but many a pub still use the regular faucets.

 

[JesseRC]

yes get the perlicks. You dont need a Dual regulator, you can use manifolds or even Tees or cross fittings to split up you lines, even a mixtur of the 2. I have a 4 manifold system with one of the lines going to a cross which give me 3 lines. So with 4 port manifold and and a cross , I get 6 lines. YOu can start small and add later. However with the perlicks, if you're gonna upgrade some day, you might as well do it now.

Yes you can unhook temporarily, even for longer (if you're not drawing beer and no leaks) for topping or force carbing other kegs.

 

[mosquitocontrol]

Well 780 includes everything for 3 taps, freezer, temp controller, 8 kegs, co2 tank. All at the cheapest places I can find. None of the prices are outrageous by themselves but it does all add up.

255- all taps including 525 perlicks, and regulator
60 - co2 tank
100 - freezer off craigslist
40 - gas manifold
192 - 8 kegs @24/ea with new o rings
55 - temp controller

That's at 700 not including build materials.... Not sure where else to cut really. I just want to do it right the first time. I'm continually doing projects where I cheap out on materials or don't build it as good as I should have. So I'm determined to do it right.

I should add my SWMBO's hobby is music and recording. He is holding out for a 1200 amp. After hundreds spent on pedals and other stuff I can't explain. So I don't feel too bad.

I'm waiting around for deals as they come up. As I don't plan on building for a few months. But brewing stuff on craigslist around here is gone in less then 2 hours.

 

[iXanadu]

255- all taps including 525 perlicks, and regulator
60 - co2 tank
100 - freezer off craigslist
40 - gas manifold
192 - 8 kegs @24/ea with new o rings
55 - temp controller

I'm waiting around for deals as they come up. As I don't plan on building for a few months. But brewing stuff on craigslist around here is gone in less then 2 hours.

These prices don't look out of line to me at all. I spent $85 for a freezer off of CL, and similar prices to your parts list. I did, and recommend that you consider upgrading to a 20lb tank. Its about twice as much $125ish, but refills are less. I pay 7 more to fill a 20lb tank than my buddy pays for a 5lb tank. I picked up a second 20lb tank for $60 off of ebay last night, which I'll use for servicing tanks and stuff.

Where did you source the kegs for $24 each?

 

[mosquitocontrol]

Craigslist. There's a guy in Boston for 24 each and a guy in CT for 20 each (needs new o-rings). My family(soon to be)-in-laws are in the area and we travel up there often. Plan to pick some up Memorial Day weekend.