Kegging question

mtrogers14 · Nov 16, 2012

I have always bottled my brew but as we all know that can be a whole lot of work. I would like to start kegging (sometimes at least). My question is this. I have a kegerator and the whole setup needed for it such as co2 tank and all the hookups.If I buy a 5 gallon pin lock keg what else will I need to purchase in addition to the keg itself in order to use a keg system ? Also does any of the kegerator setup double and can be used for a 5 gallon keg setup ? Any help would be appreciated.

user 98891 · Nov 16, 2012

If you already have a kegerator, you just need to convert the lines to pinlock (if your keg is pin lock)

Something like this
http://www.williamsbrewing.com/PIN-LOCK-KEGERATOR-HOMEBREW-CONVERSION-KIT-P2644.aspx

billl · Nov 16, 2012

The only difference is the keg connections. The homebrew 5 gallon kegs connections are different than the commercial ones. Pretty much every brewing supply shop will carry conversion kits. They basically just screw onto the ends of the commercial fittings and no special tools or knowledge are required.

You might want to look around at you local shops and see the relative availability of pin lock vs ball lock before you commit to one style. Either work perfectly fine - but not everyone carries pin lock.

mtrogers14 · Nov 16, 2012

So do you suggest ball lock ? Is one better or less expensive than the other ? I don't really have a LHBS near my house so I get most of my supplies online.

b-boy · Nov 16, 2012

It's really a coin flip.

Pin locks are a little cheaper, but the kegs are a little wider. A lot of them do not have a pressure release valve in the lid, which I think is a nice feature.

Ball locks cost a few bucks more than pin locks, but not enough to make me switch. I think the cost is probably due to their popularity over pin locks (supply and demand).

The cost of the connectors is about the same.

Overall, I'd say ball locks are the popular choice, but I really can't say why.