Kegging system advice

[Cavemann310]

Hey everyone,

Ive been on a 1+ year hiatus from brewing due to space constraints with my condo. My wife pushed me to sell my gear that was filling the extra bedroom but I said hell no! Now we have a house on a large property and I need to get started up again. I am graduating from extract to BIAB with a 10gal kettle bought for me just as I stopped brewing, eventually I will go up to all grain brewing. Im sick of bottling so I wanted to move up to kegging and start 3 or 4 batches (1 per week) to get a good stock. My question to you is, which kegging system should I buy? I plan on setting up 3 or 4 taps in my pool room in the basement, excited to get back into it! :rockin:

 

[MEPNew2Brew]

I wouldn't buy an entire "system" as I think you can get something more to your liking and at a better price if you purchase components individually. For example, you could buy an nice, new aluminum CO2 bottle. But, if you can only do exchanges in your area, your nice new bottle will turn into an old, steel green one in a hurry. So, why buy new?

Decide what is most important to you and then shop around. For me, my time is more valuable than my money, within reason. So, I tend to but more expensive stuff, but stuff that I won't have to screw around with - for example, I buy all new and what I believe is good stuff - Perlick faucets Taprite gauges and a new freezer. I'd rather spend more money than time. The only used stuff I bought are the kegs. I went with pin locks because they are far cheaper than either new or used ball locks.

My recommendation - buy three used kegs, 1 Taprite double gauge, and 2 Perlicks.

 

[Hoppity]

Your major decision is pin lock vs. Ball lock kegs. The pin locks are shorter with a wider diameter. I can fit 2 Ball locks in my Danby kegerator, but not 2 pin locks. Pin locks also don't have release valves on top to bleed pressure, you have to depress the gas post. That is why pin locks cost less. I have 2 pin locks and converted them both to ball lock to make everything compatible in my 4 tap keezer and 2 tap kegerator. Also make sure you get bevflex or equal serving line. The cheap plastic stuff from Home Depot leaches plastic taste into the first pour.

 

[Cavemann310]

Sorry for the late reply fellas, thats exactly what i needed, thanks for the info!!

 

[chawn]

FYI: AIH http://www.homebrewing.org/AIH-New-5-Gallon-Corny-Keg-Ball-Lock_p_5100.html has new 5 gallon kegs for $75 + shipping. I highly recommend them.

 

[MEPNew2Brew]

I have all pin locks. The price differential is significant. I don't mind unhooking the CO2 and depressing the gas post poppet. I bought a chest freezer that fits five pins with a collar and that is plenty for me.

I agree with others - figure out what is important to you and spend your money there. For me,

1) TapRite dual regulator, cause I want my stuff to work.
2) 2 all stainless Perlicks because I don't want my faucets to stick and I was swayed that all stainless was the way to go.
3) 2 chrome plated Perlicks 'cause I figured out that stainless isn't at all necessary, and isn't worth the extra money, in faucets.
4) CO2 tank from supplier. Ugly, green steel. My CO2 supplier swaps, so why buy something new.
5) 6 used pin locks - 'cause they are waaaaay less expensive than new or used ball locks and they still hold beer and pressure and are all nice and clean on the inside.

This is just what works for me.