Mini CO2 regulator advice?

[Jumbo82]

I've been looking around for nice portable CO2 regulator system. I have the hand held dispenser that takes 12-16 gram cartridges, but it can be a pain in the neck to use. You either have to teach everyone how to use it properly (easy to overcarb and get foam, plus the cartridges need to be replaced several times to kick a full 5 gallon keg), or you have to babysit it. At a wedding or similar function, neither is practical. The alternative, which is bringing a whole CO2 tank and regulator, is a real hassle too. I just want something small and simple that can be hooked up and left alone until the keg is empty. I found several options;

Mini-CO2 Regulator w/ Quick Disconnect and CO2 Cartridge :: Midwest Supplies Homebrewing and Winemaking Supplies
$8.95 per 74g cartridge

Mini CO2 Regulator Kit | MoreBeer
$19.95 per 68g cartridge

MINI BALL LOCK C02 REGULATOR @ Williams Brewing
$5.90 per 45g cartridge, but only $3.50 each if you buy 8 or more at a time

They are nice because you can set the dispensing pressure to whatever you want and then leave them. The regulators themselves are all around the same price range of $130. Morebeer cartridges are way too expensive. Williams Brewing looks good, if the cartridge can dispense a whole keg. Does anybody own any of these systems? With my insulated keg wraps and ice blanket I'd be all set to serve with ease. It would be nice if I could use the cartridges sold at Walmart for paintball guns, but I don't think they are compatible. I'd appreciate any feedback. Thanks.

 

[david_42]

Another alternative is using a 20 oz paintball tank and an adapter to a standard regulator.

 

[malkore]

Another alternative is using a 20 oz paintball tank and an adapter to a standard regulator.

and make sure the adapter has an on/off valve on it. all the ones I've seen do. you just wnat that for when you're connecting/disconnecting the paintball size cylinder from the regulator.

a 20oz fill will probably only cost you $5

 

[Jumbo82]

Thanks for the suggestion. I might go that route instead. I found some threads discussing this type of set-up, but I'm still slightly confused. My understanding is that I buy a standard regulator, then find an adapter to connect from the regulator to the paintball cartridge. Is this correct? Do you know where I can find the right adapter? And I assume 20oz will dispense about half a keg, correct? Thanks again.

 

[chuggs]

You've basically got three options...I think others will add more, possibly (inventive crowd)

1) Regular CO2 regulator and Pin Valve Paintball Tank with On/Off Switch

20oz CO2 Bottle, Aluminum for standard CO2 Regulator

2) Regular CO2 regulator and Pin Valve Paintball Tank and adapter.

Regulator Converter

3) CO2 regulator specially adapted for use with Paintball tanks...

Pin Valve Regulator, Single Guage, 5/16 Check Valve

I choose to use Keg Connections site for illustration because they carry all three set-ups. And they have a clever hanging bag...which I've got to get!!

20oz Tank Holster + Carabiner

It beats lugging a huge bottle around. They should dispense more than two cornies worth of beer no problem. Maybe more...

 

[RC0032]

To the OP if you go with your original plan I accidentally ordered a 68g cartridge and will send it to you

 

[Jumbo82]

Wow, thanks Chuggs! Thats perfect.

 

[Boar Beer]

The other half of the brewing team thanks everyone also

 

[tdiowa]

I too shared your anguish with the dispensers you have. As all home brewers are the inventive type I decided to try the Paintball route. My son had a 20 oz Paintball canister and decided to give it a try.

I bought the adapter from Williams Brewing and a cheap regulator from ?????.

BREWER'S EDGE® PAINTBALL REGULATOR ADAPTER @ Williams Brewing

I put it together and it works great. It is perfect for taking to parties and works great for carbing kegs. One canister will push 4 to 5 corny kegs. A local sporting store fills them for 3.00 a piece. I now have three 20 oz canisters in addition to my 5 pounder in my refrigerator.

Overall it is a plus for me and the setup I use. I would highly recommend it because of its versatility and perdicability. Beats buying those stupid little BB gun canisters.

TD