Need advice - First Kegging Batch

[TaoBrewer]

I'm on my fourth batch and my first three turned out great and I bottled them. On this batch, an IPA, I've decided to move to kegs. I brew in 5 gallon Batches and will probably have two kegs I want to tap from the system.

Can someone please recommed a good value solution in terms of the equipment I should get. What kind of kegs and regulator(s) would you recommend for stuff that's reliable, will last and is a good value?

Thanks for your recommendations!!!

 

[william_shakes_beer]

When I put my kegging system together I went to the local LHBS because I trust them, and spent some time with the clerk who answered all my questions and helped me set up a system. I brought my freezer and we test fit all the components. It was parts and pieces from the shelves, not a "turnkey" system. When the clerk recommended an upgrade I asked for an explanation so I knew where i was spending my money. Very satisfied with the result.

 

[Newsman]

Pin-lock VS Ball-lock pros/cons

Pin-Lock Pros:
Cheaper, can't mix up in / out QDs, shorter so they don't need as much "head-room"

Cons:
Harder to share kegs with someone else as most people have ball-lock. Not as easy to find, generally. No new ones being made. Can't run CO2 through the out post (to help carb faster, etc.) wider so you can't fit quite as many in the same space.

Ball-lock Pros/cons:

PRO:
Easy to find, most people have ball-lock connectors, skinnier than pin-lock so you fit more into a given space, you can run CO2 through the liquid out post to help force carb faster.

CON:
Easy to mix up the in / out posts / connectors, taller so you need more head room, more expensive to buy

Just about any keg you buy used will need to have new rings put on it. You should thoroughly test it to see if it holds pressure. If it leaks around the lid, that's not usually a deal breaker. What I would do is take a 5# CO2 tank, put some water in a keg you're planning to buy (if you buy it locally) and pressurize it and then turn it upside down. As long as water doesn't pour out, you should be good. Also, some of these used kegs are not cleaned before they are sent out; they just have whatever residual syrup is in them dumped and they are then sent out. You should definitely clean and sanitize any kegs you buy before using.

The advice by Will Shakes Beer is good... buy your kegs and test-fit into whatever you're looking to buy for temp control. As far as regulators go, Tap-Rite is hard to beat. They are the "standard" regulator, but there are probably some higher-end ones that may have a few bells and whistles. If you are wanting to possibly carb up multiple kegs at different pressures, you should consider a primary and secondary regulator so you can adjust pressure. Always put your higher pressure on the regulator closest to the tank, and your lower-pressure on the secondary.

As for tanks, there's a guy here on HBT that sells refurbished tanks that you can either fill or exchange for a full one. His prices, including shipping, are excellent. A lot cheaper than buying a new one.

 

[brewcat]

Don't necessarily go value. Get high quality so you don't have to replace it later. Definitely spend money on a good regulator (I have a Taprite dual body). Don't cut corners on hosing. Check around your area on CO2 tanks and see what they fill/swap (I had to go 20#).

Used kegs may be your best option for value. Go check out kegconnetion. They have a good deal going where the kegs are half off if you buy a kit.

 

[wilserbrewer]

I like Sanke

 

[TaoBrewer]

Lots of good advice. I appreciate all of it!

 

[k1ngl1ves]

Taprite. Taprite. Taprite. Worth every penny.

Check Craigslist or www.homebrewing.org for used "loose handle" kegs.

www.ritebrew.com for parts, manifolds, and faucets.

www.bargainfittings.com for just about anything else.

These sites are probably the cheapest around.



Buy stainless faucets and shanks. It's worth it. You'll never have to upgrade.

Check the For Sale section here often. Great deals pop up almost daily.

Don't buy a new co2 tank. Most places just swap them anyways, so you'll end up with a used tank.

Use 3/16" liquid lines instead of the 1/4" standard size. 1ft for every pound of co2 is the best lenght to start. Cut it back until you get your perfect pour. Temperature makes a big difference too, so read up on that a bit. Just search "foaming problems" on this website...