New to Kegging

razz · Mar 10, 2011

Ok guys I have a few questions. I have been home brewing for a while now, but I've always just filled bottles. I found out today that a buddy will be getting 6 reusable soda kegs for me for free

rockin

this Sat. I'm excited to take the next step in my homebrew journey, but I'm not sure how to use these new toys. I've started to do some homework and I'm not sure if they are pin lock or ball lock. I know that I'll have to clean and sanitize and that I'll need to get the CO2 and tap kit for the appropriate keg. Will I be able to take my fermented beer and transfer it into a keg, hook up the CO2, and drink it?

BendBrewer · Mar 10, 2011

Will I be able to take my fermented beer and transfer it into a keg, hook up the CO2, and drink it?

Kind of. There are different ways to carb the beer. You could prime it like bottles and let it sit but that takes too long.

You could hook it up to Co2 and let it sit for 8-12 days or so.

You could set it at 30 psi and drink it in about 5-7 days.

OR you could hook it up, set it to 30 psi and shake the keg like no other for 5 minutes. Then do it again. And again. Then wait for the foam to settle and you can drink force carbed beer.

You'll find that you won't want to rush it though unless you absolutely have to for some reason. I hit it with 25-30 psi and leave it for 7 days if in a hurry but normally I set it and forget it at 12 psi for 2 weeks.

castlefreak · Mar 10, 2011

That's a sweet deal! I think ball lock fittings are better, there seem to be more of those type kegs out there. You can convert pin lock to ball lock if you want, which I would definitely do if they are a mix of both types.

I "juice" mine with 40 psi, shake it up every few hours, purge the CO2, and take a sample after a day or two. It's usually close to where I want it so then I give it 12 psi or so to get it perfect.

Couple tips:

Be sure to disconnect the gas line if you're shaking it so no liquid goes into that line. That's bad.

When ready to serve, purge the CO2 and give it 5-6 psi so you don't get a glass of foam.

You'll never want to bottle again! I kegged a batch today and it took about fifteen minutes from sanitizing to adding pressure!

user 21663 · Mar 10, 2011

You also may want to replace all the rubber seals on the kegs ( lids and valves ). you can buy the kits at most LHBS or online, or buy in bulk from McMaster Carr ( sorry I don't have the parts numbers but search the forum...I think they're out there ).

razz · Mar 10, 2011

castlefreak said:
That's a sweet deal! I think ball lock fittings are better, there seem to be more of those type kegs out there. You can convert pin lock to ball lock if you want, which I would definitely do if they are a mix of both types.

I "juice" mine with 40 psi, shake it up every few hours, purge the CO2, and take a sample after a day or two. It's usually close to where I want it so then I give it 12 psi or so to get it perfect.

Couple tips:

Be sure to disconnect the gas line if you're shaking it so no liquid goes into that line. That's bad.

When ready to serve, purge the CO2 and give it 5-6 psi so you don't get a glass of foam.

You'll never want to bottle again! I kegged a batch today and it took about fifteen minutes from sanitizing to adding pressure!