Newbie Keg Setup

[centex99]

So... I've been looking around at kits etc to convert my garage fridge into kegerator (half of it anyway) for both homebrew and commercial microbrew kegs...
I've been looking at beveragefactory at their kits... and haven't figured one that really is what I want, but they're slightly better values than ordering individually...
So what I'm trying to decide on is whats most important..
SS or not...
Quick disconnects or not...
What size and material line (PVC vs others) for beer lines..
Also I'm originally going to buy one tap, but will be adding a second later on... And am trying to decide between one regulator vs a dual pressure setup...
I'm ok with the idea of set it and forget it... but may want to have a different pressure for a sodawater keg or other purposes... not sure though.
Any other good sites with kits?
I'm ok with spending a bit more if it'll work out better in the long run for disconnects/etc and also for SS vs plated..


I'm planning on buying a setup with a D tap for now... plus a cleaning kit for the lines...
then I'll move on to homebrewing and buy a corny keg/other taps, etc...
Plus I still have to buy the homebrewing equipment/etc...

Anything else I'm needing/forgetting?

 

[grain-pa]

hi centex99,

i see - you are one that thinks everything over meticulously and wants to buy the accurate equipment once even if it is more expensive. This i absolutely right, and eventually you will save the money for all the "cheaper" trials.

fortunately, i could buy some 10 l kegs - 10 l (= 2.6 gallons) is the perfect quantity for a homebrew keg. these kegs fit to the professional tap systems in germany. thus, you should check what is the standard in the US and get small beer kegs that fit to it.

i guess that there are different connector systems for non-alcoholic drinks (e.g. soda) and beer and also different tap pressures necessary - so, it might be better to buy separate systems.

best regards

 

[day_trippr]

[...]fortunately, i could buy some 10 l kegs - 10 l (= 2.6 gallons) is the perfect quantity for a homebrew keg.[...]

Just curious: when you brew, what is your batch size?

Cheers!

 

[centex99]

I haven't started brewing yet... though, your question wasn't directed towards me. In regards to kegs I'd buy, would be ones here in the US... I plan to brew 5G batches and use pin or ball (suggestion on which?) soda kegs plus commercial D 1/6 kegs of microbrews... possible a D style 1/4 tall keg as well on occasion.

 

[centex99]

I think I am going to use the following tubing:
Accuflex Bev-Seal Ultra Barrier Tubing 3/16" ID
Should I use the plastic quick disconnects (push inserts) or just use barbed and MFL connections? Any good source for MFLs that are stainless?

 

[grain-pa]

Just curious: when you brew, what is your batch size?

Cheers!

i either make 20 l or 40 l batches (pure all-grain) and always have approx. 2 liters more so that i can fill 2 (or 4) kegs + 4 bottles. these bottles are very usefull because i can survey the development of the beer and needn't tap it before it's ready.