Secondary Regulators vs Manifolds
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imasickboy
Drinkasaurus extraordinarius
I'm assuming you have four taps...
My setup: tank, and primary outside, with a line for external use, (purging, transfers, etc.), a pair of secondaries on the inside, distribution block running off one of them, with a y on the other. I can run two different pressures inside, to multiple kegs if necessary, or, I can run them all off the distribution block if style dictates it. A single nitro line is also in play for when I want that.
I think individual pressures for each keg is probably overkill for most people. High pressure carbing is the most frequent use of separate regulators, I would expect. But you don't need a separate regulator for each tap just for that purpose.
My setup: tank, and primary outside, with a line for external use, (purging, transfers, etc.), a pair of secondaries on the inside, distribution block running off one of them, with a y on the other. I can run two different pressures inside, to multiple kegs if necessary, or, I can run them all off the distribution block if style dictates it. A single nitro line is also in play for when I want that.
I think individual pressures for each keg is probably overkill for most people. High pressure carbing is the most frequent use of separate regulators, I would expect. But you don't need a separate regulator for each tap just for that purpose.
philly224
Well-Known Member
I just have a manifold for my two tap keggerator and it's fine for me. If you are really picky about the carbonation of different styles I guess it would be worth it but I don't mind.
I have a 4 way secondary to for my 4 tap keezer. At least 90% of the time they're all set to the same pressure.
It is nice to pump it up for the first day of a force carb, drop down a few PSI for stouts and english beers, or go up a few for wheats and belgians. However, I find that I don't very often do that.
That said, if I were starting over, I'd probably hunt for a deal on a multi-pressure secondary regulator again. Having two pressures and some manifolds would work just as well for me, but I'm not sure if that would really save any money (and more connections = more potential for leaks).
It is nice to pump it up for the first day of a force carb, drop down a few PSI for stouts and english beers, or go up a few for wheats and belgians. However, I find that I don't very often do that.
That said, if I were starting over, I'd probably hunt for a deal on a multi-pressure secondary regulator again. Having two pressures and some manifolds would work just as well for me, but I'm not sure if that would really save any money (and more connections = more potential for leaks).
Currently I have a dual regulator on my co2, and a 4 way manifold. So I can have two different pressures. I have found myself in the situation where I have 2 IPAs/2 Belgian Beers, and plan on a stout. In my mind I need 3 pressures here (12 PSI for the IPAs, 14 for the Belgians, stout tbd..)
I need to move my manifold anyway as I can't fit the 5th keg in, during the move I am thinking I should just do a full upgrade, buy once, cry once!
