Small Keg System?

[John Sand]

I'm thinking of making my next gear purchase some kind of keg system. Not too soon, but I like to think about things thoroughly before pulling the trigger. Unless it's an actual trigger. I'm not going big, no 5 gallon kegs and kegerator. I'm looking at 2.5-3 gallon kegs, but giving some consideration to 5 liter and other small kegs. The problem that I have with the 5 liters and other half measures, like carbonator caps, is that they still need delivery systems or natural carbonation. For me the advantage of a keg is time: the beer is ready sooner. So I could bottle and keg portions of the same batch. The 2.5 will fit in my small beer fridge. I'll consider metal or plastic, and I'm looking to keep it as simple and cheap as I can. What have you done, short of 5gal kegs?

[Kealia]

I only have one 5G keg, the others are 2.5G and I love them. All the flexibility of small batches plus the ease of kegging.

I started with a simple set-up:
- keg
-co2 tank
- picnic taps

Two kegs fit into a small wine fridge so most mini fridges should do the same, just be wary of the space taken up by the freezer and the hump in the back.

It was after about a year and a half that I picked up a kegerator on Craigslist because it was such a a great deal.

[John Sand]

Thanks K. My new beer fridge is all fridge, no freezer. And a 2.5 will fit inside if I move some six packs.

[FrozenInTime]

I started out with this system. I have 6 of the 2.5 gallon kegs and love them. Easy to move and carry. They also come in 3 gallon sizes but they are a tad bit bigger. This would get you into kegging without having the expense of a CO2 bottle and regulator. You can get those later as time goes on. The system I recommend'd above is not force carbing but just like bottles, is natural carb'd using suger, etc. I highly recommend it, you would never regret it. I do recommend the Italian kegs, I don't buy the Chinese made crap.

I also highly recommend this, it's inexpensive and makes sealing the kegs soooo much easier, the o-rings will last much longer.

If you do go with this system, ask, there are a couple tricks that make it soo much easier to use/pour from.

[BradyFumbled]

One cool thing about gong with a 2.5 or 3 gallon corny like FIT's link, is if you ever do decide to move on to full size 5-gallon kegs and a keezer/kegerator, you already have all the connections! That's a big deal.

I was merely day-dreaming about making the leap to kegging when I stumbled upon an irresistible Craigslist deal last year. No regrets. The beer is ready to drink sooner, less sediment, and I can still bottle from the keg if I want to share

The little 5 liter kegs, party pigs, tap a draft, etc.... Those are all cool, but they're basically giant bottles. You're still going to have to deal with conditioning time and sediment from natural carbing. If you can justify the monetary investment, cornies are well worth it IMHO. Cheers.

[russki]

I second (or third... or whatever number we're on) going with the ball-lock from the get-go. This way, it'll make it so much easier to upgrade later. I would not recommend any system that uses disposable CO2 cartridges, since you won't be able to force carbonate, thus negating the whole "kegging to drink faster" aspect.

Here's the kit I would recommend for those looking for a compact (or portable) system: Keg Kit in a Can (a 50cal ammo can!). I own one of those, and it's perfect for taking kegs on the road - I bungee the tank to the keg, and it takes up very little room. The CO2 refills are $5 at any Dick's Sporting Goods store (or most paintball or sports supply stores), and one fill is enough to carb and dispense a few kegs. And did I mention the Ammo Can!!!

They also sell very nice Italian 2.5 gallon kegs at a decent price, and if you order both together, the shipping is only $8.

I've ordered from KegConnection before, and their service is top notch.

[John Sand]

Thank you all for sharing your experience, it confirms my thoughts.
Now, do I have to wait for my birthday? That's in December!

[Inkleg]

Now, do I have to wait for my birthday? That's in December!

Uhm, what about the Easter Bunny?

[Trollby]

Screwy Brewer is using and Edgestar unit, his review here:

http://www.thescrewybrewer.com/2012/12/ ... rator.html