Simple Keg Gauge

[John Sand]

I had an idea today, it worked. I put masking tape on a chilled keg in the fridge, rubbed it with my hand to warm it, and checked it with an IR thermometer gun. The temp went from 60 to 44 at a consistent spot. Presto, that's where the keg is filled to. This will not work without something on the surface of the keg, as the IR won't read shiny surfaces. Now I know I should pull a sample of the amber lager for a meeting, because it's going to run out soon. That also means it may be time to brew again.

[BlackDuck]

That's awesome...gonna have to give that a try. Thanks for the tip!!

[FedoraDave]

Makes sense that that would work.

What I do is keep a running tally on a white board nearby. Every draw gets a tick, and when I get to around 40 or 45 pints drawn, I know it's going to kick it pretty soon. Not real scientific, but it works pretty well.

[John Sand]

A good practice Dave. It wouldn't work for me, as I often draw less that a full glass.
And my method is an excuse for another gadget!

[natural320]

man, that is brilliant! I have contemplated some fancy schmancy ideas involving floating gauges and a raspberry pi hooked up to a tablet...

but this is way easier!

[BlackDuck]

It might be easier, but the floaty thing hooked up to the pi is way cooler!!!


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[John Sand]

It might be easier, but the floaty thing hooked up to the pi is way cooler!!!


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I know exactly how cool my method is. The IR tells me to 1/10 of a degree!

Thanks Natural, I'm glad you like it.

[bpgreen]

I like the concept, but I don't have an IR thermometer, so I grab the top of the keg and tilt it slightly. The easier it is to tip, the closer it is to being finished.

[John Sand]

Good idea BP. Mine are pretty tight in the kegerator, and I use the IR for other things, like checking ferment temps.