Advice for a keg virgin. (be gentle)

[wolf08gang]

Okay, so I am completely inexperienced with kegging. I'm tired of bottling.

I have a vague understanding of how to keg from many hours of research online.

Teach me the real world application. What do I need? If you had it to do all over again, (and on the cheap initially) how would you do it? Where can one find the best prices on equipment? Should I convert a chest freezer, or just use an upright fridge? Why? What sage-like wisdom have you aquired through your personal experience?

All I have thus far is a big honkin tank of co2.

Thanks. You guys are the best.

[wolf08gang]

Wow, I just realized the extremely low amount of posts I have. I'm such a lurker.

[rooster445]

its easier than bottleing! If you can feel a bottle you can feel a keg. Quit lurking and post damn it

[Tankard]

I think chest freezers are better than mini fridges because you can add more kegs and more taps than you can with a fridge. Plus, keezers are designed so that the cold air sits at the bottom so when you open the lid, you don't lose very much. This keeps the compressor from turning on over and over again, so they are very energy efficient.

To get started kegging, you'll need a chest freezer or mini fridge, a dual gauge CO2 regulator, CO2 tank, a corny keg, 2 quick disconnects, tubing for the gas line and beer line. If you go the keezer route, you'll need a shank and faucet. I'm sure I'm forgetting something...

[BrewMeister Jeff]

I don't mind bottling - And as much as I don't always like what another person on another site has to say, Revvy has it right with Bottling, find out what works for you. Get a system that is the most efficient for your space and environment.

I think bottling is one of the best parts of the brewing process. It is also one of the worst, cuz I know once I put the cap on the bottle - I CAN'T DRINK THE DAMN THING FOR 3+ Weeks.

That being said...Is kegging the way you want to go because you want fast action to your beer? Or are you moving to another step in the HomeBrewing arena?

[Shenanigans]

I really do not think bottling is that bad either. I'm with Jeff the wait it the bad part.

[fireballmatt]

I'm sure I'm forgetting something...

Yup, you're forgetting that it doesn't have to be that complicated. I've got an old fridge that I found on craigslist for $75, I use the fridge part, wife uses the freezer. I have about the simplest setup right now...just throw the 5# CO2 tank in the fridge with 1 keg with gas attached and a cobra (picnic) tap attached.

Parts list is CO2 regulator, 5# CO2 tank, gas ball lock w/ gas hose, liquid ball lock with liquid hose and tap. If you have the tank already you can pick up a dual gauge regulator, the hose, the connectors and a cobra tap for $70 maybe?

[wolf08gang]

I'm excited. I picked up a spare fridge recently, and I ordered my kegging stuf last night.

The down side is that my "CO2" is actually multigas. I'm going to have to see if I can get a welder to trade me out.

I never enjoyed anything about bottling. Well, the looks I'D get at the recycling center were fun, but that's it.

[MrMarbleHead]

MultiGas? You mean like, Beer Gas? Mixture of co2 and nitrogen?

Don't trade that shit out, keep it and get another co2 tank. You can do nitro charged stouts with that shit. I would love to have a beer gas tank.

[Scotsmn30]

MultiGas? You mean like, Beer Gas? Mixture of co2 and nitrogen?

Don't trade that shit out, keep it and get another co2 tank. You can do nitro charged stouts with that shit. I would love to have a beer gas tank.

+1 to keeping that tank if it is beer gas, you have the shit right there.

As for Kegging, just do it, it is super easy. I went to a restraunt auction and bought a beer bottle cooler that sat behind the bar and a 25# co2 tank for $50 and converted it to hold my kegs and co2 on one side, and bottles on the other side. Best thing I ever bought for home brewing.

I also do not see a problem with bottling and still bottle every other batch, but love to have the keg so that can just go pour a nice class any time I need cure whats ailing me.