Best Beer Kegs

Beer kegs come in a variety of types and sizes, depending on how, where, and for whom they're used. Understanding the different sizes of beer kegs can help you make the right choice. While the stainless steel kegs used in modern breweries come in a variety of sizes, they all originate from a time-honored American system of measuring liquid volume, called a "keg."

What is a beer keg?

A beer keg is made of stainless steel. Modern single-valve (sometimes called a sankey) kegs have an opening at the top. A pipe, called a "spear," extends from the top to the bottom of the keg. A sump or shallow well at the bottom ensures that as much beer as possible is poured from the keg. The self-closing valve at the top is opened via a keg connector.

Most American breweries sell beer in half-keg (15.5 gallons), quarter-keg (7.75 gallons), and sixth-keg (5.17 gallons). In the United States, the terms "half-keg" and "quarter-keg" originate from the American beer keg, which holds 31 US gallons.

Keg Components

Taps and Tap Connectors

The most visible components of a beer keg are the tap and tap connector. They are used to dispense beer from the keg. The tap, or beer connector, connects to the keg valve, while the tap stem connects to the tap handle. The valve keeps the beer inside the keg, while the tap stem and spigot allow the beer to flow. There are several types of keg taps, including Sankey connectors and keg connectors. The tap stem is typically made of brass or stainless steel and has a lever that controls the flow of beer.

Beer Lines and Seals

Beer lines and seals are used to transfer beer from the keg to the draft tap. The draft tap line is the tubing that connects the draft tap to the keg. This line is typically made of food-grade plastic or vinyl. Seals prevent leaks and maintain pressure within the keg. They are typically made of rubber or silicone and are located between various components of the keg.

Spears and Dip Tubes

Beer lances and dip tubes are used to draw and dispense beer from the keg. A beer lance is a metal tube that is inserted into the keg to draw and inject gas. A dip tube is a metal tube that extends from the beer gun to the bottom of the beer keg and is used to draw beer from the keg and deliver it to the beer line.

Beer Keg Materials and Construction

Beer kegs are made of stainless steel, which is durable, corrosion-resistant, and easy to clean. The shell, the most important part of a beer keg, is typically constructed from two layers of stainless steel. The inner layer is mirror-polished to prevent contamination, while the outer layer is insulated to keep the beer cool. The keg also comes with a lid, which is sealed with a gasket to prevent leaks. The lid also features a pressure relief valve to release excess pressure and air.

Types of Beer Kegs

There are three types of beer kegs: ball-lock, pin-lock, and mulberry. Ball-lock and pin-lock kegs are very similar, but there are subtle differences between them. Mulberry kegs are most commonly used in commercial breweries, but homebrewers can also use them.

Ball-lock kegs

These are the most common kegs used by homebreweries. They use a "ball lock" (hence the name) to connect the gas and liquid lines. When purchasing disconnects for these kegs, be sure to purchase the correct model (they will include the "ball lock" in the description). Ball-lock kegs are taller and thinner than pin-lock kegs.

Pin-lock kegs

These kegs are very similar to ball-lock kegs. In some cases, pin-lock keg lids lack a manual pressure relief valve (PRV), but replacement lids for homebreweries often do. The pin lock is used in different configurations to prevent disconnection of the gas and liquid ends. This feature prevents confusion about which end is for gas and which is for liquid.

Mulberry kegs

Mulberry kegs are the most unique of all kegs. They have a single connection (located in the center of the barrel) and use the same device (called a coupler) for both gas and liquid intake. While disassembling a Mulkey barrel does require more work, it's less prone to gas leaks because there are fewer potential points for gas to escape. Mulkey barrels are typically used by commercial breweries, but they're also becoming increasingly popular with homebreweries.

Common Keg Fermentation Systems

Keg fermentation equipment is essential for the storage, distribution, and transportation of draft beer. From keg fillers to CO2 cylinders and regulators, a complete draft beer keg fermentation system consists of many components.

Keg Beer and Draft Beer Systems

A keg chiller (kegerator) is a type of refrigerated equipment used to store beer kegs and dispense beer through a dual-tap system. It's an excellent choice for homebrewers who want to enjoy draft beer without the hassle of bottling. A keg chiller comes with a drip tray, CO2 tank, regulator, and beer lines. It's crucial to choose a keg chiller that fits your keg size and has the necessary features to meet your draft beer dispensing needs.

CO2 Tanks and Regulators

CO2 cylinders, accessories, and regulators are essential accessories for carbonating and dispensing keg beer. CO2 cylinders contain compressed gas, which is used to push beer out of the keg. Regulators control the gas flow and pressure, which affects the carbonation and dispensing of the beer. It's crucial to choose a regulator that is compatible with your CO2 cylinder and has the necessary features to meet your needs.

Hand Pumps and Dispensers

Hand pumps and dispensers are an alternative to CO2 tanks and regulators. They use air pressure to dispense beer from kegs, making them ideal for outdoor events or locations without electricity. Hand pumps require pumping the beer, which is laborious and can affect the quality of the beer. A more convenient alternative is a dispenser, which uses a can of compressed air to dispense the beer.

Brewed Beer

Beer kegs are a popular choice for serving beer among homebrewers. They are durable, portable, and can hold a large volume of beer. In this section, we'll discuss the different types of beer and beverages that can be sold in kegs, the importance of beer taps and plumbing in a homebrew house, and the factors that influence the flavor and quality of beer.

Caring for Your Keg

To ensure the longevity of your keg, preventing leaks and maintaining pressure are crucial. The first step to preventing leaks is to check the seal between the keg and the keg connector. The seal must be secure to prevent any leaks. If a leak occurs, it may be due to a faulty gasket or keg connector. Any damaged gasket or keg connector must be replaced immediately to prevent beer waste.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Keeping your keg clean is crucial to prevent bacterial growth and the development of unpleasant flavors. Cleaning and disinfecting the keg and its components ensures a fresh, delicious beer. It is recommended to clean the keg after each use.

Troubleshooting: If you experience any issues with your keg, such as slow beer flow or excessive foaming, there are a few things you can check. First, ensure the keg is pressurized and the CO2 tank is not empty. If the pressure is normal, check the beer tap, handle, and keg connector for any damage or blockage.