How to Keg Your Homebrewed Beer
Kegging your homebrew can feel overwhelming initially, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate its advantages over bottling. With kegging, you can carbonate your beer faster, reduce cleaning time, and simplify your brewing process. Let’s break down the essentials for setting up a kegging system.
Understanding Your Equipment
Refrigeration Options
The type of refrigeration you choose will depend on the kegs you plan to store or serve. Common keg types include corny kegs, commercial sixtels, and mini kegs. Popular refrigeration units include:
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Chest Freezers
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Upright Freezers
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Upright Refrigerators
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Dorm Fridges
If using an appliance designed for food storage, an external temperature controller may be necessary. Repurposed standard fridges can also work well for storing kegs and other beverages without extra equipment.
Gas Supply
A CO2 tank is required for carbonation and dispensing. Common options include 5-pound, 10-pound, and 20-pound CO2 tanks:
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5-pound tank: Portable and ideal for taking kegs outside the home.
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10-pound tank: Hold more CO2, reducing the frequency of refills.
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20-pound tank: Most economical for long-term use, capable of carbonating and dispensing about 20 five-gallon kegs before needing a refill. However, they’re less portable.
CO2 tanks are typically purchased empty online and filled locally. On average, you can carbonate and dispense about five gallons of beer per pound of CO2, accounting for some waste.
Gas Distribution
Gas distribution begins with a pressure regulator that connects to the CO2 tank. Tank pressure (800-1000 psi) is reduced to a safe level, usually below 50 psi. Here are the key considerations:
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Single-pressure regulators, like the CO2PO Single Body Regulator, are cost-effective for beginners.
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Dual or multi-body regulators allow you to set different pressures for multiple kegs, which helps serve various beer styles.
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Basic splitters (tees or crosses) are affordable but lack shut-off options for unused branches.
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Manifold systems with valves enable individual shut-off for unused ports, offering flexibility for future upgrades.
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Secondary regulators provide the ultimate control, allowing you to adjust pressure for individual kegs.
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Tubing
Gas distribution tubing is typically made of PVC with inner diameters of 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, or 3/8 inch. Key tips:
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Smaller diameters are easier to work with in confined spaces like kegerators.
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Use near-boiling water to stretch smaller tubing over larger barbs if needed.
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Clear or solid-colored tubing works equally well for performance.
Pre-Built Keg Systems
For those short on time, pre-built kegging systems are a convenient option. These kits include all the necessary components, ensuring a seamless start to kegging. Select a system tailored to your needs and enjoy the perfect pour every time.
Kegging streamlines your homebrewing process, offering faster carbonation, less maintenance, and a professional serving experience. With the right equipment and setup, you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t start kegging sooner!
