Homebrewing has become a popular hobby for beer enthusiasts all over the world. One of the essential tools for homebrewers is the keg, which is used to store and dispense their homemade beer. When it comes to kegs, there are two main types that homebrewers commonly use: ball lock and pin lock kegs.
The first type, ball lock kegs, are the more popular choice among homebrewers. These kegs have a unique ball lock connection system that allows for easy attachment and detachment of hoses. The ball lock connectors use small, spring-loaded balls that lock into place when the hoses are connected. This type of keg is known for its reliability and ease of use. It is also widely available, making it the preferred choice for many homebrewers.
On the other hand, pin lock kegs are less commonly used but still serve the same purpose. These kegs use a different type of connection system, known as pin lock connectors. Instead of using balls, pin lock kegs use small pins that lock into place when the hoses are connected. While they may not be as popular as ball lock kegs, pin lock kegs are still a viable option for homebrewers. Some brewers prefer pin lock kegs because they are slightly cheaper and can be easier to clean.
When it comes to keg sizes, homebrewers typically use five-gallon stainless steel Cornelius kegs, also known as “Corny” kegs. These kegs have a capacity of 5 gallons or approximately 18 liters. In terms of beer storage, a standard 15.5 gallon keg can hold approximately 165 cans of beer (each 12 oz). However, it's important to note that due to foam and other factors, most homebrewers estimate getting around 150 twelve ounce pours from a full-sized keg.
Whether you choose a ball lock or pin lock keg, it's important to stick with one type to avoid compatibility issues with connectors and fittings. This will make it easier for you to connect and disconnect your hoses without any hassle.
Homebrewers rely on kegs to store and dispense their homemade beer. Ball lock and pin lock kegs are the two main types available, with ball lock kegs being the more popular choice. Regardless of the type, homebrewers typically use five-gallon Cornelius kegs, which can hold a significant amount of beer. So, grab your keg, fill it with your delicious homemade beer, and enjoy the fruits of your brewing labor!
Can You Put Home Brew In A Keg?
You can definitely put homebrew in a keg. In fact, many homebrewers choose to use kegs as a convenient and efficient way to store and dispense their homemade beer. Kegging offers several advantages over bottling, such as easier carbonation control, faster chilling and serving, and less hassle with cleaning and sanitizing multiple bottles.
To put your homebrew in a keg, you will need to transfer the beer from your fermentation vessel (such as a fermenter or carboy) into the keg. This can be done using a siphon or a transfer pump. It's important to ensure that your beer is properly fermented and finished before transferring it to the keg to avoid any potential issues.
Before transferring the beer, you should clean and sanitize the keg thoroughly to ensure that it is free from any contaminants that could spoil your brew. This includes cleaning the keg's interior, as well as any associated parts like the dip tubes and connectors.
Once the keg is clean and sanitized, you can transfer the beer into it. Be sure to leave some headspace at the top of the keg to allow for carbonation. You can then seal the keg with a lid and pressurize it with carbon dioxide (CO2) to carbonate the beer. This can be done using a CO2 tank and regulator.
After the beer is carbonated, you can attach your dispensing system to the keg and start enjoying your homebrew on tap. The dispensing system typically includes a tap or faucet, hoses, and a regulator to control the flow of beer.
It's worth noting that there are different types of kegs available for homebrewers, such as ball lock and pin lock kegs. These refer to the type of connection used for the hoses. Ball lock kegs are the most popular choice among homebrewers, but pin lock kegs are also commonly used. It's important to ensure that your keg and dispensing system components are compatible and properly connected to avoid any leaks or issues.
Kegs are a great option for storing and dispensing homebrew. They offer several advantages over bottling and can provide a convenient and enjoyable way to enjoy your homemade beer. Just remember to properly clean, sanitize, and transfer your beer into the keg, and ensure that your keg and dispensing system are compatible for a smooth and delicious homebrew experience.
What Kind Of Keg Do You Use For Homebrew?
When it comes to homebrewing, most homebrewers opt for using stainless steel Cornelius kegs, also known as “Corny” kegs. These kegs typically have a capacity of five gallons, making them suitable for smaller-scale brewing.
There are two main types of Cornelius kegs: ball-lock and pin-lock. The main difference between the two lies in their fittings. Ball-lock kegs have a ball-lock fitting, while pin-lock kegs have a pin-lock fitting. Each type of keg requires a specific type of connector, so it's important to choose one and stick with it to avoid compatibility issues.
Here are a few key points about each type of keg:
1. Ball-lock kegs: These kegs have a ball-lock fitting, which consists of two disconnects—one for the gas line and one for the liquid line. The gas disconnect typically has a 9/16″ thread, while the liquid disconnect has a 19/32″ thread. The gas disconnect is usually grey, and the liquid disconnect is black.
2. Pin-lock kegs: Pin-lock kegs, on the other hand, have a pin-lock fitting. Similar to ball-lock kegs, they also have two disconnects—one for the gas line and one for the liquid line. The gas disconnect typically has a 19/32″ thread, while the liquid disconnect has a 7/8″ thread. The gas disconnect is commonly blue, and the liquid disconnect is red.
Choosing between ball-lock and pin-lock kegs is a matter of personal preference. Some homebrewers prefer ball-lock kegs because they find them easier to disconnect, while others prefer pin-lock kegs for their simplicity and reliability. Whichever type you choose, make sure to stick with it for consistency in fittings and connectors.
When it comes to homebrewing, the most commonly used kegs are stainless steel Cornelius kegs, also known as “Corny” kegs. These kegs come in two main types: ball-lock and pin-lock. It's important to choose one type and stick with it to ensure compatibility with your fittings and connectors.
Conclusion
Homebrew kegs, specifically the five-gallon stainless steel Cornelius (“Corny”) kegs, are a popular choice among homebrewers for storing and dispensing their beer. These kegs come in two varieties: ball lock and pin lock, which refer to the type of connection used for hoses. While ball lock is the more popular option, pin lock kegs are equally functional.
A standard 15.5 gallon keg can hold approximately 165 cans (12 oz) of beer, assuming there is no loss during dispensing. However, in reality, with factors such as foam, most people estimate around 150 twelve-ounce pours when working with a regular full-sized keg.
The capacity of a five-gallon keg is approximately 18 liters or 53 beer cans (12 oz) or 40 pints (16 oz). This makes it a convenient choice for homebrewers, allowing them to store a substantial amount of beer for personal use or sharing with friends and family.
By choosing either ball lock or pin lock kegs and sticking with that type, homebrewers can avoid the hassle of dealing with different connectors and fittings. This ensures compatibility and ease of use when it comes to connecting hoses and dispensing the beer.
Homebrew kegs provide a reliable and efficient method for storing and serving homemade beer. Their sturdy stainless steel construction ensures durability, and their capacity allows for ample storage. Whether you prefer ball lock or pin lock kegs, both options serve the purpose of preserving the quality and flavor of your homebrewed creations.
