When it comes to kegs, there are two main types that are commonly used in the commercial brewing industry: Sanke kegs and corny kegs. While both types serve the purpose of storing and dispensing beer, there are a few key differences between the two.
1. Size: Sanke kegs are typically larger in size compared to corny kegs. They come in various sizes, including 1/2 barrel (15.5 gallons), 1/4 barrel (7.75 gallons), and 1/6 barrel (5.16 gallons). On the other hand, corny kegs are generally smaller and commonly found in 5-gallon capacities.
2. Lid: One of the most noticeable differences between Sanke kegs and corny kegs is the presence of a removable lid in corny kegs. Corny kegs have a lid that can be easily removed, allowing for easy cleaning and filling. In contrast, Sanke kegs have a fixed top, which means the entire keg needs to be cleaned and sanitized as a whole.
3. Fittings: Sanke kegs use a specialized connection system known as a Sanke fitting, which consists of a spear that punctures the keg's top for both liquid and gas lines. This fitting is commonly found in commercial breweries and requires specific equipment for connection and disconnection. On the other hand, corny kegs use a different type of fitting called a ball lock or pin lock fitting, which is easier to handle and often preferred by homebrewers.
4. Accessibility: Due to their design, Sanke kegs are not as easily accessible as corny kegs. With Sanke kegs, you typically need specialized tools and equipment to access the contents, such as a Sanke coupler or pump. This makes them more suitable for commercial use in bars and restaurants where professional setup is available. In contrast, corny kegs are more user-friendly and can be easily opened and closed by hand, making them popular among homebrewers and for small-scale events.
5. Cost: Sanke kegs are generally more expensive compared to corny kegs. This is due to their larger size, commercial-grade construction, and specialized fittings. Corny kegs, being smaller and often used in homebrewing, are more affordable and readily available.
In my personal experience as a brewer and sommelier, I have used both Sanke and corny kegs for various purposes. Sanke kegs were commonly used in commercial settings where large quantities of beer were being served, such as in bars and restaurants. The fixed lid and specialized fittings made them suitable for the high demands of these establishments.
On the other hand, corny kegs were my go-to choice for homebrewing and smaller events. The ease of use, affordability, and availability of corny kegs made them a popular option among homebrewers. Being able to remove the lid for cleaning and filling was a major advantage, especially when experimenting with different beer styles and flavors.
While both Sanke and corny kegs serve the purpose of storing and dispensing beer, they differ in size, lid design, fittings, accessibility, and cost. Sanke kegs are commonly used in commercial settings, while corny kegs are preferred by homebrewers and for smaller-scale events.