When it comes to home brewing, the size of the keg you choose is an important decision. Both Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs are commonly used in home brewing and come in a standard 5-gallon size, which is perfect for home brewers. This size can hold approximately 53 – 12oz. beers, giving you a decent amount of beer to enjoy or share with friends.
The main difference between Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs lies in the posts that are used. Ball Lock kegs have posts with a ball-shaped fitting, while Pin Lock kegs have posts with pins that fit into the corresponding sockets. These differences in posts affect how the kegs are connected and disconnected from the gas and liquid lines.
Here are some key points to consider when deciding between Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs for your home brew:
1. Availability: Ball Lock kegs are generally more readily available in the market compared to Pin Lock kegs. This is because Ball Lock kegs are more commonly used in commercial applications and are thus more widely produced.
2. Compatibility: It's important to ensure that the keg you choose is compatible with your existing equipment. If you already have Ball Lock fittings, it would be easier to stick with Ball Lock kegs to maintain consistency in your setup. Similarly, if you have Pin Lock fittings, it would make more sense to opt for Pin Lock kegs.
3. Price: The price of Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs can vary, but in general, Ball Lock kegs tend to be slightly more expensive compared to Pin Lock kegs. However, the price difference is usually not significant and may vary depending on factors such as brand, condition, and availability.
4. Maintenance: Both Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs are relatively easy to clean and maintain. However, some brewers find Pin Lock kegs to be slightly easier to disassemble and clean due to their design. This can be a personal preference and may not be a major deciding factor for everyone.
In my personal experience, I have used both Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs for my home brewing. I initially started with Ball Lock kegs as they were more readily available and widely used. However, I later acquired some Pin Lock kegs when I found them at a good price. I found both types of kegs to work equally well in terms of carbonation and dispensing.
Ultimately, the choice between Ball Lock and Pin Lock kegs comes down to personal preference, availability, compatibility, and price. As long as you ensure that the keg you choose is in good condition and properly cleaned and sanitized before use, either type of keg can be a great option for your home brews.