OK, got a keg and CO2 tank coming shortly. I need some guidance on the preferred type of regulator, dual or single gauge? Secondly, for now, I plan on just using a picnic faucet assembly. Is there anything else I’ll need at this point?
I am going to be using my existing chest freezer as a dual use chamber at this point. When the fermentation is over, I’ll be throwing the keg in there.
prefer the dual because you see whats in the tank and line pressure, but again just go with what you want at this point. other than that, you are good to go and ready to enter the kegging arena.
+1. Eventually you’ll need to get o-ring change kits and keg lube to ensure you get a good seal, but I’m assuming this keg should have new seals. I would use a thin layer of keg lube on the new seals - nothing is worse than a small air leak that drains your CO2 tank or keeps beer from carbonating fully.
Did you go new or used keg?
new
Dual regulator.
I used cobra taps for nearly eight years until landing a proper kegerator with a tower. Realize now that I wasn’t really missing anything.
I would spring for the thumb adjust out pressure rather than the flat screwdriver/hex nut style
Yeah, had planned that.
I know I’ll need a couple of quick disconnects, and some lines as well. Why are there so many options here?
Do you also need some sort of clips or clamps for the gas/ beer lines?
I’m considering non-PVC tubing. I see they sell stuff like this http://www.morebeer.com/products/ultra-barrier-silver-antimicrobial-pvc-free-beer-tubing-516-id-foot.html
I use hose clamps on my gas lines because I initially turn the pressure up to about 30 psi to seal the keg and jump-start carbing. Probably belt-and-suspenders, but that’s what us anal guys do. I don’t use them on beer lines, since they only see serving pressure.
I have a spray bottle that I have filled with Starsan solution made with distilled water. I spray the picnic tap to clear out residual beer. It helps keep it clean between servings.
It really depends on whether you arr using the CO2 to push beer or carbonate the kegged beer. I add about a third cup of sugar when kegging and let it sit a couple of weeks then use CO2 to push beer.
What’s going to drive you nuts is when you have to turn in your brand new shiny empty CO2 tank for an old beat up full one. Ask me how i know. Especially if you discover that you paid more for the new one than a deposit would have been.
I’ve never swapped a tank. Any place I’ve been will fill it on the spot, usually. I won’t leave the tank or exchange.
Yeah I verified that before I ordered one!
Harbor Freight has a decent regulator for about $30. That’s 1/2 of what most LHBS will have one for.
I lost a nice new one the first time I exchanged. But big deal. I use the Co2, not the pretty tank. Plus, if I want my own tank filled, it’s a 70 mile drive. To exchange it, is less than 5 miles. Pretty simple. The thing that gets me, is a 5lb tank cost me about $18. A 20lb tank is $21. That’s why I have been slowly selling my 5lb ones. Just need two for the kegerators. But for carbonating, and such, the 20lb is the way to go. (at least with a 1bbl system)
+1 I agree on the 20#'er. Then one can fill their 5# tanks from it! ;D
Agreed. Im going to add a 20 for out in the brewery and keep my two 5s for the tap. Just because they fit inside.
Exchange is the only choice in this area. If you want your tank filled it will be gone a month.