# New or old Soda Kegs **URL:** \ **Category:** Brewing Processes\ **Created:** [December 12, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257 "2013-12-12T18:58:07Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![jrdunne](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jrdunne/32/4550_2.png) [@jrdunne](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jrdunne)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 5:05pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/21 "2013-12-13T17:05:19Z")
> [@mtnrockhopper](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > So, are you saying that the new Italian kegs (which is what I think I linked to) don’t have removable poppets?  I did not know that. > > I had heard that some Chinese ones don’t have removable posts, but the Italian ones did. But it’s all hearsay for me. I bought some 2.5 gallon Chinese ones from Williams on a scratch and dent sale a couple years back like these: [http://www.williamsbrewing.com/-2-GALLON-BALL-LOCK-KEG--P3151C109.aspx](http://www.williamsbrewing.com/-2-GALLON-BALL-LOCK-KEG--P3151C109.aspx) The posts are removable and come with universal poppets.  They’re nice for splitting batches (oak, bourbon, etc.).  Big punt on the bottom and short dip tube, so you can be left with a fair amount of beer in the keg.  I extended the dip tube with vinyl tubing, cuz I drink every drop. They are MUCH thinner than the old kegs.  Someone on another thread was saying they have lead in them, but it hasn’t affected me! ---
**Author:** ![beersk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/beersk/32/13414_2.png) [@beersk](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/beersk)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 7:08pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/22 "2013-12-13T19:08:38Z")
Unfortunately, you won’t know that the lead is affecting you until it’s too late. Anyway, as far as the poppets go, no, they aren’t removable. It sucks, but I guess I could rip them out with a needle nose pliers or something and use universals. I’ve read that that works well. I’m not going to mess with that right now though. Perhaps I will eventually though. ---
**Author:** ![jrdunne](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jrdunne/32/4550_2.png) [@jrdunne](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jrdunne)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 8:14pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/23 "2013-12-13T20:14:20Z")
> [@beersk](#): > > Unfortunately, you won’t know that the lead is affecting you until it’s too late. FWIW, I don’t believe they have lead in them.  I think it was a baseless rumor. To my knowledge, stainless contains no lead. ---
**Author:** ![skatz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/skatz/32/6982_2.png) [@skatz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/skatz)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 8:42pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/24 "2013-12-13T20:42:17Z")
> [@](#): > > > [@beersk](#): > > > > Unfortunately, you won’t know that the lead is affecting you until it’s too late. > > FWIW, I don’t believe they have lead in them.  I think it was a baseless rumor. > > To my knowledge, stainless contains no lead. Adventures in Homebrewing posted a report regarding the composition of their kegs. > **[Adventures in Homebrewing - Homebrewing Winemaking & Beverage Supplies](https://homebrewing.org/)** > > Offering the widest selection of homebrew ingredients, kegs, kegging equipment, commercial beverage equipment, and winemaking supplies on the internet. Most orders over $99 ship free! ---
**Author:** ![beersk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/beersk/32/13414_2.png) [@beersk](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/beersk)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 9:29pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/25 "2013-12-13T21:29:58Z")
> [@](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > > [@beersk](#): > > > > > > Unfortunately, you won’t know that the lead is affecting you until it’s too late. > > > > FWIW, I don’t believe they have lead in them.  I think it was a baseless rumor. > > > > To my knowledge, stainless contains no lead. > > Adventures in Homebrewing posted a report regarding the composition of their kegs. > > [Adventures in Homebrewing - Homebrewing Winemaking & Beverage Supplies](http://www.homebrewing.org/assets/images/PDF/Metal%20test.pdf) I saw that, but didn’t know what any of it meant. I guess it means they’re safe. ---
**Author:** ![skatz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/skatz/32/6982_2.png) [@skatz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/skatz)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 9:51pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/26 "2013-12-13T21:51:07Z")
> [@beersk](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > Adventures in Homebrewing posted a report regarding the composition of their kegs. > > > > [Adventures in Homebrewing - Homebrewing Winemaking & Beverage Supplies](http://www.homebrewing.org/assets/images/PDF/Metal%20test.pdf) > > I saw that, but didn’t know what any of it meant. I guess it means they’re safe. From left to right the elements are Carbon, Silicon, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulfer, Chromium, Nickel, Nitrogen Lead (Pb) isn’t listed. Does lack of listing raise concern? I searched around and other stainless manufactures do not list it. [http://www.aksteel.com/pdf/markets\_products/stainless/austenitic/304\_304L\_Data\_Sheet.pdf](http://www.aksteel.com/pdf/markets_products/stainless/austenitic/304_304L_Data_Sheet.pdf) [http://asm.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=MQ304A](http://asm.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=MQ304A) ---
**Author:** ![jrdunne](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jrdunne/32/4550_2.png) [@jrdunne](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jrdunne)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 9:54pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/27 "2013-12-13T21:54:23Z")
> [@](#): > > > [@beersk](#): > > > > > [@](#): > > > > > > Adventures in Homebrewing posted a report regarding the composition of their kegs. > > > > > > [Adventures in Homebrewing - Homebrewing Winemaking & Beverage Supplies](http://www.homebrewing.org/assets/images/PDF/Metal%20test.pdf) > > > > I saw that, but didn’t know what any of it meant. I guess it means they’re safe. > > From left to right the elements are Carbon, Silicon, Manganese, Phosphorus, Sulfer, Chromium, Nickel, Nitrogen > > Lead (Pb) isn’t listed. Does lack of listing raise concern? > > I searched around and other stainless manufactures do not list it. > > [http://www.aksteel.com/pdf/markets\_products/stainless/austenitic/304\_304L\_Data\_Sheet.pdf](http://www.aksteel.com/pdf/markets_products/stainless/austenitic/304_304L_Data_Sheet.pdf) > [ASM Material Data Sheet](http://asm.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=MQ304A) I am not a metallurgist, but my understanding is that lead is not a component of stainless steel.  Thus it should not be listed. Now, I suppose it could be in the solder used on the welds.  But then, it should show up in the testing, right? ---
**Author:** ![mtnrockhopper](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/mtnrockhopper/32/8305_2.png) [@mtnrockhopper](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/mtnrockhopper)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 10:03pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/28 "2013-12-13T22:03:31Z")
> [@](#): > > FWIW, I don’t believe they have lead in them.  I think it was a baseless rumor. Anyone who knows anything knows that everyone on the internet knows that anything made in China contains lead … except maybe Chinese lead. ---
**Author:** ![jrdunne](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jrdunne/32/4550_2.png) [@jrdunne](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jrdunne)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2013, 10:05pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/29 "2013-12-13T22:05:44Z")
> [@mtnrockhopper](#): > > > [@](#): > > > > FWIW, I don’t believe they have lead in them.  I think it was a baseless rumor. > > Anyone who knows anything knows that everyone on the internet knows that anything made in China contains lead … except maybe Chinese lead. Chinese lead is made out of tin. ---
**Author:** ![reverseapachemaster](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/reverseapachemaster/32/19_2.png) [@reverseapachemaster](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/reverseapachemaster)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 2:41am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/30 "2013-12-17T02:41:59Z")
I bought two corny kegs in (I think) 2010 for $30 each. I frequently think about selling them back into the market at current prices since I don’t have a keg set up yet. It’s going to start getting cheap enough to find used 1/6th barrel sanke kegs and buy sanke connectors over buying corny kegs. I’ve seen the 1/6ths on craigslist for as little as $25. 7.5 gallon sankes sometimes float around for $20-50. Corny kegs locally are $45-60. I hear there are going to be 7.5 gallon slim kegs showing up on the market that may replace the 1/6th kegs which could push those out onto the homebrewing market. ---
**Author:** ![beersk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/beersk/32/13414_2.png) [@beersk](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/beersk)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/31 "2013-12-17T13:59:19Z")
> [@reverseapachemaster](#): > > I bought two corny kegs in (I think) 2010 for $30 each. I frequently think about selling them back into the market at current prices since I don’t have a keg set up yet. > > It’s going to start getting cheap enough to find used 1/6th barrel sanke kegs and buy sanke connectors over buying corny kegs. I’ve seen the 1/6ths on craigslist for as little as $25. 7.5 gallon sankes sometimes float around for $20-50. Corny kegs locally are $45-60. I hear there are going to be 7.5 gallon slim kegs showing up on the market that may replace the 1/6th kegs which could push those out onto the homebrewing market. Except the hassle of cleaning them is keeping them out of the homebrewing market, for the most part. Right? ---
**Author:** ![mtnrockhopper](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/mtnrockhopper/32/8305_2.png) [@mtnrockhopper](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/mtnrockhopper)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 3:05pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/32 "2013-12-17T15:05:19Z")
> [@beersk](#): > > > [@reverseapachemaster](#): > > > > I bought two corny kegs in (I think) 2010 for $30 each. I frequently think about selling them back into the market at current prices since I don’t have a keg set up yet. > > > > It’s going to start getting cheap enough to find used 1/6th barrel sanke kegs and buy sanke connectors over buying corny kegs. I’ve seen the 1/6ths on craigslist for as little as $25. 7.5 gallon sankes sometimes float around for $20-50. Corny kegs locally are $45-60. I hear there are going to be 7.5 gallon slim kegs showing up on the market that may replace the 1/6th kegs which could push those out onto the homebrewing market. > > Except the hassle of cleaning them is keeping them out of the homebrewing market, for the most part. Right? And I can’t help but think those are not legally owned. Add to that, a sixtel is more likely stolen from a craft brewery than a BMC. ---
**Author:** ![beersk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/beersk/32/13414_2.png) [@beersk](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/beersk)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 3:13pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/33 "2013-12-17T15:13:21Z")
Agreed. But you can get them for a reasonable price at Beverage Factory, brand new. ---
**Author:** ![mtnrockhopper](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/mtnrockhopper/32/8305_2.png) [@mtnrockhopper](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/mtnrockhopper)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2013, 3:20pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/34 "2013-12-17T15:20:12Z")
> [@beersk](#): > > Agreed. But you can get them for a reasonable price at Beverage Factory, brand new. You’re right. Damn, why are they cheaper than ball locks? Demand I guess. ---
**Author:** ![beersk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/beersk/32/13414_2.png) [@beersk](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/beersk)\ **Post date:** [December 18, 2013, 7:31pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/35 "2013-12-18T19:31:22Z")
> [@mtnrockhopper](#): > > > [@beersk](#): > > > > Agreed. But you can get them for a reasonable price at Beverage Factory, brand new. > > You’re right. Damn, why are they cheaper than ball locks? Demand I guess. Right, if they weren’t purportedly such a pain the ass to clean, I’d switch. ---
**Author:** ![thirsty\_monk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/thirsty_monk/32/8400_2.png) [@thirsty\_monk](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/thirsty_monk)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/36 "2013-12-19T03:29:46Z")
> [@mtnrockhopper](#): > > > [@beersk](#): > > > > > [@reverseapachemaster](#): > > > > > > I bought two corny kegs in (I think) 2010 for $30 each. I frequently think about selling them back into the market at current prices since I don’t have a keg set up yet. > > > > > > It’s going to start getting cheap enough to find used 1/6th barrel sanke kegs and buy sanke connectors over buying corny kegs. I’ve seen the 1/6ths on craigslist for as little as $25. 7.5 gallon sankes sometimes float around for $20-50. Corny kegs locally are $45-60. I hear there are going to be 7.5 gallon slim kegs showing up on the market that may replace the 1/6th kegs which could push those out onto the homebrewing market. > > > > Except the hassle of cleaning them is keeping them out of the homebrewing market, for the most part. Right? > > And I can’t help but think those are not legally owned. Add to that, a sixtel is more likely stolen from a craft brewery than a BMC. Please do not buy stolen kegs. New 1/6 Is about $100 + shipping. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/original/1X/f1a2211dcb353b921ed70873794a31db2031eccc.png) [@system](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/system)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/37 "2014-02-19T18:23:21Z")
I returned to hobby last fall after being away from amateur brewing for the better part of eleven years.  I just wish that I had held onto some of my old gear.  While the cost of a lot of brewing gear has not increased significantly since I left the hobby, I cannot believe the prices that used soda kegs are fetching these days.  I paid $10.00 each for the soda kegs that I purchased in 1993, and they were clean soda kegs with nice rubber, no dents, and no creases.  Now, my local homebrew shop wants $60.00 each for soda kegs that look like they spent time in a war zone.  At a minimum, these kegs will need a new set of o-rings.  Most will probably need at least one new poppet to ensure leak-free operation. I do not know about other AHA members, but, for me, the price delta between new and used was too small to justify the hassle of refurbishing used soda kegs, which is why I went with new AEB soda kegs this time around.  I suspect that $75.00 will be the price point at which all, but the most house or student loan poor amateur brewers will choose to purchase new soda kegs. ---
**Author:** ![hopfenundmalz](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/hopfenundmalz/32/11193_2.png) [@hopfenundmalz](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/hopfenundmalz)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2014, 6:39pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257/38 "2014-02-19T18:39:16Z")
At the LHBS, the owner had a beautiful prototype from China. Still in negotiation on features and price. I would buy new. The welds were the best I have seen from China, and the quality was top notch. Will just have to see how it works out. [Previous page](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/new-or-old-soda-kegs/15257.md?page=1)