Anybody used these?
http://bieresdumonde.oxatis.com/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=7699746
I have a bar that wants to sell my beer… Regular kegs are just too darn expensive, and these (at a startup cost of around 200 euros for 2 kegs plus compressor plus some bags) seem like a downright steal in comparison.
Thoughts?
they look cool! I can’t comment beyond that cause it’s in french and google translate isn’t working for me today.
I’ve seen if not these a variant here in the states. Usually from imports.
They seem to work pretty well, but the one cranky pub owner I know who deals with them more than anyone hates them.
Why doesn’t he like them?
Based on the pictures (I claim no ability to read or speak French) I would guess the pub owner has issues with the connectors being non-standard (in the US anyway) and the shape. They seem to be shorter than “standard” half barrel kegs. Although pony kegs here in the states are the same basic size and shape.
Just guessing on this though.
Paul
Nah, he’s fine with non-standard connectors and all that. I get the feeling he doesn’t like the “sturdiness” or lack thereof from those kegs cause he tends to have massive stacks of them.
My understanding is that the plastic kegs are cheaper, sturdier, and much less likely to be stolen (or “reappropriated” by scrap metal collectors and/or homebrewers, since they’re not SS). I’ve also heard stories of how full plastic kegs have been dropped a good 6-8 feet off a loading dock (accidentally, of course) with no harm done.
I’m considering using these for my brewery in Spain. Its actually a greener solution to kegs as they require less water and chemicals to clean. The bags are recyclable and the cost of the filling and cleaning equipment is cheaper. It make sense for us because we’re in Europe, but I didn’t know they were available in the US.
Check out their presentation on their website. They have an English version.
http://en.ecofass.com/
doesn’t one of the pros here on the forum use plastic kegs? Yellow hammer maybe?
There’s a local micro here that uses plastic kegs with standard Sanke fittings. They like them because they are lightweight (I can’t remember if they said cost was a factor in choosing them).
Are these “One Way” kegs?
I have seen them recently.
They have regular coupler but I have not used them.
I am using Plastic Kegs that look like SS kegs and you clean them just like SS kegs.
Ahh I knew one of you pro guys was using plastic
OK, so how is using a keg that has a plastic bag in it that get’s thrown out more eco friendly?
eco-nomically friendly? ???
Plastic… again. The new black?
What next? Twist-top wine bottles?!
Oh the humanity!!
@Thirsty_Monk nope - you collect them same as with regular kegs. The exterior is returned and the bag is recycled.
Oscar/Carl - I suppose they’re marketed as eco friendly because the plastic is recyclable (not thrown out per se).
@maravillas hello! welcome to the forum. What’s your brewery’s name? Can you ship to France? If so my favorite neighborhood beer shop would probably be interested in ordering a few cases to try.
Re connector types, “A” is pretty standard in Europe. It’s used by Guinness (but not in Ireland).
Based on the cellars I’ve visited (with the exception of chez moeder lambic) the predominant keg size is the pony/30L/8 Gallon, especially at bars that serve more than two or three taps. Probably cheaper to transport as well, although I’m going to be doing my own distribution for the time being.
I assume that this is like the key keg… I’ve seen European imports come over in those because you don’t need to ship them back. You can serve with CO2 or compressed air because the empty space between the plastic and the bag is what is filled to push the beer out.
http://keykegbeer.keykeg.com/en/design.html
This one looks like the same concept but sturdier… I guess the downside is that it’s not completely disposable.
Didn’t Miller make a big deal about trying this type of thing 20 years ago? I’m probably remembering the time frame wrong but it seems like they came out with a party ball when I was still in Lincoln, NE and that was 18 years back, minimum.
It makes would sense from a handling perspective. Curves and circles are stronger and more resistant to breakage than square corners and straight lines. To make them more appealing I thought the box, that needs to be around the ball, could be made water tight to hold ice. I thought they were a good idea for small parties where 8 gallons was more than was really needed. Of course it was Miller so “good” is relative.
Paul
Yup - exactly the same principle… Have to buy a compressor to put the contents under pressure. However, jeez, those key kegs are about the dumbest industrial design I’ve ever seen. Spherical kegs? Look at all of that wasted space!