# Tired of bottling...already **URL:** \ **Category:** Brewing Processes\ **Created:** [February 6, 2012, 3:51am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196 "2012-02-06T03:51:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![quest4watneys](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/quest4watneys/32/12103_2.png) [@quest4watneys](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/quest4watneys)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 3:51am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/1 "2012-02-06T03:51:37Z")
I’ve been brewing about a year and I’m already tired of bottling. I dread the thought of all the prep needed to bottle. What do I need to start kegging and what are the ballpark costs? ---
**Author:** ![euge](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/euge/32/5060_2.png) [@euge](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/euge)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 5:35am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/2 "2012-02-06T05:35:42Z")
You might get by for less than two hundred for the setup with two kegs, regulator and tank. Maybe another $200 for a fridge if you need one. If you have a room that stays cold then maybe no fridge at all. 🙂 That’s just to start. It can get real expensive but it depends what you want- I still use cobra taps. ---
**Author:** ![quest4watneys](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/quest4watneys/32/12103_2.png) [@quest4watneys](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/quest4watneys)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 6:31am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/3 "2012-02-06T06:31:08Z")
Thanks Euge! I have an extra full-sized fridge I could use after removing unnecessary items like…food 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![punatic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/punatic/32/13656_2.png) [@punatic](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/punatic)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 8:16am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/4 "2012-02-06T08:16:03Z")
FWIW I’ve been set up for kegging for 20+ years.  I still really enjoy bottling the good ones. “Presentation is everything.” ---
**Author:** ![tygo](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/tygo/32/2134_2.png) [@tygo](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tygo)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 11:59am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/5 "2012-02-06T11:59:23Z")
> [@punatic](#): > > FWIW I’ve been set up for kegging for 20+ years.  I still really enjoy bottling the good ones. > > “Presentation is everything.” Yeah, I still bottle a few beers that I’m planning on keeping around for a long time.  Bottling is a lot more enjoyable when you’re only doing it a couple of times a year. ---
**Author:** ![jeffy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/jeffy/32/12842_2.png) [@jeffy](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/jeffy)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 12:34pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/6 "2012-02-06T12:34:21Z")
You’ll need a CO2 bottle, the bigger the better, since they cost about the same to refill or exchange whether it’s 5# or 20#. You’ll need an adjustable regulator with a gauge on the keg side, but not necessarily one on the tank side.  The tank pressure doesn’t change much from full to empty. You’ll need c-kegs.  Ball-locks are more common, a little taller and narrower, so you can usually fit more into a space than pin-locks. You’ll need some hardware, like hoses, taps, quick-disconnects.  I still use picnic taps on my kegs. I once bought a kegerator from a friend and sometimes you see them on Craigslist, that came with a 5# CO2 bottle, regulator, sanke tap and an empty half barrel of Miller Lite along with the fridge.  There was a lot of useful stuff for about $100. Most all of my stuff came to me used and free.  If you hang around long enough and let people know you are looking, stuff may come your way. ---
**Author:** ![deepsouth](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/deepsouth/32/4334_2.png) [@deepsouth](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/deepsouth)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 1:09pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/7 "2012-02-06T13:09:56Z")
i started bottling and then stated kegging and the last two batches i went back to bottling.  not real sure why.  both have been ipa’s rather than big beers. ---
**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 6, 2012, 1:27pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/8 "2012-02-06T13:27:44Z")
If you decide to go to kegging, do it quick.  The supply of used cornies is getting very slim.  Some online stores are selling new kegs with their kegging set ups.  New is roughly $125, used is up to about $40 now (prices from recent adds). Buy at least 2X the number of kegs you think you might need.  Trust me on that advice. ---
**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:** [February 6, 2012, 1:45pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/9 "2012-02-06T13:45:33Z")
[www.beveragefactory.com](http://www.beveragefactory.com) as full setup kits with different options to convert refrigerators. You might be able to piece it together cheaper, but that will give you an idea of total cost. ---
**Author:** ![morticaixavier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/eb9ed0/32.png) [@morticaixavier](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/morticaixavier)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/10 "2012-02-06T15:56:57Z")
[http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=326](http://stores.kegconnection.com/Detail.bok?no=326) Here is where I got my setup. looks like they no longer offer the all in one kit but for \< 200 you can get a two keg system. As hopfenundmalz says you will want more soon and if you have the cash go ahead and get 4 kegs now. but if not two is good. ---
**Author:** ![quest4watneys](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/quest4watneys/32/12103_2.png) [@quest4watneys](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/quest4watneys)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 12:33am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/11 "2012-02-07T00:33:26Z")
Lots of great advice once again! Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![theprofessor](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/theprofessor/32/11214_2.png) [@theprofessor](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/theprofessor)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 1:41am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/12 "2012-02-07T01:41:11Z")
> [@punatic](#): > > FWIW I’ve been set up for kegging for 20+ years.  I still really enjoy bottling the good ones. > > “Presentation is everything.” I definitely agree, lthough any bottling I do is from the keg, after the beer has cleared and conditioned.  So there is absolutely room (and sometimes, a need) to continue to do both. I do it particularly with my big beers, especially the ones I gift during the holiday season,  as well as the Old Ale/Burtons that are meant for years of keeping. ---
**Author:** ![quest4watneys](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/quest4watneys/32/12103_2.png) [@quest4watneys](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/quest4watneys)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 2:03am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/13 "2012-02-07T02:03:08Z")
After doing some research thanks to the advice I’ve gotten here, I have another question: Ball lock or pin lock? ---
**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 7, 2012, 2:23am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/14 "2012-02-07T02:23:46Z")
> [@quest4watneys](#): > > After doing some research thanks to the advice I’ve gotten here, I have another question: Ball lock or pin lock? If you are going by price, pin lock is cheaper.  Ball lock is more popular, hence prices have gone up more, and is narrower and taller.  You can get more ball locks in a given footprint.  You can’t mix up the gas and beer connections on a pin lock. Many of my friends and I have ball lock.  One has pin locks.  It is up to you to decide. ---
**Author:** ![quest4watneys](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/quest4watneys/32/12103_2.png) [@quest4watneys](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/quest4watneys)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 2:37am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/15 "2012-02-07T02:37:26Z")
Are both types fairly common as far as finding parts for? Oops. I see that question was already answered! ---
**Author:** ![tschmidlin](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/tschmidlin/32/3857_2.png) [@tschmidlin](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/tschmidlin)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 5:18am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/16 "2012-02-07T05:18:29Z")
If you’re going to mix and match, I recommend getting threaded fittings so it is easier to switch back and forth.  Either that or have dedicated tubing that can be swapped out. ---
**Author:** ![punatic](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/punatic/32/13656_2.png) [@punatic](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/punatic)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 5:24am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/17 "2012-02-07T05:24:01Z")
Pin lock is for pinheads!   😉 “No Coke…  Pepsi!” ---
**Author:** ![euge](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/brewersassociation/user_avatar/forum.homebrewersassociation.org/euge/32/5060_2.png) [@euge](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/euge)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 5:59am UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/18 "2012-02-07T05:59:42Z")
The pin locks can be converted to ball lock kegs right? ---
**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 7, 2012, 1:12pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/19 "2012-02-07T13:12:24Z")
> [@euge](#): > > The pin locks can be converted to ball lock kegs right? You can have dedicated fitting for pinlocks as Tom suggests.  I do have one pinlock that was converted to a ball lock.  The LHBS that sells a lot of kegs had special posts made that do this.  Once that was done it cost the same as a ball lock.  I got this as all the ball locks were in the seperate warehouse waiting for the new store location to open, where they have a lot more space. ---
**Author:** ![edguyer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/4491bb/32.png) [@edguyer](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/u/edguyer)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2012, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.homebrewersassociation.org/t/tired-of-bottling-already/9196/20 "2012-02-07T14:06:56Z")
If you cannot find them at your LHBS you can order them online.  I found them at [www.cornykeg.com](http://www.cornykeg.com).  You will need to know the type of pin lock keg you have.  It will either be a Firestone or a Cornelius.  The threads are different for each.  The type of keg should be stamped on the outside.