Beatrix Montes
Corny kegs, also known as Cornelius kegs, are stainless-steel cylinders used for storing and dispensing drinks. They were originally used by Coca-Cola and Pepsi but are now popular among homebrewers for storing and dispensing homemade beer. Corny kegs are available in various sizes, with the most common being the 5-gallon variety, which can hold about fifty 12-oz bottles of beer. They are also stackable, making them a convenient option for those with limited storage space. Corny kegs have three main components: the lid, the gas-side post, and the draught-side post, which work together to keep the beer fresh and facilitate dispensing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can you buy beer in a corny keg? | Yes, corny kegs are used for storing and dispensing beer. |
| What is a corny keg? | A corny keg is a cylinder used for storing and dispensing various drinks. |
| What are corny kegs made of? | Corny kegs are made of stainless steel and can hold a maximum pressure of 60-130 PSI. |
| How tall is a corny keg? | Corny kegs are 22-25 inches tall and 8.5-9 inches in diameter. |
| How much does a corny keg hold? | Corny kegs come in various sizes, ranging from 1.5 to 15 gallons, with the most common size being 5 gallons. |
| What are the main parts of a corny keg? | The lid, the gas-in body connect (gas-side post), and the liquid-out body connect (draught-side post). |
| How do you tap a corny keg? | You need a CO2 tank with a gas regulator, a gas line, a corny keg, a draught tower with a faucet, and connectors. |
| What are the types of corny kegs? | There are two main types: ball-lock kegs and pin-lock kegs, which differ in their connecting posts and locking mechanisms. |
| How long does beer last in a corny keg? | Well-refrigerated and properly carbonated beer can last for about a year in a corny keg. |
| How do you carbonate a corny keg? | Connect a CO2 cylinder to the keg via the gas-in connect port and set the proper PSI level on the gas regulator according to your beer recipe. |
| Where can you buy corny kegs? | Corny kegs can be purchased from various suppliers, including MoreBeer, BeverageCraft, CornyKeg, NorthernBrewer, and HomebrewAcademy. |
What You'll Learn
Where to buy corny kegs
Corny kegs are a great way to store and dispense beer and are popular among homebrewers. You can buy corny kegs from a variety of online retailers, including:
CornyKeg.com
CornyKeg.com is a one-stop shop for all things corny keg-related. They offer a wide range of new and refurbished cornelius-style kegs, including ball lock and pin lock kegs in various sizes. They also provide a range of homebrew keg kits, kegerators, and other supplies such as CO2 cylinders, keg fittings, hoses, and faucets. CornyKeg.com delivers directly to your door and has a physical store in Cincinnati.
MoreBeer.com
MoreBeer.com offers a wide variety of homebrew kegs, including corny kegs, cornelius kegs, and soda kegs. They have both pin lock and ball lock kegs made of stainless steel, with options for brand new and used corny kegs. In addition to the popular 5-gallon size, they also offer 2.5-gallon and 1.5-gallon corny kegs. MoreBeer provides fast and free shipping on orders over $59 in the lower 48 states.
Kegglebrewing.com
Kegglebrewing.com is mentioned by several users on a homebrewing forum as a good source for corny kegs. One user mentions that they have ordered corny kegs from this website and found them to be a "good trustworthy resource." The website offers corny kegs at a price of $30 each.
EBay
EBay is another option for purchasing corny kegs, with some users reporting finding good deals on the platform. One user mentions purchasing two corny kegs from eBay for $90, and another mentions finding a seller with deals on 4-keg lots. It's important to communicate with the seller to get a better shipping quote, as the quoted shipping price on eBay may be higher.
Homebrewing.org
Homebrewing.org is recommended by a user on the homebrewing forum for purchasing sets of four 5-gallon ball-lock kegs. The user provides a link to the website, which offers free shipping on the product.
Adventures in Homebrewing
Adventures in Homebrewing is mentioned by a few users on the homebrewing forum as a source for corny kegs. One user mentions that they offer used 5-gallon Cornelius kegs for $40 plus shipping and have a customer-friendly return policy.
Craiglist
Watching Craigslist can also be a good strategy for finding corny kegs at affordable prices. Some users report finding great deals on Craigslist, such as 5 ball locks for $100 and 2 corny kegs for $20. However, keep in mind that Craigslist deals may require some driving to pick up the items.
Buying Beer at Disneyland: Is It Possible?
You may want to see also
What size corny keg to buy
Corny kegs, also known as Cornelius kegs, are a popular choice for storing and dispensing beer. They are typically made of stainless steel and can hold a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, making them ideal for storing beer and various other beverages. Corny kegs come in a variety of sizes, and the right size for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the size of your corny keg:
Capacity and Usage:
The capacity of corny kegs can range from 1.5 gallons to 15 gallons, with the most common size being the 5-gallon variety. When choosing a size, consider how much beer you typically consume or plan to dispense. If you are a homebrewer, the 5-gallon size is a popular choice as it matches the amount of a typical homebrew batch. Smaller sizes, such as the 1.5-gallon and 2.5-gallon corny kegs, are also available and are highly valued for their stackability, making them ideal for those with limited storage space.
Dimensions and Compatibility:
Consider the dimensions of the corny keg in relation to your kegerator or storage space. Corny kegs typically have a cylindrical shape, and their height and width can vary depending on the capacity. If you have limited height or width in your kegerator or storage space, opt for a corny keg with dimensions that will fit comfortably. Additionally, ensure that the corny keg's connectors (ball-lock or pin-lock) are compatible with your dispensing system.
Frequency of Use:
If you plan on using your corny keg frequently or for larger gatherings, consider opting for a larger size. Larger corny kegs, such as the 10-gallon or 15-gallon varieties, are ideal for those who want to dispense a significant amount of beer without frequent refills. On the other hand, if you have moderate consumption or plan on using the corny keg for smaller gatherings, a smaller size may be more suitable.
Portability:
If you plan on transporting your corny keg, consider opting for a smaller and more portable size. The 5-liter mini corny kegs, also known as "Bubba Kegs," are perfect for one-time use or portable applications, such as watching a game with friends or going on a camping trip. They are easy to carry and can be conveniently stored in a small refrigerator.
In summary, when choosing the size of your corny keg, consider factors such as capacity, dimensions, frequency of use, and portability. The right size for you will depend on your specific needs and requirements, so be sure to take into account the amount of beer you need, the space you have available, and how often you plan on using the corny keg.
Should You Give Your Dogs Beer?
You may want to see also
What are corny kegs made of
Corny kegs, also known as Cornelius kegs or soda kegs, are made of stainless steel. They are cylindrical tanks designed to hold pressurised liquids and can withstand a maximum pressure of 60 PSI. They are constructed to hold liquids at a maximum pressure of 130 PSI.
Corny kegs are typically 8.5 to 9 inches in diameter and range from 22 to 25 inches in height. They come in a variety of sizes, including 2.5, 3, 5, 10, and 15 gallons. An empty 5-gallon corny keg weighs about 10 pounds, and when filled, it weighs just over 50 pounds.
The anatomy of a corny keg includes three main components: the lid, the gas-side post, and the draught-side post. The lid provides access to the inside of the keg and consists of a pressure relief valve, an O-ring to form a seal, and a bail to hold the lid in place. The gas-side post is used for dispensing and is where the gas-in quick disconnect fits on. It features a short tube that does not reach the liquid. The draught-side post is used for dispensing and has a long tube, or "dip tube", that runs to the bottom of the keg. Both tubes have O-rings that must be in place before attaching them to the keg.
Corny kegs are available in two types: pin lock and ball lock. Pin lock kegs were used by Coca-Cola, while Pepsi favoured ball-lock kegs. Pin lock kegs feature metal pins on the post, while ball-lock kegs have a ring of ball bearings that lock gas and liquid connections to the keg.
Buying Beer: 40 Oz Options and Where to Find Them
You may want to see also
How to tap a corny keg
Tapping a corny keg is a straightforward process, but it does require some equipment. Corny kegs are great for storing and dispensing beer, and they are popular among homebrewers. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to tap a corny keg:
- Place the keg where you want to serve the beer and let it settle.
- Remove the plastic or cardboard cap from the fixture on top of the keg.
- Get your tap ready by placing it in a clockwise motion while maintaining downward pressure. Keep pushing down and turning the tap until it locks into place due to the pressure in the keg.
- Expect foam: pour about six cups of beer or a pitcher. Don't worry if there's foam at first; once it settles, you should have a pitcher that's about half full.
- Enjoy your beer!
In terms of equipment, to tap a corny keg, you will need the following:
- A CO2 tank with a gas regulator
- A gas line
- A corny keg
- A draught tower with a faucet
- Connectors
Corny kegs are typically made of stainless steel and can hold a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, making them ideal for storing beer. They come in various sizes, with the most common variety holding 5 gallons (~19 litres) of beverage.
Buying Beer on Sundays in New Albany, MS: What's Allowed?
You may want to see also
How to clean a corny keg
Corny kegs are popular among homebrewers for storing and dispensing beer. It is important to clean and sanitise corny kegs to ensure the beer is at its best and to prevent off flavours in your brew. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean a corny keg:
Step 1: Remove Pressure
Firstly, relieve the pressure from the corny keg by pulling up on the relief valve. If your keg does not have a relief valve, you can push down on the centre of the gas (IN) connector. Cover the valve or connector with a rag to prevent any liquid from escaping.
Step 2: Remove the Cap
Once the pressure is released, you can remove the cap. Hold the handle at a 90-degree angle from the cap and strike it with your palm or a rubber hammer. Loosen the cap, lower it into the keg, and twist to remove.
Step 3: Initial Rinse
Add a gallon of water to the keg and replace the cap. Shake the keg, then remove the cap and pour out the water. Repeat this process a few times to ensure the keg is clean.
Step 4: Soak
Mix a cleaning solution of water and your chosen cleaner. Do not use chlorine or bleach, as this can damage the inside of the keg. Fill the keg and soak for several hours or overnight. You can also remove the posts and soak them separately in the solution, ensuring you remember which post goes on which side.
Step 5: Rinse
After soaking, pour out the cleaning solution and refill the keg with fresh water. Let it sit for several hours or overnight. Then, pour out the water.
Step 6: Sanitize
If you plan on using the keg immediately, it is recommended to sanitise it. Mix a sanitising solution and add about a gallon to the keg. Reinstall the cap and pressurise to about 10 psi or higher to seal the cap. Shake the keg to coat the entire inside, then install the tap and let the sanitiser flow out. Remove the CO2 and allow the pressure to bleed out through the tap.
Additional Tips:
- It is important to clean your corny kegs regularly and not let residue build up.
- Always clean your kegs immediately after use and do not let them dry before cleaning.
- Some brewers recommend disassembling the keg and cleaning each piece separately, especially if there is a lot of residue.
Beaver Stadium Beer Buying: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A corny keg, also known as a Cornelius keg or soda keg, is a stainless-steel canister used to store and dispense beer. They are often used by homebrewers as they are simple, stackable, and robust.
There are two main types of corny kegs: ball-lock kegs and pin-lock kegs. The difference lies in their connecting posts and locking mechanisms. Ball-lock kegs use ball bearings, while pin-lock kegs feature pins on the post.
Corny kegs offer several advantages over bottling, including saving time and effort in cleaning, sterilizing, and filling bottles. They also provide forced carbonation, saving space, and maintaining the taste of your beer.
