Where To Buy Vintage Beer Kegs?

There are a variety of places to buy old beer kegs, both online and in-store. Some companies that sell old beer kegs include Beverage Craft, eBay, Total Wine & More, and G4 Kegs. While some companies sell old beer kegs, others, like Keg Watch, do not sell old kegs as they do not belong to them and remain the property of the owning company. Old beer kegs can be purchased for home brewing, or for repurposing into furniture, art, or grills.

Old beer kegs for sale

If you're looking for old beer kegs for sale, there are a few online platforms you can check out. Gumtree Australia, for instance, often has listings for old and vintage beer kegs in the "Antiques, Art & Collectables" and "Miscellaneous Goods" sections. At the time of writing, there are several old stainless steel beer kegs available, with prices starting at $50 AUD. You can also find vintage brass beer keg taps and vintage beer keg mugs on Gumtree.

Another option to consider is eBay, which offers a wide range of empty beer kegs, including vintage and used options. You can find various sizes and brands, such as Heineken, Budweiser, and Miller.

If you're specifically looking for stainless steel kegs, Beverage Craft offers new kegs in a variety of sizes and types, including Corny kegs, slim quarters, and import kegs. Their prices range from USD 100 to USD 200.

When purchasing old beer kegs, it's important to note that they may not be suitable for upcycling or repurposing, as they are intended only for transporting and storing beer, lager, and cider.

Where to buy old beer kegs

You can buy old beer kegs from several places, both online and in-person.

Online

If you're looking to buy old beer kegs online, you can try the following websites:

• EBay: eBay offers a wide range of used empty beer kegs in various sizes and from different brands, such as Heineken, Budweiser, and Miller.
• Beverage Craft: This website offers new and used stainless steel beer kegs, with prices starting at around $100. They offer a variety of keg types, including Corny kegs, Schaefer kegs, and stainless steel casks. They also provide leasing services for those who don't want to purchase.

In-Person

If you prefer to buy old beer kegs in person, you can try the following options:

• Local breweries: Breweries often sell their old containers to other breweries when they close down. You can visit local breweries in your area and inquire about purchasing their old kegs.
• Classifieds and second-hand stores: Keep an eye out for classified ads or second-hand stores that may have old beer kegs for sale. However, be aware that selling old kegs without returning them to the legal owners is prohibited.
• Manufacturers: If you are unable to find old beer kegs, you can also try contacting manufacturers to purchase new kegs or hire them for your brewing needs.

Old beer keg prices

Old beer kegs are available for purchase on eBay. The prices of these vary depending on the brand and size of the keg. For example, a 1/4 barrel stainless steel empty keg from the Pabst Brewing Company costs $139, while a 15.5-gallon empty keg from Anheuser Busch Budweiser costs $159.99. A 15.5-gallon empty keg from Adolph Coors is priced at $159.99, whereas a 7.75-gallon empty keg from Miller Genuine Draft is $69.99.

New stainless steel kegs are also available for purchase at Beverage Craft, with prices ranging from $100 to $200 depending on the model. For instance, a 5-gallon homebrew Corny keg costs around $127, while a 10-gallon stackable version is slightly over $190. Sixth barrel kegs are $115 each, quarter barrels are $140, and half-barrels are approximately $145.

Old beer keg sizes

Beer kegs come in various sizes, and the one you choose depends on your specific needs. Here is a list of some common beer keg sizes:

Cornelius Keg (Corny Keg)

Originally designed for soft drinks, the Corny Keg has become a favourite among homebrewers. It holds approximately 53 twelve-ounce servings or 40 sixteen-ounce pints. Its dimensions are typically 23" x 9", and it has a capacity of 5 gallons/18 litres/640 ounces.

Sixth Barrel Keg (Sixtel)

The Sixth Barrel Keg is slightly larger than the Corny Keg, with dimensions of 23⅜" x 9¼" and a capacity of 5.16 gallons/20 litres/661 ounces. It is often used for specialty and craft beers, allowing for a wider variety of beers to be offered.

Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg/Stubby Quarter)

The Quarter Barrel Keg is perfect for small parties or events where a smaller variety of beer is served. It holds around 82 twelve-ounce servings or 62 sixteen-ounce pints. Its dimensions are typically 13⅞" x 16⅛" for the stubby version and 23⅜" x 11⅛" for the slim version, both with a capacity of 7.75 gallons/30 litres/992 ounces.

Half Barrel Keg (Full Size Keg)

The Half Barrel Keg is the standard size used in the US brewing industry and is commonly seen at bars, restaurants, and large events. It holds approximately 165 twelve-ounce servings or 124 sixteen-ounce pints. Its dimensions are typically 23⅜" x 16⅛", and it has a capacity of 15.5 gallons/58.7 litres/1,984 ounces.

Import Keg/European Barrel/50 Litre Keg

This keg size is commonly used by European breweries and is similar in size to the American Half Barrel Keg. It is the most common keg size in European countries, including the UK. Its dimensions are usually 20.94" x 16.06", and it has a capacity of 13.2 gallons/50 litres/1,690 ounces.

Mini Keg/Bubba Keg

The Mini Keg is perfect for one-time use or portable purposes, such as small gatherings or camping trips. It holds about 14 twelve-ounce servings or 10 sixteen-ounce pints. Its dimensions are typically 9 ⅞” x 6 ¾”, and it has a capacity of 1.32 gallons/5 litres/169 ounces.

Old beer keg uses

Old beer kegs can be repurposed in a variety of ways. Some companies, such as Strathcona Beer Company in Vancouver, choose to paint their old kegs and use them as decorative accents in their taprooms. Others, like Odell Brewing Company in Fort Collins, have upcycled their old kegs into recycling bins and garbage cans.

Kegs can also be converted into functional furniture pieces such as bar stools, end tables, or outdoor seating for a beer garden. With the right equipment, they can even be transformed into cooking appliances like pizza ovens or fire pits. The reflective nature of stainless steel kegs also makes them ideal for creating dramatic lighting fixtures.

For those looking to add a unique touch to their garden or entryway, old kegs can be filled with flowers or converted into water features. For beer industry professionals, old kegs can be retrofitted and used as yeast brinks or CIP reservoirs.

It is important to note that kegs should not be purchased solely for the purpose of upcycling, and their use should be limited to transportation and the containment of beer, lagers, and ciders.

Frequently asked questions