Keg Costs: How Much Does A Beer Keg Cost To Buy?

The price of a beer keg varies depending on the size and brand of beer. For example, a half keg of Dos Equis Amber costs around $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220 plus deposit. The deposit is typically small, around $15. A half-barrel keg of Bud Light can cost anywhere from $79 to $139, depending on the market (plus deposit). A keg of PBR in one town is $75 with a $75 deposit, while a half barrel of PBR in another town is in the $120 range.

Keg prices vary by brand and location

The price of a keg of beer varies depending on the brand and location. For example, a keg of PBR in Indiana is around $75, with a deposit of $75, whereas a half-barrel of PBR would cost around $120 in retail. A half-barrel of Lite or Coors would be about $10 more.

In some markets, a half-barrel of Bud Light can cost anywhere from $79 to $139, while a half-keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220. A keg deposit is usually small, ranging from $15 to $75, and is refunded when the empty keg is returned.

In New York City, keg prices vary, with some examples being a keg of Brooklyn Lager for $165, a keg of Heineken Premium Light for $200, and a keg of Asahi Japan Extra Dry for $250.

The size of the keg also affects the price. A half-keg serves around 165 beers, a quarter-keg serves 80-83, and a sixth-keg serves 40-60.

Deposits are required, but refunded when empty kegs are returned

When purchasing a beer keg, you will typically be required to pay a deposit on top of the cost of the keg and its contents. This deposit is refunded when you return the empty keg, provided that it is in good condition.

The deposit amount varies depending on the retailer and the type of keg. For example, a half-barrel keg of Bud Light may cost around $79 to $139, plus a deposit, while a half-keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit costs $220 plus a deposit. The deposit for this smaller keg is typically around $15. In some cases, the deposit may be as low as $15 or as high as $100, depending on the market and the specific retailer.

In addition to the keg deposit, you may also need to pay a deposit for any accessories you rent, such as taps, tubs, and party pumps. These deposits will also be refunded when you return the items in good condition. For example, a tap and party pump may require an additional deposit of $50 to $100 each, with a rental fee for the pump of around $10.

It's important to note that the deposit is separate from the cost of the keg and its contents, and you will get this money back when you return the empty keg and any rented accessories. So, while the initial cost of purchasing a beer keg may seem high, a significant portion of that cost is recoverable.

Kegs come in different sizes, from 1.32 gallons to 15.5 gallons

Kegs come in different sizes, ranging from 1.32 gallons to 15.5 gallons. The most common sizes are the half barrel, quarter barrel, sixth barrel, Cornelius keg, and mini-keg.

The half barrel, or full-size keg, is the largest and holds 15.5 gallons, or 165 12-ounce beers. This size is ideal for large events or parties with heavy drinkers, as it can serve around 120-165 pints. The cost of a half barrel can range from $79 to $200, depending on the brand and market, with an additional deposit fee of around $50.

The quarter barrel, also known as a pony, stubby, or slim quarter, holds 7.75 gallons, or 83 12-ounce beers. This size is perfect for smaller gatherings, providing around 80 servings. The price of a quarter barrel is typically around $80, plus a deposit.

The sixth barrel, also called a "slim sixth" or "sixteen", holds 5.2 gallons, or 55 12-ounce beers. This size is a good option for those seeking a smaller quantity of craft beer, offering about 40 pints. The price of a sixth barrel is usually in the range of a half barrel but is a third of the size.

The Cornelius keg, also known as a "corny keg", holds 5 gallons, or 53 12-ounce beers. This size is not as commonly mentioned as the others but still offers a substantial amount of beer.

The mini-keg, or "bubba keg", is the smallest option, holding 1.32 gallons, or 14 12-ounce beers. This size is perfect for those who want a small quantity of fresh draft beer and can be found in the form of handy slim kegs. The price of a mini-keg is typically lower than that of larger kegs, but the exact price was not readily available.

Kegs need couplers to work, which are rented out with the keg

The cost of a keg of beer depends on the size and brand of beer. For example, a half keg of Dos Equis Amber costs about $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220 plus deposit. The keg deposit is typically small, about $15.

Kegs come in a variety of sizes, including the half barrel, quarter barrel, sixth barrel, Cornelius keg, and mini-keg, ranging from 15.5 gallons to 1.32 gallons.

There are six main types of keg couplers: D-type, U-type, G-type, S-type, A-type, and M-type. Each type of coupler is designed to fit with different keg valves, depending on the origin of the beer. For example, the D-type coupler (also known as the American Sankey coupler) fits U.S. Sankey keg valves and is used by the majority of North American beers, while the S-type coupler (also known as the European Sankey coupler) fits European Sankey keg valves and is used for popular European brews like Amstel, Pilsner Urquell, and Newcastle.

It's important to use the right type of coupler for your keg, as they are not interchangeable. If you use the wrong coupler, the beer may not pour at all, or you may get a spray of beer in your face!

Kegs need to be refrigerated to keep the beer fresh

The cost of a beer keg varies depending on the size and brand of beer. For example, a half keg of Dos Equis Amber costs around $158 plus a deposit, while a half keg of Stieglitz Grapefruit is $220 plus deposit. The deposit is usually small, approximately $15.

While it is possible to store a keg in a cellar or basement, the temperature will impact the carbonation process. At warmer temperatures, the gas goes into the solution more easily, and you will need to increase the CO2 pressure to get the desired level of carbonation. Using a carb calculator can help determine the required pressure based on the temperature. Additionally, most pre-fab kits are designed for serving at colder temperatures, so adjustments may be needed to balance the system.

When serving beer from a keg, it is essential to maintain equilibrium by keeping the same CO2 pressure to prevent the beer from going flat. By refrigerating the keg, you can ensure that the beer stays carbonated and minimize the adjustments needed to the CO2 pressure.

Overall, refrigeration is crucial for keeping the beer fresh, maintaining the desired carbonation levels, and providing a refreshing drinking experience.

Frequently asked questions