Empty Beer Kegs: How Much Do They Cost To Purchase?

The price of an empty beer keg varies depending on the size, type, and beer keg dimensions. A rule of thumb is that the bigger the keg, the pricier it is. For example, a 5-gallon homebrew Corny keg costs around $127, while a 10-gallon stackable version costs over $190. Sixth barrel kegs are $115, quarter barrels are $140, and half-barrels are approximately $145. The price of an empty keg also depends on the manufacturer. For instance, a stackable 20-liter ECO keg from the European manufacturer Schaefer is priced at $105, while a 50-liter ECO keg from the same company costs $140. Additionally, the weight of an empty keg can influence its price; a typical stainless steel keg weighing 30 pounds may be worth around $24 in scrap value.

Empty beer keg prices

The price of an empty beer keg varies depending on its size, type, and dimensions. For instance, a 5-gallon homebrew Corny keg, one of the most popular keg types, costs around $127, while the stackable 10-gallon version costs slightly over $190. Sixth barrel kegs are priced at $115 each, quarter barrels at $140, and half-barrels at approximately $145.

Empty beer kegs are also available from European manufacturers like Schaefer, known for their sleek design and excellent quality. For example, the stackable 20-liter ECO keg costs $105, while the 50-liter version is priced at $140.

The weight of an empty keg is also a factor in determining its price. A typical stainless steel keg weighing 30 pounds might be worth around $24 in scrap value. While scrap prices fluctuate, the value is often the same or higher than the typical $20-30 deposit charged by brewers.

Kegs can also be leased from companies like MicroStar, a non-brewer that owns and leases kegs to brewers.

Stainless steel kegs

Stainless steel is the best material for beer kegs due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and ability to maintain beverage quality and taste. When it comes to buying an empty stainless steel beer keg, the price will depend on the size, type, and dimensions. As a rule, the bigger the keg, the pricier.

Where to Buy Stainless Steel Kegs

There are several online retailers that sell stainless steel beer kegs. Here are a few options:

• Beverage Craft: This company offers a wide range of kegs, including Corny kegs (both stackable and non-stackable), slim quarters, import kegs, and more. Their prices start at around USD $100 and go up to $200, depending on the model.
• Amazon: Amazon offers a variety of stainless steel commercial kegs, including the Kegco Commercial Keg, which is a 5-gallon, half-barrel keg used by breweries worldwide. This keg is made of food and beverage-grade AISI 304 stainless steel and features a Sanke "D" system drop-in valve. The price for this keg is $2,713.
• EBay: eBay offers a variety of empty beer kegs, including stainless steel options in various sizes. Prices vary depending on the seller and the condition of the keg.
• UBC Group USA: This company provides a wide range of kegs, including half-barrel, quarter, and sixtel barrel options. They offer both sales and leasing options for their kegs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stainless Steel Keg

• Wall thickness and reinforced construction: Look for kegs with thick, strong walls and reinforced construction to ensure durability and withstand tough working conditions.
• Nominal pressure: Choose a keg with nominal pressure that meets your specific needs, and ensure it has a safety valve or other devices to prevent overpressure.
• Compatibility: Make sure the keg you select is compatible with your existing dispensing system, including couplings, fittings, and pipes.
• Brand reputation: Opt for reputable brands with a proven track record and industry certificates. Reading reviews from previous keg buyers can also provide valuable insights.

Scrap value

The scrap value of an empty beer keg depends on its weight and the price of scrap metal. Beer kegs are generally made of stainless steel or aluminum, both of which are valuable metals. The price of scrap metal fluctuates, but in January 2013, the scrap price for 304 stainless steel was around 80 cents per pound. At 30 pounds empty weight, a typical stainless steel keg might be worth around $24.

A half-barrel or 15.5-gallon keg weighs about 30 pounds empty and could be worth about $12 as scrap, depending on the price of scrap metal. Smaller kegs weigh less and are worth less as scrap, for example, a Cornelius keg weighs 9 pounds and would be worth around $3.60 as scrap.

It's important to note that due to rampant keg theft, many scrap metal yards and collectors don't accept beer kegs. Additionally, some states have laws prohibiting or restricting the scrapping of kegs. For example, California has made it illegal to obliterate, mutilate, or mark out the manufacturer's name on a metal keg without their written consent.

Keg deposits

When it comes to keg deposits, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, the deposit amount will vary depending on the retailer and the type of keg. For example, Original Pattern charges a $100 refundable deposit for their 5-gallon kegs, which includes the keg shell and the price of the beer. This deposit is refunded when the empty shell is returned. It's important to note that if you wish to exchange your empty keg for a full one, you must still pay a second deposit and bring back the empty shell to receive your refund for the original deposit.

The deposit amount is typically designed to incentivize the return of the keg once it is empty. Wholesalers usually collect a deposit in the $15-30 range from retailers, and this deposit does not convey ownership of the keg, which remains the property of the brewery. While the deposit amount is usually separate from the cost of the beer, some retailers include the deposit in the total cost per keg.

In terms of purchasing empty kegs, the price will depend on the size, type, and beer keg dimensions. New empty beer kegs can range from USD $100 to $200, with a 5-gal homebrew Corny keg costing around $127, and a stackable 10-gal version costing over $190. Sixth barrel kegs typically cost around $115, quarter barrels are $140, and half-barrels are approximately $145. These prices vary based on the specific model and manufacturer, with some European manufacturers offering sleek designs and excellent quality at competitive prices.

Keg couplers

There are several different types of keg couplers, depending on the type of beer being dispensed and the region from which it originates. The D-System Sankey Coupler, for example, will tap most American or Canadian beers, including Budweiser, Miller, and Yuengling. For European beers, the S-System European Sankey Coupler is required for Heineken, Stella Artois, and Amstel, among others. The U-System Guinness Coupler is needed for Guinness, Harp Lager, and Kilkenny, while the A-System Coupler is used for notable German beers such as Hoegaarden, Isenbeck, and Aigner. The M-System and G-System Couplers are less common but are necessary for some beers.

Kegco and Micromatic offer a wide range of keg couplers and components, including the D System Keg Coupler, the S System Keg Coupler, and the U System Keg Coupler, among others. Kegco also offers the Low Profile D System Keg Tap Coupler, which is suitable for those seeking a low-profile option.

It is important to ensure that you have the correct coupler for your keg, as they are not all universal. While they may appear similar, different kegs require different coupler styles.

Frequently asked questions