Best Places To Buy Cornelius Kegs Of Beer

Cornelius kegs, also known as 'corny kegs', are popular among homebrewers for storing and dispensing beer. They are made of stainless steel and can hold a maximum pressure of 60 PSI, making them ideal for storing beer and other beverages. Corny kegs come in various sizes, with the most common size being the 5-gallon variety, which holds about fifty 12-oz bottles of beer. These kegs can be purchased from various online retailers, such as Corny Keg, MoreBeer, BeverageCraft, and eBay.

Online retailers

There are several online retailers that sell Cornelius kegs of beer. One popular option is Corny Keg, which offers a wide range of Cornelius kegs, including new and refurbished options, as well as different sizes such as 5-gallon and 2.5-gallon kegs. They also provide a variety of keg parts, such as sanitation supplies, CO2 cylinders, keg fittings, hoses, faucets, and seals. Corny Keg aims to cater to both home brewers and anyone who enjoys beer or makes their own beverages at home.

Another retailer to consider is MoreBeer, which offers a diverse selection of homebrew kegs, often referred to as corny kegs, cornelius kegs, or soda kegs. They carry both pin lock and ball lock kegs, constructed from stainless steel for durability. MoreBeer provides brand new and used corny kegs, with multiple size options for the new kegs, including the popular 5-gallon size. Additionally, they stock a full range of replacement keg parts to ensure the longevity of your homebrew kegs.

BeverageCraft is another online retailer specialising in Cornelius 'Corny' kegs for homebrewing. They offer a range of keg sizes, including the standard 5-gallon option, as well as smaller 1.5-gallon and 2.5-gallon stackable models. BeverageCraft provides insightful information about the anatomy and operation of Corny kegs, making it a great choice for those new to homebrewing.

For those seeking a broader marketplace with various sellers, eBay offers a platform for purchasing Cornelius kegs. You can find a range of new and used options, including sets of multiple kegs, as well as associated parts and accessories. The selection on eBay may vary, but it is worth exploring to compare prices and find deals.

In-store

If you're looking to buy Cornelius kegs of beer in-store, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, you can try specialist retailers that cater specifically to home brewers and beer enthusiasts. These stores often stock a wide range of Cornelius kegs, also known as "corny kegs", in various sizes and styles. You can find both new and used options, with the most popular size being the 5-gallon keg. Some stores even offer refurbished or scratch-and-dent models at discounted prices.

When visiting these specialist stores, you'll not only find corny kegs but also a plethora of related products and accessories, such as keg kits, kegerators, sanitation supplies, CO2 cylinders, keg fittings, hoses, faucets, and seals. The staff at these stores are usually very knowledgeable about home brewing and can offer advice and tips to help you get the most out of your corny keg setup.

One example of such a specialist retailer is Corny Keg, which has an online presence as well as a physical store in Cincinnati. MoreBeer is another retailer with a strong online presence that offers free shipping on orders over a certain amount. They stock a wide variety of corny kegs, including pin lock and ball lock styles, all made from stainless steel.

In addition to specialist retailers, you may also want to explore general brewing and wine-making supply stores in your local area. These stores often carry a range of products for home brewers, including corny kegs and related accessories. It's always a good idea to call ahead and check their inventory before making a special trip, as stock and selection can vary.

Lastly, don't underestimate the power of local community and word-of-mouth recommendations. If there's a homebrewing community in your area, they may have a preferred retailer or a local expert who can guide you in your purchase. Checking local forums, Facebook groups, or even asking around at your nearest craft brewery could point you in the right direction for in-store purchases.

New vs used kegs

When it comes to Cornelius kegs, you can choose between new and used options. While a new keg is less risky for your beer, a used keg is more budget-friendly. Here's a detailed breakdown of the differences between new and used Cornelius kegs to help you decide which option is best for you:

New Kegs

New Cornelius kegs offer several advantages that make them a popular choice for home brewers:

• Reliability and Peace of Mind: New kegs are less likely to have issues such as leaks and pinholes, giving you confidence that your beer will stay fresh and carbonated.
• Availability: New kegs are more readily available than used kegs. You can easily find them at online stores and homebrew shops.
• Durability: With proper care, new kegs are likely to last for a long time, making them a worthwhile investment.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Brand new kegs have a sleek and shiny appearance, and they don't have any strange odours.
• Variety: You can find new kegs in various sizes and styles, such as ball lock and pin lock mechanisms, to suit your specific needs.
• Ease of Maintenance: New kegs typically require less maintenance and reconditioning compared to used kegs, saving you time and effort.

Used Kegs

Used Cornelius kegs, also known as "corny kegs," can be a more affordable option for those on a budget:

• Cost-Effective: The main advantage of used kegs is their lower price compared to new ones. This can be especially attractive for those just starting with home brewing or those on a tight budget.
• Rarity: While used kegs are harder to find these days, you may still come across them at home brew shops or online marketplaces like eBay.
• Condition: Used kegs require thorough testing and reconditioning before use. Look for reconditioned corny kegs, as they are more likely to be in working condition, but still test them before use.
• Maintenance: Used kegs may require more maintenance and care to ensure they function properly and don't affect the quality of your beer.
• Availability: The supply of used kegs has diminished over the years, and they are not as readily available as new kegs.

In conclusion, while used kegs may be tempting due to their lower price, new kegs offer greater reliability, durability, and peace of mind. However, if you're on a budget, a well-maintained used keg can still be a viable option, especially if you're just starting with home brewing and want to save some money.

Keg capacity

Cornelius kegs, also known as Corny kegs, are stainless steel canisters originally used as containers by the soft drink industry. They are used to store and dispense carbonated or nitrogenated liquids. They are produced in several capacities, with the most common size being 5 US gallons (19 litres). This is the size of a typical homebrew batch, and the kegs are popular with homebrewers as they are easy to fill, clean and maintain.

Cornelius kegs are produced in the following capacities:

9 litres (2.38 US gallons)

3 US gallons (11.4 litres)

75 US gallons (18 litres)

5 US gallons (19 litres)

10 US gallons (38 litres)

The most popular and common size is the 5-gallon keg, but smaller and larger sizes are also available. The 5-gallon size is convenient for homebrewers as it matches the size of a typical batch of home-brewed beer. This means that the brewer only needs to fill one keg, rather than saving, cleaning and filling around fifty bottles.

The capacity of a Cornelius keg will determine how many servings can be dispensed. A 5-gallon keg will yield approximately 40 pints or 53 cans/bottles (12oz). A 10-gallon keg will therefore yield double that amount.

Cornelius kegs have three openings: a large central hole for cleaning and filling, and two ports for pressurising and dispensing. The central opening is large enough to allow for hand scrubbing, and has a lid with a clamp mechanism that seals the opening with a rubber O-ring. This lid also has a pressure relief valve, which can be manually opened to release pressure, or will open automatically in the event of over-pressurisation.

The two ports are for "gas in" and "liquid out". The "gas in" port has a short tube that does not reach the fluid, while the "liquid out" port has a long tube (a "dip tube") that reaches the bottom of the keg. The gas in the headspace (usually carbon dioxide, sometimes nitrogen) pushes the drink up the tube and out of the port connected to a tap or other dispensing device.

Keg maintenance

Cornelius kegs, also known as Corny kegs or soda kegs, are stainless steel canisters originally used as containers by the soft drink industry. They are used to store and dispense carbonated or nitrogenated liquids.

Cornelius kegs require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good working condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your Corny keg:

Cleaning and Sanitizing

It is important to clean and sanitize your Corny keg after each use to prevent the build-up of bacteria and ensure the quality of your beverage. Use a specialized keg cleaning solution or a mild detergent and thoroughly rinse with clean water. The central opening of the keg allows for easy access to the interior for hand scrubbing. Ensure that all parts of the keg, including the dip tubes, are cleaned and sanitized.

Checking Seals and O-Rings

Inspect the seals and O-rings of your Corny keg regularly. These components are crucial for maintaining pressure and preventing leaks. Replace any seals or O-rings that show signs of wear or damage. Corny Keg offers a range of replacement seals and lube to help you maintain your keg.

Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is an essential safety feature of your Corny keg. It is identified by a circular pull-ring and allows you to manually release pressure from the keg. Ensure that this valve is functioning correctly and always release pressure before opening the lid.

Dispensing Lines and Connectors

Maintain the cleanliness of your dispensing lines and connectors. Regularly inspect the quick-connect posts, poppet valves, and dip tubes for any signs of debris or build-up. Clean or replace these parts as necessary to ensure smooth dispensing and maintain beverage quality.

Storage

Store your Corny keg in a cool, dry place when not in use. Ensure that the keg is empty, clean, and completely dry before storing it. Proper storage will help prevent corrosion and maintain the integrity of the keg's seals and internal components.

Maintenance Kits and Accessories

Invest in maintenance kits and accessories specifically designed for Corny kegs. Suppliers like Corny Keg and MoreBeer offer a range of products, including cleaning and sanitizing solutions, replacement parts, and conversion kits. These kits can help you perform routine maintenance and make any necessary adjustments to your keg setup.

Frequently asked questions