Best Places To Buy 6L Keg Beer

If you're looking to buy 6L kegs of beer, there are a few options available to you. Amazon offers a wide range of 6L beer kegs, including popular brands such as Corona, Stella Artois, and Budweiser, which are compatible with the PerfectDraft Machine. HOPT also has a great selection of kegs in different sizes and styles, including classic lagers and Belgian beers. Additionally, The Beer Gals offers 6L PerfectDraft Kegs, with a minimum order of three kegs, and delivers to Ireland only. Finally, House of Ales offers the PerfectDraft – Spaten 6L Keg, which must be used with the Perfect Draft Machine, and provides both local delivery and nationwide shipping options.

Kegs for parties

Kegs are a great way to serve beer at parties, offering a convenient and cost-effective method of providing refreshing pints for your guests. There are a variety of options available, from different types of beer to various sizes of kegs, ensuring that you can find the perfect option for your event.

Benefits of Kegs for Parties

Kegs offer several advantages over bottled or canned beer when it comes to hosting a party:

• Cost-effectiveness: Buying beer in bulk through a keg can often be more economical than purchasing individual bottles or cans.
• Convenience: With a keg, you eliminate the need to stock your fridge with multiple beer packs, saving space and reducing the hassle of constant restocking during the party.
• Freshness: Many keg systems are designed to keep the beer fresh for an extended period, ensuring that your guests enjoy a perfectly chilled and tasty pint.
• Environmental considerations: Kegs can be more environmentally friendly than single-use bottles or cans, reducing the amount of waste generated at your party.

Types of Kegs and Beer Options

When it comes to kegs, you have a variety of options to choose from, depending on your preferences and the size of your party:

• Party packs: Some companies offer party packs that include a keg, tap, cooler, and branded glassware. For example, you can find a Guinness Party Pack or a Heineken Party Pack, each with a 50L keg, perfect for larger gatherings.
• Single or double tap systems: If you prefer a specific type of beer, you can rent a single or double tap system. This option allows you to have one or two different beers on tap, along with the necessary cooler and gas supply.
• Variety of beer options: Whether you're a fan of Guinness, Heineken, Lager, Pilsners, or craft beers, there's a keg option for you. You can choose from well-known brands or explore beers from microbreweries, ensuring that you can cater to different tastes.

Sizes of Kegs

Kegs come in various sizes to accommodate different party sizes:

• 6L kegs: These are great for smaller gatherings or if you want to offer a variety of beer options. They are typically designed for use with specific machines, like the PerfectDraft Machine, and can be easily purchased online.
• 20L, 30L, and 50L kegs: For larger parties, you might consider larger kegs, such as 20L, 30L, and even 50L options. These are ideal for weddings, corporate events, or outdoor parties, ensuring a steady supply of beer for your guests.

Additional Services

Some companies, like PartyKegs.ie, offer additional services to make your party planning even easier:

• Bar hire: If you want a fully stocked bar at your event, consider hiring a mobile bar service. They can provide trained and well-presented bar staff, glassware, cocktail bars, bottle bars, and ice chests, elevating your party experience.
• Delivery and setup: Companies like PartyKegs offer delivery, setup, and collection services, ensuring that your keg is ready to go when your party starts and taking the hassle out of transportation.

Example Beers and Prices

• Corona Extra Lager Beer Keg (6L) – £32.50
• Stella Artois Unfiltered Beer Keg (6L) – £35.62
• Camden Hells Beer Keg (6L) – £37.50
• LÖWENBRÄU Beer Keg (6L) – £39.50
• PerfectDraft Leffe Blonde Beer Keg (6L) – £40.50
• Perfect Draft Stella Artois Premium Belgian Lager (6L) – £54.99

Tips for Using Kegs at Parties

To ensure a smooth experience when using kegs at your party:

• Plan ahead: Order your kegs in advance to ensure availability and allow for timely delivery.
• Consider the number of guests: Estimate the number of guests and their drinking preferences to determine the number and size of kegs needed.
• Chilling time: Keep in mind that most keg systems require a brief chilling period before serving, so plan accordingly to ensure the beer is ready when your guests arrive.
• Tap and dispensing equipment: Ensure you have the necessary tap and dispensing equipment, whether renting or purchasing.
• Returns and deposits: Some companies offer returns and deposits on kegs, so be sure to inquire about these policies to avoid unnecessary costs.

In conclusion, kegs are a fantastic option for parties, offering convenience, variety, and cost savings. With a wide range of beer options and flexible sizing, you can create a unique and enjoyable experience for your guests, making your party one to remember.

Where to buy kegs online

If you're looking to buy kegs online, there are several options available to you. Here are some places where you can purchase kegs:

Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of 6L kegs compatible with PerfectDraft and Philips machines. Various beer types are available, including lager, IPA, and wheat ale. Amazon also offers beer dispensers and draught beer machines for home use.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More provides a selection of kegs, including popular brands such as Stella Artois, Michelob, Blue Moon, and Yuengling. They also offer craft beer kegs and provide information on keg sizes and couplers.

Pat's Liquor

Located in Orlando, Florida, Pat's Liquor offers a range of kegs at competitive prices. They provide keg delivery services for parties and events, making it convenient for customers.

Kegco

Kegco specialises in commercial kegs for beer storage and dispensing. They offer a large variety of keg sizes, from large to small, and even bulk quantities. Kegco's kegs are made with treated, passivated metal to keep the beer fresh and ready to enjoy.

When purchasing kegs online, it is important to consider the type of beer, keg size, and compatibility with dispensing machines. Additionally, some retailers may offer delivery or pickup options, so be sure to check before placing your order.

Where to buy kegs in-store

If you're looking to buy kegs in-store, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that the availability of kegs may vary depending on your location and the stock levels at different stores. Here are some options for where to buy kegs in-store:

• Total Wine & More: This store offers a wide range of beer kegs, including popular brands such as Bud Light, Coors, and Busch. They have physical stores where you can purchase kegs directly.
• Local Beer and Wine Stores: Depending on your location, there may be local beer and wine stores that offer kegs for purchase. These stores often have a variety of options available and may even provide rentals for special events like weddings.
• Home Improvement and Appliance Stores: In some cases, home improvement or appliance stores may carry beer keg dispensers and kegs. These stores typically cater to those looking to set up a home bar.
• Online Retailers with Physical Stores: Certain online retailers, such as Amazon, may have physical stores where you can purchase kegs in-store. Additionally, they offer a convenient option to buy kegs online and have them delivered to your location.
• Specialist Keg Suppliers: There are companies that specialise in supplying kegs to the home bar market, such as Kegs Direct in the UK, which offers a wide selection of beer kegs and dispensing equipment. They provide UK-wide delivery and have multiple locations.
• Calais Vins and Olivier Vins: These stores, located in Calais, France, offer a variety of 6L Perfect Draft Beer kegs, including brands such as Jupiler, Stella Artois, and Leffe. They also provide a free travel offer to Calais when you spend a certain amount.

It's always a good idea to call ahead or check the website of the store you plan to visit to ensure they have the specific kegs you're looking for and to inquire about any special orders or rentals they may accommodate.

How to tap a keg

6-litre kegs are available from a variety of retailers, including Amazon.co.uk, which offers a wide range of options, including beer kegs for the PerfectDraft Machine and Philips Machine. Now, here's how to tap a keg:

Step 1: Prepare the Keg

Before tapping, it is important to chill the keg. While some sources suggest that only the lower third of the keg needs to be cooled, others recommend icing the entire keg. Chilling the keg helps to ensure a smooth pour and reduces foam. The keg should be placed in a bucket of ice or surrounded by ice for several hours before tapping. Don't forget to also chill the tap and beer line for about an hour before pouring.

Step 2: Identify the Coupler System

Different types of kegs have different coupler systems. Most beer kegs sold in the US use the American 'D' system, while imports may use the European 'S' system or other less common systems. Identify the type of coupler system your keg has and acquire the correct tap/coupler/pump type. The keg distributor should be able to provide guidance and may even supply the correct parts.

Step 3: Remove Protective Covering

Remove any plastic, cardboard, or metal cap from the tap fixture at the top of the keg. This will expose the spout or valve of the keg, which is where the coupler will be attached.

Step 4: Attach the Coupler

With the pump handle up (this is usually the off position), line up the coupler with the spout or valve of the keg. The coupler lugs should correspond to the openings on the keg valve. Apply downward pressure while turning the tap system clockwise until it feels tight. Do not over-tighten, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the rubber pieces inside.

Step 5: Engage the Coupler

Once the coupler is snugly in place, push the pump handle down (this is usually the on position). This allows gas to enter the keg and initiates the flow of beer. Check the seating by observing if there are any bubbles around the connection. If there are, it means the coupler is not seated correctly, and you will need to adjust and try again.

Step 6: Pump and Pour

With a full, new keg, you may not need to pump initially as there is already enough pressure within the keg to get the beer flowing. Simply push down on the valve at the end of the beer line and start pouring. The first pint may be foamy, which is normal. After pouring several pints, you may need to use the pump to build up pressure in the keg again. Remember to open the pouring valve first, then pump until your drinking vessel is full, and then stop pumping. Only pump with the pouring valve open.

Step 7: Untap the Keg

To untap the keg, first lift the handle by pulling it outwards and then upwards. Then, turn the tap counter-clockwise until it pops off.

Different keg sizes

There are various keg sizes available, each designed to meet the needs of different beer lovers, whether it's for a major brewing operation, a neighbourhood bar, or a homebrewer's garage. Here is a detailed overview of the different keg sizes:

Mini Keg

The mini keg is perfect for one-time use or portable purposes, such as watching a game with friends, a weekend camping trip, or a small dinner party. It typically holds around 5 litres or 169 ounces of beer. While mini kegs are convenient for small gatherings, the downside is that you may have a hard time finding your favourite beer in this size.

Common Nicknames: Bubba Keg

Common Uses: One-time use, portable applications

Dimensions: 9⅞” x 6¾”

Capacity: 1.32 gallons / 169 ounces

Cornelius Keg (aka Corny Keg)

The Cornelius Keg, fondly nicknamed the "Corny Keg", is commonly used by homebrewers as an alternative to bottling their beer. It was originally developed by the soft drink industry and is easy to fill and clean. Cornelius kegs have two types of connectors: ball-lock and pin-lock. They typically hold around 5 gallons or 640 ounces of beer, which is approximately 53 twelve-ounce servings or 40 sixteen-ounce pints.

Common Nicknames: Corny Keg, Homebrew Keg, Soda Keg

Common Uses: Home brewing, wine, coffee, kombucha

Dimensions: 23″ x 9″

Capacity: 5.0 gallons / 640 ounces

Sixth Barrel Keg (1/6th)

The Sixth Barrel Keg, often referred to as a "sixtel", is slightly larger than the Corny Keg. It typically holds around 5.16 gallons or 661 ounces of beer, which is about 42 pints or 55 twelve-ounce servings. This keg size is commonly used for specialty and craft beers, as it allows for a greater variety of beers to be offered without the risk of the beer becoming stale.

Common Nicknames: Sixtel, Torpedo, Log

Common Uses: Dual-tap kegerators, home brewing, individual use

Dimensions: 23⅜” x 9¼”

Capacity: 5.16 gallons / 661 ounces

Quarter Barrel Keg (1/4)

The Quarter Barrel Keg, also known as the "Pony Keg" or "Stubby Keg", is a popular size for small parties. It is shorter than a full barrel, typically measuring around 16⅛” in height, but has the same width of 16⅛”. It holds approximately 62 pints or 82 twelve-ounce servings (7.75 gallons / 992 ounces).

Common Nicknames: Pony Keg, Stubby Quarter

Common Uses: Small parties

Dimensions: 16⅛” x 13⅞”

Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 992 ounces

Slim Quarter

The Slim Quarter has the same capacity as the Quarter Barrel Keg but differs in shape and size, resembling the Sixth Barrel Keg. It is a popular choice for those with dual-tap kegerators due to its tall and skinny build. The Slim Quarter is the same height as the Sixth Barrel but slightly wider, allowing it to hold an extra two gallons.

Common Nicknames: Tall Quarter, The Slim

Common Uses: Dual-tap kegerators, small parties

Dimensions: 11⅛” x 23⅜”

Capacity: 7.75 gallons / 992 ounces

Half Barrel Keg (1/2)

The Half Barrel Keg is the largest and most common size available, often seen at parties or large events. It is the standard size used in bars and restaurants worldwide and will fit into most home kegerators. However, craft beer drinkers tend to prefer the smaller keg sizes. This keg holds approximately 124 pints or 165 twelve-ounce servings (15.5 gallons / 1984 ounces).

Common Nicknames: Full Size Keg, Barrel of Beer, Full Keg

Common Uses: Home bar, large events, business, frat parties

Dimensions: 16⅛” x 23⅜”

Capacity: 15.5 gallons / 1984 ounces

Frequently asked questions