Best Kegs for Home Brew

Understanding Keg Types

When it comes to home brewing, the type of keg you select can greatly influence your brewing experience. There are primarily two types of kegs used by home brewers: Cornelius (Corny) kegs and commercial kegs.

Cornelius Kegs: Originally used for soft drinks, Cornelius kegs have become a staple in the home brewing community. They come in two varieties: ball lock and pin lock. The primary difference between the two lies in the connection type for the gas and liquid lines. Ball lock kegs are slightly more popular due to their smaller diameter, making them easier to fit in standard refrigerators or kegerators. Pin lock kegs, on the other hand, are generally available at a lower cost but are wider and shorter.

Commercial Kegs: These include various sizes such as the popular half-barrel, quarter-barrel, and sixth-barrel kegs. They are typically used by breweries and bars. For homebrewers, commercial kegs may be used if you have a larger setup or want to serve beer at events. However, they require more space and a different type of coupler for dispensing.

Material Considerations

Kegs are predominantly made from either stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel is the preferred material for most home brewers due to its durability, resistance to corrosion, and ease of cleaning. Aluminum kegs are lighter and may be less expensive, but they are prone to scratching and can react with acidic beer, potentially altering flavor profiles.

Size and Capacity

The size of the keg you choose will depend on your brewing volume and storage capacity. Cornelius kegs typically come in 5-gallon sizes, which align well with most home brew batch sizes. However, smaller sizes such as 2.5 or 3 gallons are also available for those who brew smaller batches or want to experiment with different styles without committing to a full 5-gallon batch.

Portability and Storage

Consider where you will store your kegs and how often you will move them. Cornelius kegs are easier to handle and transport due to their manageable size and weight. If you envision taking your home brew to parties or gatherings, a Cornelius keg is likely the best option.

Dispensing and Carbonation

The way you plan to dispense and carbonate your beer also plays a crucial role. Cornelius kegs are user-friendly for force carbonation, allowing you to carbonate your beer quickly by applying CO2 pressure. They also integrate easily with home draft systems, enabling simple beer dispensing through taps or faucets.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Kegs require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure the quality and safety of your home brew. Cornelius kegs are relatively easy to disassemble, clean, and reassemble, making them ideal for home brewers who want to maintain high sanitary standards.

Cost and Availability

Budget constraints and availability may ultimately influence your decision. Cornelius kegs can be found new or used, with used kegs often being more budget-friendly. Commercial kegs, while more expensive, might be worth the investment if you need to serve larger quantities or plan to scale up your brewing operations.

Conclusion

Selecting the best kegs for home brewing involves balancing several factors, including keg type, material, size, portability, carbonation and dispensing methods, maintenance, and cost. Cornelius kegs are generally the top choice for home brewers due to their manageable size, ease of use, and compatibility with home draft systems. By carefully considering these aspects, you can choose the right kegs to enhance your home brewing experience and enjoy your craft beer to the fullest.