Changing a keg is not necessarily difficult for experienced individuals, but there are certain steps that must be taken in order to ensure proper safety and sanitation. To begin, one should always use protective equipment like safety glasses and gloves to prevent any injuries or hazards.
After ensuring the keg has been disconnected and the liquid that was previously inside has been disposed of, the next step is to clean and sanitize the keg and its components. This includes scrubbing the keg body, valve, line or hose, and gas disconnects with a weak chlorine solution or using a cleaning solution specifically designed for kegs.
Additionally, one should be sure to rinse all components completely and allow them to air dry completely before use. After this process is complete, the keg can then be reassembled and filled with a new batch of beer, wine, kombucha, soda, or other beverage of choice.
With the correct tools, following of safety procedures, and ample knowledge on the subject, changing a keg can become a relatively simple process.
How do you change a keg?
Changing a keg of beer is a simple process that requires a few basic items: a keg, a gas line, a gas regulator, a gas connector, a beer line, a beer connector, a faucet, a foam tip, and a couple of wrenches.
First, disconnect the existing keg and its associated lines. To do this, you will need to unloop the gas line connector from the gas regulator. You then disconnect the beer line connector from the faucet, and unscrew the beer connector and foam tip from the back of the keg.
Next, you can remove the empty keg from the cooler.
Once the empty keg is out, you can begin to prepare the new keg for installation. Start by filling the new keg with beer. Attach the beer connector to the back of the keg and use the foam tip to secure it from below.
Now attach the gas line connector to the gas regulator and open the gas valve slowly with a wrench until the keg begins to inflate. Then attach the beer line connector to the faucet, and make sure that they are both secured with a wrench.
Now you can return the new keg to the cooler, and connect the existing gas line to it. There are usually two plastic knobs on the back right of the keg. This is where you will screw the gas line connector in.
Make sure to tighten the screws with a wrench. Finally, open the beer faucet to test the beer flow. If it’s satisfactory, you have successfully changed a keg!.
Do you turn gas off when changing a keg?
Yes, it is important to turn off the gas before changing a keg. This is because the gas can be a potential source of danger if it is not shut off. If the gas is not shut off, it could cause a fire, explosion, or injury due to the high pressure.
It is important to always shut off the gas before opening the keg and changing the beer line. To ensure that the gas is completely off, it is important to check the pressure in the line by opening the gas valve and checking for gas flow.
If gas does flow, the valve should not be opened until the gas supply has been completely shut off. Additionally, it is important to relight the gas pilot light after the keg has been changed.
How do I know when my keg is empty?
To know when your keg is empty, you should keep track of how much beer is being drank by monitoring the pressure gauge, located on the face of your kegerator. The pressure gauge is an accurate measure of how much beer is left in the keg, and if the dial is pointing toward zero, it means that the keg is empty.
If the keg is empty and no more beer is being pumped out, it’s time to replace it. Other factors that can indicate an empty keg are the presence of foam when trying to pour, a less-than-expected beer pour, or a ‘flat’ taste to the beer.
If any of these signs tell you that the keg is empty, it’s time to change it out for a fresh one.
Can a keg be tapped twice?
Yes, a keg can be tapped twice. However, it is important to note that tapping a keg more than once significantly reduces the shelf life of the beer. Generally, once a keg is tapped, it should be fully consumed within a couple of days.
If the keg is only half-way full when tapped, it should still be completely gone within 24-48 hours. After a keg is tapped, oxygen will find its way into the keg. This oxygen can cause the beer to spoil, leading to off flavors and an unpleasant taste.
Additionally, the beer will tend to be somewhat flat if it has been sitting for too long. Therefore, it is not recommended that a keg be tapped more than once if the beer is to be consumed within a reasonable amount of time.
How long will a keg last?
The amount of time a keg will last depends on several factors, including the size of the keg, the type of beer being poured, the temperature of the liquid, the amount of carbonation, the size of the crowd drinking, and the size of each pour.
Generally speaking, a full-sized keg, also known as a quarter keg or half-barrel, can hold approximately 7.75 gallons, or 248 pints. A party-size keg, or sixth-barrel, contains approximately 5 gallons, or 165 pints.
Assuming a pouring rate of two beers per minute and an average pour of a pint, a full-size keg will last approximately 124 minutes, or slightly over two hours. A party-size keg will last approximately 82 minutes, or slightly over an hour and a half.
When storing a keg, it is important to keep in mind that the fresher the beer is, the better. Unfortunately, the more a keg is handled and the more it is exposed to oxygen, the more the beer’s flavor and aroma will deteriorate.
To ensure the freshest taste possible, it is important to store a keg at the ideal temperature and keep it from from becoming excessively shaken. Additionally, it is important to pay attention to the dates on the kegs and dispose of any kegs that are too old and stale.
How long should a keg sit before tapping?
In general, a keg should sit for about 24-48 hours upright after it has been transported so that the beer inside can settle properly. The amount of time an individual keg needs to sit before tapping will vary based on several factors, such as the age of the keg, how it was stored, and the type of beer in the keg.
Generally, lighter beers like lagers should sit the longest—up to 48 hours—while ales, stouts, and porters may only need 24 hours. A more strongly flavored beer like a barleywine may also require 48 hours.
After the keg has sat for the designated amount of time and been tapped, the beer should be served soon after so it will not spoil or become flat.
How long is a keg good for once tapped with CO2?
A keg generally stays fresh for between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on the temperature, priming and pasteurization, the beer’s style and ingredients, and the type of equipment used. The kegs themselves can last indefinitely if they are properly cleaned and stored correctly.
Due to the carbonation and sanitation of the keg, it can remain in good condition for a long time. The sealed nature of the keg helps to keep the beer fresh and tasting great for longer. A keg tapped with CO2 requires special attention, however.
Due to the CO2 being mixed with the beer there is a greater possibility of over-carbonation. Therefore, it is essential to track the use and consumption of the beer to ensure it does not lose quality or become over-carbonated.
Additionally, it is important to keep the temperature of the beer in the keg consistent to avoid unwanted fluctuations. In general, a keg tapped with CO2 should be consumed within 4 to 6 weeks, but it is important to regularly check and maintain the keg to ensure the beer remains fresh and of the best quality.
How long does a beer keg last once opened?
Once a keg of beer is opened, it can last for a few days or weeks depending on several factors such as the type of beer and how it is stored. The beer in a keg usually has a short shelf life, so it is important to consume the beer from the keg within a few days.
Additionally, beer in a keg will be spoiled more quickly if exposed to warm temperatures, so it is important to store the keg in a cool environment. To maximize the life of a beer keg, store it in a refrigerator and consume it within a few days of opening.
What are the different types of kegs?
Kegs are cylindrical-shaped vessels made of metal or glass (or plastic, in less common cases) that are designed to store and dispense a wide range of beverages, such as beer. Each designed to accommodate different beverages, volumes, and storage methods.
Half-barrel kegs are the most commonly used type of keg, and are usually found in bars and pubs. These large cylindrical vessels hold 15.5 gallons, or a full keg, of beer and weigh around 160 pounds when full.
For larger kegs, quarter-barrel, or “pony” kegs, are also popular options. These contain 7.75 gallons, and can weigh around 90 pounds.
For smaller, more easily managed options, sixth-barrel and Cornelius kegs are great choices. Sixth-barrel kegs, also known as sixtels, are smaller and contain 5.16 gallons of beer. Cornelius kegs, also known as corny kegs, are smaller still and only hold up to 5 gallons of beer.
Both types of kegs also require you to have specialized CO2 tanks and connections, so they can be a bit more expensive and time consuming to use.
Finally, there are mini and party kegs, which are designed to be more portable, and can be found at many convenience and grocery stores. Mini kegs are usually 1.5 gallons and are often made out of plastic, while party kegs usually contain 5 liters or 1.
32 gallons of beer, and are made of aluminum.
No matter which type you choose, kegs can be a great way to store and dispense beverages like beer.
Do all taps fit all kegs?
No, not all taps fit all kegs. Different types of taps are made in different sizes and shapes, meaning that a tap from one manufacturer may not fit a keg from another manufacturer. It is important to take note of the type and size of both the tap and the keg to make sure that the two components can fit and work together.
Typically, screw-on or threaded taps fit the most common kegs, such as those made by Cornelius and Firestone, while lever locker or spring-handle taps fit MicroMatic, Tap-Rite, and other keg brands. If you are unsure of which type and size of tap to buy, it is advisable to find out what kind and size of keg you have and then purchase a compatible tap.
Additionally, some companies offer universal taps, which can fit different types of kegs.
How many different size kegs are there?
The most common sizes are the quarter barrel (which is 7.75 gallons or 62 pints), the sixth barrel (5.17 gallons or 41 pints), and the half barrel (15.5 gallons or 124 pints). Other sizes include the 10 gallon keg (commonly used for craft beer and specialty beers), the mini keg (5 liter), and the seventh barrel (3.
5 gallons or 28 pints). Depending on where you purchase your kegs, you may also be able to find more unique sizes such as the 20L, 30L, and 50L.
What is a 5 gallon keg called?
A 5 gallon keg is typically referred to as a 1/6 barrel keg. While a standard beer keg is equivalent to a full size keg, which is considered to be 15.5 gallons, a 1/6 barrel keg typically holds about 5 gallons of beer.
This type of keg is typically used for homebrewing, small sample batches, or parties and events. A 1/6 barrel keg is also sometimes referred to as a “sixtel” keg, since one-sixth of a barrel is 5 gallons.
Furthermore, the size and availability of a 1/6 barrel keg make it more appealing than buying a full-size keg.
What’s the difference between pin and ball lock kegs?
The main difference between pin and ball lock kegs is the type of valve used to attach and disconnect the gas and liquid lines. Pin lock, or Coke-style, kegs use a three-pronged connection that requires a specific pin-style fitting to attach hoses to the keg top.
A ball lock, or Pepsi-style keg, uses two separate quarter-turn valves to attach and detach the hoses. In addition to the style of connection, there are also a few other differences between these two types of kegs.
Pin lock kegs are slightly shorter than ball lock kegs, so if you’re looking for a more compact system, pin lock might be the way to go. Pin lock kegs also contain a float in the lid, which helps show the amount of beer left in the keg and can be convenient.
Ball lock kegs tend to be more popular in homebrewing due to the ease of connection and disconnection; the ball valve style ignores the issue of needing to perfectly align the three-pin lock. Ball lock kegs are usually easier to clean, as they have fewer crevices and corners as well as a lid that is removable to access the interior of the keg and sanitize.
Additionally, ball lock kegs typically last longer, as they lack the float that is found in pin lock kegs, which can get stuck or otherwise be prone to malfunction.