Beer kegs come in all styles, shapes, and sizes, but stainless steel beer kegs offer some distinct advantages for brewers. Here’s a guide to help you select the perfect beer keg for you.
1. Size
The size of the beer keg you choose should be determined by the amount of beer you want to store and the amount you will be using. Some convenient sizes of stainless steel beer kegs include:
- Half Barrel Keg (15.5 gallons)
- Quarter Barrel Keg (7.75 gallons)
- Cornelius Keg (5 gallons)
2. Material
Stainless steel beer kegs are preferable to metal kegs because they are corrosion-resistant, durable, and easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, stainless steel does not interact with the beer, so there’s no chance of metallic contamination.
3. Dispensing System
There are a few different types of beer keg dispensing systems available, including short-draw, straight-draw, and jockey-box systems. Consider which type of system will best suit your needs so you can choose the appropriate type of beer keg.
4. Extra Features
When it comes to beer kegs, there are some handy extra features to look out for. For instance:
- Manifold – A manifold is a set of four valves that will help you check the amount of beer remaining and keep tabs on carbonation.
- Pressure Relief Valve – A pressure relief valve helps to protect the safety of your brewery by releasing excess pressure that builds up in the keg.
By keeping all these factors in mind, you can be sure to select the perfect stainless steel beer keg for your brewing needs.