Keg'n my beer

[Kacey]

I am currently looking at getting a kegging system, I have one 5 gal keg and would like to get a second. I do have a few question and would also like some tip and tricks as well.



First, I have been doing some searches and found that the cheapest setup that I could get was from more beer at the price of $185. Does anyone know of a cheaper setup?



Second, I brew one to two batches a week, I know that I will have to bottle a batch here and there because I think that I would need at lest 4 kegs to keep up. Would it be ok to carbonate a batch then take it off the regulator and then swap out as needed to serving?



Third, how much co2 do you normally go through per batch and what kind of cost should I expect to refill the tank?



I have many more questions but I think that most of them I can figure out my self with some trial and error, hopefully nothing that would ruin a batch of beer.



Cheers!

[bub]

1. Perhaps but you will probably do enough upgrades to where you will end up spending that much anyway... might as well do it right the first time. My suggestion is to NOT BUY the CO2 tank from them... yet.
Check with your local CO2 providor, you may be able to get a "swap" tank from them... ($60 or so gets you the tank and you just swap it out whenever you need a refill)

2. Sure you can carb and store... try to keep it cold if you can.

3. A 5 pound tank will last several batches (10 at least)... I would suggest getting a 10 pounder though, the refill cost is almost the same and it lasts quite a bit longer. CO2 cost varries quite a bit but something in the ballpark of $10-$20 per tank should be about right.

Im sure someone else will chime in who has done more research etc.
BUB

[TBN_Noob]

If you are not in a hurry for the equipment, wich is sounds like you are. Watch craigs list some good deals can be found there. I just got into brewing and had a keg setup with enough equipment to get started brewing for $180. 2 ball lock cornys, few keg refurbish seals, cobra tap, 5lb bottle half full, 2 gauge regulator. my first batch was keged

you can always let it condtion in the keg without force carbing

[Kacey]

...My suggestion is to NOT BUY the CO2 tank from them... yet.
Check with your local CO2 providor, you may be able to get a "swap" tank from them... ($60 or so gets you the tank and you just swap it out whenever you need a refill)...

I called around a bit this afternoon about that, I didn't have any luck finding anyone that lets you get a swap, but then it was only a quick 5 min calls. Do beverage company's do this or welding company's?

[Bugeater]

Probably welding shops to rent a tank. For getting refills, places that service fire extinguishers are the best bet.

Wayne
Bugeater Brewing Company

[beer_bear]

I was getting mine filled at the fire extinguisher place, but found out that I have another source that is closer. I go to a paintball shop now to get both tanks refilled. It only cost about $35 for 25lbs of CO2. Not bad considering how much stuff I can do with it. I have a 20lb and a 5lb tank. It's just the same as the fire extinguisher stuff, but costs me a lot less in gas to get there.

[Kacey]

Thanks for all the info. I am really wanting to get my setup ready for the batch I have going. I think I have a good start to work with here.

[Petedadink]

look in the phone book for local soda distributers. I found the 7up one about 30 min from my house. I bought 4 kegs at $20.00 each. They did require some refurbishing but they work just fine. They were all ball lock also.