Least Cost for Kegging System?

[CampAjohn]

Having washed and sanitized 100+ bottles this weekend for my first batch in my new 15 gallon brewery, I am seeing the efficiency of kegging all the more!

What is the least I could expect to pay for a one Corny keg, 5 Lb. CO2 system? Used is very OK with me.

[brewmonkey]

That is going to vary with different vendors.

For a used corny I would expect the average to be about $25 if you buy them 1 at a time but if you buy in lots of say 5 I would expect about $20 a piece.

Used CO2 cylinders can go for as little as $30 but check the date stamped on the bottle for the last inspection it had. While the inspection is not expensive there is no sense in spending $35 on a cylinder then turning around and paying $15 for the test. For that price you can get a new one.

Where the money comes in is the regulator. I HIGHLY suggest a dual regulator and buy one from a reputable company so that you get a quality piece. They will run easily $60-75 on up.

Check with the local home health shop or welder as they may be able to rent to you a cylinder and regulator for cheap. While over time it may cost more they are responsible for any testing as well as regulators being fixed for fair wear and tear.

When you do buy comparison shop at least 5 different sources including ebay for the best deals. Remember though buying used kegs may mean having to replce some of the parts. While it is only a few bucks per keg if you buy several it can add up and put you over budget.

Also make sure that if you buy used cornies that they only had soda mix not the actual soda. If someone sells you their kegs that had something like rootbeer in it, they are worthless for beer. The soda will leech and stain the keg with it's flavor. While some will tell you this is not true or that they fixed it, it is not worth the headache.

[jsmurphy]

I like these guys a lot. I got the 1 keg package and I'm very happy. The keg was in great condition. I'm drinking my first kegged batch with it right now.

http://www.alternativebeverage.com/cornelius_kegging_system_ball_lock/cornelius_ball_lock_system.htm

[fretlessman71]

Hey murph! Long time no see! Where ya been?

Maybe you've just been posting on the threads I haven't been reading.... :)

[SSEAL]

I just purchased a 3 keg system from Alternative Beverage.

Steve

[brewmonkey]

Originally posted by jsmurphy
I like these guys a lot. I got the 1 keg package and I'm very happy. The keg was in great condition. I'm drinking my first kegged batch with it right now.

http://www.alternativebeverage.com/cornelius_kegging_system_ball_lock/cornelius_ball_lock_system.htm

It's about time.

Yea, where have you been. I have not seen you here, there or the other place lately.

[jsmurphy]

I've been around, both places. Lurking mostly.

I usually only post in Beer in the West, and now here in Kegging...

Good to see y'all.;)

[CampAjohn]

Wow, guys! Thanks for the excellent tutorial.

[danno]

Originally posted by brewmonkey

Where the money comes in is the regulator. I HIGHLY suggest a dual regulator and buy one from a reputable company so that you get a quality piece. They will run easily $60-75 on up.
since we're talking with an admitted newbie, let's clarify this. a dual gauge regulator (like this name brand one from a very reputable nationwide distributor (http://www.superprod.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=428917&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=114152)(for $44) is going to do the job for almost everyone. the need for a double regulator (like this (http://www.superprod.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=428917&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=114152)) isn't until you decide to simultaneously serve beers (and sodas, etc.) at different pressures... people often get confused between a dual gauge, single body regulator, and a dual body regulator...

(and let me just add this. my cordless mouse batteries just died, it's a serious PITA to try and edit and insert url's without a mouse... argh...)

[zoom6zoom]

I just purchased a 3 keg system from Alternative Beverage.

The picture on their site isn't very clear, nor is the description. Does the three keg system come with the lines and connections for all three kegs, or is it the same as the single keg system but with an additional two kegs only? And what kind of shape were the kegs in when you received them?

Thanks.

[CampAjohn]

Zoom, that's a good question. I looked at Alt Bev's 3-keg picture and it appears that only one keg is connected to the CO2.

[mchitiea]

www.chicompany.net

[brewbud]

for cheap kegs try here this is where I bought mine
http://www.homebrewing.org/item2.htm