Brewing excellent beer is an art that requires certain skills and the right equipment. As for the latter, we recommend starting with the purchase of kegs – beer storage tanks, thanks to which this drink will remain fresh and fragrant.
With so many different options available, it may be difficult for you as a brewer to determine which kegs are best suited to your needs. In this article, we will share 5 tips that will help you to make the right decision.
Size
The volume of barrels is crucial. Decide on how much beer you plan to brew and acquire the tanks of a proper size:
- Corny keg is suitable for the testing phase of a new recipe. This barrel holds from 1.5 to 5 gallons.
- 1/6 barrel keg is designed for small batches. This tank holds 5.16 gallons.
- 1/4 bbl keg is one of the most common variants found in almost every brewery. It holds 7.75 gallons.
- Half Barrel Keg is designed for large-scale production. One such barrel can hold 15.5 gallons.
Material
The two most common materials used for brewery barrels are stainless steel and aluminum. Although both materials are perfect, stainless steel kegs are easier to clean and maintain. Stainless steel is also more durable and resistant to dents and scratches. However, aluminum kegs are lighter and therefore more portable.
Weight
During the production process, the kegs have to be relocated. Make sure that the barrel you choose will be convenient for you during transportation.
- Corny keg weighs 9 pounds (when it is empty) and 46.6 (when the barrel is filled with beer).
- An empty 1/4 bbl keg weighs 22 pounds and 87 when the barrel is full.
- The heaviest ½ barrel keg weighs 30 pounds (empty) and 160 pounds (when filled).
Service life
When choosing kegs for your brewery, look for quality and well-known brands. While some brands may be much cheaper, their products may be unreliable or short-lived, which may ultimately lead to losses for your business. The average lifetime of quality tanks is from 10 to 15 years.
Beer variety
Decide on which beverages you plan to serve. So, for traditional varieties, you need to buy kegs compatible with CO2 cylinders. Stouts and nitro varieties require nitrogen.
Contact the Beverage Craft company to get advice on choosing and ordering the best kegs for your brewery. The brand assortment has everything to help you brew delicious and aromatic beer!
