The corny keg comes in a variety of sizes and styles, ranging from 2.5 gallons to 10 gallons, and can be used for a wide range of beverages, including beer, soda, seltzer, draft cocktails, and cold brew. They are designed to hold pressure up to 60 PSI, making them ideal for carbonating and dispensing beverages. The corny keg is a leading supplier of Cornelius, homebrew kegs themselves, keg parts, and all things home brew, offering a wide selection of new and refurbished homebrew kegs, keg kits, kegerators, and keg fittings and hoses.
Whether you are a seasoned homebrewer or just getting started, investing in a corny keg can be a great way to take your brewing game to the next level. Let's go.
Understanding the Corny Keg
A Corny keg, also known as a Cornelius keg, is a cylindrical stainless-steel container with rubber gaskets.
The keg comes in various sizes, including 2.5, 3, 5, and 15 gallons in diameter, and can hold pressurized liquid up to a maximum of 60 psi. Its dimensions are 8.5 or 9 inches in diameter and from 22 to 25 inches tall, minus the draught line and gas line quick disconnects.
The anatomy of a corny keg is relatively simple. It consists of a lid, a body, a dip tube, a gas-in and liquid-out post, and a pressure relief valve. The lid is held in place by a clamp and has a pressure relief valve that releases excess pressure in case of over-pressurization. The body is where the liquid is stored and dispensed. The dip tube is a long, thin tube that extends from the bottom of the keg to the liquid-out post, allowing the liquid to be dispensed from the bottom of the keg. The gas-in post is used to inject CO2 into the keg to pressurize it, while the liquid-out post is used to dispense the liquid.
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One of the advantages of using a Corny keg is its versatility. It can be used to dispense beer, soda, wine, cider, coffee, and other beverages. It is also easy to clean and sanitize, making it a popular choice for homebrewers, and commercial establishments.
Types of Corny Kegs
Corny kegs are a popular choice for homebrewers and soda enthusiasts. They come in different types, each with its own unique features. In this section, we will discuss the three main types of corny kegs: Pin Lock Kegs, Ball Lock Kegs, and Pepsi Style Kegs.
Pin Lock Kegs
Pin Lock Kegs are also known as Coca-Cola Kegs. They were originally used by Coca-Cola to store and transport their soft drinks. The Pin Lock Kegs have pins on the top of the keg that lock the posts in place. The pins are located on the gas and liquid posts, making it easy to identify which is which. Pin Lock Kegs are slightly shorter and wider than Ball Lock Kegs.
Ball Lock Kegs
Ball Lock Kegs are the most common type of kegs available to homebrewers. They use a ball lock, hence the name, to connect the gas and liquid lines. The ball lock is a small, spring-loaded valve that is attached to the top of the posts. The posts are interchangeable, which means that you can switch the gas and liquid posts if needed. Ball Lock Corny Kegs are slightly taller and narrower than Pin Lock Kegs.
Pinlock and Balllock Corny keg couplers
Pepsi Style Kegs
Pepsi Style Kegs are similar to Ball Lock Kegs, but they have different style of posts. The posts on Pepsi Style Kegs are taller than those on Ball Lock Kegs, and they have a unique thread size. Pepsi Style Kegs were used by Pepsi to store and transport their soft drinks. They are less common than Pin Lock and Ball Lock Kegs, but they are still a popular choice for homebrewers.
In summary, there are three main types of corny kegs: Pin Lock Kegs, Ball Lock Kegs, and Pepsi Style Kegs. Each type has its own unique features and benefits. When choosing a corny keg, it is important to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Components of a Corny Keg
A Corny keg is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used for dispensing a range of products, including beer, coffee, and cocktails. Understanding the different components of a Corny keg is essential for maximizing its full functionality.
Lid and Pressure Release Valve
The lid of a Corny keg provides access inside the keg and consists of a pressure relief valve, an O-ring to form a seal against the leaky keg itself and a bail o ring to hold the kegging lid in place. The pressure relief valve is an important safety feature that automatically opens up in case of an unsafe overpressure in the keg.
Disconnects
Disconnects are the fittings that connect the keg to the gas and liquid lines. There are two types of disconnects: gas and liquid. Gas disconnects are gray, while liquid disconnects are black. They are designed to be easy to connect and disconnect, making it simple to switch between different products.
Gas and Draught-side Posts
The gas-side post is the rubber fitting on top of the keg that connects to the gas line. It has a small poppet valve inside that allows gas to flow into the keg. The draught-side post is the rubber fitting on the side of the keg that connects the tubing to the liquid line. It also has a poppet valve inside that allows liquid to flow out of the keg.
Dip Tubes
Dip tubes are plastic tubes that extend from the bottom of the keg and reach to the top. They are designed to draw liquid from the bottom of the keg, ensuring that the product is dispensed evenly.
Using Corny Kegs For Homebrew
When using corny kegs, it is important to properly clean and sanitize them before use. This helps to prevent contamination and off-flavors in the finished product. Once cleaned and sanitized, the keg can be filled.
One benefit of using corny kegs for fermentation is that they can be pressurized, which helps to reduce the risk of oxidation and contamination. This can result in a cleaner and more consistent finished product.
After fermentation is complete, the keg can be used for storing and dispensing the homebrew. Corny kegs are typically used with a CO2 tank and regulator to carbonate and dispense the beer. This allows for precise control over carbonation levels and ensures that the beer stays fresh and carbonated until it is consumed.
Overall, corny kegs are a versatile and reliable option for home brewers and brewers who want to ferment, store, and dispense their homebrew. With proper cleaning and maintenance, these kegs can provide years of use and help home brewer to produce high-quality beer.
Corny Kegs in Commercial Use
Corny kegs, also known as Cornelius kegs, are not just for homebrewers. They are also used in commercial settings for dispensing soft drinks, draft cocktails, and cold brew coffee.
Soft Drinks
Soft drink companies, such as Coca-Cola, use corny kegs to dispense their products in small-scale operations. These empty soda kegs are typically used for events or in restaurants that do not have the space or demand for large-scale soda fountains. Corny kegs are easy to transport and can be quickly hooked up to a dispensing system.
Draft Cocktails
Corny keg bottles are also used in bars and restaurants for dispensing draft cocktails. These mini kegs are perfect for small-batch cocktails not served in high volumes. They are also ideal for drinks that require carbonation, such as gin and tonic. Corny kegs allow bartenders to easily control the carbonation levels of their cocktails, ensuring that they are served at the perfect level of fizziness.
Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is becoming increasingly popular, and corny kegs are the perfect way to dispense it. Nitro coffee, which is cold brew coffee infused with nitrogen, is especially popular and is served on tap in many coffee shops. Corny kegs are easy to clean and sanitize, making them ideal for use in a coffee shop setting.
In conclusion, corny kegs are not just for homebrewers. They are used in commercial settings for dispensing soft drinks, draft cocktails bottling beer, and cold brew coffee. They are easy to transport, clean, and sanitize, making them an ideal choice for small-scale operations.
Corny Keg Maintenance
Maintaining your corny keg is essential to ensure the quality of your homebrew. Below are some tips on how to maintain your corny keg.
Cleaning
Cleaning your corny keg is an important step in maintaining its quality. The easiest and most efficient way to clean your keg is with a Keg and Carboy Washer, which will spray the inside of your keg or carboy with a jet of cleaner or sanitizer solution. For those of you without the Keg and Carboy Washer, you can clean your keg by following the steps below:
- Disassemble your keg: Remove the lid, dip tube, and o-rings from the keg.
- Soak the keg in a cleaning solution: Fill it with a cleaning solution, such as PBW or OxiClean, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Scrub the keg: After the keg has soaked, use a soft brush to scrub the inside of the keg.
- Rinse the keg: Rinse the keg thoroughly with hot water to remove any remaining cleaning solution.
Replacing Parts
Over time, the parts of your corny keg may wear out and need to be replaced. The most common parts that need to be replaced are the o-rings and poppets.
O-Rings
O-rings are essential for maintaining a tight seal on your keg. If your o-rings are worn or damaged, they can cause leaks and affect the quality of your homebrew. To replace your o-rings, follow these steps:
- Remove the old o-rings: Use a small pick or screwdriver to remove the old o-rings from the keg.
- Clean the keg: Clean the keg thoroughly before installing the new o-rings.
- Install the new o-rings: Lubricate the new o-rings with keg lube and install them in the keg.
Head Shot of a Cornelius Keg
Poppets
Poppets are responsible for controlling the flow of liquid and gas in your keg. If your poppets are worn or damaged, they can cause leaks and affect the quality of your homebrew. To replace your poppets, follow these steps:
- Remove the old poppets: Use a small pick or screwdriver to remove the old poppets from the keg.
- Clean the keg: Clean the keg thoroughly before installing the new poppets.
- Install the new poppets: Insert the new poppets into the keg and secure them in place with a new retaining ring.
Buying Guide for Corny Kegs
New vs Used
When it comes to buying corny kegs, one of the first decisions to make is whether to purchase new or used ones. New kegs are typically more expensive, but they come with a guarantee of quality and are less likely to have any issues. Used kegs, on the other hand, can be significantly cheaper, but they may require some cleaning and maintenance before use. It is important to note that used kegs may also have some wear and tear, which can affect their performance and lifespan.
Size and Dimensions
Corny kegs come in a variety of sizes, with the most popular size and common being 5 gallons. Other sizes include 2.5, 3, 5 gallon 10, and 15 gallons. It is important to consider the size of the keg in relation to the amount of beer or other beverages that will be stored in it. Additionally, the dimensions of the keg should be taken into account to ensure that it will fit in the desired location.
Material
Corny kegs are typically made of stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion. Stainless steel kegs are also easy to clean and sanitize, making them ideal for homebrewing. It is important to note that some kegs may be made of other materials, such as aluminum, which may not be as durable or resistant to corrosion.
Overall, when purchasing a corny keg, it is important for customers to consider factors such as new vs used, size and dimensions, and material to ensure that the keg meets the needs of the user.
Accessories for Corny Kegs
Corny kegs are a popular choice for homebrewers and anyone who likes to serve beer on tap. These kegs are versatile and easy to use, but they require a few accessories to get the most out of them. Here are some of the most important accessories for corny kegs:
Kegerators
A kegerator is a refrigerator specifically designed to hold a keg. It has a tap and a CO2 tank, allowing you to dispense beer directly from the keg. Kegerators come in different sizes and styles, so you can choose one that fits your needs and budget. Some kegerators are designed for indoor use, while others are suitable for outdoor use.
Faucets and Handles
The faucet and handle are the parts of the kegerator that you use to pour the beer. There are many different styles of faucets and handles available, so you can choose one that matches your kegerator and your personal style. Some faucets are designed for specific types of beer, such as stouts or IPAs.
Connectors and Couplers
Connectors and couplers are the parts of the kegerator that connect the beer line to the keg. There are two types of connectors: ball lock and pin and ball lock. Ball-lock connectors are more common and easier to use, but pin and ball lock connectors are still used by some brewers.
CO2 Tanks and Gas Lines
CO2 tanks and gas lines are used to carbonate and dispense the beer. The CO2 tank holds the gas, while tubing for the gas line connects the tank to the kegerator. You can choose different sizes of CO2 tanks depending on the popular size and how much beer you plan to dispense.
Overall, corny kegs are a great choice for anyone who wants to serve beer on tap. With the right accessories, you can turn your kegerator into a professional-grade beer dispensing system. Whether you're a homebrewer or just a beer enthusiast, corny kegs are a great investment that will provide years of enjoyment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a corny keg is a great option for homebrewers who want an efficient and easy-to-use method for storing and dispensing their beer. With its simple design and easy-to-use features, the corny keg is a great way to keep your beer fresh and ready to drink.
A corny keg is also a great option for those who want to store and dispense their product in smaller volumes. With its compact size and easy-to-use features, the corny keg is perfect for those who want to either home brew in smaller batches of beer, or who want to experiment with a mini keg of different flavors and styles.
Overall, the corny keg is a great option who want a reliable and efficient way to store and dispense their beer. Whether you're a seasoned homebrewer or just starting out, the corny keg is a great investment that will help you achieve better results and enjoy your beer to the fullest.