Equipment & Setup
Kegging System Setup
Going Draft
Kegging is the most transformative upgrade in homebrewing. It eliminates the tedium of bottling, provides force carbonation in days (instead of weeks), and gives you fresh draft beer on tap at home.
Core Components
Cornelius (Corny) keg — 5-gallon stainless steel kegs originally used by the soft drink industry. Ball lock (Pepsi-style) and pin lock (Coca-Cola-style) are the two fitting types. Ball lock is more common and has standardized fittings. Used kegs cost $30-60; new kegs cost $80-120.
CO2 tank — a pressurized cylinder of food-grade carbon dioxide. 5 lb tanks are standard for homebrewing ($60-80 new). A 5 lb tank carbonates and serves approximately 6-8 kegs before needing a refill ($15-25 at a welding supply shop or homebrew store).
Regulator — controls the pressure from the tank to the keg. A single-body regulator serves one keg. A dual-body or manifold setup serves multiple kegs at different pressures.
Gas and liquid disconnects — quick-connect fittings that attach to the keg posts. Gas (gray) connects CO2; liquid (black) connects the beer line to the tap.
Beer line — 3/16" ID vinyl or polyethylene tubing, typically 5-10 feet long. Line length and diameter control serving pressure and pour speed.
Faucet — Perlick or Intertap forward-sealing faucets are preferred. They do not stick shut like standard faucets and are easy to clean.
Serving Pressure
Standard serving pressure is 10-14 PSI at 38-42 F for most ales. Adjust based on desired carbonation level:
- Lower pressure (8-10 PSI) for cask-like English ales
- Standard pressure (10-14 PSI) for American ales and lagers
- Higher pressure (14-18 PSI) for highly carbonated Belgian ales
Keezer vs Kegerator
A keezer (chest freezer + wooden collar + taps) holds 2-4 kegs in a compact footprint. The collar provides space for drilling tap shanks without piercing the freezer walls. Cost: $150-300 for a basic two-tap setup.
A kegerator (converted refrigerator) is taller and may be easier to access. Some brewers mount a tap tower on top. Similar cost range.
Cleaning
After each keg, disassemble the posts and dip tubes. Soak in PBW or OxiClean. Rinse thoroughly. Run sanitizer through the beer lines. Clean faucets by disassembling and soaking.
The Payoff
Once you keg, you will never want to go back to bottles. Carbonation in 24 hours (fast method) or 7-10 days (set and forget). No sediment. Adjustable carbonation. And the joy of pulling a fresh pint from your own tap.