Have been looking at getting the brewferm mini kits since the drop in price. Don't have the storage space or money for a full keg. Does anyone on here use mini kegs or can attest to their usefulness
there's a fella at work that swears by them. he doesn't use bottles at all any more and just keeps one mini keg in the fridge at a time.
I just ordered one today from HBW and like I sas saying on the other thread, I'll do a review of it once I get to pop some beer in it next weekend. From everything I've read so far, they look the business.
Quote from: molc on June 08, 2014, 02:42:44 AM
I just ordered one today from HBW and like I sas saying on the other thread, I'll do a review of it once I get to pop some beer in it next weekend. From everything I've read so far, they look the business.
I have used these a bit and have found them to be real useful. However I have made some mistakes that you might want to learn from. Pay careful attention when threading the plastic spear to the bottom of the clip on tap. It is very easy to over tighten it and snap it off. Also go slowly when inserting/removing the spear from the bungs as again you can snap off the spear. When filling them make sure to insert the nylon plug the right was around in to the bungs. The collar of the nylon plug should be inserted from the underside of the rubber bung so that it catches on the bottom of the bung. Common sense I know but an easy thing to overlook and it won't become apparent til a few days after kegging when you discover the plug blown off. I would recommend storing them inside a larger leak proof plastic container when storing them after filling. I recently had one leak and loose three litres of cider, still fixing the floor after it.
The kegs dispense via a small co2 bulb. Once these are opened they can't be sealed. Pay attention to the seal on the tap to make sure that the holder for the bulb is sealed properly as otherwise it will all leak out. Finally the kegs will hold the content for about four days when stored cold in a fridge.
Shanna
So when filled and carved with gas you have four days to get through 5 litres of brew, I'd never manage that
Wel I read online it should be good for a month after you put the tap in. I'm going to keg 5 litres from two seperate 20 litre batches so I can compare and contrast the bottles with the kegs.
I wonder how does a corny keg keep everything fresh for so long in comparison...
I will second shannas advice about the spear. I got a lend of some kegs off a mate and I ended up breaking the spear from tightening it, when shanna says don't over tighten it really means tighten very lightly until you feel any resistance at all. I'm having trouble getting a replacement spear too.
Other than that they're pretty handy. I read you should prime with less pressure than bottles for them though. Might be something to be careful of too.
Quote from: Qs on June 08, 2014, 01:05:18 PM
I will second shannas advice about the spear. I got a lend of some kegs off a mate and I ended up breaking the spear from tightening it, when shanna says don't over tighten it really means tighten very lightly until you feel any resistance at all. I'm having trouble getting a replacement spear too.
Other than that they're pretty handy. I read you should prime with less pressure than bottles for them though. Might be something to be careful of too.
Hi Qs
See thread http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=2473.msg29443#msg29443 for details where to buy a replacement spear. I was not able to find any other supplier.
Shanna
I've just started using them, but really like them. I've been able to keep one for a few weeks once tapped without any problems, after all you're topping up with CO2 so shouldn't get any oxidation. My main problem with them is walking past that nice inviting tap without pouring yourself a little drop, you'd be surprised how quickly you can empty them!
I've got a professional mini keg dispenser with gas, dip tubes for most keg types...looking to flog it to the right brewer at a Hugh loss. Must pop it in the for sale section.
Quote from: Shanna on June 08, 2014, 01:24:01 PM
Quote from: Qs on June 08, 2014, 01:05:18 PM
I will second shannas advice about the spear. I got a lend of some kegs off a mate and I ended up breaking the spear from tightening it, when shanna says don't over tighten it really means tighten very lightly until you feel any resistance at all. I'm having trouble getting a replacement spear too.
Other than that they're pretty handy. I read you should prime with less pressure than bottles for them though. Might be something to be careful of too.
Hi Qs
See thread http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=2473.msg29443#msg29443 for details where to buy a replacement spear. I was not able to find any other supplier.
Shanna
Thats me you were talking to in that thread ;D
I've tried ordering from that crowd but got no word on the order. I'm going to email them tomorrow about it.
Quote from: Qs on June 08, 2014, 03:13:27 PM
Quote from: Shanna on June 08, 2014, 01:24:01 PM
Quote from: Qs on June 08, 2014, 01:05:18 PM
I will second shannas advice about the spear. I got a lend of some kegs off a mate and I ended up breaking the spear from tightening it, when shanna says don't over tighten it really means tighten very lightly until you feel any resistance at all. I'm having trouble getting a replacement spear too.
Other than that they're pretty handy. I read you should prime with less pressure than bottles for them though. Might be something to be careful of too.
Hi Qs
See thread http://www.nationalhomebrewclub.com/forum/index.php?topic=2473.msg29443#msg29443 for details where to buy a replacement spear. I was not able to find any other supplier.
Shanna
Thats me you were talking to in that thread ;D
I've tried ordering from that crowd but got no word on the order. I'm going to email them tomorrow about it.
Indeed it was, apologies I did not see the name. I bought from them by calling over the phone and they sent it through the post for me.
Shanna
Oh cool I was just tying to use parcel motel. I'll give them a buzz tomorrow.
Quote from: Rossa on June 08, 2014, 01:30:42 PM
I've got a professional mini keg dispenser with gas, dip tubes for most keg types...looking to flog it to the right brewer at a Hugh loss. Must pop it in the for sale section.
Rossa
I'd Deffo be interested in your mini keg pro dispenser.
I only ordered a replacement spear from here last week. It hasn't arrived yet but I've gotten a delivery sent confirmation http://www.copperkettlehomebrewing.co.uk/
Or you could try fass frisch directly http://www.fass-frisch.com/ I got a spare handle from them for nothing!
Quote from: Damien M on June 08, 2014, 04:13:02 PM
Quote from: Rossa on June 08, 2014, 01:30:42 PM
I've got a professional mini keg dispenser with gas, dip tubes for most keg types...looking to flog it to the right brewer at a Hugh loss. Must pop it in the for sale section.
Rossa
I'd Deffo be interested in your mini keg pro dispenser.
I'll put some info up later.