Kegs or decent alternatives to bottles?

[Lochlannach]

So I've got a couple of brews fermenting away upstairs at the moment and thoughts have turned to storage.

I've enough bottles for one but not both and, to be honest, don't really fancy the thoughts of getting more bottles. I thought about getting the 5L mini kegs but am not impressed with the reviews suggesting they're hard to maintain. I've also been considering the tap-a-draft bottles but they're hard to find opinions of and I can't find anywhere to buy the bottles other than in the kits which include the tap. The Mrs. thinks they'd be a bit of a hog in the fridge too.

I've been coming around to the idea that I'm best to go for kegs and cornies seem to be the only show in town? Are there any alternatives worth considering?

I'm a bit tight for space for a fridge (shed is too far from the house and has no power unfortunately) but thinking if I get an under counter type and put it on castors then I can probably manage it as it can easily be moved when in the way. Only thing is I'll have to put taps etc inside and put a lock on due to an inquisitive two year old.

Where's the best place/price for a 2 keg corny setup at the moment? I've seen the guy on adverts who, I think is also a member here?

I can easily nip down to Bray to get gas as it looks like a 5KG tanks from AJ Edge is probably the best value around?

Any advise/opinions welcome 

[TheSumOfAllBeers]

Another alternative to cornies are 20l crusader kegs. You need an effective cleaning method, as you can't open them up to get your hands in.

I have used the mini kegs too and I find them a hassle to clean and store, and you are constantly buying new bungs.

If you cannot get a corny fridge, consider an inline cooling arrangement like a jockey box. You will need to DIY though

[Greg2013]

20 lt crusader kegs ?

[Lochlannach]

Another alternative to cornies are 20l crusader kegs. You need an effective cleaning method, as you can't open them up to get your hands in.

I have used the mini kegs too and I find them a hassle to clean and store, and you are constantly buying new bungs.

If you cannot get a corny fridge, consider an inline cooling arrangement like a jockey box. You will need to DIY though

Had never heard of the crusader kegs. Look interesting but are more expensive than cornies and I wouldn't be confident on the cleaning side of things.

A jockey box wouldn't really work for me either - there's still the keg and box to find place for. DIY is no issue for me - I'll give pretty much anything a go.

[Lochlannach]

So anyone have any supplier recommendations for a corny setup?

[Qs]

Alealex who is a member here sells them at good prices. Or you could wait for a club group buy.

[Hop Bomb]

I have one ball lock corny keg for sale & also have a few 20 litre crusader kegs also if yer interested. 54e each. 60e each incl DPD delivery.

[Lochlannach]

I have one ball lock corny keg for sale & also have a few 20 litre crusader kegs also if yer interested. 54e each. 60e each incl DPD delivery.

I've been having a look and I think the crusaders could work though I'm wondering about how to fill them?

What condition are the crusaders you have in?

[delzep]

I have one ball lock corny keg for sale & also have a few 20 litre crusader kegs also if yer interested. 54e each. 60e each incl DPD delivery.

Can I tentatively put my name down for the corny? Can let you know for defo in a day or two if that's OK. Will be using DPD

[Greg2013]

How do you tap and gas those crusader kegs ? 

[johnrm]

You'd need a keg coupler.
What fitting is on the kegs Tom?

[DEMPSEY]

What about trying these,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171639246335?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Greg2013]

What about trying these,
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/171639246335?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Looks good Dempsey but again you would need that coupler and they are not cheap anywhere ?

[DEMPSEY]

Actually these are supplied by many of the new brewery's and the pubs have to get rid of them after. 

[biertourist]

Kegging is probably still the single best brewing equipment upgrade I've made, but one last alternative:

You could buy the 750ml flip tops in Sandyford.  Yes, you're still cleaning bottles and bottling, BUT with 750ml bottles you have a lot fewer bottles to clean and fill...  And they're flip-tops so you don't have to worry about capping them.




Adam