agrazela
Well-Known Member
I've been researching a portable regulator system for dispensing from a 2.5gal ball lock keg.
I've seen the super-mini keg charger systems that take the 16g CO2 cartridges; but the plastic-bodied trigger style sounds totally like junk, and even the metal-bodied ones with regulator get mixed reviews for reliability. And besides all that, it sounds like 16g cartridges would need to be changed out a few times to push even a 2.5gal keg, and I'd rather not have that hassle at a party.
I've seen mini-regulators that take 20oz or 32oz paintball tanks; but I think that's bigger than I want to lug to (and from!) a camping trip or beach party. I am still considering this possibility, though.
So then there is the middle range, the ones that take 45g, 63g or 74g CO2 cartridges with the 5/8-18 UNF thread. Something maybe like this one:
https://www.williamsbrewing.com/0-12-PSI-BALL-LOCK-KEG-MINI-REGULATOR-P4064.aspx
(That one's a bit more expensive than some others, but I very much like that it comes with a stainless ball lock that puts the cartridge perfectly vertical (might fit better in a cooler), has a built-in check valve, and I'm supposing that 0-12psi version will help me dial in serving pressure better than the 0-30psi version???)
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Here are my questions for those who have experience with this type of mini-regulator:
Are these reliable? Are they truly "set-and-forget" through the entire service of the keg?
Just how much CO2 does it really take to serve an already-carbed 2.5gal keg with one of these? In other words, would a 45g cartridge do the whole thing? Would I need a 63g or 74g to get through it?
And what if there is gas left in the cartridge after the keg kicks, I'd hate to waste it...if I simply remove the ball lock from the keg will it "hold" the remaining gas? Even for weeks?
Also, in a lot of online beer-stuff retailers' comments/reviews sections I see people leaving coments like, "this place is a rip-off at $12 for a 74g CO2 cartridge, I can get them at half this price all over the place."
Uh, like where?
Should I go this way, or should I just go paintball tank style? Just what are the dimensions of a paintball tank, anyway?
(Although with an adapter, it seems the 5/8-18 UNF mini-regs can use paintball tanks if I decide to go that way later...)
Thanks in advance for any insights.
I've seen the super-mini keg charger systems that take the 16g CO2 cartridges; but the plastic-bodied trigger style sounds totally like junk, and even the metal-bodied ones with regulator get mixed reviews for reliability. And besides all that, it sounds like 16g cartridges would need to be changed out a few times to push even a 2.5gal keg, and I'd rather not have that hassle at a party.
I've seen mini-regulators that take 20oz or 32oz paintball tanks; but I think that's bigger than I want to lug to (and from!) a camping trip or beach party. I am still considering this possibility, though.
So then there is the middle range, the ones that take 45g, 63g or 74g CO2 cartridges with the 5/8-18 UNF thread. Something maybe like this one:
https://www.williamsbrewing.com/0-12-PSI-BALL-LOCK-KEG-MINI-REGULATOR-P4064.aspx
(That one's a bit more expensive than some others, but I very much like that it comes with a stainless ball lock that puts the cartridge perfectly vertical (might fit better in a cooler), has a built-in check valve, and I'm supposing that 0-12psi version will help me dial in serving pressure better than the 0-30psi version???)
-------
Here are my questions for those who have experience with this type of mini-regulator:
Are these reliable? Are they truly "set-and-forget" through the entire service of the keg?
Just how much CO2 does it really take to serve an already-carbed 2.5gal keg with one of these? In other words, would a 45g cartridge do the whole thing? Would I need a 63g or 74g to get through it?
And what if there is gas left in the cartridge after the keg kicks, I'd hate to waste it...if I simply remove the ball lock from the keg will it "hold" the remaining gas? Even for weeks?
Also, in a lot of online beer-stuff retailers' comments/reviews sections I see people leaving coments like, "this place is a rip-off at $12 for a 74g CO2 cartridge, I can get them at half this price all over the place."
Uh, like where?
Should I go this way, or should I just go paintball tank style? Just what are the dimensions of a paintball tank, anyway?
(Although with an adapter, it seems the 5/8-18 UNF mini-regs can use paintball tanks if I decide to go that way later...)
Thanks in advance for any insights.