Unboxing and Setting Up a Kegging System from Kegconnection
Posted by Todd Burns on 18th Jul 2024
Setting up a kegging system can be an exciting endeavor for any homebrewer, as it represents a leap from traditional bottling to a more professional, efficient, and enjoyable method of storing and serving your beer. If you have recently purchased a kegging kit from Kegconnection.com, you are on your way to transforming your homebrewing experience. This guide will walk you through the initial steps of removing the kit from the box and inspecting the components to ensure everything is in perfect condition.
Unboxing Your Kegging Kit
When you receive your kegging kit, the first step is to carefully open the box and lay out all the components. Take your time to unpack everything, ensuring that you don't miss any small parts or accessories. Looking at a photograph of the kit you purchased can help you with this. Keep in mind that most of the components will be assembled with your Kegconnection kit, so there is not that much to do.
Inspecting the Components
Once you have everything out of the box, it's time to inspect each part. Your kegging kit should include the following main components:
1. The Keg
- The keg is the primary vessel that will hold your beer. Kegconnection ensures that each keg is thoroughly cleaned and pressure tested for optimal performance. Your keg might have dings, dents, scratches, etc, but these will not affect performance. Make sure you keep your o'rings lubricated and clean your keg between fills. If you purchased a commercial kit you will just need to purchase a keg from a store.
2. CO2 Cylinder
- The CO2 cylinder is crucial for carbonating and dispensing your beer. Kegconnection’s CO2 cylinders are American made and have a fresh HYDRO date. The CO2 cylinder is good for 5 years after this date before needing retesting. IMPORTANT! - Secure your CO2 cylinder! If your CO2 cylinder falls over or is dropped with the regulator attached it can become a missile! You can use a small chain or good rope to secure or purchase a Gas Cylinder Safety Wall Bracket.
3. Regulator
- The regulator controls the flow of CO2 from the cylinder to the keg. Kegconnection primarily sells three brands of regulators, CMB, Taprite and GovReg. CMB and Taprite made primary and secondary regulators and GovReg are only secondary. All are assembled in the USA and inspected and tested by Kegconnection. They all carry extended warranties through Kegconnection. All primary regulators adjust basically the same way,but GovRegs adjust very differently. Here are some links showing how to adjust the different brands:
The Taprite adjusts in a similar manner, you just pull out the red, plastic bonnet and turn it left to go down in pressure and right to go up.
Also see “Setting the Pressure on Your Regulator” later in this article”
4. Beer and Gas Lines
- Your kit should include two sets of lines: one for beer and one for gas. The gas lines are red and the liquid lines are clear. Our gas and liquid lines are made in the USA, have NSF food grade ratings and they are dual durometers with a harder inner core to stop any permeation. Lines are normally connected to the regulator, coupler (or disconnects) and beer shanks. Keep in mind you might need to unscrew the beer nut from the shank when installing, but there should not be a need to clamp hoses as this is done for you.
5. Faucet
- The faucet is where your beer will be dispensed from. They all function similarly, you just pull the lever forward. If your faucet has a creamer action like many CMBecker faucets you will push back for this function. If your faucet is a CMBecker Flow control faucet you will turn the lever on the side to adjust the restriction.
Coupler, or Homebrew Disconnect
Depending on your kit, you may have a coupler (for commercial kegs) or a homebrew disconnect (for Cornelius kegs).
- The commercial (store bought beer) coupler just lines up in the groves of the keg, you lift up the handle, twist it on and then push the handle back down.
- On Ball Lock Kegs with ball lock disconnects you pull up on the collar, push on the posts (Grey on gas, black on liquid) and then push down the coller, it will click into place.
- On Pin Lock Kegs with Pin Lock disconnect, you use gray collar for gas and black collar for liquid and twist on. The gas has two pins and the liquid has three.
Setting the Pressure on Your Regulator
One of the most critical steps in setting up your kegging system is properly adjusting the pressure on your regulator. The regulator controls the flow of CO2 from the cylinder to the keg, which carbonates and dispenses your beer. Here's a detailed guide on setting the pressure:
1. Attach the Regulator to the CO2 Cylinder
- Begin by securely attaching the regulator to the CO2 cylinder. Ensure that the connection is tight to prevent any leaks. Open the valve on the CO2 cylinder slowly to allow gas to enter the regulator.
2. Adjust the Pressure
- Most beer styles require a CO2 pressure of around 11 PSI (pounds per square inch) for optimal carbonation and dispensing. However, the ideal pressure can vary depending on the style of beer:
- **Lighter Beers (e.g., Lagers, Pilsners):** 8-12 PSI
- **English Style Ales and Stouts: 8-11 PSI
- **Highly Carbonated Beers (e.g., Belgian Ales, Wheat Beers):** 12-16 PSI
- **Carbonated Water/Soda:** 35-45 PSI
- To adjust the pressure, turn the adjustment knob on the regulator. Clockwise increases the pressure, while counterclockwise decreases it. Monitor the pressure gauge on the regulator to ensure you reach the desired PSI.
3. Lock in the Pressure
-Once you have set the desired pressure, lock it in place by tightening the lock nut (if your regulator has one). This prevents the pressure from changing unintentionally. (most have locking nut, On Taprite you pull out plastic bonnet to adjust and push in to lock)
4. Check for Leaks
- After setting the pressure, it's crucial to check for any leaks in the system. Apply a soapy water solution to all connections, including the regulator and the keg fittings. If you see bubbles forming, there is a leak that needs to be fixed.
Serving the Beer
Now that your keg is tapped, it's time to enjoy your beer. To ensure the best serving experience, follow these guidelines:
Optimal Serving Temperature
- Serve your beer between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range helps maintain the carbonation and prevents excessive foaming. If the beer is too warm, it will foam excessively when dispensed.
1. Basic Systems
- A basic kegging system typically involves a simple setup where the keg and CO2 cylinder are kept in a fridge or cooler. The beer is dispensed through a picnic faucet attached directly to the beer line. This setup is easy to assemble and maintain but may not offer the same aesthetics or convenience as more advanced systems.
2. Fridge or Shank Systems
- In this setup, the keg is stored inside a refrigerator, with a shank and faucet mounted on the fridge door or the side of a kegerator. They can also be used in a Keezer and in this case can have many taps. This setup provides a more permanent and convenient dispensing solution. The shank and faucet offer better control over the pour and can reduce foaming issues compared to a picnic faucet.
3. Tower Systems
- A tower system is just what it sounds like, the faucet is on the top end of the tower. In this setup, the keg is stored in a kegerator, keezer or under-counter fridge, and the beer is dispensed through a kegerator mounted or countertop mounted bar. Tower systems often include multiple faucets, allowing you to serve different types of beer from the same unit. The tower setup ensures optimal temperature control and provides a professional look to your home bar.
Conclusion
Unboxing and inspecting your kegging kit is a critical first step in setting up your home kegging system. By thoroughly examining each component, correctly setting the regulator pressure, properly tapping your keg, and serving your beer at the right temperature, you can ensure that everything is in good working order and ready for assembly. Taking the time to do this will save you potential headaches down the line and set the stage for a successful kegging experience. Need help? You can contact kegconnection by emailing us at help@kegconnection.com or calling us at 325-356-5204. Enjoy your new draft beer system!