First kegging setup

[Dean Clarke]

Hi guys, am looking to buy my first keg setup and am looking for some advice on a good deal.

The best I can find that seems to fit the bill is a trade me auction from an Aussie store, country trading or something, that has a couple new Mangrove Jacks kegs and various attachments for under $500. Add in some CO2 and Im away...

Sorryif this is in the wrong section...

[Kevin Sharp]

Do you mean this one ... http://www.trademe.co.nz/home-living/lifestyle/home-brewing/brewing... ?

If so, it's a slightly odd set up - two kegs, but only one set of fittings and one tap. I'm pretty wary of 'no brand' regulators. If you buy one from Oz sending it back could prove expensive if it plays up.

Personally I'd go for better quality kegs and regulator, and stick with el-cheapo picnic taps. That way everything (except the gas) sits in the fridge, there are fewer holes to drill and less thermal leakage. Your mileage may vary.

[Che Soffe]

I find my picnic tap annoying as it can be leaky at times.
Am considering upgrading to a better tap, figure I can mount it on wood and sit it on the keg snide the fridge.

[Dean Clarke]

Yep that's the auction. 

Can you suggest a better brand or supplier to help me out?

[Kevin Sharp]

I was going to suggest the Micromatic reg from Brewshop, but as Peter suggests below they're out of stock. Beerbelly.com.au have Micromatic and Harris at a good price - both good brands. Somebody else might be able to suggest a commercial supplier in NZ with reasonable prices.

I'm a little sensitive about regulators because when I bought mine the PRV leaked at 15psi. The retailer wasn't keen to take it back and gave me some BS about how 15psi was far too high for a kegging system and PRV was perfectly OK. Eventually I stripped it down and found that the PRV seal had swarf embedded in it. Seems that the anonymous Chinese manufacturer (or the retailer)  didn't have a quality control department.

I'm less sure what to recommend for quality kegs. Some of the cheaper kegs have poor welding and you might see a few spots of corrosion around the welds after a while. Most of the second hand kegs were very good quality once, but can be a bit a bit bodged when they're converted or refurbished. I have a Firestone keg that works well, but only because the o-rings have been doubled up  to make the ball lock fittings seal.

 

[Dean Clarke]

Great advice, thanks.

[Pierre Malan]

Just an update based on personal experience - buy local rather than from a dodgy AliExpress supplier.  Got a double reg which looks like it can't hold pressure.  Looks good, but doesn't work basically.  Regrettable as the store seemed otherwise good

Buyer beware!

[Dean Clarke]

Thanks. I just ordered a starter kit from Brewshop.co.nz, just the basic regulator because that is all they have in stock. Can update later once I get more kegs and get my head round the process. 

[Cain Harland]

I have that regulator and it does the trick, its a bit of a fiddle to get it set right but maintains pressure fine. I have the same issue Daniel refers to as creep below but its easy enough to deal with I just under shoot a little then come back in a few minutes and raise the pressure a tad if its still low and repeat as necessary. I generally carb and serve 10 psi so hardly ever have to adjust.

[Nathan]

Yeah your gonna need at least two gas lines so one can be carbing while one pouring

[Peter Church]

I'd try local just from the support perspective, both consumer sopport of our local brewing community and also that they will stand behind their product

Brewtopia have a good deal for twin keg setups, dual regulator, 2 new kegs, 2 gas lines, 2 tap setups all for $450

http://shop.brewtopia.net.nz/product_info.php?cPath=19_20&produ...

brewshop have a reasonable deal allthough they seem to be low on stock for regulators at present

http://www.brewshop.co.nz/kegging/kegging-starter-kit.html

[Dean Clarke]

Thanks. Brewtopia seems to be out of stock unfortunately.

[Pierre Malan]

Looks good - just note they are picnic taps only -- hard taps are extra