Kegging

[Mike Neilson]

Looking at doing a keg set up, Is it cheaper and easyer to go with the brew craft setup or designing your own set up, and getting the bits from the likes of Craft brewer, etc?
Whats your thoughts?

[Barry]

Mine's steel. Aluminium would be lighter, but I don't think it would make much of a difference.

[Barry]

Actually, seeing as we're on the subject, does anyone know the current status with Sodastream bottles in NZ? can you still swap them at supermarkets? How much does that cost? I want to gear up a couple for dispensing on the road, as far as I know you can still get the adapters/fittings at craftbrewer.

[James P]

Yep SS bottles are still being swapped. I picked up a couple from the recyling depot for $1 each and swapped them for $10 ~ 12 at the supermarket. Both Countdown and Pak n Sav down here is CHCH do them, but best to call them before you go in.

My regulators fit via the adaptor from CB. I would recommend the one with the tap as I lost a full SS bottle of CO2 due to not being able to turn off the supply!

[Barry]

SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS thanks for the tip!

[James P]

I got f'n cold hands from it too when trying to undo the adaptor.....

[MrC]

I purchased a 6.5kg steel bottle recently for $415. There was also a 5kg aluminium bottle for $450. Standing in the shop picking them up I couldn't tell the difference in weight.

I calculated the cost and determined that renting for 3 years will cost the same as purchasing. The only difference being that you'll own a bottle and have to get it tested every five years.

[Reviled]

Mr Cherry youll probably find whoever fills it for you will test it at the time, when I got mine filled they gave it a quick test..

[Barry]

$415!!! dude, you're brave. Personally if I didn't find the hook up for $200 cash bottles and $20 refills I might not have gone to kegs. It was a key factor.

[MrC]

Yeah, I know, it did hurt a little. I just couldn't face any more bottling. It was either that or stop brewing.

[Stu McKinlay]

if it isn't too personal Barry - how big is yours?

from memory my one (5kg) was about $300 and is about $45 to fill.

[Barry]

Mines 5kg. $200 cash, $20 to fill, or $10 if the guy's feeling generous. He's an awesome guy.
You walk in with $200 folding, choose your weapon and walk out fully loaded.

[Reviled]

Much has changed since those days Barry, the same guy when I went in is charging $250 for a 3.5kg Bottle, I think that Martin got the exact same deal...

I didnt have to pay to fill it tho, just sent Nicole down and she came back with free Co2 ;o) Awesome!! He also said if I bring him in some beers hell keep filling it for free!