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10/24/2012 -- I used Wyeast Liquid Cider Yeast two years ago and made a fantastic dry cider. My wife likes something a little sweeter. Can you recommend a yeast that will not result in such a dry finish? I plan on bottling and carbonating with priming sugar so I don't think chilling the cider or stopping fermentation another way will work.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You're right. It probably won't do the trick.
Really, there are 2 different ways to produce a sweet, carbonated cider.
1) Just prior to bottling, use an artificial (non-fermentable) sweetener to adjust your cider to the sweetness you like. Adding Stevia, Nutrasweet, Equal or similar will work.
2) Instead of priming and bottling your . . .
12/30/2010 -- We have a 310 feet deep well in the Mother Lode country, water coming from the bottom on quartz rock.
The water is excellent,we drink it as it is. People always comment how good it is.
My question is: is there a way to carbonate it and get something like a Gerolsteiner mineral water out of it, or another seltzer.
Thank you for your answer . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Certainly. How you do it depends on how MUCH you intend to make.
A Carbonator, along with a CO2 tank with suffice for doing the occasional 1 or 2 liters at a time, using soda pop bottles.
A more convenient way if you are using more than this is by using our Complete Draft Kegging System. This allows you to carbonate and dispense from . . .
12/28/2010 -- Hi! Finally a website that can answer my question. I am on my third batch of brew and first attempt at using the corny keg. I have everything on hand but a CO2 tank. If I could come across one, is it as simple as a quick one shot of 10-12lbs or a consistant dose of CO2 for a period of time? I read on your site that a keg charger could force . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I would recommend picking up a 5 lb (or bigger) CO2 bottle for your cornelius kegging system.
There are lots of ways to force carbonate your beer. It's a pretty simple thing to do, but people tend to complicate it. You can go as far as calculating the pressure and time, for a given diameter and length of hose vs temperature of the beer . . .
10/8/2010 -- Im wanting to get into making soda and also wine but i have never even looked into it before. My question is is for making soda. How can i make a great tasting soda without having the yeast sludge in the soda or on the bottle? Im doing this on a very small budget so any tips u can provide for me will be greatly appricated.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I think you'll find that ny yeast "sludge" is really very minor. It sticks to the bottom and you simply pour off the good soda.
The way to completely eliminate this small amount of yeast is to force carbonate your soda pop. To do this you'll need a kegging system, which is an addiional expense, but pays for itself over time. See the link . . .
9/30/2010 -- I plan on mixing rootbeer and force carbonating it. Do I still add the sugar, or do I just use the extract and water?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You'll need to add sugar to the extract in order to sweeten it, but no additional sugar to carbonate it.
In other words, just sweeten to taste, force carbonate, and enjoy!
8/12/2010 -- If I use a combination of Liguid malt extract (hopped) and Liquid malt extract (unhopped) do I still need to use corn sugar when brewing, or can I just add the sugar when carbonating?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: As I understand the question, yes.
If the malt extracts are boiled and then fermented out, then you will need to add corn sugar just prior to bottling in order to carbonate the beer.
It IS possible to use malt extract prior to bottling in place of corn sugar if you like OR forcing CO2 into your beer in a keg (force carbonating). Those . . .
7/22/2010 -- Is it possible to make hard root beer? I remember having a bottle of hard root beer in college back in the day but haven't found any recipe's to make it myself. Any suggestions?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It can be done, but not in the standard way (stirring together flavors, sugar, water and yeast). You would need a complete kegging system (about $211), and add alcohol (like vodka) to the rootbeer ingredients. You would then "force" carbonate the rootbeer to make it fizzy!
5/17/2010 -- what is your phone number?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We can be reached at (425) 355-8865
Our toll free order is (800) 850-2739
3/13/2010 -- I’ve been brewing for some time now. In an attempt to save time and work, I’ve gone from 12 oz. bottles to 22 oz. bottles. I’ve even gone to making three five gallon batches (different beers) in a day. Same mess and clean-up for five gallons or fifteen gallons! Trying to keep brewing FUN!!! So here is my question. I want to start kegging . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Whether you force carbonate or prime your kegs, using your scheme you will still have to dispense from the keg into the growlers at room temperature. That is the problem I see. Expect a LOT of foaming at this step!
Usually, when dispensing from a keg to a bottle like that, you want the beer, the keg AND the bottle to be as cold as possible . . .
9/16/2009 -- I would like to force carbonate some rootbeer at what psi should I force it at and for how long. then what psi should I dispense it at.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You can "force carbonate" your soda by putting it into the keg, refrigerating it, and turning up the pressure to about 25-30 psi. Let it sit overnight, shake it a bit, and the CO2 will go into solution. Shake it more, you get your carbonation faster. If you want more carbonation, let it sit longer.
Just be sure to turn the pressure down . . .
4/20/2009 -- Question about kegging your blonde ale. Should I start off at a higher psi like 25-lbs for a couple of days, and then dropping it to say 5-lbs to dispense? Or should I leave it on say 13-lbs at all times? --By the way, you have the most informative web site I've ever seen on this subject. And that's enough reason for me to make you my local . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There are lots of ways to force carbonate your beer. It's a pretty simple thing to do, but people tend to complicate it. You can go as far as calculating the pressure and time, for a given diameter and length of hose vs temperature of the beer if you like. Personally, anything that takes away from the FUN of making/drinking beer is going too . . .
3/11/2009 -- Brew Bro's! Great site! Last update on on Kegging System availablility was 6 weeks ago, any updates?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Thanks!
The kegging system is now back in stock. We had an inventory error, so you can now order away!
2/2/2009 -- Just wondering when the 2-keg system will be available to order again online. I have a 'fridge sitting in my utility room just waiting to become a kegerator!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: A good start!
We are just waiting on new regulators to arrive, and that won't take long. Maybe a week?
You can go ahead and order, and we will send as soon as they come int.
1/27/2009 -- does the CO2 tank need to stay in the fridge while connected to the keg(s) or can i drill a hole in the side of the fridge and run the gas line through that (with the manifold for splitting lines inside)? in other words, i want to save space in the fridge and leave the CO2 cylinder outside. would this affect the pressurization/dispensation . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you can leave the CO2 bottle outside the 'fridge with no negative effects.
If you left in IN the 'fridge your high pressure gage would not read accurately. It works too, but it shows your bottle as being 'empty' when in fact it is not.
1/23/2009 -- I used to make my own beer and lost my store for ingredients.(Great to come across your site)
What kegging system comes with the kegging kit, and what is included?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We have two ways to go here. You didn't say if you already have the brewing equipment, like carboy, airlock, siphon equipment, etc etc.
If you have NOTHING, we have a kit that contains all of this PLUS a kegging system.
The brewing equipment includes a 6-Gallon Primary Fermentor, 5-Gallon Glass Carboy, 3-pc Airlock with Stopper, 4-ft . . .
1/22/2009 -- I just got a kegging system and want to make sure I'm doing this correctly. I fermented the batch, secondary fermented it for a total of about two weeks. Next step is to keg it, put co2 to it and drink it correct?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Well yes, basically. You want to make sure your beer is completely fermented, and clear before kegging.
Here is a handy guide to how to go about setting it up and carbonating your beer:
http://www.homebrewheaven.com/CornyKegSystem.pdf
If you need help drinking it, we are here to help!
11/3/2008 -- First off, you guys rock! Thanx for everything. Now for the Q&A, I am seriously thinking of purchasing your double kegger system and was curious about whether or not the overall character of the brew will be any different from bottle conditioning, especially concerning where DME is used. I am partial to using DME for this because I enjoy . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Most people see no difference between kegged and bottle carbonated beer. If you do, however, you can easily use DME to carbonate in the keg.
8/30/2008 -- I am new to homebrewing so I need some help. I want to be able to brew enough at one time to accomodate a large group, 30-50 gallons. What equipment will I need to make this happen (brewing, storage, etc.) and how would I go about the ingredients.....all grain brewing or using the extracts? If you could suggest a good reference manual and . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There are many different ways to approach this. One SINGLE batch vs multiple smaller ones, all-grain vs malt extracts, single large fermenter vs multiple smaller, cost vs low cost, bottling vs kegging etc etc.
I'll address how I would do this. Please recognize that you may have other preferences.
First off, I would prefer to serve 2 . . .
8/21/2008 -- I recently aquired a kegging system for my beer making. Yea!!! No more bottle washing! I was wondering however, When force carbonating the beer is it better to keep the beer at room temp or refridgerate? Or does it matter?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It will carbonate easier, and faster, at cold temperatures.
7/13/2008 -- can i carbonate my beer as if i was going to bottle it, but instead keg it without a c02 tank? and would i get the same results?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sort of...
YOu can carbonate your beer in a keg, and the first few glasses will be just fine, BUT you will need to add CO2 as you draw off the beer.
CO2 is used to "push" the beer through the lines and to keep it carbonated while in the keg.
6/18/2008 -- Hello, I recently switched to kegging and love it! The only problem I run into now is bottling my beer to pass out. Since I don't have any tube thick enough to fit over my faucet I poured beer into a pitcher and then used the bottle filling wand to fill the bottles. When my friends tasted the beer they said it was great, however it had gone . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There are a few tricks to transfering your beer to bottles, while maintaining good carbonation:
1) get the beer as cold as possible to reduce foaming
2) get the bottles as cold as possible. Same reason.
3) fill from the bottom of the bottle up. Same reason.
4) quickly cap the bottles immediately after filling them
The "poor man's . . .
5/9/2008 -- I bought the deluxe kegging system from you guys and love it! I want to get a second keg now so I can have two batches at a time because one batch doesn't last very long! I am guessing I need the gas in fitting, beer out fitting, gas line, beer line and "T" fitting. I think some of the ball lock quick disconnect come with fittings and some . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Here is the list as requested.
1 Quick Disconnect-Ball In Fitting $7.25
1 Quick Disconnect-Ball Out Fitting $7.25
1 Plastic Tapper Spigot $4.95
4 1/4" Id Gas Line (Thick Wall) - Per Foot" $3.80
4 3/16" Beer Line, Thick Wall Per Foot" $3.60
1 Plastic "T" Fitting For Gas or Beer Line $2.95
7 Stainless Steel Hose . . .
5/7/2008 -- I already have two Corny kegs, but that is it. In order to keg my beer what other components will I need? And my next question, do you carry them all? I would also like to add a C02 charger to that list as they will not be hooked up to the C02 tank while they are being used...
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Here is the list of products from the Complete Kegging System:
Includes a NEW 2-gage regulator, a NEW 5 lb. Aluminum CO2 Bottle, a 5 gallon Cornelius Keg, all new draft fittings, tap, hoses, O-rings, a user manual, etc.
Obviously, you wouldn't need the keg, is all.
You CAN just order the Complete Kegging System, but just tell us . . .
4/25/2008 -- I just finished bottling my first batch of beer. I want to go the keg route. Can you list for me everything I would need to set up minus the fridge? Also, I saw in your questions that you have a guide for using the cornelius keg. How can I get this? Great site. Really appreciate your style in answering questions.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: That would be our Complete Draft Kegging System!
Here is a link to that product:
http://store.homebrewheaven.com/Product287
When you get there, click on the name, and you will get a listing of the items in it.
3/19/2008 -- I'm thinking about moving toward kegging. I brew 5-gallon batches, but would like to be able to share the batch. Since new 2.5- and 3-gallon kegs are expensive and hard to find used, I'm thinking it might make sense to force-carbonate 3 gallons of a batch in a 5-gallon corny keg, and carbonate the remaining 2 gallons with priming sugar in . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) Absolutely not. I have done that, and the extra CO2 volume actually makes it easy to force carbonate your beer. No worries.
2) Yes, I believe so. Force carbonating eliminates sediment (caused by re-fermentation of priming sugar in the bottles) and reduces the "brewing to drinking" time considerably!
3/15/2008 -- I am going to purchase the complete draft kegging system for 3 kegs in the next few days. I also purchased a fridge that is setup to handle 8 kegs with the tower setup so I can just run the kegs up through that. I am new to kegging and I was just wondering if there is anything else I will need to make things smoother. Any additional "Nice . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: NICE setup you have planned there, Ryan!
With such a system, I would get a gas manifold, with a valve for each keg. This would allow you to apply/stop pressure going to each keg. Here is a link to that product:
http://store.homebrewheaven.com/Product521
It's actually a modular manifold system, so you can add more valves as needed. . . .
3/7/2008 -- Hello,
I have been brewing beer for about a year now and love it. I have a few questions for you. When I first started brewing beer, the sediment that was left in the bottom of the bottle never bothered me (still doesn't). However, now that I have improved my skills, more and more people are asking for our beer. I was wondering how I could . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The sediment in the bottom of the bottles is almost entirely the result of the re-fermentation of the priming sugar that is used when you bottle.
To eliminate that bit of sediment requires NOT doing a re-fermentation. So how do you do that and still get carbonated beer? By kegging! It sounds like you are ready for that.
When you keg . . .
1/26/2008 -- I live about an hour (if traffic is good) from the address on your website. Do you have an actual store or is everything here based solely online?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have an actual brick-and-mortar store in Everett, WA. People actually walk in and buy stuff!
Our address is:
Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204
Here is a video of our shop:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI
Heck, you can actually call us on the phone, too! It's 425-355-8865. A person will . . .
12/13/2007 -- I am kegging for the first time using a new 2.5 gallon K keg. I am stepping up the pressure 2psi per day. What final pressure should I be looking at?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There is no single answer to that one. Not sure why you are stepping up the pressure in that way in the first place.
Final pressure depends on at least these factors:
1) whether or not you are force carbonating your beer
2) temperature and time
3) desired carbonation level (style of beer etc)
4) internal diameter
5) length of your . . .
12/1/2007 -- If I order a complete kegging system for triple kegs, does that include three kegs and a three way CO2 regulator?
Thanks!
Mike
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It includes the 3 kegs. The regulator is perfectly capable of "driving" 3 kegs simultaneously, but is not a "three way regulator" per se. We do it by using "T" fittings in the gas line to drive each of the kegs.
If you want to control each keg (turn on and off) individually, you'll want to order a gas manifold with your system. Inexpensive . . .
11/19/2007 -- What is better, 1/4 or 3/16 inch lines for this system? Also, is it easy to upgrade from a single to a duo, triple or quad tap system when I'm ready? I assume that requires a different apparatus coming out of the CO2 bottle? And lastly, here is my shopping list for getting started with a home keg system:
1) Beer fridge (got it)
2) Complete . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: We like to use 1/4" ID line for the CO2, and 3/16" ID for the beer line. The beer line is a tight fit, but it provides some resistance along the way. This is good as long as your beer line is relatively short. It allows you to use a higher CO2 pressure on your keg, reduces carbonation loss, and reduces foaming. If you have a LONG beer line . . .
9/18/2007 -- IF YOU WERE TO KEG YOUR BEER AND FORCE CARBONATE IT AND THEN BOTTLE IT, HOW WELL DOES THAT WORK FOR THE BOTTLED BEER AND DOES IT LAST?? ARE THERE ANY TRICKS FOR DOING IT???
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It works just fine. That is how breweries do it, after all.
Yes, there are "tricks"...
1) get the beer as cold as possible to reduce foaming
2) get the bottles as cold as possible. Same reason.
3) fill from the bottom of the bottle up. Same reason.
4) cap quickly
There is a device called a counter pressure bottle filler that works . . .
7/8/2007 -- I'm pricing out my options for my next step in homebrewing, the keg. I am looking at picking up a chest freezer along with the Ranco controller, and then options as far as your kegging systems. Seeing as how I'm new to kegs in general, except for the many college parties where you put one in a trash can and have a pump on the top to dispense . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: 1) Yes, that is certainly workable. Kegging is really just simple plumbing. It's easy to put in a sanke fitting as well as cornelius fittings. A good way to do that is using a gas manifold to turn on/off each keg as needed.
2) Transporting a keg system is not hard to do. I would take advantage of that spare CO2 tank for that purpose so . . .
1/25/2007 -- I am planning on getting one of your complete draft kegging systems with double or quad kegs and I was wondering if the beer line that comes with the system fit both the thru wall taps the 3/16 id and the 1/4 id and if I go that way do I need any hose clamps or anything more?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It will fit either the 3/16" or the 1/4" id lines. We recommend using a stainless steel hose clamps to secure the connections as well. That should do it.
12/10/2006 -- WHAT SIZE SMALL REFRIGERATOR WILL I NEED TO MAKE A BACKYARD BEER DISPENSER AND THE ITEMS I NEED.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Basically, you need a refer that will hold a 26" high keg, that is about 9" in diameter. Usually, a standard kitchen type refer will hold at least two kegs like these.
Along with that you will need the Complete Draft Kegging System. With this, you can dispense beer simply by opening the door, and pouring some from the handheld spigot that . . .
12/2/2006 -- First of all you have great web site with super products and much knowledge. I have been home brewing since @ 1993 and now am ready to leap into kegging. I have recently bought four used corney ball lock kegs and will get the rest of what I need from you. I am placing this four tap system into a home built bar in my personal BAR/NASCAR/ Climbing . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sounds like a nice setup!
Converting a fridge is really quite easy, once you have found one that will hold 4 cornelius kegs. Most standard kitchen-type refers will only hold 3. Some people like to use a chest type freezer instead (they sometime hold more kegs), using a temperature controller to bring the temp up to serving temperatures.
It's . . .
12/1/2006 -- I'm curious as to what kind of beer dispensing mechanism the double kit has, if it has one at all. Is it just one of those little handheld plastic spiggots or does it come with a draft tower? If you have it as a stand alone product i'd very much appreciate the link.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The Complete Draft Kegging System come with a handheld plastic spigot. For many people, that is all they need. If you want a draft tower, we have those too, and they can be added on. We have both single and double spigot draft towers. Here are the links to those products:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/Product668
and
http://www.nexternal.com . . .
11/14/2006 -- I am looking at buying the Complete Draft Kegging System. do I need to buy a tap also and if so, which one?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The System comes with a handheld plastic spigot. Not elegant, but functional. If you want something else, we do have thru-wall spigots, draft towers etc. It's just a matter of how you want to use it. The handheld plastic spigot works just fine, you just have to open the refer door to pour a beer is all. If you want a tap on the outside of . . .
11/11/2006 -- I was wondering how long I should I wait after I keg my beer to drink it? Can I drink it right away or should I wait a couple of days?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I think you should immediately bring it to MY house for drinking...
As long as it is carbonated, it is drinkable. Some beers, especially hoppy, dark beers will improve with aging, but in general, drink away!
11/5/2006 -- I live in Seattle, can I come and pick up the bottles in Everett? Do you have a "brick and mortar" store?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You sure can. It is literally made of bricks and mortar, in South Everett. Our address is:
Homebrew Heaven
9109 Evergreen Way
Everett, WA 98204
425-355-8865
Hours are 10-6:30 M-F
and 9:30-5 on Saturdays
Here is a video of the place:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1a5fKvv8XI
Take a look around!
10/25/2006 -- Great site and products. I started brewing about 2yrs ago and have always bottled. Not that cleaning all the bottles, sanitizing, filling, and capping isn't alot of fun, I think I'm ready to begin kegging. My question is that some time ago I built a bar and left a considerable space to house a chest freezer for which I intended to use as . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Chest freezers are excellent for that purpose. You simply need a Ranco temperature controller to control the temperature of your beer (above the usual freezer operating temp). It installs in minutes. We have them.
The beer line leading to the tap can be insulated, of course. If it is a long line, you can use neoprene pipe insulating material . . .
9/30/2006 -- I was just reading the question from 8/27/06 and I was wondering if you can force carbonate and then disconnect the keg to store it?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes. It is done all the time.
8/27/2006 -- If I had a keg but didn't want to tap it yet, how long would it stay good? can it sit uncarbonated? will this age the beer at all?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: A long time, if stored away from heat. Can't say exactly. Depends on many things, especially sanitation. Yes, it can sit uncarbonated, but it would be better to keep CO2 on it to avoid air contact. Yes, it will age the beer.
8/8/2006 -- I am new to brewing at home. my forst batch came out great in bottles, i would now like to put my next batch in kegs. looking at the kegging system i pretty much have all of the components in my kegerator, including the keg. what am i missing to get the beer from my fermentor into the keg?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: I don't know, really. I would just siphon it in...not sure what kind of keg you have or ?...if it's a sankey type keg, you probably can't do it. If it's a cornelius keg, you can. Not enough info...
8/2/2006 -- I was wondering if there a special wrench or a trick to getting the 'in' valve off to replace the o-rings.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If it's the "star" type poppet valve (with many points), yes, there is special wrench that can be special ordered. Usually, however, people just find a socket that will fit over the fitting or use a crescent wrench to get it off.
7/25/2006 -- Id like to put the beer into a keg instead of bottles, but was wondering if i could do this WITHOUT force carbonating with a CO2 tank. Can the beer naturally carbonate in the keg?
what would i have to add for this, more yeast or sugar?
Would this effect the "shelf life" of the keg?
thanks for the help! AWESOME WEBSITE!!!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you can do that. Use about 1/2 to 3/4 cup of corn sugar to carbonate in the keg. You will still need the CO2 to "push" the beer from the keg, however. The beer is drawn from the bottom of the keg up to the spigot. It needs a little "push" to get it there.
No, there is no affect on shelf life.
Thanks for the kind words about our . . .
6/24/2006 -- Do you sell 3 gal corny kegs in place of the 5 gal and what are the dimensions of both kegs?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If we could find them. They are quite rare (and expensive).
We occasionally have a few of these, and they go quickly. Right now we do not...sorry.
6/16/2006 -- I was wondering if you could take a keg setup and use it for soda (homemade)? Thank you for your prompt reply!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Absolutley. That's what they were originally made for!
5/18/2006 -- This may seem like an obvious answer BUT other then a separate fridge which I do not have room for in my house, how else would I keep a keg cold? And if I put a fridge in the basement is 22' head pressure way too much?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sorry, a 22' line is probably too long too use effectively.
The only other options are temporary, like a jockey box filled with ice, a plate chiller etc.
Perhaps a Party Pig? They hold about 2.25 gallons, and fit onto the shelf of a common 'fridge.
5/15/2006 -- Hi there, got another question for ya. If I wanted to get the single keg system now and decide later that I want to have a double system, would it be a real pain? Is it doable and what extra pieces (besides another keg) am I looking at getting, and about how much (aprrox.) would those extras (including the keg) run me? Thanks guys!
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It's not a problem at all. Very easy to do.
All you need is the keg $34.95), a modular 2-way manifold ($22.95) the corney fittings (about $16), another spigot ($5.95) and about 6 feet of tubing (about $6). Figure about $86 total.
5/13/2006 -- I have had a kegerator that I built several years ago and always used store bought kegs, I have recently started brewing my own beer and it come out fine when I bottle it, I would like to start putting it in a keg, but I would like to have 3 different beers put in cornelius ball lock kegs, do you have the hardware for that? How do I split . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we have everything to do that, and help people set up similar system all the time.
For 3 kegs, I would run the CO2 from the bottle into a manifold, which splits the gas into 3 lines (each with a shutoff valve). Very easy. You simply need the cornelius keg fittings for each keg, and some beer and gas line to make it work. All the parts . . .
4/22/2006 -- what type of tap comes with the complete system? is it the cobrahead, tower, or throughwall type?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It comes with the handheld cobra tap. We have the others available also, at additional cost.
1/19/2006 -- How about Nitrogen for carbonating? I've heard about it but nothing specific.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It can be done, but it requires special taps, MIXED nitrogen and CO2 gases, a special regulator etc. We can special order it all for you if you really want it. Most people don't.
Here is a link with more information:
http://www.byo.com/mrwizard/733.html
12/30/2005 -- Hello again.I would like to order this complete single keg system but I already have the CO2 tank. Can you deduct the price from the system and send everything except the tank? How do i go about doing that? thank you
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, we can do that. Just purchase it, and in the "Customer Comments" section at checkout, just let us know that you want this omitted, and we'll adjust the price accordingly.
11/13/2005 -- i am looking into keging my beer i have a few questions. is it better to put the co2 in the fridge or on the outside?
also, in a normal size kegerator how mamy kegs can i fit? i know that two will fit but will three fit if the co2 is on the outside?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It makes no difference to the beer if the CO2 is refrigerated. If you put your regulator inside, however, your bottle pressure gage will read inaccurately. I like to put it on the outside for this reason, and to give more room for my kegs.
From our experience there IS no "normal size kegerator". There are simply too many variations/manufacturers . . .
10/3/2005 -- I am interested in purchasing one of your kegging systems. What do I need in the way of brushes or other equipment to adequately clean and sanitize the system between brews?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: You'll find they don't take much maintainance. We do sell keg brushes, but usually you can just rinse them and run some sanitizer thru them. Iodophor is best, I believe.
8/14/2005 -- I have the intermediate kit with a wort chiller. I also have 3 - 5 gallon kegs. What would else would I need for a complete kegging system?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Well, as I understand it, you would need as a minimum:
CO2 tank, a regulator, a tapper spigot, a gas-in connector, a beer-out connector, 4 hose clamps, about 4 feet of 1/4" gas line and about the same amount of 3/16" beer line.
You could get fancier, of course, and hook up multiple kegs at the same time, and/or have thru-wall spigots . . .
7/8/2005 -- Can your equipment be used to carbonate other things besides beer?
I'm particularly wondering about simple water. I read that the kegs were originaly intended for use with Pepsi, but I wanted to make sure the carbonating equipment itself was up to the task.
Also, approximately how many 5 gallon cornelius kegs would one 5 lb co2 tank . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Absoultely. It is capable of carbonation water, soda pop, beer, wine...most any liquid.
The amount of CO2 used depends on how well carbonated you like your water, but as a rough estimate, figure at least 10 kegs per 5 lb CO2 bottle. You will use the CO2 to dispense (push) the water, as well, so that takes a little more. Theoretically, . . .
7/4/2005 -- I recently was given a keg kinda like the one that you would buy from the store. My question is, How do you fill it up? Is there a certain connector that I have to buy to siphon my homebrew and put it in the keg? Then my second question is what all would I need to buy to set up the keg for service in my home?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: The quick answer is that you probably can't use it. 15 gallon commercial kegs take commercial filling and cleaning equipment. Sorry. That is why most home brewers use 5 gallon cornelius (soda pop)kegs. They open up easily for filling and cleaning.
5/31/2005 -- If I was to purchase a fridge or freezer and convert it to a kegerator using your supplies, what else would I need in order to hook up a conventional 'pony' keg as well? Could this be done in conjunction with a cornelius keg?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Really, you can get by with just buying a fitting for the commercial keg. Usually, this is a "Sanke" type fitting, but some beers use a different type. Here is a link to the Sanke Fitting:
http://www.nexternal.com/hombre/?Product=662
With this setup, you would have to unscrew the corney fittings on the beer and gas lines, and screw in . . .
4/9/2005 -- Will a cornelius keg fit into any half height refrigerator? Or better yet, if I were looking for a new refrigerator but didn't want to buy a full size or a expensive kegerator, what are my options?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There are so many different 'fridges that it is best to measure (twice) and drink once.
For reference, the new cornelius keg itself measures about 22" high, and 9" in diameter. Many half-height 'fridges have a freezer section in the top that interferes with the keg, but some do not. Measure, measure. Certainly a full size 'fridge will . . .
4/9/2005 -- Do I need to keep the CO2 canister hooked up to my keg or can I gas up the keg, put the keg in the fridge to chill, then hook the keg back to the CO2 when I want to drink?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, no problem with doing that...except if you drink too much and forget to hook it up. Eventually you will lose pressure and then the fun stops!
3/23/2005 -- I was wondering if I could substitute a used 3 gallon keg for the new 5 gallon keg in the complete draft kegging system package? and if so around how much would it be?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Sure, we can do that. Just make note of this in the "Customer Comments" field at checkout. We'll work out the price difference. It is about $48 less for the used 3 gallon keg.
3/21/2005 -- I am new to brewing and kegging and I was just wondering if you need to fill up the keg to carbonate? or could you, for example, fill a 3 gallon keg with 1 gallon of liquid and carbonate it?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, that can be done. In fact, it will carbonate easier, because there is a larger volume of CO2 above the beer. With the larger volume, carbonation will occur sooner.
3/16/2005 -- I got a 2 keg kit from you guys a few months back and I love it. The Problem is the inner valve on the gas side of one of my kegs leaks and runs down the pressure on my tank. I just need the inner valve (or a whole conecter with the valve)but you don't have them listed on your website. Do You know where I can get one (or a few). this is . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: It sounds like you are describing the "poppet valve". First, try tightening it with a wrench. This will often stop a leak. If that doesn't do the trick, there is an o-ring underneath the poppet valve that can sometimes leak, and can be replaced. Within the poppet valve is a spring loaded gizmo. This is most often the culprit that we can provide . . .
2/18/2005 -- Reading your site tells me kegs under pressure do not go bad at moderate temps. I want to keep my kegs under the bar and run a coil of tubing through an Ice chest under the tap to cool the beer. How much tubing through ice to get cold beer out of a 70 degree keg? Should I run 1/4" tube through the ice and then restrict it to 3/16" after . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: What you are referring to is called a jockey box. Normally, you use about 15 feet of 1/4" ID tubing. I would leave it at 1/4" and not restrict it any further. I would also use stainless steel coils if at all possible. Many use copper, but it corrodes and take more maintainance.
Here is a link to a website with plans etc.:
http://www.garyeckhardt.com . . .
2/12/2005 -- Do I have to use an aluminum co2 tank for my kegging system, or can I use a steel tank from my local welding supply store? I can not find a store that will refill the aluminum tank that I have.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, any type of Co2 tank will do just fine.
1/20/2005 -- After adding corn sugar to my beer, instead of bottling it I was wondering if I could put the beer in some kind of small(1-1.5 gal) keg-like container that is portable and can be pressured by hand and dispensed through a hose/tap-like thing? Do you have anything close to this?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Probably the closest is the Party Pig. It holds 2.25 gallons, and you can draw off a beer from this pressurized device. It requires an inexpensive "pressure pouch" with each batch. You can find this item in our Kegging section.
Also close is the 3 gallon cornelius keg. This can be set up with either a hand pump or a portable 12 gram CO2 . . .
1/10/2005 -- Great FAQ's page. If I order a multi keg complete system, do I have multi taps for different beers, or must I switch the tap over to another keg?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, you get a tap for each keg. No need to switch over.
1/6/2005 -- I live in an apartment and cannot convert my refer into a kegerator. Will my beer go bad in the keg if it isn't refridgerated?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, the beer won't go bad, as long as it is not exposed to air.
12/29/2004 -- Are the cornelius kegs the same type of apparatus folks use for soda fountains? I ask because they look the same. Thanks. Love your web-site.
Response From Homebrew Heaven: Yes, they are. Same thing.
12/2/2004 -- If I purchase a two keg system but can't always have both kegs filled and attached what prevents the CO2 from escaping when only one keg is attached. In other words I won't have the beer ready for both kegs at the same time but still want to dispense from one keg.
Second I am currently brewing an Oatmeal Stout, (perfect for kegging) and a . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No problem on the one keg situation. The fittings make a seal, preventing CO2 loss when the keg is removed. It is done all the time.
Yes, Belgians are ofter bottle conditioned, but the don't REQUIRE it. I really don't think you will miss much by kegging your Dubbel.
11/13/2004 -- In regards to multiple keg systems using either a 2 way manifold or the T fitting for the CO2, where should these be installed? In the line near the CO2 tank? Near the keg? Somewhere in the middle? Does it matter?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: No, it really doesn't matter. Somewhere handy is all. Often the manifold in mounted on the inside wall of the 'fridge in a place that is convenient.
11/2/2004 -- i am a hard cider maker and would like to add some bubbles to livin it up a little. i understand how the kegging system works, and you said in a previous answer that you can bottle directly from the keg and the sealed bottles would retain most of the bubbles. does that mean i would not need a counter pressure bottle filler? THANKS your site . . .
Response From Homebrew Heaven: If you are careful about avoiding splashing, you can get by without a counterpressure bottle filler. Just attach a short length of 3/" diameter tubing to your spigot, so that it fills from the bottom. Make sure your cider, your dispensing line and bottles are as cold as possible. You will get some foaming, but it will work OK.
10/31/2004 -- I just bought the St. Peter's Pilsner kit and I'm planning to use a keg system to carbonate the beer. Should I prime before kegging to help conditioning or not?
Response From Homebrew Heaven: There is no need to if you are force carbonating your beer.
Priming will only add sediment if left at room temperature, or sweetness if you refrigerate it.
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