A brewery’s unique brewing apparatus, which is essential to producing beer, may often make one feel as though they are entering the workspace of an alchemist. Kegs are among this necessary equipment. These aren’t simply regular containers—they’re vessels holding the golden beverage.
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Although there are many different kinds of kegs, each designed to fulfill a particular function in the brewing industry, they all preserve the consistency and quality of the beer. Understanding the five most popular keg types for brewers can help you make an informed choice for your company. Kegs vary in size, shape, and usefulness.
SANKEY KEGS
In today’s beer market, Sankey, or Sanke, kegs are undoubtedly the most popular variety. Their universal design allows them to work with the majority of couplers. Sankey kegs have a “S” shank that makes them simple to tap, which is why brewers choose them. Usually, they come in several sizes, such as half-barrels, quarter-barrels, and sixth-barrels.
KEGS CORNELIUS
Cornelius kegs, commonly referred to as “Corny” kegs, were originally intended to hold soda but have since entered the craft brewing sector. Because they employ stainless steel, it is long-lasting and corrosion-resistant. There are two primary sizes of these kegs: the 2.5-gallon and the 5-gallon ones. The Cornelius keg’s detachable cover, which makes filling and cleaning it simple, is one of its key features.
KEGS HOFF-STEVENS
Hoff-Stevens kegs are designed with two separate apertures, one for distributing beer and the other for applying gas pressure. This arrangement differs from contemporary kegs’ single-valve construction. Hoff-Stevens kegs are still widely used by traditional brewers who value their distinctive mechanics and historical appeal, despite their decreasing use.
EUROPEAN KEGS
European kegs are widely used in European breweries and serve a variety of purposes. Their distinct couplers, dubbed “A” and “G,” set them apart from the popular Sankey kegs, although having some functional and design similarities. The coupler on A-type kegs is engaged by turning a horizontal lever in a clockwise direction. The handle of G-type kegs is fashioned like a triangle, making it easy to hold and operate.
FERKIN KEGS
Firkins are well-liked for their unusual cylindrical form and sturdy metal or wood construction. Craft brewers that make small quantities of beer use Firkin kegs because they are smaller than most commercial kegs, often containing around 9 gallons. Because of the secondary fermentation process used within a Firkin, the beer inside has a distinct and novel flavor character.
To preserve the quality of your beer while it is being stored, you must have and operate dependable keg washers, regardless of the kind of keg you choose for your brewery. Every style of keg, be it a Firkin or a big Sankey, offers different benefits to brewers. Understanding the typical keg types used by brewers can help you choose the best one for your company, guaranteeing optimal beer quality and easy handling.