Guide to Beer Keg Sizes and Dimensions
Understanding beer kegs' various sizes and advantages is essential for any business that offers draft beers and beverages. Whether you're setting up a beer tap system at home or managing a bar with multiple bar beer taps, choosing the right keg size can make all the difference.
This guide will help you navigate the world of kegs. It explains the various sizes, their uses, and why some kegs better suit your needs than others. Understanding these differences will enhance your draft beer system experience. Let's dive in and explore how these keg sizes can fit into your setup and ensure you have the perfect pour every time.
Kegs: More Than Just for Parties
Kegs have a variety of uses beyond college parties. They are perfect for storing beer and kegged cocktails in any setting, such as breweries, pubs, restaurants, or stadiums, and work well with both long-draw and short-draw draft beverage systems. Here are some reasons why you might want one:
Home Entertaining: Embracing the joy of having a keg at home is like bringing a tap bar right to your doorstep. It's an ideal addition for hosting parties, BBQs, or simply savoring a refreshing beer with friends. With a keg's generous capacity, you can bid farewell to the worry of running out mid-festivities. Plus, the keg ensures your beer stays cold, elevating its flavor for an even more enjoyable drinking experience.
Freshness Matters: Beer in kegs stays fresher than beer in cans or bottles because kegs protect beer from light and oxygen, which are the main culprits of spoilage. With their protective design, kegs ensure that beverages stay fresh, allowing you to savor each drink's true quality, flavors, and unique notes just as the brewer intended.
Great for the Environment: Kegs are more environmentally friendly than single-use bottles and cans because they are reusable, durable, and made from recyclable materials. Kegs are designed to be refilled numerous times, minimizing the demand for new materials and energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
Beyond Beer: Some kegs are filled with cider, kombucha, mocktails, or cold brew coffee, providing a variety of options for non-drinkers and businesses looking to offer different beverages on tap.
Businesses Love Kegs: Restaurants, bars, and breweries love using kegs to serve customers as they are convenient, leading to quicker service and reduced waste. Serving drinks from a keg is quicker and typically involves less labor than dealing with individual bottles or cans. This efficiency can be particularly beneficial in busy bars or at large events, where time saved can translate to higher sales volumes and reduced labor costs.
Cost Effective Option: Kegs are often considered the most cost-effective option particularly when it comes to storing and serving beverages like beer. Kegs allow for the purchase of beverages in bulk. Buying in larger quantities typically reduces the cost per unit. Over time, this can lead to significant savings, especially for businesses or events where there is a high demand for the beverage.
Whether you're a homeowner who loves to entertain or a business owner looking for an efficient way to serve drinks, a keg might be the perfect solution.
Mini Keg
The mini keg, or the "Bubba Keg," holds 5 liters of beer. This 9 ⅞” x 6 ¾” size is perfect for small gatherings or portable use. Ideal for watching the game with friends or taking on a weekend camping trip, this keg size is convenient and easy to handle.
Despite its small capacity, a mini keg can hold about 14 standard 12-ounce beers. One downside is that mini kegs often come pre-filled with specific types of beer, limiting your options. Due to their manageable size, they’re also popular in self-serve beer setups. The mini keg is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a compact, versatile option.
Cornelius Keg
Commonly called the "Corny Keg," this 23” x 9” keg, is often revered by beer enthusiasts and homebrewers alike, offers a plethora of benefits that make it an attractive choice for storing and dispensing beer. Firstly, its generous capacity allows it to accommodate approximately 53 12-ounce beers or 40 pints. This sizable volume makes it perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply ensuring a steady supply of your favorite brew at home.
Ease of use is another significant advantage. The Cornelius keg has been designed with user convenience in mind. Filling it with beer is straightforward, eliminating the complexities and mess associated with bottling. Additionally, its structure and materials facilitate hassle-free cleaning and maintenance, ensuring that the beer remains uncontaminated and tastes fresh each time it's served.
Sixth Barrel Keg
The sixth (⅙) barrel keg, also known as a "Sixtel," is a versatile option for those who want a compact yet sizable keg. Holding 5.16 gallons, this keg is 23⅜" x 9¼" and only slightly larger than the Cornelius keg. It's popular in both home and commercial settings, particularly for draft beer systems with limited space.
A sixth-barrel keg can hold approximately 55 12-ounce beers or 41 pints, making it ideal for small parties or home use. Many beer-minded restaurateurs opt for sixth-barrel kegs because they allow for a diverse selection of beers without taking up too much room. If you're looking to serve a variety of craft beers or need a keg that fits neatly into a dual-tap kegerator, the sixth-barrel keg is a great choice.
Quarter Barrel Keg aka Pony Keg
The quarter barrel keg, often called a "Pony Keg" or "Stubby Quarter," is another popular choice for those who need a moderate amount of beer. This keg holds 7.75 gallons, translating to about 82 12-ounce beers or 62 pints. Its shorter, stubbier shape makes it easier to store and handle compared to taller kegs.
Quarter-barrel kegs are commonly used in smaller settings or gatherings where a larger keg would be excessive. They fit well in standard kegerator cabinets and are a favorite in the craft beer community. If height is an issue in your setup, the quarter-barrel keg is a practical solution with dimensions of 13⅞" x 16⅛". It's a great size that doesn't compromise the amount of beer it can hold.
Slim Quarter Keg
The slim quarter keg is a variation of the quarter barrel keg. It's designed to offer the same capacity as the pony key but in a different shape. Holding 7.75 gallons, this keg is taller and slimmer, making it easier to fit into narrow spaces.
It's particularly popular for dual-tap kegerators, which allow you to serve many beers without needing extra space. This keg, like its stubbier counterpart, can hold around 82 12-ounce beers or 62 pints.
The slim quarter keg is a practical choice for anyone looking to maximize their draft beer options without requiring a large amount of space. Its unique dimensions, 23⅜" x 11⅛", make it versatile and convenient, especially for home use or smaller commercial settings.
Half Barrel Keg
The half-barrel keg, also known as a "Full Keg," is the largest standard size available. It measures 23⅜" x 16⅛" and holds 15.5 gallons. This large keg is what most people envision when they think of a traditional beer keg.
This full-size keg can hold approximately 165 12-ounce beers or 124 pints, making it ideal for large events, bars, and restaurants. It’s also the go-to choice for most businesses that need a significant amount of beer.
Most home kegerators can accommodate this size, but ensuring you have enough space is essential. If you're hosting a large party or running a bar with a high beer turnover, the half-barrel keg is the perfect solution for providing a steady supply of fresh draft beer.
50 Liter Keg
The 50-liter keg, often referred to as the "European Barrel" or "Import Keg," is commonly used by European breweries. This type of keg holds about 13.2 gallons, which is roughly equal to 140 12-ounce beers or 105 pints.
Popular brands like Heineken and Stella Artois often use this keg size, measuring at 20.94" x 16.06". It's important to note that European kegs typically need a different coupler, so you'll need to ensure you have the right equipment for dispensing.
The 50-liter keg is an excellent option for those who enjoy imported beers and want to serve them on draft. Its capacity and dimensions make it suitable for both home and commercial use, providing a great way to enjoy your favorite European brews.
Rubber Barrel Keg
The rubber barrel keg, also known as the "Rubber Coated Keg," features a stainless steel body with a protective rubber coating. This design makes the keg more durable and less prone to damage.
These kegs stand at 13⅞” x 17″ and are often used in commercial settings where kegs are frequently moved and need extra protection. The rubber coating also helps to insulate the beer, keeping it at a more consistent temperature.
A rubber barrel keg is a smart investment if durability and longevity are important for your draft beer system.
Beveled Barrel Keg
The beveled barrel keg is designed with a beveled top and bottom edge, making it easier to stack and handle. This keg is typically 13⅞” x 17″ and made of stainless steel.
The beveled design enhances stability and reduces the risk of damage. Beveled barrel kegs are a popular choice in the beer industry, particularly for breweries and bars that need to maximize space.
If you're looking for a keg that offers both functionality and durability, the beveled barrel keg is an excellent choice for your draft beer system.
Refillable Kegs
Refillable kegs are an economical choice for both homebrewers and commercial establishments. The kegs listed above, minus the mini keg, are all designed to be cleaned and reused many times. This option reduces waste while lowering costs associated with purchasing new kegs.
Breweries and bars frequently use refillable kegs as part of their regular operations, ensuring a steady supply of fresh beer. Additionally, the durability of refillable kegs, often made from stainless steel, makes them a long-lasting investment. Refillable kegs support sustainable practices in the beer industry, whether for home use or in bars and restaurants.
Conclusion
Understanding the different beer keg sizes and their dimensions can greatly enhance your draft beer experience. Each size offers unique benefits tailored to specific needs, from the portable mini keg to the robust half-barrel keg.
At GS Draft, we specialize in draft beer systems maintenance, beer line cleaning systems, Torpedo kegs, and gas blenders to maximize your draft system performance. Whether you're in the market for a new draft beer system or Crowler machines, our diverse selection is sure to meet your needs. Visit us today to discover the ideal solutions to enhance your beer experience. Contact GS Draft for an impeccable pour every time.
