filling key kegs without expensive kit

[Andrew Clappison]

I was wondering if anybody has any experience of using keykegs and filling them manually (i.e. using gravity not gas). I've been offerred a few to try and it would be good to know if there is a way of using them without investing in lots of accessories. 

If, as I hope, its just a case of using a coupler for filling. If someone could also point me in the right direction for what I need. I would be very grateful. 

I'm also very confused by the variants type-k, type-s, pre-flushed etc. Are they all suitable for cider? Also, if you dont buy they pre-flushed kegs, does that mean you have to clean them before filling? 

Sorry for all the questions, I have tried to find the answers online, but failed so far. 

Many thanks, Andrew

[James Bayliss-Smith]

I use KeyKegs as well. As far as I know, all new KeyKegs come pre-flushed with nitrogen from the factory, so there’s no need to purge them before filling. They’re technically single-use and can’t be properly cleaned, since the inner bag isn’t accessible — though I’ve refilled them occasionally myself, but only straight away with the same kombucha (before the inside has a chance to dry or oxidise).

You can fill them via gravity, but you’ll need a filling head or coupler that allows the gas side to vent freely. Many standard couplers have a non-return valve on the gas port, which traps air in the outer cavity and prevents the bag from expanding as it fills. Without a vent path, the keg won’t fill properly.

They’re designed to be filled upside down, so the bag unfurls correctly and fills evenly from the bottom up. If you fill them upright, the liner can crease or trap air, meaning you’ll get slightly less liquid in the keg. When you later carbonate or pressurise, the bag will just expand into the outer cavity unless you apply counterpressure.

This is the filling kit you want — it’s the simplest proper setup for manual filling:

 https://www.keykegshop.eu/en-uk/keykeg-manual-filling-starter-box-58-298/

Cameraman, Filmmaker 

Kombucha brewer @nanias.wildbrew

Tel +44 (0)7801 287 924

For my showreel please click HERE

Website ↙️

www.jamesbaylisssmith.com

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[Jason Cassidy]

I am US-based and I understand there are some differences with the products KeyKeg offers in Europe, but my opinion is that these should not be used and the company engages in greenwashing to sell their products. I will not go into details here (reach out directly if you want), but in my dealings the reality on the ground is that the company doesn't care what happens to the kegs once sold and all their products are essentially single use plastic containers. They do little if anything to ensure they are properly recycled or reused. I would advise not use plastic in the place of good ole stainless steel kegs which really are reusable and safe almost in perpetuity if maintained properly. 

For home use I recommend that you invest in a few used Ball Lock or Corney Kegs, which are easily cleaned and filled at home without any special instruments and the parts are readily available and cheap.

[James Bayliss-Smith]

I agree with all that and would rather not use them but for long and complicated reasons I have to at the moment.  Corny Kegs defo the way to go I use them too 

Cameraman, Filmmaker 

Kombucha brewer @nanias.wildbrew

Tel +44 (0)7801 287 924

For my showreel please click HERE

Website ↙️

www.jamesbaylisssmith.com

Long Lens - Aerials - Gimbals - Timelapse

Instagram: @documentarycameraman / Twitter: @JBaylissSmith

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[Andrew Clappison]

Thanks for the comments. I've decided to not bother with the keykegs for now. Corny kegs are a good alternative, but I would be worried about getting these back from customers, given the initial outlay its not the sort of thing you want to go missing. 

Thanks again, Andrew