The containers we name Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda trade. Additionally known as Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they had been initially meant to retailer and distribute soda pre-mix. The large soda firms selected totally different model containers for his or her pre-mix. Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock model whereas Coke makes use of the Pin Lock model.
Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs.
Are Used Kegs Operating Out?
Keg retailers buy plenty of used kegs from varied sources. Bottlers which have moved away from pre-mixed soda tanks, resellers who’ve come throughout plenty of kegs and… wherever they arrive from.
For years we’ve been listening to that provides of used kegs can be drying up. Up till not too long ago this hasn’t been a lot of a problem. Though we’ve seen a gradual uptick in pricing, kegs had been seemingly plentiful and repeatedly effectively priced.
I attribute this principally to the supply of top of the range new ball lock kegs. Makers of latest kegs upped their recreation so far as high quality and value. To the purpose the place new ball lock keg costs can, at occasions, be much like used ball lock keg costs. I feel new keg value and high quality have helped stave off the disappearance of used kegs. I feel the risk was actual, however new ball locks helped to stretch out used keg provide
After which… Pin Locks…
The primary actual shake up we noticed in 2022. It was a fast reversal in keg pricing. Pin locks had all the time, typically, been cheaper than ball locks. Because the 12 months progressed, this flipped.
AIH’s pin lock costs have gone up as effectively, however are nonetheless typically the very best deal happening particularly if a coupon is out there.
I’ve additionally heard straight from one main vendor that used kegs are getting tougher to seek out and pin locks specifically are extraordinarily tough to seek out in bulk.
New pin lock kegs are usually not coming into the homebrewing market and I imagine we’re lastly hitting an availability wall.
Rumors and Guesses…
An nameless tipster – Let’s be mates! 8 Methods to Join with HBF – shared a tip with me that in keeping with one of many high folks at one of many largest homebrew retailers within the nation… Used corny kegs can be offered out throughout the subsequent 12 months.
From the tipster: ‘[company name redacted] owns the biggest and one of many solely remaining warehouse/stockpile of used corny kegs. They’ve looked for and have been unable to find a brand new supply for bulk used kegs. Except just a few trailers of deserted kegs are present in a corn subject someplace, 2023 is prone to be the final 12 months giant portions of used kegs can be out there at retail.”
That is second hand info and I don’t have a named supply. Even when I did it is a guess on that individual’s half.
I don’t suppose anybody is saying that used keg availability will go to 0 inside 1 12 months. What I’m speaking about is the period of huge caches of used kegs turning into out there for resale. One thing like what we’re seeing with MoreBeer’s pin lock providing. Have they got pin locks out there? Sure. How a lot do they price? $85.
Contemplating the whole lot, I feel that provides are tightening up and I might not be shocked if this insiders rumored opinion involves cross.
Replace:
Inside two days of this text going dwell, AIH, top-of-the-line locations to get a keg deal, elevated their ball lock costs.
Pin locks haven’t change but.
I imagine that we’re hitting a crossroads on the subject of used kegs. That is the very best ball lock keg deal happening as of this posting. It’s my guess that used keg pricing will proceed to development upward. I feel we’ll see used kegs within the $60 vary in 2023. All that to say, for my part, now’s the time to purchase kegs.
Replace #2 – 12/9/22:
One other well timed bit of information. MoreBeer’s 12 Offers of Christmas Sale Day 9, reductions kegs and kegging programs by 15%. Nice, dandy, nice. The fascinating factor is… no used kegs are included within the combine.
Replace #3 12/25/22:
As of this replace ALL used ball lock keg choices at MoreBeer are SOLD OUT. One providing is out there for buy, but it surely’s a presale. Full Lineup of Kegs at MoreBeer << for present availability
No matter occurs, nice offers are nonetheless out there as of at the moment…
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What to Search for When Shopping for Used Kegs
Purchase from a high quality provider that strain assessments kegs and ensures kegs will maintain strain. Used kegs can are available quite a lot of situations, some with soda residue nonetheless in them. You’ll undoubtedly wish to clear and sanitize the kegs, but in addition plan on putting in new o-rings in case your vendor hasn’t already achieved so. Even when they’re freed from cracks, they’ll have a soda scent that received’t go away with cleansing.
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