Is There a Difference?
If you are just starting to investigate home brewing keg kits or you are already kegging your own beer, you will need to know the differences in new or used Cornelius kegs. And yes, there is more difference than price alone.
Most homebrew kegging kits are fairly easy to use with a little practice, but there are many things which can go wrong. New Cornelius kegs are definitely less risky for your beer, but the cost factor may make you consider a second-hand option.
Global Shortage
It has been several years since the bar and restaurant industry stopped using kegs for post-mix systems. The last time I was able to find a wholesale supply of used Cornelius kegs, the only option remaining in bulk was a single warehouse of old PepsiCo post-mix kegs in India. There were some rumors of a supply in China, which I could never find.
These sources have since dried up, which had a follow-on effect of the home brew market running short on used kegs. You may find them in shops from time to time, but now you usually need to hope someone is selling their used corny keg on ebay, and hope that it’s in working condition.
Used Cornelius Keg
A used corny (Cornelus keg) is attractive for one main reason: it’s cheaper than a brand new one. But don’t be too quick to buy one – you need to be aware of a few things:
- Cheaper
- Need to be tested before use (see below)
- Risk of leaks and pinholes
- Hard to find (in good working condition)
Prepare some soapy water and pressurize your keg to your usual carbonation pressure. Cover all the parts with soapy water. If there are any soap bubbles, you will need to recondition the keg.
Reconditioned corny kegs are slightly more expensive than other used kegs, but they are more likely to be in working condition. Still, do the soap test.
The best place to find a used Cornelius keg is at your home brew shop, so you can ask the staff about the condition of the keg. If they don’t have any, try eBay (but be careful – check my eBay review first).
New Cornelius Keg
A much better option, but more costly. I love having brand new Cornelius kegs. They are sleek and shiny, they don’t smell weird, and you can use them with complete confidence.
- More readily available than used kegs
- Safer for your beer
- No leaks
- Likely to last much longer (if you look after them)
Lower cost models don’t have the rubber bases or handles. They are a little bit less convenient, but a great way to save on brand new kegs.
Keep an eye on sales at homebrewing.org
VERDICT:
The advantages of using new Cornelius kegs make the extra cost well worth paying. Plus, they are much easier to find.
I will find out if there are any suppliers that will ship to home brewers internationally and update this page with links if I’m successful. Until then, check out my review of eBay and consider purchasing online.
CHEERS!
Have you had any experiences with used Cornelius kegs? Do you want to brag about your shiny new Cornelius keg? Have any questions? Please reach out in the comments section!
Read next: How to Filter Beer and How To Carbonate In Mini Kegs
Hi Jesse,
I love your website mainly because my dad has decided to become a home brewer and I can probably find him some things he would like to know from your website. Of course he isn’t so big that he doesn’t need one of those kegs, but it is definitely something to keep in mind if he ever does expand operations. I might have to get his recipe for his coffee beer and share it on your website.
Hi Jessica, please do share – I love coffee beers! For people just starting out, bottle cappers make for a great gift, and so do recipe books. One of my favourites is “beer captured!”
I have been thinking of doing some home brewing. I have recently fell in love with IPA’s.
Thanks for this information! I plan to visit here to learn some how to brew my own!
Hi Dave! I love a good IPA myself. I’ll be reviewing some soon – I’ll keep you posted!
Cheers
This is a great post. I use to love kegs back when they first came out. I’m currently in another country and I don’t think they sell them where I am. But once I get back to the states. I will give one a try. If I wouldn’t have came across your site. I wouldn’t even be thinking about them. But this rekindled some old feelings.
I’m definalty going to be buying one brand new. Buying a used anything that a stranger has had their mouth on. Is just nasty to me. That’s my personal opinion.
I will bookmark your site and share it with my uncle. He loves these things. Just as much as I do.
Thank you very much!
I’ve used reconditioned kegs before – you an clean them up just fine. I still prefer brand new though. I am currently in China, and I can definitely get them here! Are you in a country where alcohol is banned? if not, try Online Homebrew Supplies: Review of HOMEBREWING.ORG – they ship internationally!