What is a Corny Keg?

A corny keg, also known as a soda keg, is a stainless-steel container used for carbonating and dispensing beverages such as beer, soda, and other carbonated drinks. These kegs have a capacity of 5 gallons or 19 liters and are commonly used by homebrewers for storing and dispensing their homebrewed beer. The corny keg was first introduced in the 1960s as a way of dispensing soda, and since then it has become a popular choice for beer and soda enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve deeper into the features and benefits of a corny keg, as well as how to use and maintain one.

Understanding the Basics

A corny keg is a stainless steel container that is used to store and dispense beer. It was originally developed by the soft drink industry to store and distribute soda. The name “corny” is derived from the fact that the keg was first developed by the Cornelius Company.

Construction

The keg is made of stainless steel, which makes it durable and resistant to rust. It has two openings: one on the top and one on the side. The top opening is used to fill the keg with beer, while the side opening is used to dispense the beer.

Sizes

Corny kegs come in different sizes, ranging from 1.5 gallons to 5 gallons. The most common size used by homebrewers is the 5-gallon keg, which can hold approximately 50 bottles of beer.

History of Corny Kegs

One key takeaway from this text is that corny kegs are a versatile and cost-effective alternative to traditional kegs for storing and dispensing beer. They were originally developed for the soft drink industry but have since found use in homebrewing and commercial brewing due to their ease of use, portability, and customization options. Keeping the kegs clean and properly carbonated is important for maintaining the quality of the beer.

Soft Drink Industry

The Cornelius Company developed the corny keg in the 1940s as a way to store and distribute soft drinks. The kegs were used in restaurants, hotels, and other food service establishments.

Homebrewing

In the 1980s, homebrewers began using corny kegs as a way to store and dispense beer. The kegs were a convenient alternative to bottling, as they allowed homebrewers to store and dispense their beer without the need for expensive equipment.

Commercial Brewing

In recent years, many commercial breweries have started using corny kegs as a way to distribute their beer. The kegs are a cost-effective alternative to traditional kegs, and they are easy to transport and store.

Advantages of Corny Kegs

A key takeaway from this text is that a corny keg is a stainless steel container used to store and dispense beer, originally developed by the soft drink industry to distribute soda. Corny kegs come in different sizes from 1.5 to 5 gallons, with the most common size being 5 gallons. They are cost-effective, portable, and easy to use, and offer a high degree of customization for homebrewers. It is important to clean them thoroughly after each use to prevent contamination, and carbonation and dispensing can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences.

Ease of Use

Corny kegs are easy to use and require minimal equipment. They can be filled and dispensed using a simple hand pump or a CO2 tank.

Cost-Effective

Corny kegs are a cost-effective alternative to traditional kegs. They are cheaper to purchase and maintain, and they can be reused multiple times.

Portability

Corny kegs are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for transporting beer to parties or events.

Use and Maintenance

Cleaning

It is important to clean corny kegs thoroughly after each use to prevent contamination. The kegs can be cleaned using a solution of hot water and a mild detergent.

Carbonation

Corny kegs can be carbonated using a CO2 tank or priming sugar. The amount of carbonation can be adjusted to suit personal taste preferences.

Dispensing

Corny kegs can be dispensed using a hand pump or a CO2 tank. The pressure can be adjusted to achieve the desired flow rate.

Customization

Corny kegs offer a high degree of customization. Homebrewers can adjust the carbonation level and dispense pressure to suit their personal taste preferences.

FAQs – What is a Corny Keg?

A Corny Keg, also known as a soda keg or a Cornelius keg, is a type of vessel used for storing and dispensing beverages under pressure. Originally designed for dispensing soft drinks in the 1940s, Corny Kegs are now widely used by homebrewers and commercial brewing operations alike for storing and dispensing beer, cider, and other carbonated beverages.

What are the parts of a Corny Keg?

A Corny Keg consists of several parts: a stainless steel or aluminum container, a lid with a pressure relief valve, a gas-in fitting, a liquid-out fitting, and posts for connecting the fittings. The container and lid are designed to hold pressure, while the fittings and posts allow for gas and liquid to be connected and dispensed from the keg.

How do you clean a Corny Keg?

Cleaning a Corny Keg is an important part of maintaining the quality and taste of beverages dispensed from the keg. To clean a Corny Keg, first release any leftover pressure by pulling up on the pressure relief valve. Then, disassemble the keg by removing the lid and fittings. Soak the keg, lid, and fittings in a cleaning solution (such as PBW or Oxiclean) for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with water, reassemble the keg, and store upside down until ready to use.

How do you fill a Corny Keg?

To fill a Corny Keg, first sanitize the keg and ensure that all fittings and posts are securely in place. Then, transfer the beverage into the keg using a siphon or pump. Once the keg is full, pressurize it with carbon dioxide (CO2) through the gas-in fitting, and allow the keg to sit under pressure for several hours before dispensing. To dispense the beverage, connect a tap or other dispensing mechanism to the liquid-out fitting.