Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

mtbmatt
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:23 am

Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by mtbmatt »

G'day All, I'm new to Bristol, and the UK. I sold a lot of my gear prior to emigrating. Now need to replace it.

I'll be running a corny keg/Co2 setup. I need to source ball lock connects, line, taps, and all connectors between, plus a reg. Considering multiple regs, as i intent to run 3 kegs.

My question is, does anyone have experience/comments on these various ebay taps?

I want something decent, that'll last for years, not start leaking, or be temperamental delivering beer:

Cheap, fit my own handle:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251898253376? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Ready to go:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321726635701? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Also ready to go, but with push on JG connector:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/351375888650? ... EBIDX%3AIT

Any comments welcomed.

Advice re the other components is also welcomed!

I'm looking forward to participating in the local club/s too! Looking forward to meeting some of you soon.

cheers,

matt
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I_used_to_brew
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Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2010 1:06 pm

Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by I_used_to_brew »

Hi Matt and welcome.

Most taps are trouble free. I would look for ones that take a 3/8" pipe on a push fit connector, also ones with flow control can be handy. Most of those available in the UK have been removed from closed down pubs but new ones are available.

Corney kegs are ok, but consider the commercial (Sankey) beer kegs too, they are perhaps more straightforward to use and readily available in sizes bigger than 18Litres.
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steve crawshaw
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Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by steve crawshaw »

Brewers on this and other forums have bought these:

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6356 ... 6523305983

and report good results.

cheers
steve
I like to keep a bottle of stimulant handy in case I see a snake, which I also keep handy.
mtbmatt
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:23 am

Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by mtbmatt »

Cheers Roger.

Perhaps, if i knew what i know now, i'd have considered going the commercial keg route. However, i already have 6 ball lock cornys, so i'll probably stick with that now (one of the major items besides my FVs that i did bring).

Then again, the tall, skinny nature of cornys is useful when squeezing multiple types into my fridge. If i had the room for a big chest freezer (as well as the bigger boiling pots and FVs), then the bigger kegs would make more sense i suppose.

I used to have the push on connectors (John Guest style i assume) on my old taps. Once however, i had a leak. Cutting the hose, and pushing it back on again fixed it, but i was considering going a barbed fitting this time, and using good old hose clamps to ensure it's a leak proof fit!

But i still may continue with the JG fittings.

Anyway, it sounds like you haven't had any problems with any tap styles which is good.

I was about to ask about this 'flow control' on some taps, but instead i googled it! Obviously the right way to go on any forum!

Anyway, i must admit, they are a convincing idea. I will definitely prioritise that feature on the various taps i've looked at.

Off to do some more investigating today, and will probably launch a big online order this evening or tomorrow.

First UK brew will go on this evening or tomorrow though! Looking forward to that!

Cheers,

matt
mtbmatt
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:23 am

Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by mtbmatt »

Thats great Steve! Thanks for that link, i'll check it out.

I'll need to make sure there's enough shank to go through the door of my fridge.

Has that flow control that looks promising too.

Cheers mate!

matt
mtbmatt
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:23 am

Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by mtbmatt »

steve crawshaw wrote:Brewers on this and other forums have bought these:

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6356 ... 6523305983

and report good results.

cheers
steve

Hmmm, about £23 (delivered)+whatever visa/bank throw on for foriegn currency transaction. Worth a look.
mtbmatt
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:23 am

Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by mtbmatt »

steve crawshaw wrote:Brewers on this and other forums have bought these:

http://www.aliexpress.com/snapshot/6356 ... 6523305983

and report good results.

cheers
steve
Only drama i have with these chinese taps, is the estimated delivery time of 40 days!

The missus just had a good idea. I need three, so i could just order two, and buy a more expensive one locally.

What was other users experiences? Did it end up being a shorter delivery time? Or did it take more than a month?

cheers,

matt
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steve crawshaw
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Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by steve crawshaw »

Nic Firth - Jeltz69 on this forum ordered some (they also supply with a long shank for kegerator builds) and I think arrived in a few days - PM him for more detail. My experience of ordering from china is that its a couple of weeks at most.
cheers
steve
I like to keep a bottle of stimulant handy in case I see a snake, which I also keep handy.
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I_used_to_brew
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Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by I_used_to_brew »

Ditto, a week to ten days for most things from China.

Unfortunately, much of it is utter crap, so do go on recommendations!

For your JG pipe cutting woes, oh yes, has to be a nice clean cut with a sharp knife, or buy one of these http://www.screwfix.com/p/rothenberger- ... 38mm/48561
mtbmatt
Posts: 31
Joined: Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:23 am

Re: Seeking opinions on different kegorator tap options

Post by mtbmatt »

Brilliant, thanks for the advice fellas!

I've decided to ask some more questions as i'm confused about connections, pipe sizes, whats gunna be compatible with what. I'll start a new thread thread though, as it's a bit off topic from the original subject.

Thanks again,

matt
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