What’s the difference between Primary and Secondary CO2 Regulators?
Pictured: VEVOR CO2 Regulator Gauge with 0-60PSI, Heavy Duty CO2 Gauge Gas System, Draft Beer Regulator with Check Valve, Adjustable Pressure Regulator for Draft Beer Homebrew (Triple Gauge Regulator) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Updated: 6/13/2024
In the context of homebrewing or serving beer, a CO2 regulator hooks up to a compatible CO2 tank and steps down the pressure to carbonate and serve the beer properly. See: Balancing Your Kegerator Draft System and Diagnosing and Fixing Kegerator Foam Problems
Single Body vs Multi Body Regulators
A typical CO2 regulator provides a single output pressure. It usually has two gauges, one for the high pressure side and one for the low pressure side, although it can have a single gauge. A multi-body regulator, provides multiple output pressures and typically has one high side gauge and one gauge for each serving pressure.
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VEVOR CO2 Regulator Gauge with 0-60PSI, Heavy Duty CO2 Gauge Gas System, Draft Beer Regulator with Check Valve, Adjustable Pressure Regulator for Draft Beer Homebrew (Triple Gauge Regulator) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
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The Benefits of Multiple Pressures
Maintaining multiple CO2 pressures in your kegerator gives you the ability to… keep kegs at different pressures. This is a requirement to maintain different carbonation levels. It’s also handy if you want to force carbonate a keg more quickly, at a higher pressure, while maintaining your standard serving pressure on a keg that’s already being served or if you want to have a utility line for purging kegs and such.
What’s the difference between a Primary and Secondary CO2 Regulator?
#1 Connection
A primary regulator is designed to connect directly to a high pressure CO2 tank. Typically via a CGA-320 fitting.
A secondary regulator is designed to connect to a primary regulator, either directly or via a manifold. Typically this is done through a barb style connection.
# 2 Pressure Rating
A primary regulator is designed to handle hundreds or thousands of PSI since it’s directly connected to a high pressure tank.
A secondary regulator is designed to handle far lower pressures. Typically 60 PSI or less.
#3 Install Cleanliness
A multi body primary regulator typically results in a cleaner install. Fewer tees, manifolds and lines to accomplish the same purpose.
#4 Regulator Response Time
This isn’t something I’ve ever read anywhere else, but based on my own experience… it’s a fact. When you’re pressurizing kegs and such using a primary regulator, the primary regulator is drawing from 100s of PSI. That means things generally happen quickly. When you’re doing the same tasks with a secondary regulator, the secondary regulator is drawing from a much lower PSI source. That means tasks take longer. It’s not a gigantic deal, but this is a clear advantage of a multi-body primary vs a primary + secondary.
Kegland Inline Secondary
An economical and flexible option for secondary regulators is Kegland’s inline secondary. That is party of Kegland’s excellent DuoTight system
- Kegland DuoTight Compatible Inline Secondary CO2 Regulator with Gauge
- via MoreBeer
- via William’s Brewing
- via Great Fermentations
- via Keg Connection
- via Amazon
- Duotight In-Line Regulator D1046 – DuoTight Compatible, No Gauge
- Inline Secondary CO2 Regulator – This is the original version, what I’d call v1. It has no gauge and is not DuoTight compatible
- In-Line Secondary CO2 Regulator D1045 – via MoreBeer
- In-Line Secondary CO2 Regulator – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Get a Regulator!
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds! Make sure the components you use are compatible and rated for your intended application. Contact manufacturer with questions about suitability or a specific application. Always read and follow manufacturer directions. tag:lnksfxd top:primsec tag:tpr
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