Category Archives: Keg Parts

Hands on Review: FLOTit 2.0 Floating Dip Tube w/DFI, Double Filter Inlet!

Updated: September 3, 2024

This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert.  Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer.  Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.

FLOTit Floating Dip Tube

Floating dip tubes are a hot commodity in the homebrewing world lately.  Many people are ditching their fixed steel tubes and replacing them with a length of silicone tubing attached to a stainless ball float.  If you’ve been living under a rock and don’t know the point of the floating dip tube, it’s pretty simple.  It floats on top of your beer so that as you draw out beer, you get clear beer from the top while everything else precipitates out and makes its way to the bottom


Check Pricing & Availability:

Also available at Keg Connection: FLOTit 2.0 Stainless Steel Floating Dip Tube | NO BEER LEFT BEHIND

A version is also available that works as an upgrade to traditional ball float floating dip tubes

FLOTit 2.0 – Double Filter Inlet (DFI) with 500/300 micron mesh for floating dip tube with a ball float for always clear beer, less beer waste, and no clogging. Best upgrade for pressure fermenter – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Related:


Related: Fermenting Under Pressure!

Continue reading

8 Universal Poppets [Ball & Pin Lock Kegs] + Tips for Proper Fit

ApplianPar Universal Poppet Valve with Springs for Homebrewing Draft Beer Ball and Pin Lock Keg Post Set of 8

ApplianPar Universal Poppet Valve with Springs for Homebrewing Draft Beer Ball and Pin Lock Keg Post Set of 8

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Made of 304 stainless steel and food-grade material, anti- corrosion, heat resistance, seal well.
  • Fits most ball lock and pin lock kegs.
  • Package includes: 8 x Poppet Valves, 8 x O-rings

 

Compare: These are worth a hard look if they’re in stock. They feature 304 SS + Food Grade Silicone construction. The supplier has also committed to always carrying replacement o-rings.

ApplianPar Universal Poppet Valve with Springs for Homebrewing Draft Beer Ball and Pin Lock Keg Post Set of 8 – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Or… Also Consider: Universal Poppets – 304 Stainless + Food Grade Silicone! & Reliable O-Ring Replacements

universal poppetsValuebrew has released a 304 Stainless Steel + Food Grade Silicone Universal Poppet option!

I’ve long advocated for tossing OEM o-rings. I’m excited that there’s finally there’s an option that comes with quality o-rings made from the right materials out of the box! Beyond that, Valuebrew has pledged to always carry replacement o-rings, so you’ll always have a source when the time comes for replacements.

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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Announcing: Bulk Keg Post O-Rings in Black FDA Rated Silicone

keg orings

Valuebrew offers a lineup of food grade keg replacement o-rings in bulk quantities.  Choose from silicone, buna-n and even EPDM.  Everything they carry is food grade, more info below.  They have some unique offerings like bulk pin lock size post o-rings, replacement universal poppet o-rings, bulk internal QD o-rings and color coded Blue and Green post o-rings

Some of these offerings are featured in our Keg Rebuild How-To

Valuebrew has just released a new Black custom color keg post option in FDA Rated Silicone.  If you’re looking to match colors with your liquid out QD, here you go.

Keg Post O-Rings – Food Safe Silicone – in BLACK

Complete Lineup; Food Safe Keg O-Rings

Reader Feedback!

Thanks to John for the feedback via Facebook!  Connect with HBF on Facebook & More

More about food safe materials:

For whatever reason, it’s difficult to find food safe keg o-rings.  Maybe some of the o-rings that are available are food safe, but very few are actually labeled as such.

The fact is we’re putting beer (food) in our kegs and we should be using food safe materials whenever we can.  More Info: Food Safe Replacement Keg O-Rings

Featured in Our Keg Rebuild Post!


Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

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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!

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Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. prod:vb

Universal Poppets – 304 Stainless + Food Grade Silicone & Reliable O-Ring Replacements

universal poppets

Universal Poppets via Valuebrew

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

A Valuebrew Exclusive! Stainless Steel Universal Replacement Poppets with our Food Safe Silicone O-Rings.

These work with all standard Ball Lock and Pin Lock homebrew kegs.

Ever wonder what other universal poppet o-rings are made of? Us too, after all this is one of the most high contact o-rings in you draft beer setup. We took matters into our own hands and worked with our suppliers to source a 304 Stainless Steel + Food Grade Silicone option. Stainless steel construction on all the metal parts and premium quality food grade silicone for the o-ring.

Our pledge to you… Let’s face it, the stainless pieces in most universal replacement poppets should last a long, long time. How about the o-rings? Not so much… lost, broken, cracked, off smell. This is where our pledge comes in… we’ll always carry replacement o-rings for these universal poppets. No need to guess what size replacements to buy or completely replace your universal poppets because you don’t have a reliable source for replacements.


 

I use universal style poppets exclusively when rebuilding kegs. Finding the right OEM specific replacement poppets can be a chore. Beyond finding the right part number, these can be prohibitively expensive. Paying $10 to $14, or more, for an OEM poppet isn’t fun. In fact, if you really had to pay that, it may not even make sense to keep the keg.

I’ve long advocated to tossing OEM o-rings immediately. You don’t know what they’re made of, and you can’t get replacements. Replacing them immediately with a known quality o-ring and known part number before trimming to fit means you’ll be using the right materials and have a source for replacements.  See: Universal Poppet Tips & Tricks

Well… finally there’s an option that comes with quality o-rings made from the right materials out of the box!  Beyond that, Valuebrew has pledged to always carry replacement o-rings, so you’ll always have a source when the time comes for replacements.  Available in 5 and 10 packs with the option to add on a pack of replacement o-rings.

  • These sold out not long after they were initially announced.
  • They stayed out of stock for weeks. Valuebrew had said they expected initial stock to last six months, instead it lasted a few weeks.
  • They’ve sold out a couple times since but are in stock as of this posting.
  • Check product page to see if you can still get in on this shipment.

Universal Poppets

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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!

greatdeals

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Floating Dip Tube + my explanation of how these work

Conical and All Rounder fermenter/keg Ball Float Silicone Dip Tube,304SS Ball Float and Silicone Dip Tube,draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank

Conical and All Rounder fermenter/keg Ball Float Silicone Dip Tube,304SS Ball Float and Silicone Dip Tube,draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank

More Info



 

Conical and All Rounder fermenter/keg Ball Float Silicone Dip Tube,304SS Ball Float and Silicone Dip Tube,draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

My explanation of how this works…

When we carbonate a keg, pressure is being applied to the keg from the top, via the head space. Beer at the top carbonates first. That carbonation works it’s way down the keg. I’m sure there’s also some movement in the keg that helps to mix things up and distribute carbonation. But just sitting there, I think that mixing is a slow process. However it all works, practically speaking, the beer at the top carbonates more quickly compared to the beer at the bottom. This allows you to serve from the top accessing the more carbonated portion of the keg. It’s also a benefit for clarity because trub settles out heading downward. You can see this stratification in a glass carboy. As the beer starts to clear, the top clears first. I don’t think if this is exactly accurate, but I picture carbonation happening with the same sort of stratification until the beer reaches equilibrium and is equally carbonated throughout.

Continue reading

Ferroday Carbonation Keg Lid + Diffusion Air Stone & Tubing

FERRODAY Carbonation Keg Lid Cornelius Keg Lid Soda Beer Forced Carbonation Homebrew Carbonator Stainless Steel 304 Carbonation Keg Lid with Diffusion Stone 20" Tube - Oval Keg Lid

Ferroday Ball Lock Carbonation Lid with Diffusion Stone

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【Includes All You Need】Keg lid + Air stone + 20 inch tubing; All the metal parts are made of SS304, the head of the pressure release valve is made of solid ABS, food safe tubing, gaskets, all sturdy and wear-resistant.
  • 【Widely Used for Home Brew】 Widely used to carbonate beer, soda, juice, water and even sparkling water. Fits to all the homebrew kegs that require a standard oval lid, normally called: corny keg/cornelius keg/ ball lock keg…This is a perfect choice for keg lid replacement!
  • 【Best Carbonation & No More Shaking】Forced Beer Carbonation: the diffusion stone will send a tremendous number of gas bubbles out through the beer and the miniscule bubbles will create a huge amount of surface area to help absorb CO2 rapidly into the beer! No need to shake the keg during carbonation anymore!
  • 【Safe Pressure Release & Cleaning Tips】 1. For safety concerns, the valve will automatically open up when pressure in the keg reaches 70 psi; 2. Please release the pressure in keg before open the keg. 3. Please clean the kit before and after each use, and please note the diffusion stone needs to be boiled in water to unclog pores.

 

This has a ball lock post on it that has in inlet on the inside of the keg. That inlet connects to tubing which in turn connections to a carbonation stone. This should work on standard ball lock and pin lock kegs, although you’ll need a ball lock QD to connect to it.

How do these work?  My theory… CO2 is dispersed through the stone into solution. This causes a small amount of movement in the liquid, this movement helps to the solution to come to equilibrium more quickly than simple head space pressure. I’m not saying this is a steady flow of bubbles, my guess is a slow, periodic occurrence, enough to speed up the process. This is a theory.

FERRODAY Carbonation Keg Lid Cornelius Keg Lid Soda Beer Forced Carbonation Homebrew Carbonator Stainless Steel 304 Carbonation Keg Lid with Diffusion Stone 20″ Tube – Oval Keg Lid – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

standarddraft

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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2 x Long, 32″ Cleaning Brushes – dip tubes, tubing & more

Highlighted Features
  • Super Long: 3 inch brush and 29 inch handle, totally 32 inch length makes it perfect for cleaning feeding tubes, racking lines, or your kettle sight glass have a 3/8 inch inside diameter
  • Soft Brush: Nylon bristles head is durable and scratch free, it can softly scrub away buildup and avoid to damage the tubing
  • Protection: End of brush have conservatory design, Protect you from hurting yourself and scratching the items, Works on any surface
  • Flexibility: This wire tube brush is flexible to even work for curved tubing that angled less than 90 degrees; Easy to feed the brush end first into the tubing and back out

2 Pcs Cleaning Brush Bristle Tip 3/8” by 32” Inch Long – Flexible Cleaner Tool for Clean Keg, Feeding Tube, Line Tube Hose – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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New Ball Lock Posts & Poppets – Replace Ball Lock or Convert Pin Lock to Ball Lock

Ball Lock Post&Poppet – LUCKEG Brand Stainless Steel Material Cornelius keg posts Size 19/32″-18 Female Thread Gas&Liquid for Corny Type Keg

More Info


 

 

Ball Lock Post&Poppet – LUCKEG Brand Stainless Steel Material Cornelius keg posts Size 19/32″-18 Female Thread Gas&Liquid for Corny Type Keg  – 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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Pre-Order! Universal Poppets – 304 Stainless + Food Grade Silicone & Reliable O-Ring Replacements

universal poppets

Universal Poppets via Valuebrew

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

A Valuebrew Exclusive! Stainless Steel Universal Replacement Poppets with our Food Safe Silicone O-Rings.

These work with all standard Ball Lock and Pin Lock homebrew kegs.

Ever wonder what other universal poppet o-rings are made of? Us too, after all this is one of the most high contact o-rings in you draft beer setup. We took matters into our own hands and worked with our suppliers to source a 304 Stainless Steel + Food Grade Silicone option. Stainless steel construction on all the metal parts and premium quality food grade silicone for the o-ring.

Our pledge to you… Let’s face it, the stainless pieces in most universal replacement poppets should last a long, long time. How about the o-rings? Not so much… lost, broken, cracked, off smell. This is where our pledge comes in… we’ll always carry replacement o-rings for these universal poppets. No need to guess what size replacements to buy or completely replace your universal poppets because you don’t have a reliable source for replacements.


 

I use universal style poppets exclusively when rebuilding kegs. Finding the right OEM specific replacement poppets can be a chore. Beyond finding the right part number, these can be prohibitively expensive. Paying $10 to $14, or more, for an OEM poppet isn’t fun. In fact, if you really had to pay that, it may not even make sense to keep the keg.

I’ve long advocated to tossing OEM o-rings immediately. You don’t know what they’re made of, and you can’t get replacements. Replacing them immediately with a known quality o-ring and known part number before trimming to fit means you’ll be using the right materials and have a source for replacements.  See: Universal Poppet Tips & Tricks

Well… finally there’s an option that comes with quality o-rings made from the right materials out of the box!  Beyond that, Valuebrew has pledged to always carry replacement o-rings, so you’ll always have a source when the time comes for replacements.  Available in 5 and 10 packs with the option to add on a pack of replacement o-rings.

  • These sold out not long after they were initially announced.
  • They stayed out of stock for weeks. Valuebrew had said they expected initial stock to last six months, instead it lasted a few weeks.
  • The second shipment sold out even more quickly.
  • As of this posting, these have become available to order again as a pre-order. A shipment is expected in early January.
  • Order now to get in on this shipment. Check product page to see if you can still get in on this.

Universal Poppets

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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!

greatdeals

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.

Brand New Universal Replacement Keg Lid by Beverage Factory [Ball Lock & Pin Lock]

Beverage Factory BLL-N-AUS Replacement Lid for Home brew Keg

Beverage Factory BLL-N-AUS Replacement Lid for Home brew Keg


From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

This is a universal replacement lid for home brew/soda kegs. BRAND new lid comes with closure O-Ring pressure release Valve with sturdy 1 inch metal ring to relieve pressure out of your keg.


One difference between Pin Lock and Ball Lock kegs is the type of lids that come with each.  Ball Locks, generally, have a manual PRV valve, while Pin Locks do not.  Ball Lock style lids are, in my opinion, superior because the manual PRV allows you to easily vent your keg as needed.  The good news is that, for standard kegs, the lids are the same size and can be interchanged.  That means you can use a Ball Lock style lid in a Pin Lock Keg.  See: What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?

Beverage Factory BLL-N-AUS Replacement Lid for Home brew Keg – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

standarddraft

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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bulk keg orings

 

FOUR Pin Lock MFL Quick Disconnects [2 x Gas + 2 x Liquid] by PERA

PERA 2 Pair Pin Lock Coupler MFL 2 Gas & 2 Liquid Quick Disconnects Set

2 Pair Pin Lock coupler MFL 2 Gas & 2 Liquid Quick Disconnects Set by PERA

More Info


Highlighted Features
  • Packing: Pin Lock Gas Disconnect MFL 1/4”(2PCS) , Pin Lock Liquid Disconnect MFL 1/4” (2PCS);
  • Material: PBT Material for Pin Lock Quick Disconnect Body and Stainless Steel for Threaded End;
  • Use: The Pin Lock MFL Disconnects used for Cornelius style Pin Lock keg (Coke), Works for Beer or Soda;
  • A Perfect Gift for Home Brewing and Wine Making Lovers;
  • Guarantee: Quality Guarantee, any problem for Pin Lock Disconnect, Money Back or Replacement free.


Since You’re a Pin Lock Keg Owner:


PERA 2 Pair Pin Lock coupler MFL 2 Gas & 2 Liquid Quick Disconnects Set – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link


Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

standarddraft

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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New Ball Lock Posts & Poppets – Replace Ball Lock or Convert Pin Lock to Ball Lock

Ball Lock Post&Poppet – LUCKEG Brand Stainless Steel Material Cornelius keg posts Size 19/32″-18 Female Thread Gas&Liquid for Corny Type Keg

More Info


 

 

Ball Lock Post&Poppet – LUCKEG Brand Stainless Steel Material Cornelius keg posts Size 19/32″-18 Female Thread Gas&Liquid for Corny Type Keg  – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Continue reading

5 Universal Poppets by Learn to Brew + Univ Poppet Tips & Tricks

Learn to Brew 5 Piece Cornelius Type Universal Poppet Valve Draft Beer Parts Fits Ball Lock Keg Post

5 universal keg poppets by Learn to Brew

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • Stainless steel construction
  • Replaceable O-rings
  • It contains pack of 5
  • Universal fitment
  • Will fit almost any style of soda keg

From HBF: 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.  prod:B0152I53HY

 

Also Consider: Universal Poppets via Valuebrew

Learn to Brew 5 Piece Cornelius Type Universal Poppet Valve Draft Beer Parts Fits Ball Lock Keg Post – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Or… Also Consider: Universal Poppets – 304 Stainless + Food Grade Silicone! & Reliable O-Ring Replacements

universal poppetsValuebrew has released a 304 Stainless Steel + Food Grade Silicone Universal Poppet option!

I’ve long advocated for tossing OEM o-rings. I’m excited that there’s finally there’s an option that comes with quality o-rings made from the right materials out of the box! Beyond that, Valuebrew has pledged to always carry replacement o-rings, so you’ll always have a source when the time comes for replacements.


This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

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Black Friday Deal on Recently Announced Bulk EPDM O-Rings – Low Permeability, Less Oxygen & Off-Flavors

Valuebrew has announced the availability of bulk EPDM o-rings for homebrewers.  EPDM is a favorite of many pro brewers for certain applications. Until now, these have not been available to homebrewers, or at least easily available. EPDM has some real advantages over silicone. One of the big ones is a much lower permeability. That means they seal better and since they’re less porous they are more resistant to absorbing off-smells and off-flavors.

They are FDA Rated for food use and NSF61 certified. As of this posting, post, dip tube, lid and internal QD options are available in 10, 25 and 50 count options. Valuebrew has struggled mightily with availability and they’ve already made some indications of potential issues with new EPDM offerings. In particular, the lid o-ring description says they received a small shipment.

FDA Rated EPDM O-Rings!

Black Friday Sale! Valuebrew is discounting bulk food grade o-rings, DuoTight Compatible Gear and ball lock jumpers by an EXTRA 15% when you spend $20 or more.  This stacks on top of existing discounts.

This sale DOES include their recently announced FDA Rated EPDM O-Rings!

Bulk Food Grade O-Rings, Universal Poppets and Ball Lock Jumpers – save another 15% when you use coupon code BF2021 with an order of $20 or more

Check sale or product page for current availability & pricing


Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

standarddraft

pinned

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!

greatdeals

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. prod:vb

Ball Lock Post Equipped Lid + Floating Dip Tube

Bigking Brew Keg Lid,Stainless Steel Homebrew Carbonation Keg Lid with Beer Tube Floating Ball for Kegland Kegs

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • 【Structural Features】With O‑ring and pressure relief valve, with good sealing performance, can hold pressure without leaks.
  • 【For Your Convenience】Labor‑saving design of safety relief valve, no need to keep lifting when deflated, just lift once and rotate 90° to continuously deflate.
  • 【Selected Materials】High‑quality 304 stainless steel material, high hardness, strong and durable.
  • 【Save Installation Time】It is compact and portable, easy to install and use, large handle makes installation easier .
  • 【Indispensable】Exquisite workmanship, long service life, which is a practical home brewing accessory.

 

  • Works on Pin Lock AND Ball Lock Kegs! One difference between Pin Lock and Ball Lock kegs is the type of lids that come with each.  Ball Locks, generally, have a manual PRV valve, while Pin Locks do not.  Ball Lock style lids are, in my opinion, superior because the manual PRV allows you to easily vent your keg as needed.  The good news is that, for standard kegs, the lids are the same size and can be interchanged.  That means you can use a Ball Lock style lid in a Pin Lock Keg.
  • Related: What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
  • Rebuild Your Kegs! Rebuilding & Reconditioning Homebrew Kegs! – step by step process for rebuilding & reconditioning homebrew kegs

Bigking Brew Keg Lid,Stainless Steel Homebrew Carbonation Keg Lid with Beer Tube Floating Ball for Kegland Kegs – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

My explanation of how floating dip tubes work…

Continue reading

Floating Dip Tube + Filter Screen

304 Stainless Home Brew Beer Keg FermZilla Liquid Floating Dip Tube Filter Fit Ball Lock & Pin Lock corny Keg SS Ball Float 80CM Silicone Dip Tube

304 Stainless Home Brew Beer Keg FermZilla Liquid Floating Dip Tube Filter Fit Ball Lock & Pin Lock corny Keg SS Ball Float 80CM Silicone Dip Tube

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

  • For the beverage out,you’ll have a silicone dip tube with stainless steel float, allowing you to always draw from the clearest beer at the top of the tank.
  • 5/16″Silicone Dip,you can connect your faucet/sampling valve or other devices.
  • The silicone dip tube is 80CM long. It will work perfectly as is for the 55L FermZilla. For the 27L model we recommend cutting the dip tube shorter to remove unwanted slack.
  • WIDE USE,if you want draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank.
  • Made of 304SS This floating dip tube allowing you to draw the clearest beer first from the top of the beer kegs

 

304 Stainless Home Brew Beer Keg FermZilla Liquid Floating Dip Tube Filter Fit Ball Lock & Pin Lock corny Keg SS Ball Float 80CM Silicone Dip Tube – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

My explanation of how this works…

When we carbonate a keg, pressure is being applied to the keg from the top, via the head space. Beer at the top carbonates first. That carbonation works it’s way down the keg. I’m sure there’s also some movement in the keg that helps to mix things up and distribute carbonation. But just sitting there, I think that mixing is a slow process. However it all works, practically speaking, the beer at the top carbonates more quickly compared to the beer at the bottom. This allows you to serve from the top accessing the more carbonated portion of the keg. It’s also a benefit for clarity because trub settles out heading downward. You can see this stratification in a glass carboy. As the beer starts to clear, the top clears first. I don’t think if this is exactly accurate, but I picture carbonation happening with the same sort of stratification until the beer reaches equilibrium and is equally carbonated throughout.

text-blocks id=”kegrebuildteaser”]


Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

standarddraft

This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!

pinned

amazon

Black Friday Deal on Recently Announced Bulk EPDM O-Rings – Low Permeability, Less Oxygen & Off-Flavors

Valuebrew has announced the availability of bulk EPDM o-rings for homebrewers.  EPDM is a favorite of many pro brewers for certain applications. Until now, these have not been available to homebrewers, or at least easily available. EPDM has some real advantages over silicone. One of the big ones is a much lower permeability. That means they seal better and since they’re less porous they are more resistant to absorbing off-smells and off-flavors.

They are FDA Rated for food use and NSF61 certified. As of this posting, post, dip tube, lid and internal QD options are available in 10, 25 and 50 count options. Valuebrew has struggled mightily with availability and they’ve already made some indications of potential issues with new EPDM offerings. In particular, the lid o-ring description says they received a small shipment.

FDA Rated EPDM O-Rings!

Black Friday Sale! Valuebrew is discounting bulk food grade o-rings, DuoTight Compatible Gear and ball lock jumpers by an EXTRA 15% when you spend $20 or more.  This stacks on top of existing discounts.

This sale DOES include their recently announced FDA Rated EPDM O-Rings!

Bulk Food Grade O-Rings, Universal Poppets and Ball Lock Jumpers – save another 15% when you use coupon code BF2021 with an order of $20 or more

Check sale or product page for current availability & pricing


Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds

Our Top Draft Resources!

Check our our Top Draft Related Resources

standarddraft

pinned

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!

greatdeals

Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. prod:vb

Save on Custom Color Coded Post O-Rings “Blue for Beer, Green for Gas” via Valuebrew’s Black Friday Sale

Valuebrew offers a lineup of food grade keg replacement o-rings in bulk quantities.  Most offerings are silicone or EPDM with one Buna-N option.  Everything they carry is food grade, more info below.  They have some unique offerings like bulk pin lock size post o-rings, replacement universal poppet o-rings, bulk internal QD o-rings and color coded Blue and Green post o-rings

Some of these offerings are detailed on our recently released Keg Rebuild How-To

Black Friday Sale! Valuebrew is discounting bulk food grade o-rings, DuoTight Compatible Gear and ball lock jumpers by an EXTRA 15% when you spend $20 or more.  This stacks on top of existing discounts.

This sale DOES include their recently announced FDA Rated EPDM O-Rings!

Bulk Food Grade O-Rings, Universal Poppets and Ball Lock Jumpers – save another 15% when you use coupon code BF2021 with an order of $20 or more

Check sale or product page for current availability & pricing

Continue reading

Almost Sold Out Again: Universal Poppets – 304 Stainless + Food Grade Silicone! & Reliable O-Ring Replacements

universal poppets

Universal Poppets via Valuebrew

More Info

From the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:

A Valuebrew Exclusive! Stainless Steel Universal Replacement Poppets with our Food Safe Silicone O-Rings.

These work with all standard Ball Lock and Pin Lock homebrew kegs.

Ever wonder what other universal poppet o-rings are made of? Us too, after all this is one of the most high contact o-rings in you draft beer setup. We took matters into our own hands and worked with our suppliers to source a 304 Stainless Steel + Food Grade Silicone option. Stainless steel construction on all the metal parts and premium quality food grade silicone for the o-ring.

Our pledge to you… Let’s face it, the stainless pieces in most universal replacement poppets should last a long, long time. How about the o-rings? Not so much… lost, broken, cracked, off smell. This is where our pledge comes in… we’ll always carry replacement o-rings for these universal poppets. No need to guess what size replacements to buy or completely replace your universal poppets because you don’t have a reliable source for replacements.


 

I use universal style poppets exclusively when rebuilding kegs. Finding the right OEM specific replacement poppets can be a chore. Beyond finding the right part number, these can be prohibitively expensive. Paying $10 to $14, or more, for an OEM poppet isn’t fun. In fact, if you really had to pay that, it may not even make sense to keep the keg.

I’ve long advocated to tossing OEM o-rings immediately. You don’t know what they’re made of, and you can’t get replacements. Replacing them immediately with a known quality o-ring and known part number before trimming to fit means you’ll be using the right materials and have a source for replacements.  See: Universal Poppet Tips & Tricks

Well… finally there’s an option that comes with quality o-rings made from the right materials out of the box!  Beyond that, Valuebrew has pledged to always carry replacement o-rings, so you’ll always have a source when the time comes for replacements.  Available in multi packs with the option to add on a pack of replacement o-rings.

Valuebrew released these a while back and they’ve been very popular since, selling out quickly. According to stock levels on the product page, they’re about to sell out again.

Universal Poppets

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Floating Dip Tube

Conical and All Rounder fermenter/keg Ball Float Silicone Dip Tube,304SS Ball Float and Silicone Dip Tube,draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank

Conical and All Rounder fermenter/keg Ball Float Silicone Dip Tube,304SS Ball Float and Silicone Dip Tube,draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank

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Conical and All Rounder fermenter/keg Ball Float Silicone Dip Tube,304SS Ball Float and Silicone Dip Tube,draw from the Liquid at the top of the tank – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

My explanation of how this works…

When we carbonate a keg, pressure is being applied to the keg from the top, via the head space. Beer at the top carbonates first. That carbonation works it’s way down the keg. I’m sure there’s also some movement in the keg that helps to mix things up and distribute carbonation. But just sitting there, I think that mixing is a slow process. However it all works, practically speaking, the beer at the top carbonates more quickly compared to the beer at the bottom. This allows you to serve from the top accessing the more carbonated portion of the keg. It’s also a benefit for clarity because trub settles out heading downward. You can see this stratification in a glass carboy. As the beer starts to clear, the top clears first. I don’t think if this is exactly accurate, but I picture carbonation happening with the same sort of stratification until the beer reaches equilibrium and is equally carbonated throughout.

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