Hands on Review: Kegland Digital Gauges!
Kegland’s DuoTight system along with their EVABarrier Tubing are amazing. Check out my extensive hands on review for a deep dive into the system.
Kegland has released a digital gauge option that works with their great inline secondary regulator and BlowTie Spunding Valve. They have also released a DuoTight version. This is a hands on look at both including upgrades of the inline regulator and BlowTie.
MoreBeer
- Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) D1165 – upgrade for BlowTie & Inline Regulator – this is KL18388
- Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) – 8 mm Duotight Compatible D1166 – standalone DuoTight compatible gauge – this is KL18081
William’s Brewing
- Digital Illuminated Mini Regulator Gauge 0-90 PSI – upgrade for BlowTie & Inline Regulator – this is KL18388
- DuoTight 0-90 PSI Digital Pressure Gauge – standalone DuoTight compatible gauge – this is KL18081
- Also available as a combo pack with a Kegland Ball Lock QD – Digital Keg Pressure Tester
- Related: Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QD Review
Keg Connection
- Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) – 8 mm Duotight Compatible – save with promo code HBF5OFF
Gauge Features
- These gauges both read from 0 to 90 PSI.
- They features backlight illumination
- Use easy to source CR2032 batteries
- Estimated battery life of more than 2 years (using the gauge once daily).
- Auto off after 15 seconds.
- The DuoTight version is made for 8mm connections
MoreBeer’s Description sheds some more light on the construction and design of these gauges.
Get instant pressure reads with the back illuminated Digital Mini Pressure Gauge from KegLand. Compatible with 8 mm Duotight fittings and Gray Ball Lock QDs. If you’re using the original BlowTie spunding valve without pressure gauge, you can use a Duotight tee fitting in-line between the ball lock QD and the BlowTie to take pressure readings with the Digital Mini Gauge.
KegLand has developed the world’s most compact mini digital gauge with backlight illumination. This very compact design retains high accuracy while still meeting the desirable small form factor. This meets the growing need as mini keg systems, mini regulators and other more compact keg dispensing solutions are required.
Traditional analogue gauges require a small capillary mechanism where a small pipe expands and unravels under pressure. This in turn drives a mechanical cog to rotate the gauge needle. This age-old technique works quite well especially in large gauges but as this mechanism is manufactured smaller and smaller a tradeoff between accuracy and size becomes the issue. With very small gauges such as a 27mm x 27mm Mini Gauge, it’s difficult to make them better than 10% accuracy due to the physical constraints of the mechanical components.
Hands on Review
KL18388 is the digital gauge (for upgrading Blowtie and more) and KL18081 is the DuoTight digital gauge.KL18388 left, KL18081 rightFeatures – KL18388 left, KL18081 rightKL18388 left, KL18081 rightGauge front view. KL18388 left, KL18081 right.Gauge top view. KL18388 left, KL18081 right.A look at KL18081’s DuoTight 8 mm StemA look at the back of KL18388
Related: What is a Spunding Valve?
Why a Spunding Valve? There are loads of homebrew related applications for a Spunding valve ranging from pressurized fermentation to naturally carbonating to fixing over carbonated beers and lots more. Check out our resource post on the subject. It’s arguably the go-to resource on the Internet on the subject
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Upgrading BlowTie v1 to Digital
BlowTie v1 did not have an integrated gauge. It used a tee fitting to connect a keg QD to the PRV.
My BlowTie Hands on Review includes a section on BlowTie v1. To upgrade BlowTie v1, you would use a KL18081 gauge. My build is also upgraded with a Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QD
Upgrading this assembly is as easy as swapping out the gauge. Since this is a DuoTight connection, no tools are needed.Side view of upgraded assembly
Upgrading BlowTie v2 to Digital
BlowTie v2 added an integrated gauge on some models. KL18388 can be used to upgrade BlowTie v2. Note that there is a v2 version of BlowTie that has no gauge. That version cannot be upgraded using KL18388. You’d need to add a tee and use KL18081.
Hands on Review: BlowTie Spunding Vavle
Sourcing Kegland BlowTie v2
- BlowTie 2 Diaphragm Spunding Valve with Gauge FE962 via MoreBeer
- Duotight Blowtie Spunding Valve with Gauge via William’s Brewing
- Kegland BlowTie v1Duotight BlowTie 2 Diaphragm Spunding Valve w/Integrated Pressure Gauge (0-23 PSI) for Pressure Fermentation – KL15042 – via Amazon
If you compare the new digital gauge to the analog, there’s no comparison. A rough approximation of PSI verses a 1/10th PSI precision digital readout.Remove screws and pull out the analog gauge.Install KL18388Upgraded BlowTie!
Upgrading Kegland’s Inline Secondary CO2 Regulator
Kegland’s DuoTight Compatible Inline Regulator can be used to control each keg pressure separately, use a spare keg as a CO2 source and more.
- Hands on Review: Kegland Inline Secondary Regulator
- Using a Keg as a CO2 Source for Portable Serving!
Sourcing Kegland DuoTight Inline Secondary CO2 Regulator with Gauge
-
- via MoreBeer
- via William’s Brewing
- via Amazon
If you compare the new digital gauge to the analog, there’s no comparison. A rough approximation of PSI verses a 1/10th PSI precision digital readout.Remove screws and pull out the analog gauge.Install KL18388Upgraded DuoTight Inline Regulator
Digital Keg Pressure Gauge
KL18081 + a Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QD = a keg pressure gauge that can be used to check for leaks and more. KL18081 can also be used by itself to check DuoTight setups for leaks.
Also available as a complete unit from William’s Brewing. It’s worth noting that this is handy even if you’re not a DuoTight user since it’s an all in one unit. If you choose to upgrade to DuoTight and EVABarrier in the future, these would plug right.
- Digital Keg Pressure Tester via William’s Brewing
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QDs
- Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method
Conclusions
These are outstanding. Classic Kegland… innovative, generally well priced and well thought out. I REALLY like that Kegland made these backwards compatible for owners of compatible equipment. That allows you to quickly swap out analog for digital and realize the benefits without having to re-purchase everything. The digital readout is much easier to read than analogue and it’s probably more accurate, if for no other reason than these are easier to read.
MoreBeer
- Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) D1165 – upgrade for BlowTie & Inline Regulator – this is KL18388
- Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) – 8 mm Duotight Compatible D1166 – standalone DuoTight compatible gauge – this is KL18081
William’s Brewing
- Digital Illuminated Mini Regulator Gauge 0-90 PSI – upgrade for BlowTie & Inline Regulator – this is KL18388
- DuoTight 0-90 PSI Digital Pressure Gauge – standalone DuoTight compatible gauge – this is KL18081
- Also available as a combo pack with a Kegland Ball Lock QD – Digital Keg Pressure Tester
- Related: Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QD Review
Keg Connection
- Digital Mini Pressure Gauge (0-90 psi) – 8 mm Duotight Compatible – save with promo code HBF5OFF
Buy DuoTight
- DuoTight Push In Fittings & EVABarrier Double Wall Draft Tubing at MoreBeer
- Search MoreBeer for “DuoTight” – to find components and accessories that may not show up on category pages.
- Kegland DuoTight Fittings and Accessories at William’s Brewing
- Search William’s Brewing for “DuoTight” – to find components and accessories that may not show up on category pages.
- DuoTight and EVABarrier at Keg Connection – coupon code HBF5OFF saves you 5%
- Search Amazon for “DuoTight” – offerings vary
- Search Amazon for “EVABarrier Tubing” – offerings vary
- DuoTight Compatible Locking Clips via Valuebrew
Related DuoTight Reviews on How-To’s!
DuoTight Reviews, Resource Posts & How-To’s!
DuoTights are so amazing – at least in my book 🙂 – that I have several reviews and related top posts
- Build a DuoTight CO2 Gas Manifold! – for Kegland EVABarrier Tubing
- Hands on Review: Nukatap Counter Pressure Bottle Filler!
- Using a Keg as a CO2 Source for Portable Serving!
- Building a Simple Ball Lock Draft Line Flushing Setup
- Five Benefits of Using Corny Kegs As Fermenters
- Hands on Review: Kegland Inline Secondary Regulator!
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Ball Lock QDs!
- Troubleshooting and Fixing DuoTight Leaks
- Hands on Review: Kegland BlowTie Spunding Valve!
- Hands on Review: Kegland Ball Lock Cleaning Kit and Party Pump
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Fittings & EVABarrier Tubing!
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Rigid Joiners
My DuoTight Review!
I Recommend These for DuoTight Users!
More Kegland Gear Reviews!
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Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources!
Check our our Top Draft Related Resources- Commentary: Pin Lock Keg Pricing and Availability
- Check Your CO2 Regulator for Leaks!
- How to get a keg ready for first use? New Keg Cleaning and Prep
- Portable Draft Beer Serving Options!
- Pin Lock Keg Pricing and Availability
- The Most Difficult Spot to Check for CO2 Leaks
- Keg O-Ring Materials Selection! – EPDM, Silicone and Buna-N?
- Why Do I Have Bubbles in My Beer Line? Diagnosing and Fixing Kegerator Foam Problems
- Five Benefits of Using Corny Kegs As Fermenters
- Rebuilding & Reconditioning Homebrew Kegs!
- Food Safe Replacement Keg O-Rings in Bulk
- Hands on Review: Kegland DuoTight Fittings & EVABarrier Tubing!
- Why Won’t My Beer Carbonate? Fixing Draft Beer Carbonation Problems
- What Does a Flow Control Faucet Do?
- Upgrade Your Kegerator – 6 Improvements!
- Serve Homebrew on Any Kegerator & Convert Commercial Kegerator to Homebrew
- Tips and Gear for Growler Filling
- What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?
- Checking for Draft System CO2 Leaks – Using The Pressure Gauge Method
- Tip: Consider Oetiker Stepless Clamps for Kegerator Gas and Beer Lines
- Hands On Review: Inkbird ITC-308 Dual Stage Temperature Controller +WiFi Version
- Universal Poppets Tips and Tricks!
- Convert Your Mark II Keg & Carboy Washer to a Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump!
- Step by Step: Finding and Fixing Keg CO2 Leaks
- Kegerator Temperature Probe Placement – To Immerse or Not To Immerse? – three tests to determine optimal pla…
- Kegerator Beer Line Temperatures & Reducing Foam with a Recirculating Fan
- Kegging CO2 Use Estimations and Calculations
- Balancing Your Kegerator Draft System
- Building a Simple Ball Lock Draft Line Flushing Setup
- Build a Recirculating Draft Line Cleaning Pump
- Home Brew Keg Roundup – New & Used, 5 and 2.5 Gallon & More!
- Damp Kegerator? Fix Kegerator Condensation
- Homebrew Temp Controller Roundup! – Kegerator and Fermentation – concepts, applications and models
- Bulk Keg Orings and Keg Parts Reference
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greatdealsPrice, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
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
Thank you to MoreBeer for providing the units used for evaluation in this review.
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:lnksfxd review:kldiggauges tag:tpr
I have replaced my 8 inline Kegland regulators with the digital gauges. I do appreciate the increased precision of these gauges. However, I have found the readability of the display to be problematic. When viewed straight on, especially when backlit, the display is excellent. If your point of view is at all not perpendicular to the display, either vertically or horizontally, as is the situation if they are installed in a keezer, the display is completely unreadable, regardless of lighting. This creates a significant limitation. I am hoping that the angled, illuminated mirror I ordered from Amazon will help.