Hands On Review: Weekend Brewer CO2 Manifold

Why a Manifold?

CO2/Gas Distribution Manfiolds allow you to easily split CO2 lines so that you can use a single tank and regulator for multiple kegs.

What to Look for in a manifold

Some features to look for when shopping for a manifold are individual trunk control, integrated check valves, the right connection type, good build quality and… no leaks!

  • Individual control is really straight forward… a ball valve for each trunk.
  • As far as check valves, those are designed to prevent backflow between lines.  Although these are gas lines we’re talking bout, differences in pressure can cause back-feeding beer to flow into gas lines.  Check valves help to prevent that.
  • Look for a compatible connection type – MFL/Flare or the right size barb fitting.
  • Good general build and material quality
  • And… This may sound obvious, but…. look for something that does not leak.  Leaky manifolds result empty CO2 tanks and those are no fun.

Hands on Review The Weekend Brewer 4-way MFL CO2 Distributor Manifold

This particular model features four trunks with 1/4″ MFL Fittings along with a 1/4″ MFL inputClose up of the ball valve.  These feature inline check valves to help prevent back flow.  I chose 1/4″ MFL but the weekend brewer has lots of options available, including a build your own option, linked below.A look at the gas inlet.  MFL “in” connections like this seem to be more difficult to come by.  A barbed inlet seems to be more common.

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Kind of a top down look.  Notice the two mounting holes.A look at the bottom side of the bracketA look at the end plug.  This body has threaded openings on each end.  That seems to be pretty typical.  One is used for the inlet and the second is plugged.  You could, theoretically, remove the plug and add on a compatible ball valve, barb fitting, MFL fitting or even a second manifold body.

Testing for Leaks

This is really important.  Leaky manifolds result in empty CO2 tanks and those are no fun.

I used DuoTight fittings – Hands on Review DuoTight Fittings & EVABarrier Tubing –  and a gauge to test for leaks.  The pieces on the inlet are there to keep gas in.  That’s an MFL connector to EVABarrier Tubing to Check Valve.  The check valve is oriented to allow gas in but not out.  I also used that setup to charge the manifold for testing. Close up of the gauge.  This is an MFL connector to EVABarrier Tubing to Pressure gauge.  This is reading about 22 PSI and held for… days.  This manifold was leak free out of the box!

More Photos

In my kegerator.  This is simply wedged in under my keezer’s collar.  You could also mount using the body’s mounting holes.Conversion to a DuoTight Manifold.  See: Build a DuoTight CO2 Gas Manifold! – for Kegland EVABarrier Tubing

Conclusions

This is well built, has the features I was looking for and was leak free out of the box.  Beyond quality and design, I like that the Weekend Brewer allows you to configure the exact configuration you want.

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DuoTight Fittings and EVABarrier Tubing!

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

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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.

Special Thanks to the Weekend Brewer for providing the unit used for evaluation in this review

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