The containers we call Ball Lock and Pin Lock Kegs come from the soda industry.  Also called Cornelius Kegs, Corny Kegs and Corney Kegs, they were originally intended to store and distribute soda pre-mix.  The big soda companies decided on different style containers for their pre-mix.  Pepsi landed on the Ball Lock style while Coke uses the Pin Lock style.

Homebrewers have since re-purposed these as homebrew beer kegs. It makes sense. These high quality stainless steel beverages that are meant for years of commercial food use. They’re also tough, can be had for cheap and are easy to move around.  Related: Five Benefits of Using Corny Kegs As Fermenters

What if someone said there was a pressure capable, heavy duty stainless steel fermenter that could be had for 50 bucks or so?

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Great news…. kegs make great fermenters! Same high quality, stainless steel construction, toughness and easy portability, but this time used for fermentation.

Converting Kegs Into Fermenters, 3 Options

One issue needs to be addressed to convert kegs into fermenters… handling CO2 produced by fermentation. Kegs are generally designed to be airtight. Fermentation requires that we allow excess CO2 to escape.  I can think of three options…

1. A blow-off tube. Remove the gas post or gas post poppet and get use tight fitting tubing to route CO2 to a container of sanitizer.
2. Use a converted lid to add a stopper and airlock
   • Cornelius Keg Fermenter Lid via Adventures in Homebrewing
   • Fermenting Lid via Keg Connection
3. Use a Spunding Valve

FIVE Reasons to Ferment in Kegs!…

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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 tag:lnksfxd  top:convkegfermenter tag:tpr