CO2 Charger
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 12:39 pm
by Agnebrew
I'm using a CO2 charger for the first time tonight. I wondering how much do I need to use to have the beer pour well? A full cartage, 1/2, What? Thanks in advance.

Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 4:51 pm
by Mylo
Those things are great. I have one. You should only add the CO2 just enough to keep your beer pouring. They aren't designed to be used for several days. In a half full keg, you can easily just waste a whole cartridge in the headspace if you let your yahoo beer drinking friends operate it without instructions. You might get one keg out of each one, if you use it judiciously.
Mylo
Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Sat Feb 21, 2009 8:15 pm
by Steelers&Beer
plan on 3 per 5 gallons...they work great and are a lot easier than dragging your tank and regulator around. i like it!
Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 12:05 pm
by Bugeater
You are, I hope, using this only for dispensing and not trying to carbonate your beer. I have known folks who tried this before they knew better.
Anyway these things do great for serving at parties, picnics, whatever. If a bunch of folks are going to be pouring their own beer, keep the charger in your pocket. When people start complaining about a slow pour, then pull it out to give it a shot and then return the charger to your pocket. You will be able to get most of a 5 gallon keg poured with one cartridge. If you leave it on the keg where the other yahoos can work it, you will go through 3 or 4 and have everyone complaining about the foamy pour.
Wayne
Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:55 am
by Agnebrew
Thanks everyone. I used it only for serving. I think I used two. The brown ale was a hit even with the Bud Light crowd.
Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:08 am
by frod1963
Quick add on question you "keg conditioned" the beer first with DME or sugar. Or was the beer force carbed. I am going to try one for the first time, Just curious.
Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 12:22 pm
by Agnebrew
frod1963 wrote:Quick add on question you "keg conditioned" the beer first with DME or sugar. Or was the beer force carbed. I am going to try one for the first time, Just curious.
It was forced carbed.
Re: CO2 Charger
Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 12:23 pm
by whoateallthepies
I've got one too. I use a bit under two a keg.