Category Archives: Kegs

What’s The Difference? Comparing AEB and AMCYL Ball Lock Kegs!

AEB and AMCYL manufacturer ball lock kegs, also called soda pre-mix tanks. Homebrewers use these for beer, cider and seltzer. Coffee shops use them for cold brew, Kombucha makers use them for kombucha and on and on.

A common question I see, or directly hear, is… what’s the difference between AMCYL and AEB?  It’s a great question. Both make new ball lock kegs, both go by abbreviated company names and both start with…. A.  Maybe they’re the same? This write up aims to answer the question and will give you a complete run down of what’s the same and what’s different.

Hands on Reviews of Both:

This post will give an overview of each keg with comparisons. If you want a deep dive into either one, I have in depth hands on reviews of both kegs.

AEB vs AMCYL Kegs, Compared…

Important Note: In this comparison, when two kegs are pictured, AEB kegs will always be on the left an AMCYL kegs will be on the right.

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Two x New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs – Dual Rubber Handles – $194.50, $97.25 each! + Hands on Review

Two New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs – Dual Rubber Handles

More Info
Highlighted Features
  • 8.5" diameter x 25" tall
  • Ball lock connections
  • 304 stainless steel with single steel handles, made in Italy
  • NSF-approved
  • Integrated pull ring pressure reliefs built into the lids

 

Check out my Hands on Review of these great kegs!

3/12 12:30 AM Central:

  • These are selling for just $194.50 or $97.25 each. That’s a bargain for a brand new AEB keg.
  • Shipping is an additional fee. This may vary based on location
  • For ME, I’m seeing…
  • $23.19 for 2 kegs or $11.60 shipping per keg
  • $36.39 for 4 kegs (2 x 2 packs) or $9.10 shipping per keg.
  • Prices and availability can change quickly Check product page for current info – More About Prices

Two New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs – Dual Rubber Handles  – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Compare at MoreBeer

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Rebuilding & Reconditioning Homebrew Kegs! + A Great Deal on Replacement Lids

rebuild homebrew kegs

This post will walk you through rebuilding your homebrew keg, step by step.  From de-labeling to cleaning to replacing warn out parts.


Limited Time Deal Brand New Corny Keg Lids… $14.99!

New Corny Keg Lid (w/o O-Ring) KEG440B

Brand New Keg Lids from MoreBeer

Note from HBF: 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.

These are on sale for just $14.99. This is a great deal.

Get Free Shipping: Shipping is free with a qualifying $59 order to many US addresses

Some filler item ideas to help you qualify for free shipping… PBW, Sale Items (shows most popular deals first), Kit of the Week, Hop Market (shows most popular deals first)

New Corny Keg Lid (w/o O-Ring) KEG440B


Limited Time Keg Deal:

Ball Lock Kegs – from $50 + shipping sweet spot calculations



What Does Reconditioned/Rebuilt Mean?

The short answer is probably… nothing.  I think reconditioned/rebuilt/refurbished are basically synonyms and there is no standard definition for any of these terms.

Here are the different definitions I’ve seen from different retailers via their offerings:

  • The keg is untouched, but is in okay shape and holds pressure.  In this case, reconditioned means… the keg works.
  • The keg has had been tested and had faulty parts replaced.  In this case, reconditioned means, we did the minimum to get the keg working.
  • All o-rings have been replaced and any faulty parts have been replaced.  In this case, reconditioned means… reconditioned.
  • All o-rings have been replaced and any faulty parts have been replaced and the keg has been cleaned.  In this case reconditioned means reconditioned and cleaned.

Examples of Keg Conditions from MoreBeer

The takeaway is that it’s important to read descriptions when it comes to reconditioned/rebuilt/refurbished kegs.  The post walks through a complete rebuild process.


Limited Time Keg Deals!

keg deals

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Are Used Kegs Running Out?? Update, One Retailer Now Completely Out of Ball Locks

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.



Are Used Kegs Running Out?

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Daylight Savings Starts Soon… How Often Should You Replace Keg O-Rings?

How Often Should You Replace Keg O-Rings?

I think you should replace all keg o-rings when you refurbish or obtain a used keg. Generally speaking they are going to be worn out and even if they aren’t they’ll smell of soda pre-mix.  Beyond that, who knows what they’re made from.  Start with a clean slate.


What about after that? Of course, you could just keep using them until they break, they smell or look horrible or… until you lose a tank of CO2 due to an o-ring related leak. On the other end of the spectrum some people change o-rings every time they keg.

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New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs… $99.50 + Shipping + Hands on Review

New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg - Dual Rubber Handle

New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg – Dual Rubber Handle

More Info

 

Check out my Hands on Review of these great kegs!

3/7 10 PM Central:

  • These are selling for just $99.50. That’s a bargain for a brand new AEB keg.
  • Shipping is an additional fee. This may vary based on location
  • For ME, I’m seeing $22.19 for 1 keg, $37.39 for 2 kegs ($18.70 per keg), $52.59 for 3 kegs ($17.53 per keg) and $67.79 for 4 kegs ($16.94 per keg).
  • Prices and availability can change quickly Check product page for current info – More About Prices

New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg – Dual Rubber Handle – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also Available in Two Packs… Two New AEB 5 Gallon Ball Lock Kegs – Dual Rubber Handles  – note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Compare at MoreBeer

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17% Off Pin Lock Kegs + I believe bulk quantities of pin lock kegs are running out

Pin Lock Keg (Used) – 5 gallon via Adventures in Homebrewing

More Info

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

Pin lock kegs are 5 gallon stainless steel kegs. They utilize pins on the air and liquid posts to lock the disconnects in place. All kegs are pressure tested and work. Since they are used, the outside of a keg may have minor dings and scratches.

Pin lock kegs require pin lock disconnects. Ball lock disconnects are not compatible. Pin lock kegs do not have pressure release valves. The air post poppet can be depressed to relieve pressure.

It is a good idea to have a spare set of replacement o-rings always on hand, with some keg o-ring lubricant. Lubricating the o-rings will help to make them last longer, but eventually they will become brittle and have to be replaced.

Dimensions: 22.25″ tall x 9.25″ diameter (56.5 cm x 23.5 cm).


 

It’s my guess that bulk used pin lock availability has become a real issue. See: Are Used Kegs Running Out??

If you’re a pin lock user, I would suggest stocking up on kegs sooner rather than later.

AIH has single pin locks for $59.99. The four pack is selling for $219.99. Ball lock kegs have recently gone up at AIH, pin locks haven’t yet.

Save 17%

17% Off at AIH! – use coupon code LUCK17

Shipping Sweet Spot….

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Ball Locks for $41.50, Low Stock

Ball Lock Keg Single Handle (Used) - 5 gallon

Ball Lock Keg Single Handle (Used) – 5 gallon via Adventures in Homebrewing

More Info

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

Pressure tested 5 gallon, stainless steel, Cornelius style tank. These tanks are guaranteed to hold pressure. 25″ tall and 8.5″ diameter. Tanks will show normal wear and tear. May have stickers on kegs.
May also have syrup residue in tanks as we only dump them.

Kegs include the o-rings and poppits that were installed when we received the tanks. We will often change an o-ring or poppit to get the tank to hold pressure. If you would like to have new o-rings or poppits, the options below allow you to add these. We do not change them but simply add them to the order.

If you are just getting into kegging you will need a kegging setup to go with these kegs. We sell picnic tap systems, tower systems, and kegerator systems.

We know some homebrewers are more picky than others, so please keep in mind that these are USED kegs. Some of these kegs are probably 30 years old. Do not expect new kegs. If you are looking for new kegs, please check out our new kegs. We try and have quality kegs available at all times. With this said, they are going to show normal wear and tear. We try not to purchase from Pepsi or Coke to avoid heavily used kegs. We are not implying that our kegs are not quality…we just want to avoid any misunderstandings. Most of the kegs have black protective tops and bottoms, some are blue. We may have a few green, red or yellow tops. If you want a particular color, please indicate that at checkout time and we will try to accommodate you.

If you are unhappy with your used 5 Gallon Cornelius Kegs for any reason, we will gladly take them back. The purchaser will be responsible for return shipping charges.


 

  • Availability of these has been touch and go.
  • These had been out of stock for weeks, but a shipment became available again a while back.
  • As of this posting, the product page is showing low stock.
  • Check the product page to see if you can get in on this shipment.

5 Gallon Single Handle Cornelius Keg, Ball Lock (Used)

Save 17%

17% Off at AIH! – use coupon code LUCK17

This deal makes these just $41.50 each when you using coupon code LUCK17

Shipping Sweet Spot Calculations

For these kegs, shipping is calculated based on where you live. For me the shipping sweet spot is four kegs. Four kegs figures to just $5.59 hipping per keg. Three kegs is pretty close at $6.79 per keg shipping.

  • 1 keg – $17.63, $17.63 per keg shipping
  • 2 kegs – $18.32, $9.16 per keg shipping
  • 3 kegs, $20.38, $6.79 per keg shipping
  • 4 kegs – $22.36, $5.59 per keg shipping
  • 5 kegs – $41.82…. $8.36 per keg (per keg shipping costs go up!)

These costs are for me. This will vary based on location.

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Less than 10 available… Single Handle Ball Lock Kegs + shipping sweet spot calculations

Ball Lock Keg Single Handle (Used) - 5 gallon

Ball Lock Keg Single Handle (Used) – 5 gallon via Adventures in Homebrewing

More Info

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

Pressure tested 5 gallon, stainless steel, Cornelius style tank. These tanks are guaranteed to hold pressure. 25″ tall and 8.5″ diameter. Tanks will show normal wear and tear. May have stickers on kegs.
May also have syrup residue in tanks as we only dump them.

Kegs include the o-rings and poppits that were installed when we received the tanks. We will often change an o-ring or poppit to get the tank to hold pressure. If you would like to have new o-rings or poppits, the options below allow you to add these. We do not change them but simply add them to the order.

If you are just getting into kegging you will need a kegging setup to go with these kegs. We sell picnic tap systems, tower systems, and kegerator systems.

We know some homebrewers are more picky than others, so please keep in mind that these are USED kegs. Some of these kegs are probably 30 years old. Do not expect new kegs. If you are looking for new kegs, please check out our new kegs. We try and have quality kegs available at all times. With this said, they are going to show normal wear and tear. We try not to purchase from Pepsi or Coke to avoid heavily used kegs. We are not implying that our kegs are not quality…we just want to avoid any misunderstandings. Most of the kegs have black protective tops and bottoms, some are blue. We may have a few green, red or yellow tops. If you want a particular color, please indicate that at checkout time and we will try to accommodate you.

If you are unhappy with your used 5 Gallon Cornelius Kegs for any reason, we will gladly take them back. The purchaser will be responsible for return shipping charges.


 

  • Availability of these has been touch and go.
  • These had been out of stock for weeks, but a shipment became available again a while back.
  • As of this posting, the product page is showing low stock.
  • Check the product page to see if you can get in on this shipment.

5 Gallon Single Handle Cornelius Keg, Ball Lock (Used)

Save 17%

17% Off at AIH! – use coupon code LUCK17

This deal makes these just $41.50 each when you using coupon code LUCK17

Shipping Sweet Spot Calculations

For these kegs, shipping is calculated based on where you live. For me the shipping sweet spot is four kegs. Four kegs figures to just $5.59 hipping per keg. Three kegs is pretty close at $6.79 per keg shipping.

  • 1 keg – $17.63, $17.63 per keg shipping
  • 2 kegs – $18.32, $9.16 per keg shipping
  • 3 kegs, $20.38, $6.79 per keg shipping
  • 4 kegs – $22.36, $5.59 per keg shipping
  • 5 kegs – $41.82…. $8.36 per keg (per keg shipping costs go up!)

These costs are for me. This will vary based on location.

Continue reading

What’s the Difference Between Ball Lock Kegs and Pin Lock Kegs?

Ball Lock Kegs vs Pin Lock Kegs – What’s the Difference?

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.

Continue reading