Tips and Gear for Growler Filling
Filling a growler or small draft dispenser from your draft setup is an easy and straightforward process. Here are some tips and tools for making this as easy and efficient as possible.
Filling a growler or small draft dispenser from your draft setup is an easy and straightforward process. Here are some tips and tools for making this as easy and efficient as possible.
This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.
When I initially migrated from bottling to kegging, I was glad to be free of bottle wrangling. I didn’t have to keep boxes of empties, deal with cleaning/sanitizing, or the bottle-filling process. I also didn’t have to deal with bottling sugar calculators that had me making bottle bombs with cold-fermented lagers, or ales that sat mysteriously for weeks without developing carbonation of any intensity. But not long after leaving the bottles behind, I ran into the issue of how to share my beers. Of course I could invite people over, but there’s always that party at a friend’s house or a neighbor that really likes NEIPA but can’t make it to your tasting party.
To keep your homebrew mobile, you can go the way of glass growlers like the brewery taprooms do. It’s got the same appeal at home as it does at the brewery- cheap and easy. But it limits you on key aspects of freshness and ability to stay cold at a party. If you think about it, it’s akin to taking a 4-pack of your favorite beer you want to share, opening the bottles and pouring it into an empty pop bottle, and screwing the lid on it. Let’s face it, your homebrew is a labor of love, and it’s natural to want to show it off to friends & neighbors. So when you think a bit about the best way to present your baby, it’s not surprising homebrewers look for something beyond the glass growler with screw-on lid.
GrowlerWerks came onto the homebrewing scene when it completed its successful Kickstarter campaign in December of 2014. They initially launched with a high-tech upgrade to the standard glass growler with their 64 oz pressurized/insulated growler. The 128 oz version came along about a year later with all the same features, but with a full gallon capacity. That’s a great difference. The uKeg 64 holds four 16-oz pints. That works well for loaning out a sample to a friend. The uKeg 128 holds eight 16-oz pints. Now you’re talking something useful to bring to a party. The 64 almost felt like more trouble than it was worth to take to a party, unless you were bringing more than one brew. But with the 128 you don’t have to show up and then hide it until your craft brew friends find you and get to sample it before it’s gone.
GrowlerWerks uKeg 128 CO2 Chargers 16g, Box of 10
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As of this update these are on sale for just $8.45. That’s the best historical third party Amazon price I found, notwithstanding Lightning Deals or coupons. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
GrowlerWerks uKeg 128 CO2 Chargers 16g, Box of 10 – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Nitro Tap Stout Faucet from MoreBeer
More InfoFrom the product description, check product page for current description, price and availability:
An amazing creamer style stout faucet shipped free in USA lower 48 states. Beer is forced through 5 tiny holes in the restrictor plate delivering that dense, delicous creamy head for which Guinness is so famous. Also great for use with lower carbonated Ales and Stouts. This is the faucet you would use with a Nitrogen/Co2 gas mixture in a Guinness style set up, but can also be used with a straight Co2 set up.
Limited Availability Deal of the Day: As of this posting, this is marked down to $49.99 as a MoreBeer Deal of the Day. Shipping is also free to addresses in the contiguous US with most $59 Orders. Availability: This is available today only, while supplies last. Quantities are limited. Check the MoreBeer’s Deal of the Day to check today’s offering.
Product Description – Here – Use coupon code BEERDEAL to get this discount.
From the “prices on everything continue to skyrocket” department, this matches a deal of the day that was offered in June of 2021. Historically, the lowest price I have recorded for this was $47.99 back in March of 2021.
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources MORE MoreBeer Deals!…This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds! Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
DuoTight Inline Regulator that has been updated to digital, see below for walk through of that process.
Maintaining multiple CO2 pressures in your kegerator gives you the ability to… keep kegs at different pressures. This is a requirement to maintain different carbonation levels. It’s also handy if you want to force carbonate a keg more quickly, at a higher pressure, while maintaining your standard serving pressure on a keg that’s already being served or if you want to have a utility line for purging kegs and such. continues below…
The general options for pulling this off are…
Both good options, but generally expensive.
Kegland to the rescue. Kegland has introduced economical inline secondary regulators. As of this review there are three options.
Kegland’s DuoTight Fittings are designed to work with EVABarrier Double Wall Tubing. They offer quick, reliable connections, easy implementation, a variety of fitting options and feature amazing versatility. They’re also, generally speaking, very well priced. DuoTights are push to connect fittings and require no tubing clamps.
Check out my extensive Hands on Review
A look at the regulator. It has a pressure gauge, adjustment knob, inlet and outlet DuoTight ports and mounting holes.A closer look at the pressure gauge. This one goes to 60 PSI. Other gauge options may be available. This is a huge improvement vs v1. v1 feature no gauge. There is an updated DuoTight compatible inline (v2) version that has no gauge. That keeps costs down but still adds DuoTight compatibility. If you choose a model without a gauge, this is another great application of a Spunding Valve.
Extraordinary Jug and Growler Filler for standard faucets
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These allow you to easily attach a length of tubing to your compatible faucet for the purpose of filling a growler. They can just as easily be used to fill a small kegging system or small keg. Just use a longer piece of tubing.
Growler Filler for Perlick 600 Series Faucets (630) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Perlick Rebuild Kit: Parts List for Perlick 600 Series Faucets
More Options:
Ball Lock CO2 Injector
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Use to serve your keg of homebrew on the go or as a backup in case you run out of CO2.
2/4 5 PM Central: This is selling for just $19.49. Shipping is also free to many US addresses. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
Okuyonic Draft Beer Dispenser CO2 Injector CO2 Charger Durable for Homebrew(Yellow) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 3 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings
More InfoFrom HBF: 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.
Applications:
Some carbonation cap models are universal fit and some work only with gas posts. For draft line cleaning projects to work well, at least in my opinion, the carb cap that’s used needs to be universal. As of this posting, the product page says this works with both liquid and ball lock posts. Check the product description for current specs.
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 3 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: [3 PCS] MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap Tee Adapter, Allow Gas In and Beer Out Simultaneously, Homebrew Kegging Soda Beer PET Bottles Ball Lock Type Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap 3-Way Connector – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Quick Disconnect Beer Faucet Adapter – 2 PCS Standard FFL Adapter Connect Faucet to Beer Keg Quick Disconnect, For Homebrewing Keg Beer Tap
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Notes from HBF: This adapter allows you to connect a faucet to a flare based homebrew keg disconnect.
LUCKEG Quick Disconnect Beer Faucet Adapter – 2 PCS Standard FFL Adapter Connect Faucet to Beer Keg Quick Disconnect, for Homebrewing Keg Beer Tap – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Tahoe Trails Water Bottle, 64 oz, Black – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
This post contains affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our Amazon links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. ssprod:B07F69G5QB:anchor
This handy assembly is designed to convert compatible standard screw top growlers to a swing top closure.
For a limited time Valuebrew is including 3 free replacement gaskets when you buy 3 or more swing top caps. No coupon code required, Price per cap drops the more you purchase with the 6 cap offering having the lowest price.
Note that you have to use the link below to get the free gaskets, the standard product page doesn’t have the deal.
Swing Top Growler Cap & Adapter + FREE Replacement Gaskets
Standard Product Page: Swing Top Growler Cap & Adapter from Valuebrew
In the package
A note on branding… When this review was first published these swing top caps were ToteGlass brand. They were very popular with HBF readers. They regularly sold out when I posted that they were available. At some point they just stopped coming back in stock. That lasted for months. That is until Valuebrew started carrying them. According to the product description, they worked with the manufacturer to bring them back!
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 4 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings
More InfoFrom HBF: 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.
Applications:
Some carbonation cap models are universal fit and some work only with gas posts. For draft line cleaning projects to work well, at least in my opinion, the carb cap that’s used needs to be universal. As of this posting, the product page says this works with both liquid and ball lock posts. Check the product description for current specs.
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 4 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: [3 PCS] MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap Tee Adapter, Allow Gas In and Beer Out Simultaneously, Homebrew Kegging Soda Beer PET Bottles Ball Lock Type Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap 3-Way Connector – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
This review is by Homebrew Finds Contributor Brad Probert. Brad is an engineer, expert homebrewer and experienced reviewer. Grab a link to Brad’s website at the end of this review.
There is a lot of equipment out there for making draft homebrew mobile. Like different tools in a toolbox, each one is designed for a given situation. A draft box or jockey box is ideal for a group/party situation where you’ll be serving your beer away from your home. Or maybe it’s still at your home, but you’re serving your beer at a party in your backyard and don’t want to have a constant flow of people in & out of your house to refill their cups. A jockey box is made from a regular picnic cooler and has standard shanks/taps mounted through the wall, and a length of beer line inside sitting on ice to keep beer cold as it heads to the faucets.
The first building block of a jockey box is the cooler you install the hardware in. The Komos Rubicon Draft Box uses a heavy-duty roto molded cooler as its base. It has a tough 2.5 mm thick skin, and in-between is filled with high density foam to provide insulation. With most coolers, you get all your heat transfer through a plastic-to-plastic fit with the lid. But the Komos has a thick, engineered seal, and uses two stretchy rubber latches to keep it compressed down tight. Rounding out its features, it has rope handles with molded grips, and 4 broad durable rubber feet on the bottom to prevent it from sliding around or scratching the surface it sits on.
Anti-Skid Feet on Bottom of CoolerLid SealThreaded Drain Plug with SealStretchy Rubber Latches to Hold Cover ClosedRope Handles and Grips
For a short time Keg Connection is taking a whopping 25% off complete keg kits kegging systems. No coupon code required.
Shipping is a flat rate NO MATTER HOW MUCH YOU PURCHASE, so take a look at the additional sales below to maximize shipping
Complete Keg Kits at Keg Connection
From Keg Connection…
These are top-tier, remanufactured Corny kegs made of stainless steel. With stainless steel costs climbing and high-quality used kegs becoming increasingly scarce, this is an offer you won’t want to overlook.
Every keg in our collection undergoes a comprehensive refurbishment process. This includes deep cleaning, machine polishing, and the replacement of o-rings on the lid, PRV, as well as liquid and gas dip tubes, in addition to two o-rings on each post. These kegs are all sourced from elite brands, including AEB, SAFER, and CORNELIUS.
For a short time these are on sale for $69.95. Considering the condition of these kegs and everything else that’s going on, this is a great deal.
18+ Liter Ball Lock Keg | Fully Remanufactured (AEB/SAFER/Cornelius) | SEE DESCRIPTION
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Also: Kegerator Tips & Gear | Keg Repair Part #s | Recent Keg Finds
Our Top Draft Resources Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability.
Thanks to HBF Reader happylilyeastbrewery for this tip! Let’s be friends! 8 Ways to Connect with HBF
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 4 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings
More InfoFrom HBF: 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.
Applications:
Some carbonation cap models are universal fit and some work only with gas posts. For draft line cleaning projects to work well, at least in my opinion, the carb cap that’s used needs to be universal. As of this posting, the product page says this works with both liquid and ball lock posts. Check the product description for current specs.
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 4 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: [3 PCS] MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap Tee Adapter, Allow Gas In and Beer Out Simultaneously, Homebrew Kegging Soda Beer PET Bottles Ball Lock Type Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap 3-Way Connector – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Stainless Steel Carbonation Cap
More InfoFrom HBF: 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.
Potential Uses:
1/13 7 AM Central: These are on sale for just $9.99. Shipping is also free to many US addresses with Prime Membership [Try Prime for Free] or a qualifying order. Prices and availability can change quickly. Check product page for current info – More About Prices
PET Bottles Beer Carbonation Cap – Counter Pressure Bottle Filling with 5/16″ Barb, Carbonation Beer Soda Water Brewed Beer, Fits Most Soft Drink PET Bottles – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Intertap Stainless Steel, Forward Sealing Faucet from MoreBeer. Unique modular threaded spout design can fit a variety of attachments.
Intertaps are awesome! Check out my Hands on Review of these great faucets.
Complete Lineup of Intertap Faucets and Accessories
Looking to rebuild your faucet? MoreBeer has you covered with seal and gasket kits
More Parts and Diagrams:
KegLand Mini Keg Low Profile Tapping Head via William’s Brewing
More InfoThis Low Profile Ball Lock Tapping Head Assembly fits all our KegLand Mini Kegs, and is only 1.3” tall, making it ideal for when you want to put your Mini Keg system in a cooler or cramped refrigerator. The gas and beer inputs and outputs are both horizontal, keeping with the low profile theme. It includes gas in and beer out molded ball locks, as well as a 35 PSI pressure relief valve. All parts are easily replaceable.
KegLand Mini Keg Low Profile Tapping Head
Pricing History:
Related Kegland Mini Kegs
Also Consider…
Kegland Ball Lock Cleaning Pump + Use it to make ball lock mini kegs
This post may contain affiliate links. We may make a commission when you use our links. This will never cost you extra. Thank you for supporting Homebrew Finds!
Visit William’s Brewing – Web Only Clearance Sale
Price, promotions and availability can change quickly. Check the product page for current price, description and availability. tag:watchan 7.7.23 Announcing: KegLand Mini Keg Low Profile Tapping Head
Swing Top Growler Cap & Adapter from Valuebrew
These convert standard standard screw top growlers to a swing top closure. They are easy enough to install and uninstall that you can move them from growler to growler
These are an easy upgrade to standard growlers that generally seal better and look better. Very nice for when you’re locked into using a certain growler for a refill or to dress up cheap glass growlers.
Check out my Hands on Review!
This is really a re-announcement. These were available a few years back under the ToteGlass brand. They were very popular. They typically sold out in short order each time I posted that a batch was available. They became unavailable months ago. According to the product page, Valuebrew has worked with the manufacturer to re-introduce them!
Quantity discounts are available. Valuebrew also offers replacement gaskets.
For a limited time Valuebrew is including 3 free replacement gaskets when you buy 3 or more swing top caps. No coupon code required, just check the box to get your free gaskets. Price per cap drops the more you purchase with the 6 cap offering having the lowest price.
Note that you must use this link. The standard product page will not show the deal.
Swing Top Growler Cap & Adapter + FREE Replacement Gaskets
Standard Product Page: Swing Top Growler Cap & Adapter from Valuebrew
Kegland, based in Australia, produces a broad array of homebrewing gear. fermenters, electric brewing systems, loads of draft stuff (including DuoTight!) and lots more.
It’s obvious these folks are homebrewers at heart, because they’ve come up some really innovative stuff. The other thing they’ve generally done is hit really good price points. There is a balance between cost, features and quality and they seem to be hitting a lot of bullseyes.
This is an in depth hands on look at Kegland’s 2.5 gallon ball lock keg.
2.5 gallon kegs are great for splitting batches, small batch brewers, doing one-off beers from split from a 5 gallon batch… or for easily serving on the go. Purge with CO2, fill from your tap and place in ice in a 5 gallon bucket…. whammo! You can also use these in conjunction with an inline secondary as a CO2 source for portable serving.
A look at the boxThe other side of the box. This is one of the better looking keg boxes I’ve run across.
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 3 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings
More InfoFrom HBF: 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.
Applications:
Some carbonation cap models are universal fit and some work only with gas posts. For draft line cleaning projects to work well, at least in my opinion, the carb cap that’s used needs to be universal. As of this posting, the product page says this works with both liquid and ball lock posts. Check the product description for current specs.
MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap, 3 PCS Ball Lock Keg Post 5/16” Beer Line Nipple Barb Homebrew Kegging Soft Soda Drink PET Bottles Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap with Spare Sealing Gasket O-rings – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link
Also: [3 PCS] MRbrew Plastic Carbonation Cap Tee Adapter, Allow Gas In and Beer Out Simultaneously, Homebrew Kegging Soda Beer PET Bottles Ball Lock Type Counter Pressure Bottle Filling Cap 3-Way Connector – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link