Category Archives: Tips

Using a CO2 Detector in Your Kegerator

Pictured: INKBIRD WiFi Indoor Air Quality Monitor, CO2 Detecto

Losing a tank of CO2 because of leak is frustrating. It’s a waste of time and money. Adding a CO2 monitor can help warn you of leaks minimizing loss, wasted money, wasted time and frustration.

A CO2 Monitor Alarm in Your Kegerator

Placing a CO2 Monitor with alarm inside of your kegerator can serve as another line of defense to protect against co2 leaks and loss. CO2 should not be building up in your kegerator. A CO2 monitor with alarm can alert you of this condition.

Options with WiFi and a companion app are nice because you can get notifications on your compatible phone.

These are affiliate links. Note that multiple variations of these products may be available, as such a different version may appear at these links

Beyond CO2 Levels…

Some models display additional information that can be helpful information about your kegerator. These vary model to model and can sometime include temperature and humidity.

Temperature – monitor your kegerator temperature
Humidity – Help judge whether your Eva Dry (or similar) needs recharged for the purpose of handling excess kegerator and fermentation chamber wetness. See: Damp Kegerator? Fix Kegerator Condensation

Not A Replacement for Checking for Leaks…

A do not consider a CO2 alarm as replacement for thoroughly checking for and addressing leaks. Rather this is another layer that could save you a trip to swap out a CO2 tank.

The Biggest Trouble Spot

Color coded post o-rings. From our Keg Rebuild Post – Jump To: Replace O-Rings

In my opinion the most difficult spot to check and the cause of many a lost CO2 tanks are… gas post o-rings.

Testing at this point using the “spray bottle method” (spray Star San everywhere and check for bubbles) is impossible or at the very least difficult and messy. Leaks will only surface here when a gas QD is actually engaged. The problem is, you can’t easily see that spot when a QD is on.

The problem stated more simply… You need a QD on to see if it’s leaking, but you can’t see it if a QD is on. You can use what I call the pressure gauge method to check for overall leaks. But even using that method you know that you have a leak but it gives no indication where it’s at.

Be quick to replace gas side o-rings… I’m quick to replace gas post (and gas dip tube) o-rings. Beyond slow and no-carbing beers, a bad gas side o-ring can lead to empty tanks. That’s a waste of time and money and it’s frustrating.

These o-rings cost pennies each when you buy them in bulk. Liberally replacing these can save time, money and frustration.

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3 x Bar5F Heavy Duty Chemical Resistant Spray Bottle + Star San Tips & Tricks

3 x Spray Bottles

More Info

From 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.

Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.

Bar5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle (3 Pack, 16 Oz, All Purpose) Heavy Duty Spraying Bottles Leak Proof Mist Empty Water Bottle for Cleaning Solution Planting Pet Adjustable Nozzle, Made in USA – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon

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!

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Color Code Keg Posts for Quick Identification

Valuebrew has an exclusive color coded option for keg post o-rings. Blue and Green. These are sized for ball lock kegs (although there is a workaround for pin lock kegs, see pin lock section below). You can use these however you’d like, but the idea is to color code you keg posts for easy identification. They recommend Blue for Beer and Green for Gas.

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Recondition Keg Handles & Bases with Armor All Protectant

Rubber Handles get dried out and can start to crack. Kegs in this state also tend to leave rubber marks on everything and dirty up your hands quickly. Armor All Protectant works great to reinvigorate rubber handles and bases.

A look at the clean and Armor All Treated Based. Looking nice and shiny.

Search Amazon for “Armor All Cleaner” to shop around for available options

This write-up is part of my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To This Section – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.

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Removing Keg Labels… A Trick That Makes it Easy

As you can see from this photo, this keg had one sticker on it. It mostly goes around the keg. Trying to peel this sticker off yielded… 0 positive progress. It was stuck on the keg, presumably for years. The actual printing itself is completely warn away. I was only able to get very small bits of this sticker off.

I wrapped my Fermwrap heater around the keg and let it warm up for several minutes. The idea here is to warm up the sticker and the old adhesive to make sticker removal easier.

FermWrap FE650-40 Watt...image

FermWrap FE650-40 Watt Fermentation Heater

Eagle Brewing FE650...image

Eagle Brewing FE650 FermWrap Heater

FermWrap - 40...image

FermWrap - 40 Watt Fermentation Heater (10 Count)

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.

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Make Your Kegs Shine with Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is my go-to for deep cleaning stainless, kegs, kettles and such.

If your kegs are dirty, scuffed or have leftover adhesive, a thorough scrub with Bar Keepers Friend may be in order. Just use a scrubby pad or scrubby sponge along with some Bar Keepers Friend and go to work. I recommend using protective gloves.

Search Amazon for “Barkeepers Friend Cleanser” to shop around for available options

This write-up is part of my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To This Section – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.

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Rubbermaid Commercial Bus Tubs for Brew Day and Beyond

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown

More Info

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

The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has rounded corners allowing for a smooth transition between doors and other equipment without damage
The 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box has reinforced handle bottom and ribs for added security when carrying
The Rubbermaid 7-1/8 gallon commercial bus utility box features a 5″ deep capacity along with holding up to 7-1/8 gallon of product
Dimension: 21.5″ x 17-1/8″ x 7″, All-plastic, professional construction, 7-1/8 gallon capacity
Bus/Utility Box, undivided, 7-1/8 gallon, 21-1/2″L x 17-1/8″W x 7″H, reinforced handle, bottom & ribs, rounded corners, dishwasher safe, brown, NSF, S.O.S. (Special Order Smallwares) product
Made of durable, commercial grade plastic, with reinforced handles, bottom and ribs for added strength
Rounded corners for easy cleaning

I use these bus tubs (7 gallon size) on brew day and beyond for a number of purposes.

I use these to cart around gear and ingredients – saving trips back and forth.
As brew day starts, I’ll keep a dry/clean bus tub and a wet/needs to be cleaned bus tub. Having two helps me keep clean things clean. That means less unnecessary cleaning.
If I’m using my pump, I’ll keep one below that. It catches drips and also offers a place to store wet items such as stirring spoons, mash paddles, my mash stirring whisk and my equally invaluable 1 gallon pitchers.
The ridges on the bottom make these a great place to drain and dry just cleaned gear.
When these are unused, they stack together to save space and offer a nice place to store brew day items.
Another potential use: ice down your favorite beverages for get-togethers.
See: Bus Tubs for Brew Day & Beyond – Save Time and Effort When You Homebrew

What are others saying? Search this product’s Amazon reviews for “brew” – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Rubbermaid Commercial Products FG335100BRN Standard Bus/Utility Box, 7.125 Gal, Brown – 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!

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Bar5F Heavy Duty Chemical Resistant Spray Bottle + Star San Tips & Tricks

BAR5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty, Green

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

Trigger Spray Bottle – Fully Adjustable Nozzle – from a fine mist to a jet stream.
Chemical resistant bottle and sprayer.
All purpose; cleaning, house, kitchen, auto, etc

Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.

BAR5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon

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!

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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.

Bar5F Heavy Duty Chemical Resistant Spray Bottle + Star San Tips & Tricks

BAR5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty, Green

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

Trigger Spray Bottle – Fully Adjustable Nozzle – from a fine mist to a jet stream.
Chemical resistant bottle and sprayer.
All purpose; cleaning, house, kitchen, auto, etc

Related: Star San Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – Using Star San In a Spray Bottle – that details the “spray bottle technique” of easily and effectively sanitizing for pennies a batch.

BAR5F Empty Plastic Spray Bottle 32 oz, Chemical Resistant, Professional, Heavy Duty – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Also: Search “Star San” on Amazon

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!

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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.

Make Your Kegs Shine with Bar Keepers Friend

Bar Keepers Friend is my go-to for deep cleaning stainless, kegs, kettles and such. It works wonders. The picture above is from my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To: Section on Bar Keeper’s Friend – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.

Continue reading →

Color Code Keg Posts for Quick Identification

Valuebrew has an exclusive color coded option for keg post o-rings. Blue and Green. These are sized for ball lock kegs (although there is a workaround for pin lock kegs, see pin lock section below). You can use these however you’d like, but the idea is to color code you keg posts for easy identification. They recommend Blue for Beer and Green for Gas. I’m quite excited about these.

Continue reading →

Trouble Cleaning Your Keezer With a Collar? Use a Mop

Pictured: O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket Floor Cleaning System + 2 Extra Refills affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

Adding a collar to my chest freezer based kegerator/keezer was a huge upgrade. It allowed me to switch from messy/drippy picnic taps to forward sealing faucets and a drip tray. It looks great and it works great. Beyond that, I don’t have to deal with sticky tubing and cobra style taps.

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Use a Carbonation Cap To Assist with Closed Transfer Racking

Thank you to Twitter Follower Josh @beardlywine for this tip! Let’s be Friends! – 8 Ways to Connect

Josh uses carbonator caps to assist with closed transfer racking to kegs. If you look at the photo he shared, he’s putting a small length of tubing on the cap and then feeding that through the airlock grommet hole of his fermenter. This same process could be adapted to work with other styles of fermenters.

Carbonator Caps

Ferroday Stainless Carbonation Cap Counter Pressure Bottle Filling With 5/16″ Barb – I’ve used this one and I can confirm the one I received worked with both liquid and gas QDs – Hands on Review
Stainless Carbonation Cap with 5/16″ Barb Ball Lock Type, Fit Most Soft Drink PET Bottles
UP100 Line Cleaning Cap Stainless Carbonation Cap Counter Pressure Bottle Filling,w/ 5/16″ Barb
New offerings regularly pop up. Search Amazon for “stainless steel carbonation cap” to see what’s out there.

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Removing Keg Labels… A Trick That Makes it Easy

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts! This is a Top Post! See: All Top Posts

I use a fermentation heat wrap to help remove stubborn keg labels. The gentle heat helps loosen old adhesive.

Removing Keg Labels… A Trick That Makes it Easy! – a section of our keg rebuild how-to

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Shopping Tip: Homebrew Shop Sales Timing and Traffic Patterns

When is the best time (price-wise) to buy something? I would say the answer (generally speaking)… is when you don’t want it. Winter coats are the cheapest when winter is over because nobody wants them. Holiday decorations are drastically marked down after the holidays. Retailers make these decisions because demand is low.

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Tip: Save Money by Buying Homebrew Keg O-Rings in Bulk

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

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Recondition Keg Handles & Bases with Armor All Protectant

I use Armor All Protectant to help rejuvenate keg rubber keg handles and bases. In my experience, it works wonders. The picture above is from my post on rebuilding kegs – Jump To: Section on reconditioning handles and bases – If you look through the post you’ll see just how good the keg looks at the end.

Continue reading →

Trouble Cleaning Your Keezer With a Collar? Use a Mop

Pictured: O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket Floor Cleaning System + 2 Extra Refills affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

Adding a collar to my chest freezer based kegerator/keezer was a huge upgrade. It allowed me to switch from messy/drippy picnic taps to forward sealing faucets and a drip tray. It looks great and it works great. Beyond that, I don’t have to deal with sticky tubing and cobra style taps.

Continue reading →

Using Polypropylene Lab Bottles to Rehydrate Yeast

Pictured: (12) 500 mL Polypropylene Jars with 53 mm closures by Bel-Art Products affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

Note: This tip involves handling hot items. Always use extreme caution when handling hot items to avoid being scalded.
In my opinion, Polypropylene is a good material for this. It is commonly used in lab bottles and has a higher heat resistance when compared to HDPE and LDPE.
The pictured bottle is what I personally use. There are lots of options out there. Search Amazon for Polypropylene Lab Bottles to see what else may be available, Some things to look for – proper temp ratings, use of food safe materials and microwaveable.
Consult your yeast manufacturer for specific amounts, temperatures and timing recommendations.

Rehydrating Yeast Step by Step

Place the appropriate amount of water in the bottle. Some manufacturers recommend 10 grams of water per 1 gram of yeast. Most packets are 11 grams. That’s 110 grams.
Use an accurate gram scale to weigh the water. For a common measurement like 110 grams, I mark my bottle with a Sharpie so I can easily measure out rehydration water without needing to weigh every time.
Place the lid on top of the bottle. Important: Do not thread or tighten the lid! It will burst if you do that. You just want the lid setting loosely on top so that it can be sanitized by the steam.
Microwave until the water comes to a full boil.
Cooling to Temp, Slow Option: Let the bottle sit with cap loosened until it reaches proper hydration temperature.
Cooling to Temp, Quick Option: Very carefully tighten the cap down. Run cool water over the bottle to reach proper rehydration temp. This is going to be hot, be very careful! I use heat resistant gloves for this. The cooling will most likely cause the container to collapse on itself and could slightly misform it.
I use an Infrared thermometer to check temp as cooling commences. Note that I do not open the bottle to check temp. Just aim the IR thermometer at the mass of water inside the bottle. I’m usually aiming for around 95 deg F.
Sprinkle the dry yeast in the container and place the lid on back on the bottle. Let this sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
Gently swirl bottle to ensure the yeast is thoroughly mixed.
Pitch when you’re ready.
This method ensures a sanitary process. The initial container and water are sanitized and there is no touching of the water with thermometers or stirring devices.
You could use a similar method to produce yeast washing water.
Search Amazon for “Polypropylene Lab Bottles” – Some things to look for – proper temp ratings, use of food safe materials and microwaveable.
Search Amazon for “digital gram scale”
Search Amazon for “infrared thermometer”
Search Amazon for “heat resistant kitchen gloves”
Review: Hands On: American Weigh 100g x 0.01g Digital Scale
Related Categories: Yeast, Scales, Infrared Thermometers

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.

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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!

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Tip: Lodge Pan Scrapers for Cleaning Fermenters

Part of Our Homebrew Tips and Tricks Series. Check out the complete list – Homebrewing Tips, Tricks & Shortcuts!

Credit for this idea goes to Drew Beechum. Drew is the author of Experimental Brewing, Homebrew All Stars and lots more. Check out his Author Page at Amazon to learn more about Drew

Drew Says… “An absolutely underrated tool – particularly for getting stubborn Krausen off of stainless without scratching!”

Lodge Pan Scrapers. Handheld Polycarbonate Cast Iron Pan Cleaners. (2-Pack. Red/Black) – affiliate link, note that multiple variations of this product may be available, as such a different version may appear at this link

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Tip: Lodge Pan Scrapers for Cleaning Fermenters

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