Co2 Tanks, Nitro Tanks & Accessories

Kegging beer is very convenient as it allows homebrewers to store (and serve) their beer in larger quantities. Unlike bottling beer manually, homebrewers can dispense draft beer from their Cornelius keg and kegerators.

To build a kegging system, home brewers need a few extra pieces of equipment and tools. One of the essential parts used in this system is a Nitrogen or Carbon dioxide (CO2) tank. Connecting a tank with dispensing gas is necessary to provide carbonation to the beer. It also pushes the beer out from the Sanke or Cornelius keg and into your glass.

When buying a CO2 tank, most homebrewers often get the five-pound tank because it is easier to transport. But if you are planning on dispensing a lot of beer, opting for a 20-pound tank is a better option. Moreover, for safety purposes, choose a Nitro or CO2 tank that is certified. Need details on which tanks may be filled and transported in Canada? Take a look at the new FAQ on Cylinders and Tubes - Transport Canada.

Most CO2 tanks are empty when you first get them (any tanks purchased and shipped from OBK are empty) and you will have to take it to a beverage supplier or a fire extinguisher supplier to have it filled. While filling the tank with CO2, its surface will feel cold. Before you connect the regulator to the tank, let it settle for at least 24 hours or until the surface of the tank has returned to room temperature.

When carbonating the beer, connect the tank to the keg and set the regulator to the pressure (PSI) that is appropriate. If you are not sure what volume to use, 2.0 of carbon dioxide seems to be what most homebrews choose.

Another option is Nitrogen cylinders. Nitrogen is another gas used when dispensing homebrews under high pressure. You will find that nitrogen gas gives you that perfect creamy head when combined with a stout spout. Getting your pour just right does takes some experimenting, but 30 - 35 PSI seems to work best with most systems.

Carbonation is part art and part science. Here at Ontario Beer Kegs, we provide different models of Carbon dioxide gas tanks that you can use for your kegging system. Our gas tanks can hold various capacities from 2.5 pounds to 20 pounds. Be sure to pick the one that is appropriate for your kegging and dispensing system.