How to Keg & Force Carbonate Homebrew

This Northern Brewer instructional video shows the basic steps of kegging and carbonating your home brewed beer. Learn the ins & outs of any home brew keg system.
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[@Wardog418]

10 years old and this video STILL SLAPS!!! I’ve got a 3 gallon and a 5 gallon keg that I’m about to start kegging on so thanks for not taking this video down. Keep up the kickassary Northern Brewer!

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Man, this comment made my day. Thanks so much!

[@lonewolf9390]

I don't get why so many homebrewers obsess over closed transfers systems and LODO set ups, when all you really have to do is put your siphon hose all the way to the bottom of your keg, fill the keg slowly and gently to prevent splashing, and purge the keg a couple times with co2 after you put the lid on.

[@christiangoudge2402]

Thanks for sharing. A few tips I've discovered over the years. Chill your keg and beer first; CO2 is absorbed faster into cold liquid. Bump the pressure relief valve to clear the head space of air as soon as you hook up the pressure line. I have rigged up my carbonating line to force gas through the "out" side. This pushes the gas to the bottom of the dip tube and helps it absorb into solution as it bubbles up. Carbonation is usually complete in 36 hours or so. I then swap back to the grey gas in side and black out for serving and run around 8-10 psi. Cheers!

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Very awesome advise. Great comment, thanks for that!

[@fuktupboy]

People like you make it possible for others to step out of their comfort zone! Good video.

[@chrisd2424]

Best video on forced carbonating I've found. Everyone else is too unsure or quiet. Thanks!

[@kylewelton6550]

"You are now clear for keg take off" insert launch sound. GOLD!

[@dwinsemius]

I also purged the air above the beer a couple of times with CO2 before applying the carbonation pressure. Bring up to 30 psi, release, repeat, then carbonate.

[@daleinstone1453]

Prime your keg with some CO2 before siphoning the beer from the fermenter to the keg. Helps to lessen the amount of disolved oxygen.

[@chemman14]

I carbonate my lagers in the keg as they are lagering. Then transfer to a clean keg once finished. Also look into natural carbonation for kegs that will be aged. This allows them to carbonate on their own.

[@chrisg5178]

good video but i would suggest purging the keg of air after you transfer/seal the beer in the keg using 6 psi or so and just pulling the vent a couple times. Then turn up the pressure like in the video for force carbing.

[@mattellis4075]

I watched this video 7 years ago. Miss videos from Mike & Chip

[@quack3006]

I just bought a couple of kegs as I was sick of bottling, but had nooooo idea what to do with them. This video has been SUPER helpful, and definitely the best guide I've come across to help someone start out in kegging. Thanks so much!!!

[@josemoreira5265]

Excelent video, i have to say, everything worked just like you said here and now a i am ready to leave carbonating with sugar behind. Thank you!!!

[@alisonhenley353]

always been a bit intimidated by kegging but you are breaking it up for me so well. i really appreciate this video!

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

We also have an in-depth online video course called Kegging 101 that goes over everything in detail. You can watch as many times as you want and/or come back to pieces of information that you need to see again. northern-brewer-university.thinkific.com/courses/kegging-101-introduction-to-kegging

[@robmccauley1073]

Ditch the teflon tape. Never use any type of sealant tape or paste on any type of flare or ball and socket type fittings. It will cause leakes. They are designed to seal w/out that. If you use a type of sealant, it prevents the mating surfaces from sealing buy causing gaps between the 2, Before anyone argues, i have over 30 years in plumbing and Hydraulics Experience.

[@commissardante]

@QXZASX Well, it depends on the keg. Even though a few kegs may be the same style (such as ball lock), the post size can vary from keg to keg. 7/8" and 11/16" are common on the used kegs that I own. They probably didn't want to tell you in the video that you need a 7/8" when your keg may be 7/8" or 11/16" (or possibly some other size) and have you get irritated at the incorrect information. Instead they tell you what tool you can use, but it is up to you to find out what size YOUR keg needs.

[@briansmith6195]

Clearly answered every question I’ve been asking on google and not finding answers to. Great how-to on homebrew kegging 👍

[@e93bausch]

All the 5 gallon corny kegs I have seen have removable post on both sides. They may be different sizes or styles but they all work in the same way. The notches on the one post are for the gas in side Groove = Gas.

[@CM-ef8fu]

ALL you need to know in under 7 minutes, very well done!!! Cheers :-)

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@alexbennett5724]

best force carbonating video ive seen. made it easy for me. thanks

[@bikepunk84]

Cold liquid will accept carbonation more easily (carbonate in a fridge if you get lots of foam, but relatively flat beer)

[@scruffnut3675]

Great vid as usual thx. I force carb my kegs after 24 hours of cooling i set to 40 psi turn turn the keg upside down and shake it, ive worked out a minute and a half is perfect, i tilt the keg upright with pressure still on then disconnect the gas line. Let it settle for atleast 2 hours then burp the keg pressure. Re attach gas ans then attach tap, regulator back to 10 psi and were drinking. Better and smaller bubbles the next day though.

[@mattl9704]

Best straight, no nonsense tutorial. Thank you.

[@riking7]

Thanks man. This is one of the better kegging youtubes I've seen.

[@nickdikken7540]

Thats what i also thought

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Appreciate it! It's an oldie but a goldie for sure.

[@Sarymbo]

Awesome video! I just purchased a kegging set the other week and really didn't know all of the steps in the process. This video straight to the point and very informative.

[@robbigc]

Use a 12 pointed deep socket. It works for mine. I forget the size right off the top of my head. Its either 7/8 or 11/16. They make both. Good luck.

[@pearljameric]

Need to remember to sanitize the beer hose and also purge oxygen from the keg when forcing carbonation.

[@janicekisner2668]

Thank you!

[@hsbc2468]

Thank you for the detailed explanation on using a kegging system

[@winklerchr]

5 gallons usually, they sell them in 2.5 and 3 gallons also. Here's an affordable reconditioned 5 gallon ball-lock style one.

[@technikmotorsport]

Ahh, the days when NB was simply awesome :)

[@afewspokesloose2699]

Old vid but thanks, I learned a lot really quick.

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

That's why we keep the old ones around. Some real gems from the early days of our video work. Cheers!

[@jonf805]

There's enough CO'2 coming out of the beer when you transfer to displace the very small O2 space at the top of the keg, although probably a good measure anyway.

[@ssscorpionnn35]

its interesting with a picnic tap at 10psi you get your beer without foam. genereally with picnic tap, it will pour really fast at 10psi so you will get too much foam.

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

If foaming is an ongoing issue for you, you might have to dial in the length of tubing you use? Hit up our folks at [e-mail] if you want to ask them about it.

[@ssscorpionnn35]

@@NorthernBrewerTV thanks 🥰

[@robinfoster2330]

Really good video. Just curious...where is the faucet you refer to when testing the beer. You mentioned to make sure it was shut.

[@Aegilops]

Robin I think that was a small little black plastic release tap at the end of the hose (it's in Dawson's hand when he's actually pouring the beer into the glass at the end of the video)

[@johneagle1855]

I pressure brew. No need for force carbing as it's all ready done.

[@jonajones530]

Your videos are friggin awesome. Thanks for the clear and simple advice.

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

awesome timeless tutorial

[@axelcampos4851]

First time co2 kegger here. Did a understand right and you leave the co2 connected to the keg for 2 to 3 days?

[@christophere9200]

excellent info just what I needed .........thanks

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lawrencemason4650]

Hey Man. Just want to say thanks for this video. Nice and concise and very easy to follow. I am using a corny to carbonate some homemade tonic water! Its currently carbonating....fingers crossed!!!

[@_dedona]

That easy? Might ditch these bottles and move to kegging. Good to know I can pour direct from keg for now without getting all fancy with taps etc.

[@xander0713]

Sweet video..all pretty overwhelming at first but I think it's pretty straight forward.

[@codylane111]

Such a dry video, but perfectly done. Succinct and informative. Thanks!

[@drankurbaruah]

Awesome! Thanks

[@matthewrs7]

Stupid question: Is the beer warm? How do you make it cold in a keg?

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Not a dumb question. This beer was room temperature when put into the keg. The keg is then put into the fridge or keezer to chill while carbonating to serving temperature and carbonation level. You could also put the fermenter in the fridge before kegging to "cold crash" it and get it very clear. CO2 also is more quickly soluble at lower temps so it's a win-win.

[@1978garfield]

@@NorthernBrewerTV I assume room temp carbonating would not work very well.

[@outofstep6026]

Great video. Thanks. If you want to continue carbonating, why do you need to remove the liquid line (as mentioned toward end of video)?

[@ArchieLuxtonGB]

My guess - the valve on the serving end of the liquid line is not designed to withstand that kind of pressure. The valve on the keg that the line attaches to will be designed to withstand the high pressure of ~20psi.

[@JeepingNet]

I've always rolled the keg back and forth when I first force carbonate. I find it takes less time to force carbonate this way.. Anything wrong with this method?

[@hailey5006]

Thanks, first time using this system and glad I found your video

[@craigpuccetti9302]

I agree excellent video! Is it OK to cool beer while force carbonating so it is nice an cool when ready to serve?

[@briansmith6195]

Craig Puccetti I have read elsewhere that it is actually preferable to force carbonate at serving temperatures because the beer absorbs the co2 better at lower temperatures.

[@almondecks3]

Yes, cool to serving temp for over 24hours then carbonate. Dont be in a hurry, you just spent over 2 weeks on this beer.

[@TheMHGuild]

Can you use this kegger to bottle with a wand?

[@nickfrank1]

i think i glass full is too much, i might have overcarbonated it but i keep releasing the pressure and it doesnt seem to have an effect neither does changing the length of the beer line

[@RoswellGator]

Once the keg/beer is carbonated how do I store the keg? Do I need to disconnect the gas tank or leave it connected? Do I need to bleed out the carbonation or leave it in there?

[@rappy90]

If you want to age the beer for a bit in the keg first, should it be carbonated THEN aged? Or aged first, then carbonated?

[@kedricwilliams5287]

Thanks! Great video!

[@BeerZerkeraidean]

Great Vid Man ! Can't wait to have some all grain ESB on tap !

[@ZwienerZ]

So you don't need priming sugar before you keg? I've only bottled and every time before I do it says to add the sugar. I'm going to keg for the first time in a couple weeks. Thanks.

[@zag5434]

How do I know which one is the gas in?

[@QXZASX]

What would have polished this video off NB, would have been "WHAT" size socket to use on the gas and the liquid side popets.

[@themonster5607]

QXZASX tfz

[@PapaShongo25]

Do you disconnect the CO2 tank from the keg after it’s done carbonating?

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

No. You can just dial it down to serving pressure, say about 4-8 psi.

[@kevbou911]

is what it is problematic if our pressurized keg is left at 20 or 30 psi for carbonation more than 2 or 3 weeks? What pressure should be put in the keg for storage if you do not use the keg right after carbonization?

[@ajinkyagaikwad8710]

What temperature do we need to keep the keg at while carbonating?

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

You can carbonate a beer at any temperature, but the colder the beer is the quicker it will carbonate as CO2 forces itself into solution sooner in colder liquids. Personally, I keg all of my beverages in my kegerator ~ 40F. But if you're in a pinch for space, you can totally carbonate at room temperature ever. Just not a good idea for beer to be left at room temperature for too long before getting it cold because it can stale, oxidize, etc. if not properly stored cold.

[@JH-qqqqqiim]

About to keg beer for the first time! American Stout!

[@howlingmedia4354]

Is that a type of keg that gots like a built in carb stone in it ?

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

No carb stone on this keg. It's force-carbonated via a short dip tube on the "in" side of the keg.

[@p3brews736]

how long do you let sanitized kegs dry before filling? assuming it's longer if i used iodine over oxy clean, no?

[@1978garfield]

Would this work for carbonating cider as well?

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Indeed it does. Beer, cider, mead, kombucha. I generally set the psi a bit higher for hard ciders to make them a bit more bubbly.

[@coachmoe2026]

Norther Brewer what will be the C02 purge process/system if I'm canning my beer vs using a keg system???

[@mastadon420]

Everything i have read so far has said never use Teflon tape one compression threads like on the co2 tank / regulater

[@JasonPutnik]

I have a question about removing the ball valve posts. I have a Corny keg with the black rubber top and handles and the posts look completely different. One of the posts looks like it might fit a socket >3/4" but the other one is notched all around, may or may not fit a large bit (that I don't currently own). Does anyone know if these are removable or should I just fill the keg with sanitized solution and run it through the tap to sanitize the dip tube? Thanks!

[@KevinMichaelMichael]

great video! I will be moving to the kegging world soon!

[@Majnun74]

Can you pour from keg into bottles (and then cap)?

[@robertmillspaugh8024]

No CO2 purge before filling?

[@nerfinator03]

Robert Millspaugh he filled it then vented then repressurized

[@jujosaar]

@@nerfinator03 Nope. That was AFTER 2-3 days and force carbonating.

[@neilmcca]

Thanks a lot for this video, I have just started on homebrewing and i'm using cornelius kegs, I'm using Coopers kits, i'm currently carbonating my first batch at 25psi (since yesterday), how soon is it likely to be ready to drink ? Neil.

[@davidgordon319]

Great introductory Video, thankyou.

[@VegasJPH]

damn. I've been bottling and waiting for the priming sugar to work it's magic. Where can I find kegs like that & how big is that one in gallons?

[@hollywood2306]

Could you fill this with nitro can Guinness and use your taps

[@jackkerouac8439]

Great video, thank you. I am about to keg my first 5 gallon batch and planned to carbonate between 10-12psi, which I read takes between 12-14 days. Not sure if this is right though; everyone seems to say something a bit different on this subject. So do I have this straight: turning up the co2 basically carbonates the beer faster? I'm guessing exceeding 30psi is not recommended.

[@almondecks3]

I force carbonate @ 40psi for 24-26 hours. Depending on who light or dark the beer is.

[@jd5787]

Hi, great video. I am doing Kombucha and not beer and the family's consumption issss going up and up so bottling is no longer a viable option for me. IS there residual o2 in the keg after pressurizing? (is it possible to remove it if there is?) thanks!

[@b.e.d.brewing3909]

I have found a better leak check is to submerge the keg - otherwise I have a hard time finding the leaks :-/

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

S.M.A.R.T.

[@FatherSamuelx]

The Co2 tank is left on with valves open for the 2 days right??

[@brandondyer642]

Any videos on adding nitrogen or beer gas?

[@nukeyourhouse]

Excellent upload mate.

[@mjlapaglia]

thanks for the straight forward video!

[@nickfrank1]

What if you receive too much head? What should you do?

[@user-um6ep1yq1v]

This video leaves out a couple of important steps and is unclear about cleaning vs. sanitizing. Firstly, always sanitize your keg before siphoning or transferring beer into it. If the keg is dirty, clean it first, preferably with a brush, rinse it, and then sanitize it. Be sure you have washed your hands thoroughly before sanitizing and assembly. Secondly, be sure to remove the valve seal (the little metal center of the valve with the "O" ring on it) and spring from the valve post. (when assembling, the long end goes into the small end of the spring) They need to be cleaned and sanitized as well as beer and microbes can get caught in them. Thirdly, unscrew the pressure relief valve and remove the large "O" ring from the cleaning port cover. Crud can build up in either and will stay in there if they are not removed.

[@theflyingdutchman787]

Really nice video! Very informative. Thank you.

[@paulvanjaff]

when i pour a glass, all what i obtain is pure foam. i did all what you said, but it is a lot of foam and then the liquid has cero carbonatation, what can i do?

[@god2many]

Do you know a good site to buy new kegs? all i could find was used corny kegs.

[@TATORULESFOREVER]

Great video!! Have 2 questions do: 1) You dont shake your keg at all? 2) Have your ever attempted to force carbonate ina plastic carboy? I cant find a decent keg in my country. So I started wondering since i`ve seen oter videos of force carbonation in plastica bottles if it could be donde in a plastic carboy (like thosse used for tap water). Thanks a bounch.

[@TheSireverard]

Carboys (plastic or otherwise) aren't rated for that pressure. You *might* get away with using a low pressure and a lot of shaking at cold temperatures, but you're risking an explosion.

[@cryptkeeper4727]

was beer in keg cold or room temp? If it was cold was CO2 cylinder with the keg inside of the cooling unit?

[@byronmarais]

You answered this question wondering if it will help someone later. And it did!

[@johnsents1423]

If the tank is in the keezer - should I lower the force carbonation PSI below 20? The cold changes the PSI reading on the co2 regulator, right? Does that impact the amount of time that I need to force carbonate? (2-3 days)?

[@cattigereyes1]

Informative information! Good to know!

[@toenyo]

Thanks for the info... HI Does anyone know if I can force carbonate my 20L 30L or 50L Kegs, With Soda Stream Type Gas Bottles... I have lots of soda stream gas bottle thanks

[@Jambivids]

great video , very informative

[@vsoton]

hi, great video! what is the temp of beer for the carbonation in this tutorial?

[@NorthernBrewerTV]

Off hand, I can't remember. But the colder you can make a beer before racking to keg the quicker it will carbonate. But you can also just rack to keg at room temperature. If you're not in a hurry to get the beer on tap either will work.

[@agentPLINY]

Another great video, Dawson!

[@jujosaar]

A really, really good video but could be perfect. I noticed a few failures in this video (and I'm just a beginner at kegging): 1. Not mentioning that the keg needs to be cleaned prior sanitizing it 2. Not purging prior force carbonating 3. Not sanitizing the liquid line and tap 4. Well, dunno if it is an actual failure but the line has waay too wide inner diameter, producing lots of foam

[@freewill13152]

no priming sugar ?

[@winklerchr]

my bad, go to morebeer.com, they have affordable rebuilt ones.

[@jshannon2k8]

That's a nice corny! I'm still using my old faithful, the Pepsi Co deluxxxe haha.

[@cubalz3806]

Great video!!!!!