Whether you’re a bar owner trying to optimize your inventory, an event planner figuring out logistics, or a homebrewer looking for the right storage solution, understanding keg sizes and weights is essential.
But just how much does a keg weigh? This guide will break down everything you need to know about keg weights, sizes, and the calculations involved.
We’ll cover the different keg sizes available, their empty and full weights, how much beer they hold, and the key factors to consider when choosing the right keg for your needs.
Common Keg Sizes and Their Dimensions
Kegs come in several different sizes, each designed for a specific purpose. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common types you’ll encounter.
Half Barrel Keg (Full Keg)
- Capacity: Holds 15.5 gallons of beer—that’s about 124 pints!
- Dimensions: Standard dimensions are roughly 16 1/8 inches in diameter and 23 3/8 inches tall.
- Common Usage: This is the workhorse of the beer world, often found in bars and restaurants pouring popular domestic beers.
Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg)
- Capacity: Holds 7.75 gallons of beer, or about 62 pints.
- Dimensions: These kegs are typically around 16 1/8 inches in diameter and 13 7/8 inches tall.
- Common Usage: A good choice for smaller parties or when you want to offer guests a couple of different beer options.
Sixth Barrel Keg (Sixtel)
- Capacity: Holds 5.16 gallons of beer, roughly 41 pints.
- Dimensions: Expect a diameter of about 9 1/4 inches and a height of 23 3/8 inches.
- Common Usage: Sixtels are gaining popularity because they’re easier to handle and work with a wide range of dispensing systems.
50 Liter Keg (European Barrel)
- Capacity: Holds approximately 13.2 gallons of beer, which equals about 105 pints.
- Dimensions: These kegs usually measure around 15 3/4 inches in diameter and 20 1/2 inches tall.
- Common Usage: Often used for imported beers, giving you a taste of Europe right from the tap.
Empty Keg Weights
Knowing how much a keg weighs when it’s empty is important for two reasons. First, it can help you estimate how much the keg will weigh when it’s full. Second, it gives you an idea of how much effort it will take to move or handle the keg.
- Half Barrel Keg: About 30 lbs.
- Quarter Barrel Keg: About 22 lbs.
- Sixth Barrel Keg: About 15 lbs.
- 50 Liter Keg: About 27 lbs.
- Cornelius Keg: About 10.5 lbs.
Keep in mind that these weights can vary a little bit, depending on who made the keg and what it’s made of.
How much do full kegs weigh?
Knowing the weight of a full keg is important for a couple of reasons. First, so you can lift and move it safely! Second, so you can choose the right dispensing equipment.
Here are some approximate weights for common keg sizes:
- Half Barrel: ~160 lbs
- Quarter Barrel: ~87 lbs
- Sixth Barrel: ~58 lbs
- 50 Liter Keg: ~130 lbs
- Cornelius Keg: ~55 lbs
Keep in mind that these are approximate weights. The exact weight can vary depending on a few things:
- Type of Beer: Some beers are denser than others.
- Keg Material: Different kegs are made of different materials.
Calculating beer quantities in different keg sizes
So, how much beer are we talking about here? Here’s a breakdown of how many servings you can expect to pour from different keg sizes:
Half Barrel Keg
- 12 oz servings: 165
- 16 oz servings: 124
- 20 oz servings: 99
Quarter Barrel Keg
- 12 oz servings: 82
- 16 oz servings: 62
- 20 oz servings: 50
Sixth Barrel Keg
- 12 oz servings: 55
- 16 oz servings: 41
- 20 oz servings: 33
50 Liter Keg
- 12 oz servings: ~140
- 16 oz servings: ~105
Cornelius Keg
- 12 oz servings: ~53
- 16 oz servings: ~40
Keep in mind that these are approximate numbers. Your mileage may vary depending on factors like foam and spillage.
Things to consider when choosing a keg
So, you’re ready to buy a keg? Awesome. Here are some things to keep in mind to help you pick the right one:
- How much beer do you need? Think about how many people you’re expecting and how much they’re likely to drink. Also, remember that pasteurized beer lasts longer than unpasteurized.
- How much space do you have? Make sure you have enough room to store the keg and set up the tap. Kegs can be bulky, and you’ll need space to maneuver.
- What kind of tap are you using? Is your tap compatible with the keg size you want? If you’re using a kegerator at home, that might influence your decision.
- What’s your budget? Compare the cost per serving of a keg versus buying cans or bottles. And don’t forget to factor in the cost of cups and the tap system.
- What kind of beer do you want? Some beers might only be available in specific keg sizes. Think about what your guests (or you!) like to drink.
Keg Materials and Durability
Almost all commercial kegs are made of stainless steel. This is because stainless steel is durable, resists corrosion, and is easy to clean, which is important when you’re storing and dispensing beverages.
While other materials might exist, stainless steel is the industry standard, so it’s what you’ll likely encounter. For long-term use, it’s always a good idea to choose kegs from reputable brands. This helps ensure you’re getting a high-quality container that will last.
How to store and handle kegs
Kegs are heavy and need to be handled with care to prevent injury or damage.
- Always store kegs upright. This helps prevent damage and keeps the beer fresher.
- Keep them refrigerated. Proper refrigeration will help your beer taste better and keep it from spoiling.
- Take care when transporting kegs. You don’t want to dent or puncture them.
- Use a dolly or hand truck. Don’t try to lift or carry a full keg by yourself.
Key Takeaways
Knowing how much a keg weighs and how much beer it holds is essential for good beer service and inventory management.
Whether you’re planning a party or running a bar, having this information helps you order appropriately, handle kegs safely, and avoid running out.
And correctly handling your kegs can lower your costs and keep your customers happy.