Homebrew Kegging Setup Guide: From CO2 Tank to Tap

Key takeaways

• A complete homebrew kegging setup consists of a CO2 cylinder, regulator, gas and beer lines, disconnects, a keg (usually a Cornelius keg), and some form of tap or faucet.
• Cornelius kegs come in different sizes and connection types; understanding ball lock vs pin lock before buying will save you money and frustration later.
• Think carefully about where you will chill and serve your beer: many brewers build kegerators or use existing fridges, and keg height and diameter are critical for fit.
• For a quick, low-effort draft option, pre-filled kegs like a San Miguel 6 L keg for PerfectDraft machines can be a convenient alternative, although they do not replace a full homebrew system.
• Plan your gas system for the future: buying a quality dual-gauge regulator and a suitably sized CO2 cylinder up front usually costs less than upgrading later.

Why this category matters

Once you move beyond your first few batches of beer, the limits of bottling become obvious. Bottles are time-consuming to clean, sanitise and fill, and it is hard to keep carbonation levels consistent across a batch. A well-designed kegging setup transforms the whole experience: you can carbonate precisely, serve instantly, and enjoy clear, draught-quality beer without chasing bottle bombs or flat pints.

From a flavour perspective, kegging offers better control. You can adjust CO2 pressure to suit different styles, reduce oxygen exposure by closed transfers, and maintain stable serving temperatures. Instead of guessing how much priming sugar a beer needs, you dial in your regulator and let the gas do the work. When you want to fine-tune carbonation on a pale ale or knock it back a little for a stout, you simply tweak the pressure setting.

The kegging category also matters because it shapes how you design your brewing and serving space. The keg you choose affects what fridge or kegerator you can use, how many beers you can serve at once, and even how easy it is to move your setup around for parties or garden gatherings. Understanding the difference between Cornelius and Sanke kegs, or between ball lock and pin lock connections, will help you choose gear that integrates smoothly with your home and your brewing ambitions. If you are still comparing keg types, it is worth reading a deeper guide on Cornelius vs Sanke kegs for homebrew, as that decision underpins the rest of your setup.

Finally, getting the right kegging equipment has long-term cost implications. While the initial investment is higher than bottles, kegs are reusable for years, and a solid regulator, lines and taps will see you through batch after batch. Spend wisely at the start and you will have a modular system that is easy to maintain and upgrade, rather than a jumble of mismatched parts that are hard to troubleshoot.

How to choose

Choosing a homebrew kegging setup starts with your goals and your available space. First, think about how many beers you want on tap at once. If you usually brew one batch at a time, a single-keg system with room to add another later might be ideal. If you like splitting batches, brewing small experimental beers, or always having a lager conditioning, planning for two or three kegs and a larger fridge or chest freezer will save you from upgrading too soon.

Next, consider the type and size of keg. Most homebrewers opt for Cornelius (Corny) kegs because they are easy to open, clean and maintain. They come in various capacities, such as 5 litre, 9.5 litre, 18–19 litre and above, and different heights and diameters. Matching keg dimensions to your chosen fridge or kegerator is critical; an otherwise perfect setup can be ruined if your kegs will not fit under the shelf or around a compressor hump. For more detail on dimensions and capacities, see a dedicated guide to homebrew keg sizes.

The gas system is the next major decision. A standard setup uses a refillable CO2 cylinder, a regulator that controls pressure, gas line, and gas disconnects that attach to your kegs. Decide whether you want a single-gauge or dual-gauge regulator: dual-gauge models show both output pressure and remaining cylinder pressure, which makes it easier to avoid running out of gas mid-party. You should also think about whether you want a single-output regulator (one pressure for all kegs) or a dual-body or multi-output regulator that allows you to run different pressures for different beers.

Finally, choose how you will dispense the beer. A simple picnic tap attached to the beer line is fine for occasional use and testing, but many brewers prefer a proper faucet mounted on a fridge door, a tower on a kegerator, or a portable tap for outdoor use. Consider the materials (stainless steel vs chrome-plated brass), flow control options, and how easy it will be to clean. While you are planning your taps, you can also look at accessories like drip trays to catch spills, and whether a pre-filled tap keg option, such as the Stella Artois Unfiltered keg for PerfectDraft, might complement your homebrew setup for times when you want a commercial beer on tap.

Common mistakes

One of the most frequent mistakes is buying kegs before checking fridge or kegerator dimensions carefully. An extra few centimetres in keg height or diameter can mean the door will not close or the lid of a chest freezer will not shut. Always measure your available space, including any internal shelves, compressor humps or door mouldings, and compare those figures to the external dimensions of the kegs you are considering. Remember to allow space for gas and beer disconnects on top of the kegs as well.

Another common error is underestimating the importance of gas management. Some brewers buy small disposable CO2 cartridges and basic regulators, only to find they run out of gas quickly and have no clear indication of pressure. Investing in a refillable cylinder and a robust dual-gauge regulator pays off over time and provides stable carbonation. Poor-quality regulators can creep (let pressure rise unexpectedly) or fail to hold a setting accurately, leading to over-carbonated or under-carbonated beer and a lot of frustration.

Many people also misjudge line length and diameter. Gas and beer line sizes affect how your beer pours: too short or wide a beer line and you may get foamy, gassy pours; too long or narrow and the flow may be painfully slow. It is tempting to buy whatever tubing is cheapest or readily available, but taking the time to choose appropriate line dimensions for your serving pressure will result in a much smoother experience. Similarly, mixing up ball lock and pin lock disconnects, or using incompatible posts on kegs, can cause leaks and connection problems. If you are unsure, a focused guide on ball lock vs pin lock kegs can help you avoid mismatches.

Finally, some brewers overlook cleaning and maintenance when planning their purchase. A great kegging system is only as good as your cleaning routine. Choosing kegs that are easy to open and clean, lines that can be removed and flushed, and taps that can be disassembled will make it much easier to keep your beer fresh and free from off-flavours. Accessories such as venting pegs for cask-style serving, for example a bag of soft wooden venting pegs, should also be stored and used hygienically to avoid contamination.

Top homebrew kegging options

There are multiple ways to enjoy draught beer at home. The classic homebrew approach is a Cornelius keg system with a CO2 cylinder and tap. Alongside that, compact countertop machines and cask-style setups offer different experiences for serving beer. Below are a few product types that can complement your main kegging system or provide an easy starting point while you plan a full setup.

The examples here focus on pre-filled kegs for tap machines and simple cask accessories. While these products do not replace a full Cornelius kegging rig, they can be useful stepping stones or side options for entertaining, experimenting with different serving styles, or enjoying commercial beers alongside your homebrew.

San Miguel 6 L Keg for PerfectDraft

If you like the idea of draught beer at home but are not ready to buy a full CO2 cylinder, regulator and Cornelius keg, a tap machine with compatible kegs can be a low-effort way to get started. The San Miguel 6 L keg for PerfectDraft machines is a pre-filled option designed to work in a dedicated dispensing appliance. The keg slots into the machine, which handles chilling and dispensing without you needing to manage gas cylinders or carbonation levels.

For homebrewers, this type of keg can be a way to enjoy a familiar lager on tap while your own beer is fermenting or conditioning. It is convenient and tidy, with minimal cleaning compared to a full kegging setup. However, you cannot refill it with your own beer or adjust the carbonation, and you are limited to the beers offered for the system. If you want complete control over recipes, carbonation and serving, you will eventually want to build a traditional kegging setup alongside this sort of machine. Still, having a plug-and-play 6 L keg can be useful for gatherings when you want a reliable, well-known lager on tap without extra preparation.

Stella Artois Unfiltered 6 L Keg for PerfectDraft

Another option in the same family is the Stella Artois Unfiltered 6 L keg for PerfectDraft. Like other kegs for tap machines, this is a sealed, single-use container designed to slot into the compatible appliance. The machine regulates temperature and pressure automatically, giving you an easy route to consistent pours without any knowledge of gas line balancing or regulator settings.

This kind of keg offers variety if you enjoy commercial beers as well as your own homebrew. You could, for instance, keep a lineup of homebrew styles in your main Cornelius kegs while using a separate tap machine and kegs like this one for guests who prefer familiar options. The limitation is, once again, that you are tied to specific brands and you cannot re-use the keg for your own beer. As an accessory to a complete kegging setup rather than a replacement, however, a pre-filled 6 L keg can be a straightforward way to add variety to your home bar.

Soft Wood Venting Pegs for Cask-Style Beer

Not every homebrew serving setup relies on pressurised kegs. Some brewers enjoy mimicking cask-ale service, where beer is conditioned and dispensed with minimal added CO2. For this style of serving, venting and conditioning the cask correctly is essential. A pack such as the soft wood venting pegs for beer barrels provides porous spiles that can be used to control carbonation and vent excess gas from a cask or firkin.

These pegs are most relevant if you are building a cask-style setup using traditional barrels or cask-like vessels with keystones and shives, rather than standard Cornelius kegs. The porous wood allows CO2 to escape while keeping out larger contaminants, helping balance carbonation before serving. They are consumable items, so buying a pack of multiple pegs makes sense if you plan to explore this route. You will still need to manage hygiene carefully, ensure the cask is stored at appropriate temperature, and accept a shorter serving window compared to force-carbonated kegged beer. Used with care, a bag of venting pegs can help you experiment with cask-style conditioning alongside your regular CO2 kegging system.

Think of these products as complementary tools rather than a full replacement for a Cornelius-based kegging system. They can add variety and convenience while you develop your core setup.

Conclusion

Building a homebrew kegging setup from CO2 tank to tap is a significant but rewarding step. By understanding each component — from the choice of keg type and size, to the regulator, gas lines, beer lines, disconnects and taps — you can design a system that matches your brewing style, fits your available space and serves beer exactly the way you like it. Paying attention to future expansion, cleaning and maintenance from the start will keep your setup flexible and reliable.

As you refine your kegging system, you may also want to complement it with other ways of serving beer at home. Pre-filled kegs such as the San Miguel 6 L PerfectDraft keg or the Stella Artois Unfiltered PerfectDraft keg can give you effortless, ready-to-pour options alongside your own creations. Cask-style accessories, like wooden venting pegs, open up yet another serving tradition if you want to explore it.

With thoughtful planning and carefully chosen parts, your kegging setup will serve you for countless batches, turning each brew day into a steady supply of draught-quality beer on tap at home.