Picture this: it’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, and you’re getting ready to host a party with your friends- and “how much does a keg weigh” keeping your brain occupied. You have the perfect playlist, the snacks are ready, and the drinks are chilled. But then, you realize you have no idea how much a keg weighs.
You start to panic, wondering if you’ll be able to lift it, how to transport it, and whether it will fit in your fridge. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of kegs and explore just how much they weigh. The best standard keg is the 1/2 Barrel Sankey Commercial Keg available at Amazon.
From the standard sizes to the different materials, we’ll answer all your questions and give you the knowledge you need to confidently host your next event. So sit back, relax, and let’s dive in!
How Much Does a Keg Weigh?
The U.S. 1⁄2 barrel keg with a height of 23.3 inches will weigh 161.5 pounds (72.8 kg) for a Full keg and 29.7 pounds (13.5 kg) for an empty keg. The most common keg sizes are the half barrel, quarter barrel, and sixth barrel, with weights ranging from 87 to 140 pounds.
A keg is a container used for storing and dispensing beer or other beverages. The weight of a keg depends on its size and the material it is made of. Here’s a table describing different keg sizes and their corresponding weights in pounds and kilograms, as well as their approximate volume in gallons:
| Keg Size | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Volume (gallons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Half Barrel | 161.5 | 72.8 | 15.5 |
| Quarter Barrel | 87 | 39.5 | 7.75 |
| Sixth Barrel | 55 | 24.9 | 5.16 |
| Cornelius Keg | 49 | 22.2 | 5 |
| Mini Keg | 5-15 | 2.3-6.8 | 1.32 |
| Beer Ball | 55 | 24.9 | 5 |
It’s worth noting that keg sizes can vary depending on the region or country. Additionally, some kegs, like Cornelius kegs and mini kegs, are not as commonly used in commercial settings as half, quarter, and sixth barrels. Regardless of size, kegs are an essential part of the beer industry and are used to transport and dispense beer in a variety of settings, from large parties to commercial establishments.
A half barrel, also known as a full-size keg, is the most commonly used size in the United States. It can hold up to 15.5 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 165 12-ounce cans. A half-barrel keg weighs around 160 pounds when it is full and 30 pounds when it is empty.
A quarter barrel, also known as a pony keg, is half the size of a half barrel and can hold up to 7.5 gallons of beer. This is equivalent to 82 12-ounce cans. A quarter barrel keg weighs around 87 pounds when it is full and 18 pounds when it is empty.
A sixth barrel, also known as a sixtel, is one-third the size of a half barrel and can hold up to 5.16 gallons of beer, which is equivalent to 56 12-ounce cans. A sixth barrel keg weighs around 55 pounds when it is full and 13 pounds when it is empty.
Kegs are typically made of either stainless steel or aluminum. Stainless steel kegs are heavier than aluminum kegs, with a full stainless steel half barrel weighing around 170 pounds compared to an aluminum half barrel weighing around 30 pounds when empty.
However, stainless steel kegs are more durable and can last for decades, while aluminum kegs are lightweight and more easily transported. Ultimately, the weight of a keg will depend on its size, material, and whether it is full or empty.
Full Keg (Half Keg)
The full keg, also known as a half keg, is the largest standard size of keg used in the United States, holding up to 15.5 gallons or 58.7 liters of beer. When full, a half keg can weigh around 161.5 pounds or 72.8 kilograms, with most of that weight coming from the beer itself. The dimensions of a half keg are typically around 16 inches in diameter and 23 inches tall.
A full keg can hold approximately 165 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer, or around 124 16-ounce pints, making it the perfect size for large events or gatherings. When served at a standard serving size of 12 ounces, a full keg can provide up to 55 servings.
A half keg is a popular choice for commercial establishments such as bars and restaurants, as well as for large parties and events where a lot of beer will be consumed.
50-liter keg
The 50-liter keg is a popular size for kegs used in Europe and other parts of the world, holding just over 13 gallons or 50 liters of beer. When full, a 50-liter keg can weigh around 130-150 pounds or 59-68 kilograms, depending on the specific type of beer and the materials used in the keg. The dimensions of a 50-liter keg are typically around 16 inches in diameter and 24 inches tall.
A 50-liter keg can hold approximately 140 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer, or around 105 16-ounce pints. When served at a standard serving size of 12 ounces, a 50-liter keg can provide up to 58 servings. This makes it a popular size for both commercial establishments and for large parties or events.
It’s important to note that keg sizes and serving sizes can vary depending on the country or region. Additionally, different types of beer may have different carbonation levels or pour differently, affecting the number of servings that can be obtained from a keg. However, a 50-liter keg is a versatile size that can provide plenty of beer for a wide variety of occasions.
Quarter Barrel Keg (Pony Keg)
The quarter barrel keg, also known as a pony keg, is a smaller-sized keg commonly used for smaller gatherings or events. It holds approximately 7.75 gallons or 29.33 liters of beer, and when full, it can weigh around 87 pounds or 39.5 kilograms. The dimensions of a quarter barrel keg are typically around 15 inches in diameter and 14 inches tall.
A quarter barrel keg can hold approximately 82 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer, or around 62 16-ounce pints. When served at a standard serving size of 12 ounces, a quarter barrel keg can provide up to 34 servings. This makes it a popular choice for smaller events or for those who want a smaller quantity of beer on hand.
A quarter-barrel keg is a great option for those who want to have a small amount of beer on hand without committing to a larger, more expensive keg.
Sixth barrel keg (Sixtel)
The sixth barrel keg, also known as a sixtel, is a small size keg used for serving beer at events or gatherings with a smaller number of people. It holds approximately 5.16 gallons or 19.5 liters of beer, and when full, it can weigh around 55 pounds or 25 kilograms. The dimensions of a sixth barrel keg are typically around 9 inches in diameter and 23 inches tall.
A sixth barrel keg can hold approximately 56 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer, or around 42 16-ounce pints. When served at a standard serving size of 12 ounces, a sixth barrel keg can provide up to 23 servings. This makes it a popular choice for homebrewers, small events, or those who want to have a smaller quantity of beer on hand.
A sixth-barrel keg is a great option for those who want to have a smaller quantity of beer on hand without committing to a larger, more expensive keg.
Cornelius keg
The Cornelius keg, also known as a Corny keg, is a small keg used primarily by homebrewers or for serving beer at small events or gatherings. The best Cornelius Keg is AMCYL New 5 Gallon Ball Lock Keg available at Amazon. It was originally designed for use in soda fountains and typically holds around 5 gallons or 18.9 liters of beer.
When full, a Cornelius keg can weigh around 50-60 pounds or 23-27 kilograms, depending on the specific type of beer and materials used in the keg. The dimensions of a Cornelius keg are typically around 8.5 inches in diameter and 25 inches tall.
A Cornelius keg can hold approximately 53 12-ounce cans or bottles of beer, or around 40 16-ounce pints. When served at a standard serving size of 12 ounces, a Cornelius keg can provide up to 21 servings. This makes it a popular choice for homebrewers who want to have a small amount of beer on hand.
A Cornelius keg is a great option for those who want to have a smaller quantity of beer on hand without committing to a larger, more expensive keg. It can also be easily stored in a home refrigerator or kegerator, making it a convenient option for home use. Most prefer using a growler or crowler instead of a Cornelius keg.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keg sizes can vary widely and are often chosen based on the specific needs of an event or gathering. Full kegs, half kegs, 50-liter kegs, quarter barrel kegs, sixth barrel kegs, and Cornelius kegs all have different capacities and dimensions. Understanding these differences can help you select the right keg for your needs.
To summarize the information provided in this article, below is a table that shows the different keg sizes and their corresponding weights and capacities:
| Keg Size | Weight (lbs) | Weight (kg) | Capacity (gallons) | Capacity (liters) | Approx. Cans/Bottles | Approx. Pints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full (Half) Keg | 161.5 | 72.8 | 15.5 | 58.67 | 165 | 124 |
| 50 Liter Keg | 130 | 59 | 13.2 | 50 | 140 | 105 |
| Quarter Barrel Keg | 87 | 39.5 | 7.75 | 29.33 | 82 | 62 |
| Sixth Barrel Keg | 55 | 25 | 5.16 | 19.5 | 56 | 42 |
| Cornelius Keg | 50-60 | 23-27 | 5 | 18.9 | 53 | 40 |
It’s important to note that while these numbers are based on general guidelines, serving sizes and keg sizes can vary depending on the specific type of beer, carbonation levels, and pouring techniques. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to consult with a professional when choosing the right keg for your event or home use.
Sources
https://home.binwise.com/blog/how-many-beers-in-a-keg
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