Beer Forum

whitekidd · #1 (**permalink**) 07-18-2005, 05:31 PM

Let me start by saying I'm stoked to get my first keg kit. I am moving into a new hous in about a month and I am wondering what is a good "Rookie" setup. I am thinking about purchasing the new "Tap and Serve". If someone can give me some feedback on this model I would greatly appreciate it.

Scott Zuhse · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2005, 08:59 PM

This set up has everthing you need. Only upgrade would be a high side gauge for your regulator to determine CO2 level. Downside is a half barrel will not fit.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

whitekidd · #3 (**permalink**) 07-24-2005, 02:37 PM

Like I said I am new to all of this... Can you please explain why I wouold need that just so I understand why I need it? Thank you for your reply.

Scott Zuhse · #4 (**permalink**) 07-26-2005, 03:05 PM

A high side gauge on a regulator depicts the amount of CO2 gas left in the cylinder. CO2 is in liquid form in the cylinder with a gas head-space which exerts a certain amount of pressure based on the temperature environment the cylinder resides. This gauge tells you this head-space pressure. This pressure will read the same amount until all of the liquid is depleted whereas the pressure reading will then begin to drop. This signifies that you are about to run out of gas. This gauge can also be used to determine if your system has leaks. When you turn the cylinder wheel off and the gauge reading drops, you have a leak.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

whitekidd · #5 (**permalink**) 08-03-2005, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the info Scott. I will be ordering the kegerator and gauge very soon. I will keep you posted! CHEERS

whitekidd · #6 (**permalink**) 08-30-2005, 03:41 PM

I am not seeing a "High Side Gauge" on the MM site...is there is there a part number?

topgun3208 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 02:30 PM

if you purchase a two stage regulator, this is a regulator with two gauges, one is the high side for the co2 cylinder, the low side is for the keg psi

whitekidd · #8 (**permalink**) 08-31-2005, 05:47 PM

If htis is the regulator I need...then I am all set. Thank you for your help

whitekidd · #9 (**permalink**) 09-01-2005, 02:34 PM

Is this regulator a must?

Scott Zuhse · #10 (**permalink**) 09-01-2005, 10:32 PM

Only if you would like to leak test your system as well as determine if the gas cylinder is about empty.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

whitekidd · #11 (**permalink**) 09-02-2005, 05:47 PM

Thanks again Scott. I have decided I should probably get the "Sanyo" kit om MM.com. It holds 15.5 gal.(full size)...What is the difference between a "barrel" and a "keg" ie- is a quarter barrel larger than a quarter keg?...Like I said I am new to all of this. Any feedback would be great!

whitekidd · #12 (**permalink**) 09-07-2005, 03:51 PM

Can someone give me some feedback on the "SANYO" 15.5 Gal. model from MM.com?. I hope they make a nice unit...thanks for your info.

Scott Zuhse · #13 (**permalink**) 09-23-2005, 01:58 PM

I have not heard of any issues with this unit. Another gauge would be returns we receive from our customers. Zero returns as of today. Hope this helps.

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

whitekidd · #14 (**permalink**) 10-10-2005, 03:25 PM

I have recieved my SANYO TAP AND SERVE and all I need is a full Co2 tank and I"m good (getting that tonight). Before I pick up my first keg of my local microbrews finest...what temp should the fridge be???

topgun3208 · #15 (**permalink**) 10-11-2005, 12:13 PM

go with 38f, put a good thermometer in a glass of water and place in unit for 24 hours and adjust temp from there

whitekidd · #16 (**permalink**) 10-17-2005, 03:27 PM

Everything is flowing great! Beer never tasted soooo sweet!! I get about an inch or so of head on the first couple of pints. PSI is 8lbs, temp is 39F...HELP!!!

topgun3208 · #17 (**permalink**) 10-17-2005, 04:43 PM

if mmcscott seen you running your system at 8psi, he would rip you a good one like he did me lol. my problem is anything above that I blow nothing but foam. are you having problems getting it down to 38f?

whitekidd · #18 (**permalink**) 10-18-2005, 03:06 PM

what PSI should I be runnin' at?. I can get temp to 38F...no sweat.[8D]

topgun3208 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 11:51 AM

bout 10-12psi, depends on what type of beer u have

whitekidd · #20 (**permalink**) 10-19-2005, 12:20 PM

I have my local microbrew on tap...a half of GOLDEN ALE...I will try 10-12PSI...Thanks man

Scott Zuhse · #21 (**permalink**) 10-20-2005, 07:25 AM

The reason you are getting an inch of head the first couple of pours is do do the 8 PSIG applied. You are reducing the amount of carbonation in the beer each time you pour. Eventually, you will have reduced the carbonation to the point that you have equilibrium with the 8 PSIG. The beer will pour fine. As long as you like flat beer! You can actually see this happening. Open and close the faucet and immediately shine a flashlight through the beer line above the keg coupler. If should see small fine bubbles slowly rising out of the coupler through the line. This is the gas breaking out of solution. This is, of course, providing you have not already degassed the beer. You can use this procedure on a fresh keg that has aclimated to your Sanyo. Raise the pressure in one pound increments each time you open the faucet. Keep raising until the bubbles cease. Be careful as to not raise to high. You will then impart gas into the beer.

Calibrate your thermometer in a glass filled with ice and then pour water on top. Repack with ice. Your thermometer should read 32 degrees F. If not, based on the style of thermometer you have, move the pointer to 32. Pour off two to three glasses (use same glass) of beer and take the temperature of the last glass. Try to adjust to 38F.

If you have a 2.5 CO2 vol. beer @ sea level @ 38 F use 14 PSIG or use the flashlight procedure above. Do not adjust pressure to control flow speed. Use the length of 3/16" line for this. Longer the line, the slower the flow. You have just been ripped! Good luck!

Scott Zuhse, Instructor Micro Matic Dispense Institute

whitekidd · #22 (**permalink**) 10-23-2005, 08:05 AM

Everything is set here. I appreciate everyones help. Well its about that time...CHEERS