Beer Forum

Detroit808 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 01:14 AM

I recently ordered the Micromatic CO2 Party Dispensing System and have some questions about the proper use for a 2-day party. Getting a 1/2 barrel of Miller Lite to test it out, but I don't have a kegerator yet, so I was going to use plenty of ice in a keg tub. Would this maintain the keg at the 36-38 degrees recommended? How about if I use a keg jacket/insulator? Also, what would be the proper procedure to keep the keg overnight? (Do I turn the co2 off? Untap the keg? Release the pressure?) I know I'm asking a lot, so any help is greatly appreciated!

topgun3208 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-16-2006, 12:09 PM

keep that hummer iced down, you can leave the gas on at all times and tapped. when u use a kegerator the gas is left on all the time.

"So many great beers, so little time, and only one liver" Mark

Detroit808 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-21-2006, 01:59 PM

I bought a high quality insulator bag that should keep things cold. So I just everything leave alone and don't do anything between the last beer poured on the 1st night and the first beer poured on the 2nd night? I read that the beer can get overcarbonated if you leave the gas on too long, and I might need to untap and release the gas....or is that only referring to longer periods of time? (The keg will definately be empty in 2 nights.)

USMC - Retired · #4 (**permalink**) 03-21-2006, 06:25 PM

The only way to overcarbonate is if you have the gas presure set too high.

Semper Fi,
The Gunns

"Beer is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy" - Benjamin Franklin

chuckster_ca · #5 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 02:20 PM

Detroit808,
I'm looking at getting the Co2 dispensing unit as well...Can you let me know how it works out?

Also, I think the problem with over-carbonation has to do more with jockey boxes; in particular, 120' cooling coils. In order to push the beer through all that line, you have to set your regulator 35 (or so) psi.

I'm thinking with the rod and faucet setup, it'll basically be like a kegerator (except w/o the 5' of 3/16" beer line). Having said that, you'll probably have to lower your psi a bit...not sure.

cubby_swans · #6 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster_ca

Detroit808,
I'm looking at getting the Co2 dispensing unit as well...Can you let me know how it works out?

Also, I think the problem with over-carbonation has to do more with jockey boxes; in particular, 120' cooling coils. In order to push the beer through all that line, you have to set your regulator 35 (or so) psi.

I'm thinking with the rod and faucet setup, it'll basically be like a kegerator (except w/o the 5' of 3/16" beer line). Having said that, you'll probably have to lower your psi a bit...not sure.

Chuckster, Detroit 808 hasn't posted in nearly 2 years....

I don't know about the PSI, though. Not sure that the length of the rod being shorter than the beer hose means you need to lower the PSI. I would THINK that micromatic, being the beer experts, would have considered this, and perhaps the internal diameter of the rod is different from standard beer hose, thus allowing the beer to be set at the proper PSI. Unless they assume you're drinking the beer in a few days and there wouldn't be time to flatten the beer by setting the PSI lower. A review of the one listed on micromatic's website simply states that it works great.

chuckster_ca · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2008, 02:50 PM

ya, it just seems like these things would work much better (for me any ways) than a jockey box. we'd probably take as much as 5 days to kill a 1/2 barrel so there would be no worries about having to bleed the head space every night for fear of over carbonation. Save a bit of room in vehicle as well...