How Much Does A Beer Keg Weigh?

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How Much Does A Beer Keg Weigh?

Article Highlights

• A beer Keg is a large stainless steel container used for storing and serving beer
• Two openings on top and bottom of the keg – rubber bung and valve/tap
• Average Weights of Common Beer Kegs – Half Barrel, Quarter Barrel, Sixth Barrel, Cornelius Keg, Mini Keg
• Factors that Influence Weight of a Beer Keg – a type of beer/size/volume
• Empty vs. Full Kegs – weight difference between empty and full can range from 5-100+ lbs
• How to Safely Handle a Beer Keg – careful lifting with legs, use two hands & get help if needed, secure in-vehicle before transport

Welcome beer lovers! If you’ve ever been curious about the weight of a beer keg, you’re in the right place.

From full to empty, we’re giving an insider view on what you can expect from different sizes and types of kegs. So grab a cold one – let’s crack into this!

What is a Beer Keg?

A beer keg is an essential part of the brewing and serving process. It is essentially a large container made from stainless steel for storing beer so it can mature and be served on draft.

It has two openings – one on the top with a rubber bung, and one on the bottom with a valve or tap that allows beer to be released or drawn off.

Average Weights of Common Beer Kegs

• Half Barrel — weighs 160 pounds when full, 55-60 pounds when empty
• Quarter Barrel — weighs 87 pounds when full, 30-35 pounds when empty
• Sixth Barrel — weighs 55 pounds when full, 13-20 pounds when empty
• Cornelius Keg — weighs 28-30 pounds (empty) or 48-50 pounds (full)
• Mini Keg — weighs 6–7 pounds (empty) or 10–12.5 pounds (full)

Factors that Influence the Weight of a Beer Keg

There are several factors that influence how much a keg will weigh:

• Type of beer being stored – some beers may have more additives which increase their overall weight
• Size and volume of the keg – larger kegs have more capacity to hold liquid and therefore weigh more

Empty vs Full Kegs

Empty kegs obviously weigh significantly less than full ones since they don’t contain any liquid inside them. The weight difference between an empty and full keg can range anywhere from 5-100+ lbs depending on what type of beer it is.

How to Safely Handle a Beer Keg

Since they are quite heavy, you must use proper safety precautions while carrying them around to prevent any injuries. Be sure to lift with your legs instead of your back, use two hands at all times and get help if needed! If you plan on moving it somewhere else, make sure you secure it in a vehicle properly before transport as well.

Conclusion

We hope this article has given you insight into how much beer kegs usually weigh!

Keep in mind that these weights are merely estimates as other factors such as temperature may also influence their weight.

Please always remember to drink responsibly and have fun responsibly as well! Cheers everyone!

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