Kegs & Beer barrels

Breweries of all kinds rely on beer kegs to deliver their products to customers safely and cost-effectively or to use them as storage containers until dispensing. Stainless steel kegs, also known as KEGs, are a practical and efficient solution for the storage, delivery, and dispensing of beverages—be it beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drinks. They preserve the freshness and quality of the beer and are unbeatable in terms of sustainability, as a KEG can only become unusable through improper handling or accidents. Many beer enthusiasts prefer the taste of freshly tapped draft beer over bottled beer, as the higher CO2 content of draft beer contributes to a more sparkling and refreshing taste.

> 500 available

DIN 30L Stainless Steel KEG Ø 363 mm - stackable - with Fitting / spear

Fitting / spear: Flat fitting / spear with safety, type A

DIN 30 L Stainless Steel Keg· Size: 30L· Ø Diameter: 363 mm· Total height: 400 mm (H1), 370 mm (H2)· Stackable· Weight: 8.50 kg· Material: Stainless Steel AISI 304· 100% recyclable. Environmentally friendly· 30 years lifespan· Guaranteed safety· Made in Europe· Maintains 100% beer quality and taste· Ergonomic handles· Rolling chime for easy handlingAll weights without fitting indicationAs a leading manufacturer of beverage containers, we are proud to offer these premium stainless steel kegs.Made from strong and durable AISI-304 stainless steel.Our sterling-quality kegs serve as excellent storage containers for preserving the quality of beer and other beverages.They are easy to clean, maintain, and have a long lifespan.*We also have Blefa kegs in stock - hence the two pictures.

From €83.00*

Details

DIN 50L Stainless Steel KEG Ø 363 mm - stackable - with Fitting / spear

Fitting / spear: Flat fitting / spear with safety, type A

DIN 50 L Stainless Steel Keg· Size: 50L· Ø Diameter: 363 mm· Total height: 600 mm (H1), 570 mm (H2)· stackable· Weight: 11.10 kg· Material: Stainless Steel AISI 304· 100% recyclable. Environmentally friendly· 30 years lifespan· Guaranteed safety· Made in Europe· Maintains 100% beer quality and taste· Ergonomic handles· Rolling chime for easy handlingAll weights without fitting indicationAs a leading manufacturer of beverage containers, we are proud to offer these premium stainless steel kegs.Made from strong and durable AISI-304 stainless steel.Our sterling-quality kegs serve as excellent storage containers for preserving the quality of beer and other beverages.They are easy to clean, maintain, and have a long lifespan.

From €87.00*

Details

> 500 available

EURO 30 L Stainless Steel KEG Ø 395 mm - stackable - with Fitting / spear

Fitting / spear: Flat fitting / spear with safety, type A

EURO 30 L Edelstahl Fass – stapelbar - size: 30 L - Ø Diameter: 395 mm - Height: 365 mm (H1) - stackable - Weight: 9,90 kg (without Fitting / spear) Stainless steel kegs from BLEFA offer a maximum of safety and reliability during all aspects of use in the market and brewery. AREAS OF APPLICATIONS Beer, Wine, Soft Drinks, Cider, Mixed Drinks FEATURES - 100% taste neutrality and UV protection - Full stainless steel (1.4301) - Individual branding according to your brand requirements - Integrated burst disc (standard) BLEFA KEGS — MADE IN GERMANY Highest quality: ISO certified 9001:2008 Hygiene: Utilization of high-quality stainless steel for all components that come in contact with contents (Standard 1.4301 / AISI 304; Special 1.4571 / AISI 316) Focus on safety: All kegs are equipped with a safety burst disc 30 year warranty

From €83.00*

Details

> 500 available

new neutralized DIN 50L stainless steel Blefa KEG Ø 363 mm, MY 2015/2016, stackable - with Fitting / spear

Fitting / spear: Flat fitting / spear with safety, type A

DIN 50L Edelstahl Fass - These barrels are new but neutralized - Neutral, without company logo, stackable - Manufactured: 2015/2016 FEATURES · size: 50L . Ø Diameter: 363 mm · Total Height: : 600 mm (H1) · Made entirely of stainless steel (1.4301) · Customizable according to your wishes . Weight: 11.5 kg (without fitting) · stackable The BLEFA full stainless steel keg offers you maximum safety and reliability in daily use with your customers. Applications:Beer, wine, soft drinks, cider, mixed drinks BLEFA KEGS — MADE IN GERMANY Highest Quality: ISO Certification 9001:2008 Hygiene: Use of high-quality stainless steel in product-contacting parts (Standard 1.4301 / AISI 304; Special 1.4571 / AISI 316) Focus on Safety: All kegs equipped with reliable safety burst disk

From €75.00*

Details

SLIM 20L GO KEG Ø 237 mm - stackable - with Fitting / spear

Fitting / spear: Flat fitting / spear with safety, type A

SLIM 20L GO KegCompact, lightweight, and always ready for use, the GO KEG features a robust stainless steel keg body with durable head and foot rings made from PP. It is the ideal solution when you demand high reliability with maximum flexibility in application.FEATURES· size: 20 L · stackable · 239 mm diameter · 100% high-quality stainless steel · 100% flavor neutrality and UV protection · Customizable according to your requirements · Multiple decoration options · Available with all standard sockets and fitting / spear types · H 1 = 560 mm · Weight: 4.00 kg (without fitting / spear) BLEFA KEGS — MADE IN GERMANYHighest Quality: SLIM Kegs certification according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2015Hygiene: Use of high-quality stainless steel for product-contacting parts (Standard 1.4301 / AISI 304; Special 1.4571 / AISI 316)Focus on Safety: All kegs equipped with reliable safety burst discsSPECIAL FEATURES: Stable head and foot rings made of PP (polypropylene) Max. decoration area in the head ring Transponder pocket in the head ring Lasering of 2D matrix codes30 Years Warranty

From €68.00*

Details

Important Facts about Kegs

Volumes

Kegs are available in various sizes, ranging from 10 liters to 59.62 liters (1/2 barrel). The trend is moving towards smaller containers that require less space under the counter and comply with current laws regarding maximum weights that can be moved by hand.

Types

There are different types of kegs, such as DIN/EURO, PU (polyurethane), GSG (rubber-steel-rubber), Slim, or GO kegs. These barrels differ in their height, diameter, material, and volume.

Material

Kegs were previously made of aluminum, but nowadays they are mostly made of high-quality stainless steel 1.4301 (AISI 304), making them taste-neutral and robust. All parts in contact with the product are entirely made of this material.

Branding

Kegs can be individually branded – whether with embossing, colors, bands, etchings, signs, or labels. Logos or brand names can be placed on the keg.

Areas of Application

Kegs are used for beer, wine, sparkling wine, cider, water, juice, soft drinks, edible oil (olive oil, sunflower, soy, etc.).

What Exactly is a "Keg"?

A keg is a specially designed reusable barrel for filling and storing beverages. The name "keg" comes from English and means "small barrel." Introduced in 1964 in the United Kingdom, kegs have become an international standard. Initially made of aluminum, they were later replaced by kegs made entirely of stainless steel or barrels with a stainless steel bladder and polyurethane (PU) coating due to their greater durability. Also available on the market are barrels with rubber or plastic head and foot rings. Kegs are standardized, can be cleaned and filled by machines. The beverage filled in this way is sterile, long-lasting, and fresh. Kegs are environmentally friendly, sustainable, and can be reused over 100 times. They are 100% recyclable and have a long lifespan of up to 30 years or more.

Advantages of Stainless Steel Kegs

The advantages of a stainless steel barrel for storing and transporting beverages/liquids include:

Protection against UV light and UV contamination
Hygienic; prevents any kind of oxidation and entry of contaminants
Insulates against sudden temperature changes
Significant cost savings due to up to 30 years of barrel longevity
Prevents the use of trichloroanisole (TCA)
Maintains the organoleptic properties of the product
Allows for easy transport and storage
Durable, safe, and non-flammable
Stackable

Features of a Standardized Barrel – Example: Blefa Keg

Rolling Hoop

The rolling hoop is specially designed to provide ideal protection against impact and shock in the highly stressed area of the upper and lower chime - deformations are minimized. The exceptional shape of the hoop ensures high stability and is user-friendly.

Handles

Practical and safe handling through cleanly rounded and burr-free cutouts for carrying. Their round, physiognomic shape provides stability and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

Circumferential Weld Seam

A weld seam around the barrel according to the latest technology. These seams are perfectly gap- and pore-free. The clean and smooth inner surface of the barrel makes it easy to clean and prevents infection of the contents.

Beads

Beads significantly contribute to the strength of the keg – they strengthen the barrel contour. The special shape also ensures optimal movement on the cleaning and filling system.

Burst Protection

This ensures that at an overpressure of about 35 +/- 5 bar, the burst point opens and the barrel does not burst (explode), thus preventing an accident.

Drain Hole

Punched into the upper and lower chime to allow for the drainage of dirt during cleaning and improve the cleaning result. This way, dirt in the area of the fitting and bottom can be optimally removed.

Shoulder Protection

Head and foot rings are equipped with a contour overlapping the cylindrical body, which evenly distributes the point load on the keg in case of falls. This prevents point deformations.

Market Forms

Kegs are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes on the market. The largest manufacturers, such as BLEFA, Thielmann, Schäfer, Supermonte, and Maisonneuve, strive to offer them with various customization features. Standards like EURO, DIN, SLIM, BARREL, etc., specify the diameter, empty weight, and height of the kegs. Examples include DIN, EURO, and SLIM barrels from Blefa. The most common barrels in the industry are 30-liter and 50-liter DIN and EURO kegs and 20-liter SLIM kegs. 10-liter SLIM kegs tend to fall under the category of "party kegs."

Dispensing

For dispensing beverages from a keg, whether new or used and regardless of the filling volume, various components are crucial. The keg is filled with the liquid (often beer). A suitable tap head is attached to the keg's riser tube. Using this tap head allows access to the beverage in the barrel via the riser tube. The keg is thus connected to a dispensing system (tap system) via the tap head and hoses. This system regulates the dispensing and ensures that the beverage is dispensed in optimal quality. A driving gas (either CO2 or N2) pushes the beverage out of the keg through the riser tube. The gas creates the necessary pressure to allow the liquid to flow optimally. Each riser tube/fitting can only be connected to a tap head compatible with the system. The system of keg, riser tube, and tap head guarantees proper functioning and hygienic dispensing. There are various tap head riser tube systems, including the flat fitting (A), the triangular fitting (G), the basket fitting (S), and the combination fitting (M).

Cleaning the Barrel – Example: Brewery with Filling and Cleaning System

Pre-Cleaning of the Fitting

First, the fitting must be cleaned. The fitting is the entrance on which the tap head is placed. This cleaning is done externally with hot water and/or steam. Hygiene is of utmost importance here, as the subsequent cleaning steps are carried out through the fitting.

Compressed Air Flushing

Beer or beverage residues inside the barrel are blown out with compressed air. The compressed air is directed into the barrel through the fitting, displacing the liquid. The barrel is upside down, allowing the liquid to drain out through the fitting. At the same time, it is checked whether the barrel is still tight. If it does not pass the pressure test, it is sorted out and recycled.

Internal Cleaning

The actual internal cleaning is done with air, followed by mixed water and a lye. Further cleaning steps with acid, hot water, and steam are then carried out, sterilizing the barrel from the inside.

External Cleaning

Finally, the barrel is cleaned from the outside and is ready for the next filling.

KEG Service; Processing of Used Barrels – Example: Rausch & Partner

Cleaning of Used Barrels – Example: Rausch & Partner

The fitting is unscrewed before cleaning the keg and cleaned separately (see fitting service). The fitting is the connection on which the tap head is placed. The barrel is "turned upside down" to empty beer or beverage residues from inside the barrel. Then the barrel is placed upside down (with the fitting down) in the cleaning machine.

Internal Cleaning

The actual internal cleaning is done with high-pressure water up to 500 bar. The barrel is thoroughly cleaned with several nozzles through a rotational movement of the barrel and the cleaning lance. The water then runs out through the fitting and is collected outside the system.

External Cleaning

Finally, the barrel is cleaned from the outside and is ready for the next filling. Breweries are advised to sterilize the keg before filling.

Neutralization

The used barrel usually carries an embossed name of the previous brewery. Additionally, the barrel may also have stickers, bands, or color stripes. Before the barrels can be resold, these characteristics of the previous owner must be removed. Typically, the embossed name in the head ring is made unrecognizable with a neutralizing machine using a waffle pattern. This waffle pattern is internationally recognized. The bands, stickers, or color stripes are removed.

Straightening

During the use of the keg, the upper or lower chime may have been dented. These are straightened with special machines so that the barrel can run smoothly over the cleaning and filling system. It may also happen that the fitting of the barrel is not straight. This is also straightened by us before the barrels leave our warehouse.

Customization

At the customer's request, the barrel can also be polished, giving it a second youth and making it look like new. Neutralized kegs can be customized in various ways to highlight the brand and increase its visibility. One option is to engrave/etch the keg electrolytically. This can be done with a logo, brand name, or other design of choice. However, your logo or lettering is etched in only one standard color (black/dark brown). If you opt for printed keg bands or labels, these can be made in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, offering plenty of room for your individual design and colors. For the creation of the bands, stickers, or stencils for electrolytic etching, we need your logo/lettering in PDF format. This will then be set according to your wishes by our agencies. Before we start the customization, we create a sample and send you a photo for approval.

Fittings

Fitting A-System (Flat Fitting)

The A-System is a slide tap head with a flat design and round flange shape. The fitting is made of high-quality nickel-plated brass and a stainless steel probe. All parts that come into contact with beer are made of stainless steel to exclude the risk of a metallic taste.

Fitting G-System (Triangular Fitting)

The G-Series fittings are structurally identical to the A-Series. The distinguishing feature is the housing, which is not round at the top but triangular. The fitting is placed and screwed in.

Fitting S-System (Basket Fitting)

Basket fittings can be recognized by their housing, which gives the appearance of a basket from above. The fittings are made of stainless steel and offer maximum stability, hygiene, and fast filling. They also feature a dual-valve function.

Fitting M-System (Combination Fitting)

Combination fittings are, as the name suggests, a combination of the flat and basket fittings. The internal structure is very similar to the basket fitting, while the housing is modeled after the flat fitting to utilize its hygienic advantages. Looking from above at the combination fittings, you can see the flat flange like the flat fitting, which, however, has a "ball" in the middle. A+M+G fittings have the advantage of being more hygienic compared to the basket (S-System). In the S-System, beer residues and dirt can accumulate more easily in the basket. Special tools are required for the installation and maintenance of the fittings, including decompression keys, disassembly tools, and an assembly gun. The color coding of the CO2 seals facilitates manual or camera-supported machine separation of the kegs for routine maintenance. The barrel can also be easily cleaned through the fitting. Keg cleaning is usually done in the breweries themselves. The barrels go through several stations and are cleaned both inside and outside to prepare them for the next filling.

Fitting Service – Example: Rausch & Partner GmbH

Used kegs are delivered to us at the warehouse by the brewery. The fitting is unscrewed from the barrel using manufacturer-certified tools. The fitting is disassembled for visual inspection of the individual parts. Worn parts (e.g., spring, seal, and plate) are replaced with new parts. At the customer's request, the stainless steel parts can also be cleaned in an ultrasonic bath with a special liquid in addition to normal cleaning. After cleaning, the fitting is reassembled with new seals and, if necessary, new spare parts. The fitting length specified by the manufacturer is checked and adjusted if necessary. Finally, the fitting is mounted in the cleaned keg. The fitting is tightened to 70-80 Nm. Finally, the fitting is subjected to a leak test at a pneumatic pressure test (2 bar).