Care & Maintenance

Welcome to The Ultimate Portable Keg System!

Congrats! You’re now the proud owner of the best compact keg system on the market.

Whether you’re camping, hosting backyard BBQs, or just upgrading your home beverage game, this guide will help you keep your kit in tip-top shape.

So, grab a cold one (or a coffee if it's early), and let’s get started!

Set Up Like a Pro

Before we dive into maintenance, let’s talk setup. Don’t worry—it’s simpler than it seems!

Unbox Everything – First things first, take all the parts out and give them a once-over. A full kit contains a keg, a CO₂ regulator, a length of tubing, connectors, your tap, and perhaps a few accessories (depending on the model).
Wash It All Down – Before using your system, wash out your keg. Use warm, soapy water (just the regular dish stuff). Avoid harsh chemicals or anything that could leave a residue and ruin the taste. Most importantly, never use bleach as it'll cause pitting on your beautiful stainless steel!
Assemble the Gear – Follow the instructions for your specific keg system (they're not as boring as they sound, promise!). You can find specific instructions and videos here.

Clean It Like You Mean It

Cleaning your keg system is key to keeping everything tasting fresh and bacteria-free. And trust us—no one wants funky-tasting beer or soda!

Rinse After Every Use – Once the keg is empty (sad face, we know), give everything a thorough rinse with hot water. This includes the keg and tap. Leave open to dry.
Deep Clean Every Few Months – Fill your keg with a cleaning solution (there are special ones for kegs, or you can use a 1 part vinegar to 3 part water mix). Disassemble your tap and let it soak in the solution too, using a soft brush to clean inside the tap if needed. Then rinse thoroughly with warm water.
Sanitize Before Refilling – A quick rinse with a food-safe sanitizer before each use ensures your beverages stay pure and delicious.

Love Your CO₂ System

The CO₂ regulator and tank are the unsung heroes of your keg kit. They keep the pressure just right so your drinks are perfectly fizzy. Here’s how to take care of them:

Keep the Tank Upright – Always store and use your CO2 tank in an upright position. Laying it down can mess with the regulator or cause leaks.
Check for Leaks – Every once in a while, mix up a soapy water solution and apply it to the CO₂ connections. If you see bubbles, tighten the connections—this will stop the leak and keep your tank from running out too quickly.
Monitor Pressure Levels – Keep an eye on the regulator gauge to ensure the pressure is where it should be. Too high, and you might get over-carbonation (think foam explosion), too low, and your drinks will fall flat.
Consider Keeping a Backup CO₂ – Nothing ruins a good time like being unable to get that delicious drop out of your keg. Save yourself from resorting to opening the top lid, keep a spare cartridge or cylinder on hand.

Store It Right

When you're not pouring a cold one, treat your Keg Kit with a bit of TLC.

Dry Everything – After cleaning, let all parts air dry completely before storing them away. Water left behind can lead to mold or bacteria growth. Yuck!
Store in a Cool Place – Kegs love cool, dry spots. Store your kit in a garage, pantry, or basement—just avoid leaving it in direct sunlight or high heat.
Protect the O-Rings – The little rubber seals (O-rings) keep everything airtight. Before long-term storage, check them for cracks or wear and tear. If they look damaged, replace them to avoid leaks later.

Keep Things Flowing Smoothly

Maintenance is easier than you think—just a few regular checks will keep your system working for years.

Check Connections Regularly – Loose fittings lead to leaks. Check all hose connections and clamps every time you set up your system. Tighten as needed!
Lubricate Moving Parts – A little food-grade lubricant on any moving parts (like the tap) helps them work smoothly and last longer.
Inspect Hoses for Kinks or Cracks – After a few uses, inspect your hoses for any signs of wear. Replace if necessary—no one likes a hose that’s sprung a leak mid-party!

Troubleshoot Like a Boss

Don’t stress out if something goes wrong—it happens to the best of us. Here’s how to fix some common issues:

Low Pressure or Flat Drinks? – Double-check your CO₂ cylinder. If it’s full, ensure the regulator is set to the right pressure (usually 10-12 PSI for beer, higher for soda).
Too Much Foam? – Over-carbonation is a common issue. Reduce the CO₂ pressure a bit and slow down your pour. Keeping the keg at the right temperature (around 38°F for beer) is pretty key too as warm beer pours foamy.
Leaky Tap? – Tighten the connections or replace the O-ring if it's worn out.
Weird Taste? – Time for a deep clean! Run sanitizer through the system and check for any mold or residue buildup.