There are a number of different types of kegs.  They basic measurement is a the barrel (abbreviates to bbl).  All breweries that I’ve heard of, always talk in the number of barrels that they can produce in a single batch.   This then gets put into kegs for distribution to us, the drinkers.  There are a huge number  of keg sizes, but these are the ones that you as a kegerator owner will need to care about.

The Basic Keg

The basic “keg” that everyone is used to seeing is a half barrel.  This means 15.5 gallons.  While the size and shape vary to some degree depending on the brewer, the most standard keg seems to be the straight sided keg that you can see on the wiki page on kegs.   This shape is easier to transport since a modified hand cart can hook the top of the keg and lift it easily with a single person.

The half barrel contains 165 12 ounce bottles of beer or 124 pints.

The Quarter Barrel

The quarter barrel keg is the first main step down from the half barrel.  Conveniently half the size of the half barrel (what a coincidence), the quarter barrel contains 7.75 gallons of beer.   This size is usually a bit more then half the height of a half barrel keg and the same diameter.  This means that it fits well anywhere a regular keg would be used.

The quarter barrel is also the standard size that is used for the tower kegerators we mentioned previously.  They fit perfectly in there.  They are also more portable which makes them a great choice for weddings or other events that need to have a way to server cold beer in a specific location.  The number of people affect the choice, but if you only need 7.75 gallons of beer for the party, why move 15.5?

The quarter barrel contains  82.5 12 ounce glasses or 62 pints

The Sixth Barrel

The sixth barrel is the smallest option.  It is technically 5.1 gallons, however I have seen ones that contained 5.5 being sold as sixth barrels.  These options are great to add variety since you can fit more then one easily into a good kegerator.  The standard foot print for these is the same as the old Cornilius kegs (pepsi and coke style).  They are only about a foot in diameter and they are the same height as a regular keg.  The six gallons variety that I saw were a shorter and wider variety.

The sixth barrel contains 55 12 ounce glasses and 41 pints

Where this all matters

As we describe later, when you get to the distributor, you need to know what sizes you can use.  If you get a great deal on a keg, but it won’t fit in your kegerator, you didn’t do to well.

If you don’t believe me on all this,  Check this small brewers blog out for the full descrtiption.