You’re wondering how much kegs weigh?
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just curious, you’ll be interested to learn the answer.
To help you, we’ve put together this article to give you all the information you need.
Read on to find answers to “how much do kegs weigh” and why it matters.
Different Kinds of Kegs
- Full Keg AKA Half Keg
- 50 Liter Keg
- Quarter Barrel Keg, AKA Pony Keg
- Sixth Barrel Keg
- Cornelius Keg
Full Keg or Half Keg
You’re probably familiar with the full keg – it’s the one you see being brought into bars, lugged up steps into house parties, and is a significant part of U.S. beer culture.
It’s also known as a half-barrel, half-keg, or full-size keg.
Just like a fifth of alcohol is the standard liquor bottle size, the full keg is the standard size keg in the U.S.
You don’t need to be a professional bartender to know about these.
How heavy is a full keg?
Once it’s filled with beer, it can hold up to 130 pounds.
That’s equivalent to 124 16-ounce pints or 165 12-ounce cans or bottles.
Its total combined weight would be 160 pounds.
How heavy is an empty keg?
You can expect this keg to weigh 30 pounds when it’s empty.
50L Keg
You might know this side of the keg as a European barrel or imported keg.
It’s the European equivalent of the half-barrel keg.
You’ll need the right compatible equipment, which doesn’t use the traditional US Sankey D coupler.
Most European breweries use this size, so it’s standard across the continent.
It’s great for large events, like weddings.
Related Reading: The Best Beers For A Party – Find Out Here.
How heavy is a full keg?
Once it’s filled with beer, it can hold up to 103 pounds. Its total combined weight would be 130 pounds.
How heavy is an empty keg?
You can expect this keg to weigh 27 pounds when it’s empty.
Quarter Barrel Keg, AKA Pony Keg
You may have heard of a stubby quarter keg, also known as a pony keg.
It is pretty similar to a slim quarter keg or a tall quarter keg.
However, the slim quarter keg is about 10 inches taller and five inches narrower than a quarter keg.
This type of keg is perfect for small gatherings or events and is often used in single-tap kegerators.
How heavy is a full keg?
Once it’s filled with beer, it can hold up to 65 pounds.
That would be around 62 16-ounce pints or 82 12-ounce cans or bottles.
Its total combined weight would be 87 pounds.
How heavy is an empty keg?
You can expect this keg to weigh 22 pounds when it’s empty.
Sixth Barrel Keg
Just starting your homebrewing journey?
This is the perfect keg for you!
This is the world’s second-smallest keg, a sixtel, torpedo, or one-sixth barrel keg.
It’s great for restaurants and bars with limited space for storage, and some people even use it for homebrewing.
And perfect for dual or triple-tap kegerators.
How heavy is a full keg?
Once it’s filled with beer, it can hold up to 43 pounds.
That’s equivalent to 41 16-ounce pints or 55 12-ounce bottles or cans.
Its total combined weight would be 58 pounds.
How heavy is an empty keg?
You can expect this keg to weigh 15 pounds when it’s empty.
Cornelius Keg
You’re looking at the smallest keg ever made.
It’s also known as the corny keg, bubba keg, homebrew keg, or soda keg.
It’s designed to fit in mini kegerators.
It is perfect for small bars, serving a small number of customers, or at an event with fewer than 50 bottles.
You can also take it on camping trips or anywhere else you need a portable keg.
How heavy is a full keg?
A full keg holds up to 44.5 pounds.
That would only be around 40 16-ounce pints or 53 12-ounce cans or bottles.
Its total combined weight would be 55 pounds.
How heavy is an empty keg?
You can expect this keg to weigh 10.5 pounds when it’s empty.
Related Reading: Keezer Vs. Kegerator: What’s The Difference? – Read More Here.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can expect a full-gallon keg to weigh around 72.8 kilograms, while a 50L keg weighs about 58.9 kilograms.
A quarter keg is lighter at 39.4 kilograms, and a sixth barrel is more lightweight at 27.2 kilograms.
The lightest of all is the mini keg, which weighs 24.9 kilograms.
Do you run a bar or restaurant? If so, you should consider getting a keg.
It’ll save you money and storage space and simplify inventory tracking.
A keg is also a great idea if you’re throwing a party.
If you have a regular beer setup at home, a keg is a great way to ensure you always have your favorite beer fresh and cold.
It’s worth it!
The cost of beer depends on the brand.
Here are some top beer brands for your consideration.
Generally, a keg is cheaper, but you may not save much if you buy an expensive brand.
Remember that when you buy a keg, you’ll need to include the cost of cups too.
Related Reading: Let’s Talk Growler Sizes – Learn More Here.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the various beer keg sizes and weights, you can decide which is best for you.
Investing in a keg is always a good idea whether you’re a homebrewer or a bar owner.
A half keg is the standard size in America, while a European keg or 50L keg is popular in Europe.
With this knowledge, you can choose the keg that best fits your needs and budget.
Drink responsibly, and happy drinking!
