FAQs: Used & Reconditioned Corny Kegs
How much cheaper are refurbished corny kegs compared to new?
Refurbished corny kegs at The Malt Miller are priced at £50 for Grade 2 and £60 for Grade 1 – a meaningful saving against the £80–£100 or more you’d pay for a new equivalent.
That gap tends to matter most when you’re buying multiple kegs to run several taps at once, where the cost adds up quickly. A properly refurbished keg performs identically to a new one once it’s in service – same stainless body, new O-rings, and holds pressure just as well. The only thing you’re not getting is the cosmetics of something that’s never been used, which for most brewers is neither here nor there once it’s in a keezer and full of beer.
Why buy used kegs instead of new?
Cost is the honest answer — a refurbished corny keg does the same job as a new one for significantly less, and once it’s cleaned, polished and fitted with new O-rings the functionality is identical.
For brewers building out a multi-tap setup, the saving across three or four kegs is substantial enough to fund the rest of the equipment. There’s also something to be said for keeping serviceable equipment in use rather than adding to waste as well; not a bad consideration for sustainable brewers who already think carefully about what goes into their beer.
The one area where new genuinely wins is peace of mind, there’s no history or question marks. But a properly reconditioned keg from a reputable supplier like The Malt Miller delivers the same performance at a fraction of the price.
Should I buy a Grade 1 or Grade 2 refurbished beer keg?
It comes down to where the keg is going and how much the outside matters to you. Grade 1 refurbished kegs are in better cosmetic condition (minor marks at most, no welding repairs) and worth choosing if the keg will be on display or you simply prefer something that looks closer to new.
Grade 2 kegs may have more visible wear and some will have been repaired by welding, but they’re fully functional, hold pressure properly and have been through the same cleaning and refurbishment process as Grade 1.
For brewers who care more about what’s in the keg than what the outside looks like, Grade 2 represents the better value option. If it’s living in a keezer or a cupboard, the cosmetic difference genuinely doesn’t matter. At The Malt Miller, both grades are available with the price difference reflecting condition rather than performance.
How long will a reconditioned corny keg last for?
A long time – potentially decades, with basic maintenance. The stainless steel body is the most durable part and rarely fails; what wears out are the consumable components — O-rings, poppets, pressure relief valves and dip tubes. All are replaceable, all are inexpensive, and keeping them in good condition is what keeps a used stainless keg performing reliably long term.
The kegs The Malt Miller sources come from premium brands like AEB, SAFER, Cornelius – built to commercial standards and designed for repeated use under pressure. A proper clean between batches, fresh O-rings when they start to feel tacky, and a quick leak check before each fill are the habits that keep a reconditioned keg performing properly for years.
Will refurbished corny kegs fit in a kegerator or converted fridge?
It’s worth checking before you buy. Refurbished corny kegs are shorter and wider than modern-style kegs (the classic soda keg shape) which means they have a larger footprint inside a fridge or kegerator than newer tall and slim keg designs. In a converted bar fridge or chest freezer where space is limited, this can make a meaningful difference to how many kegs you can fit side by side.
If you’re building a kegerator and space is tight, it’s worth measuring the internal dimensions of your fridge against the keg dimensions before committing, particularly if you’re planning to run multiple taps.
Is it safe to buy a second hand beer keg online?
Yes, as long as the keg has been through a proper refurbishment process rather than just wiped down and listed. What actually matters for beer safety is a thorough internal clean, new silicone O-rings and seals, and confirmation that the keg holds pressure without leaking.
Buying from a supplier who carries out and clearly describes that refurbishment process — like The Malt Miller, where all second hand kegs are cleaned, machine polished and fitted with new O-rings before sale – removes the guesswork entirely.
Where can I buy reconditioned kegs online in the UK?
You can buy refurbished corny kegs at The Malt Miller — Grade 1 and Grade 2 19 litre ball lock kegs, cleaned, machine polished and O-rings replaced, at £50 and £60 respectively. All stocked alongside the keg fittings and spares, CO2 regulators and beer dispense equipment needed to put a complete home kegging setup together in one order.
