The main difference between a Sanke keg and a corny keg lies in their design and functionality. Sanke kegs are primarily used for commercial purposes, such as in bars, restaurants, and breweries, while corny kegs are more popular among homebrewers. Let’s delve into the specifics of each type of keg.
1. Design:
– Sanke Keg: A Sanke keg features a one-piece design with no removable lid. Instead, it has a spear or valve system that is permanently attached to the keg. This spear connects to the keg coupler used for tapping the keg.
– Corny Keg: Also known as a Cornelius keg, a corny keg has a two-piece design consisting of a removable lid and a separate body. The lid usually has a pressure relief valve (PRV) and multiple posts for gas and liquid connections.
2. Size and Capacity:
– Sanke Keg: Sanke kegs are available in various sizes, including 1/2 barrel (15.5 gallons), 1/4 barrel (7.75 gallons), and 1/6 barrel (5.16 gallons).
– Corny Keg: Corny kegs come in different sizes as well, but they are typically smaller and more suitable for homebrewing. The most common size is the 5-gallon corny keg, followed by 2.5-gallon and 1.5-gallon options.
3. Accessibility:
– Sanke Keg: Due to the lack of a removable lid, Sanke kegs require specialized equipment for opening and cleaning. This makes them less practical for homebrewers who prefer to handle their kegs themselves.
– Corny Keg: Corny kegs are designed to be easily opened and cleaned by homebrewers. With a removable lid, it becomes straightforward to access the keg’s interior for cleaning, filling, and adding ingredients.
4. Versatility:
– Sanke Keg: Sanke kegs are primarily used for commercial beverages like beer, cider, and soda. They are commonly found in bars and breweries that serve large volumes of drinks.
– Corny Keg: Corny kegs offer more versatility and are commonly used by homebrewers for carbonated beverages, including beer, soda, cider, kombucha, and even cold brew coffee. Their smaller size makes them more manageable for home use.
5. Interchangeability:
– Sanke Keg: Sanke kegs have different types of couplers, depending on the country and brewery. This can limit the interchangeability between different brands or regions.
– Corny Keg: Corny kegs have a standardized design with ball lock or pin lock connectors, allowing for greater interchangeability between kegs from different manufacturers.
The main difference between a Sanke keg and a corny keg lies in their design, accessibility, size, and purpose. Sanke kegs are used for commercial purposes, have no removable lid, and require specialized equipment for handling. On the other hand, corny kegs are popular among homebrewers, have a removable lid for easy access and cleaning, come in smaller sizes, and offer greater versatility in terms of the beverages they can hold.