Beer Pressure Barrels & Spares

Serve and condition home-brewed beer with a traditional beer pressure barrel. These reusable home brew barrels are an easy alternative to bottling an entire batch, letting you dispense draught beer from the built-in tap while natural conditioning creates carbonation.

Beer Pressure Barrels and Replacement Spares

Choose from compact 10 litre pressure barrels and full-size 23 litre beer barrels, plus the caps, taps, valves, washers and seals needed to keep them working properly. Pressure barrels are particularly well suited to bitters, milds, stouts and other lower-carbonation beer styles.

Choosing a 10L or 23L Beer Barrel

A 10 litre pressure barrel is useful for smaller batches or splitting a brew between a barrel and bottles. A 23 litre pressure barrel holds a standard home brew beer kit batch, making it the simplest option when you want to condition and serve most or all of the beer from one vessel.

Pin Valve or S30 Valve?

Pin-valve caps accept small CO2 bulbs through a compatible holder and are convenient for occasional top-ups. S30 valves are designed for compatible larger gas cylinders. Both systems replace lost pressure as the beer is served; always use the correct gas equipment for the valve fitted to your barrel.

Pressure Barrel Caps, Taps and Seals

Most pressure problems are caused by a loose cap, worn O-ring, damaged valve rubber or a leaking tap seal. Apply a light coating of food-grade lubricant to suitable seals, tighten caps firmly without overtightening, and test for leaks before filling the barrel. Replacement pressure barrel spares can often restore an older barrel without replacing the complete vessel.

Using a Pressure Barrel for Home Brew Beer

1. Clean and sanitise the barrel, cap, valve and tap.
2. Transfer fully fermented beer without splashing.
3. Add the correct amount of priming sugar for the beer style and barrel size.
4. Seal the barrel and condition it somewhere warm before moving it to a cooler serving position.
5. Add CO2 only when the natural pressure drops and the beer no longer dispenses correctly.

Need something to fill your barrel? Browse our beer brewing kits. For buckets, fermenters and other vessels, visit fermentation vessels.

Beer Pressure Barrel FAQs

Is a pressure barrel the same as a keg?

A pressure barrel is a reusable plastic vessel designed for conditioning and serving home brew beer at relatively low pressure. Cornelius kegs and stainless mini kegs use different fittings and higher-pressure dispensing systems, so they are best treated as a separate type of equipment.

Why is my beer barrel losing pressure?

Check the cap O-ring, valve rubbers, tap washer and all threaded fittings. Even a small leak can prevent the barrel holding enough pressure to dispense beer. Replacing the relevant seal is often all that is required.

Do I need to add CO2 straight away?

Usually not. Priming sugar creates natural carbonation during secondary conditioning. CO2 is generally added later to maintain serving pressure as the beer level falls.

Can every beer be served from a pressure barrel?

Pressure barrels are best for beers served with moderate carbonation. Highly carbonated lagers and some modern beer styles are generally better suited to bottles or a suitable stainless kegging system.