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What Is A Beer Keg Made Of?

Beer is a beloved beverage served in many different ways. There is one type of beer container that stands out above the rest – the beer keg.

Beer kegs come in a variety of sizes and materials, but all have one thing in common – they are designed to keep beer fresh and tasty for as long as possible.

In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what a beer keg is made of and how to dispose of them appropriately.

Keg Materials

Beer kegs come in a range of materials, from steel to plastic. They all help protect the beer from outside elements, enabling you to enjoy it at its best taste.

Generally speaking, there are three main types of material used for beer kegs: steel, aluminum, and plastic. Each material has its own set of advantages and disadvantages which should be taken into consideration when selecting your preferred type of beer keg.

Types of Metal in Beer Kegs

Beer kegs usually are made of aluminum, but there are other materials that can be used. In the following section, we will discuss the different materials beer kegs are made of:

Steel Kegs

Steel is the most common material used for beer kegs – sometimes referred to as the “standard” material when referring to beer kegs. It’s durable and helps keep your draft beer colder than other materials while also providing an attractive look.

Most important advantages:

  • Durability
  • Attractive look
  • Longer shelf life for draught beers
  • Helps maintain cold temperatures better than other materials

Aluminum Kegs

Another commonly used material for beer kegs is aluminum. Aluminum helps preserve the taste and quality of your favorite beers while also being lighter than steel kegs – making them easier to move around or transport if necessary. Aluminum also has excellent contact with cold surfaces so your draft beers will stay cold longer than with other metals!

Most important advantages:

  • Lightweight compared to steel or copper kegs
  • Excellent contact with cold surfaces for optimal temperature preservation
  • Good thermal insulation properties

Copper Kegs

The third metal most commonly used for beer kegs is copper – often referred to as a “luxury” material due to its higher cost compared with other metals such as steel and aluminum.

Copper provides excellent insulation properties, keeping your favorite brews at their optimal temperature longer and preserving their flavor profile over time much better than other metals can provide!

Most important advantages:

  • Excellent insulation properties for optimal flavor preservation over time – Attractive appearance – Good thermal conductivity (if strong enough)

Plastic Kegs

Plastic is also becoming more popular when it comes to manufacturing beer kegs – they provide an effective way of storing draft beers while being lightweight and more economic compared to metal options like aluminum or steel.

On top of that, they tend to be more resistant against punctures or dents while still providing good contact with cold surfaces; enabling you to enjoy your brews at their best temperatures!

Most important advantages:

  • Lightweight construction makes them easy to transport or move around – more economical option compared to metal alternatives – High resistance against punctures or dents – Good contact with cold surfaces helps maintain optimal temperatures

Safety Considerations

When handling any type of metal or plastic container that contains liquid – safety should always be taken into account first! Be sure not too overextend yourself when lifting any containers made from these two materials.

If necessary opt-out for help from others nearby since carrying heavier objects can lead to back injuries if not done properly!

Additionally, always wear protective gear such as gloves before handling either metal or plastic containers just in case any possibility arises where contact with your skin might occur.

Especially near sharp edges that can arise depending on the type of container you are dealing with!

How To Dispose Appropriately Of A Beer Keg

Once you’re finished using a particular type of container (whether it was made from metal or plastic), proper disposal should be done accordingly so others can make use of it once more!

If opting out of recycling make sure you are following the local rules set by authorities regarding such actions; otherwise opt out directly by handing over your old containers at an authorized recycling center near you (make sure they accept both plastic AND metallic containers just in case!)

On the other hand – if reusing the same container then proper hygiene must be taken into account since unwanted substances may still linger within even after cleaning thoroughly!

Conclusion

Beer kegs come in many different shapes and sizes made from either metal or plastic components. Each one has its own respective set of characteristics and features which should always be kept into consideration when making use of them properly and safely according to our needs!

However, no matter where you go or what type of containers you find yourself handling; never forget about proper disposal afterward since this will ensure that future generations get to keep enjoying this beloved beverage whenever the opportunity arises again!

Author Image Fabian
I’m Fabian, homebrewer and beer taster. I’m also the editor of Beer100. I love travelling the world and trying out new handcraft beer and different beer styles. I’m not an expert in brewing beer, but I know a few things about beer, which I share on this blog. If you need help or have a question, please comment below.

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