The uKeg

The uKeg is one of the most high end double insulted mini-kegs on the market, it’s well worth the $150 (price for the 64 ounce size).  It also comes in a 128oz size, and both sizes come in either traditional stainless steel or copper.  It’s a great system to go with if you have never owned a growler and or don’t have room for a big keg setup.  However, if you have an existing growler(s) lying around, there are much cheaper options for you that are discussed in this blog. 

Pros: The uKeg is vacuum insulated goodness making it great for short term enjoyment on hikes, parties, picnics, and other adventures that life takes you on.  The beer faucet locks while being transported.  The uKeg has a regulator that allows you to dial in the pressure for whatever beer you put into it.  There is no “straw” (aka dip tube) that you never have to deal with/worry about being too short resulting in little to no beer being left in the can when the mini-keg has “blew”!  The uKeg also is very compact with the regulator being on the inside of the vessel.  My favorite feature about this system is that it has a beer level indicator allowing you to know exactly how much beer is in your mini-keg.

Cons: As mentioned above, the uKeg has the tube that brings the beer to faucet on the outside of the can, which can make it vulnerable to breaking if dropped, AND I am willing to bet that outside tube is not cheap to fix.  Also, the beer faucet cannot be swapped out for another beer faucet.  It’s almost impossible to hook the uKeg up to a larger system due to the regulator design.  I am also not a fan of the 8 gram cartridges that do not provide as much gas as 16 gram cartridges. Finally, it’s one of the most expensive double insulted systems on the market.