Carbon dioxide is a powerful and essential part of the beer-making process (and when creating excellent kombucha, if that’s more your speed). Not only does CO2 help beermakers achieve the right foam head whenever a beer is poured, but the addition of CO2 has significant impacts on a beer’s acidity and taste. Needless to say, having the best keg CO2 regulator can make all the difference.
Whether you’re an avid home brewer or you own and regulate beer kegs for breweries, restaurants, and other venues, approaching the job with the best equipment is crucial. Consider the following list of the best keg CO2 regulators recommended by the professionals.
What Do Beer Keg CO2 Regulators Do?
A beer keg CO2 regulator is all about control. Every good brew master knows that the amount of carbon dioxide infused into a batch of beer will affect the taste, acidity, and foaminess of the finished product. Regulators provide direct control over how much CO2 flows into the mix.
When using a professional grade CO2 regulator, you can easily influence factors like:
- Pressurization and carbonation of closed bottles or cans (beer and kombucha)
- Overall mouth feel of each beer or flavor
- The ability to prevent an overly malty or sweet-tasting beer
- The airy texture of each unique batch or craft recipe
What to Look for in a Beer Keg CO2 Regulator
When browsing the market for the best beer keg CO2 regulators, many brewmasters stick to a few important criteria. These criteria relate to the control, quality, and durability of each regulator. Many CO2 regulators recommended by the pros have features such as:
- Ease of use (regardless of the level of experience)
- Safety mechanisms for controlling pounds of pressure per square inch
- Long-lasting and strong materials
- A reliable warranty for extended use
- Parts that are manufactured and sold within the United States
- Versatility for different types of tanks and brew projects
Single vs. Dual Gauge CO2 Regulators
When purchasing a CO2 keg regulator, you’ll quickly notice that some have one gauge and others have two. It’s important to note that certain regulators monitor different outputs. In a dual gauge setup, you’re able to monitor both the amount of pressure that’s being released into the beer and the amount of pressure within the carbon dioxide tank itself.
Single and dual gauge regulators have different price points and features. When deciding between the two, consider the amount of control you need for different areas.
Top 10 Keg CO2 Regulators
As you search for the best keg CO2 regulators, you’ll discover many different brands, models, and customizations. Check out the list below for 10 professional-grade regulators to meet your commercial or home brewing needs.