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Counter pressure bottling systems
Who here uses a counter pressure bottling system? I am currently exploring all things related to kegging etc, so I would like to hear of anyone's experience with these bottle filler uppers. Please tell me the procedure too, and if you think it is worth it. Cost of one of these do-dads would be helpful too.
Thanks
I bought the CounterPhil Counter Pressure Bottle Filler about 3 years ago when I started kegging and I have found it over the years to be a waste. I think I paid about $45 for it. Most of the time I just keg the beer and don't bother with bottles at all although when I do bottle, I have found that I prefer to use the old fashioned way of bottle conditioning. It does come in handy though on the few instances I want to bottle just a few bottles. I am sure they make nicer counterpressure fillers then the one I bought although to bottle more than a few is a pain in the !@#. The biggest problem being that you will undoubtedly lose some carbonation while capping. Well that is my 2 cents.
good luck,
2. I use a double valve counter pressure bottle filler. It works really well. Especially now that I have finally figured out how to use it. Although I bought mine, this is the type of gizmo that can be built.
The idea is pressurize the empty bottle with CO2 by opening the CO2 valve and releasing a short blast. Then close the CO2 valve. Then open the beer line. as beer fills the bottle a pressure release valve allows for the CO2 to escape while maintaining a constant pressure within the bottle. Thus, you don't have foaming because the pressure in the bottle is the same as in the keg. If however, your pressure relief valve is not set correctly and the pressure is not relieved then LOOK OUT. The bottle will, under these conditions, fill very slowly and when you pull the filler from the bottle it will be like pulling a cork out of champagne bottle. I've cleaned my kitchen ceiling twice as a result of this. Now that I have the pressure relief valve figured out it goes much smoother. Some foaming is good b/c it ensures that all 02 is removed from the bottle. The cap it and you are good to go.
prices may have changed since I bought mine five years ago but I would figure you could get one for under $50.
good luck with your search.
I had one put togeather at my local Frugal HomeBrewer... And I've also been going right to kegging... which seems alot easier for getting it carbonated.... Then saving off a batch of bottled goodies to remember each of my Brews to break out at a later date.... The cost for my set-up was around $50... and if your already kegging you have the CO2... Just a couple of more hoses and your set... Caps and the crimper are minimal cost.... Good luck... TheJet
Damn, people going all out. So here's what I do to fill bottles from the keg...
- Lower the pressure on the CO2 tank, usually down to a couple of PSI.
- Let off the pressure in the keg.
- Fill bottle and make sure to get a little foam at the top.
- Cap on top of the foam.
It works for me, it's cheap, and I've had bottles I filled like this and stored for weeks on end and when I opened them they still had good carbonation. I mostly do this when entering competitions. If it's going to friends I just make them give me a growler or come over to the house.
DT
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