Introduction
Looking for ways to cut costs while making your brewery more sustainable? Many decision-makers ask: “Is it better to buy new beer kegs or invest in used ones?” The answer often points toward used kegs.
In this article, we’ll explore three big reasons why buying used kegs is a smarter move: cost savings, environmental benefits, and practical considerations. Plus, we’ll cover when new kegs might still make sense.
Significant Savings Without Sacrificing Quality
Beer kegs aren’t cheap. A brand-new stainless steel keg can easily cost €120 or more. Compare that to a used keg, which typically sells for €35–€60—less than half the price.
For breweries managing hundreds or even thousands of kegs, this adds up to massive long-term savings. Even if you need to replace O-rings or pressure-test a used keg, the overall cost remains far below buying new.
In fact, many brewers agree that refurbished kegs offer the same reliability as new, with the added benefit of a lighter impact on your bottom line.
Eco-Wise: Lower Waste, Reduced Emissions, and Circular Use
Used kegs don’t just save money—they also support sustainable brewing practices.
- Long lifespan: A stainless steel keg can last 30+ years and serve thousands of pours.
- Reduced landfill waste: Reusing kegs diverts single-use containers from landfills.
- Lower emissions: Since kegs are reused rather than manufactured from scratch, CO₂ emissions from production and transport are dramatically reduced.
- 100% recyclable: At the end of its lifecycle, stainless steel can be fully recycled, keeping the brewing industry circular and eco-friendly.
For brewery owners looking to highlight green credentials, buying used kegs is an easy, high-impact decision.
Smart, Sensible, and Sustainable for Brewery Operations
From a practical standpoint, used kegs are a sensible choice for most breweries.
- Cleaning & safety: Most reputable sellers pressure-test and sanitize used kegs. With new O-rings and fittings, they function like new.
- Lower upfront investment: Breweries can free up capital for marketing, equipment, or scaling production.
- Easy maintenance: Refurbishing adds longevity, and spare parts are widely available.
The main precaution? Always purchase from trusted suppliers who thoroughly inspect their inventory. This ensures safety and consistency.
Quick Comparison: Used vs. New Kegs
| Feature | Used Kegs | New Kegs |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | Substantially lower | Higher investment |
| Refurbishing Required | Fully refurbished at Used-Kegs | None |
| Environmental Impact | Reuse, recycling, lower footprint | New production footprint |
| Branding Customization | Full branding at Used-Kegs | Full customization available |
| Reliability Assurance | Inspection needed | Guaranteed factory condition |
Conclusion
For breweries weighing cost efficiency, sustainability, and practicality, used kegs are the smarter choice. They’re budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and—when sourced from reputable suppliers—every bit as reliable as new.
Still, there are times when new kegs are worth the investment, especially for branding and peace of mind. The best approach is often a hybrid strategy: invest in a base of used kegs for cost efficiency, then supplement with a smaller number of branded new kegs for visibility.
FAQs (Voice Search–Optimized)
How much cheaper are used beer kegs than new?
Used kegs are often 40–60% cheaper than new ones.
Are used kegs safe to use?
Yes, as long as they’re properly cleaned, tested, and refurbished.
How long do stainless steel kegs last?
With proper care, a keg can last 30 years or more.
Do used kegs need to be cleaned or tested before use?
Absolutely. Reputable suppliers pressure-test and sanitize kegs before resale.
