: Originally used for soft drinks, these 5-gallon canisters are the favorite of homebrewers because they are easy to clean and refill. Key Components

: Half the size of a standard keg, containing 7.75 gallons (about 62 pints or 82 twelve-ounce cans ).

: The device that attaches to the top of the keg to allow beer to flow out and gas to flow in.

To serve beer from a keg, several specialized parts are required:

: Custom tap handles and decorative stands for home bars.

: Provides the pressure needed to push the beer through the lines and keeps it carbonated.

Kegs come in several standardized sizes, often referred to by their volume or their fraction of a full barrel.