[wamille]

Has anyone heard anything good or bad about these new mini kegs?  I just bought two, but heard they're made in China and might not be usable... something about too much of a lead presence?  Just trying to figure it out. 

[Joe Sr.]

I have not heard anything about them, though I did see them for sale and thought they looked appealing.

Williams is a reputable vendor, so I would think they have some sort of process to make sure their products are usable.

Have you followed up with them?

I've only had to call them on an issue with one order, but they were great to deal with on the phone and replaced the item promptly no questions asked.

[weithman5]

where can i find some info on these?

[weithman5]

okay, found them, little spendy though

[narvin]

Is this what you're talking about?

http://www.williamsbrewing.com/2-GALLON-NEW-BALL-LOCK-CORNELIUS-TYPE-KEG-P2936C109.aspx

Why would it have lead in it?  Because it's from China?  Has there been discussion about this on other boards?

[Joe Sr.]

okay, found them, little spendy though

Yes, but they're pretty much in line with the 3 gallon keg prices I've seen.

I bought a couple used 3 gallon kegs years ago for $70 each.  After new poppets, PRVs, etc. I could have just bought new ones.

They're handy and I like them.  But five gallon kegs are much more economical.  Even at today's prices.

[Jimmy K]

okay, found them, little spendy though

Yes, but they're pretty much in line with the 3 gallon keg prices I've seen.

I bought a couple used 3 gallon kegs years ago for $70 each.  After new poppets, PRVs, etc. I could have just bought new ones.

They're handy and I like them.  But five gallon kegs are much more economical.  Even at today's prices.

Cheaper than most 2.5 and 3 gallon kegs I've seen actually, by about $20.

[jiggs26.2]

Was wondering where you got you information?  I did a little research on Google to see if I could find anything, didn't see anything that caught my eye.  As far as I know Williams is a reputable brew store ( I have never purchased from them).  Also the description says they are made of 304 stainless steel so I would think a good cleaning and you should be OK.

[wamille]

A homebrewer friend of mine here in South Korea mentioned he heard something about these kegs possibly having an issue with lead in the welding joints or something like that after I told him I ordered a couple of them.  I don't know where he got his info and I'll have to ask him.  He's a smart guy and a Williams Brewing patron.  I'm a huge Williams Brewing fan and have had great service from them.  I got the kegs yesterday in the mail... they look fine to me, but I wouldn't know a bad weld from a hole in the ground or if there was a lead problem.  I definetely don't want to malign any Williams products, but I also want to know if there might be a problem with the kegs prior to putting my beer in them.  I also think this forum is a great knowledge resource and figured some of you guys might've heard something. 

[Joe Sr.]

Could you test the welds with one of those lead paint test kits?  Just wondering...

Williams was the first place I ordered from on-line many many years ago.  Not so much anymore, but mainly due to going to the local HBS.

[tubercle]

Calling the Wease...Hello? Hello?

 Is there anything that can be used to weld 304 that has lead in it? <He will know>.

[Thirsty_Monk]

Most of commercial SS brewing tanks are made in China.
If it is 304 SS it should be food grade.

[Joe Sr.]

Just bought a couple of these as they were reduced - factory 2nd's I guess.

I'm not concerned about lead, but I would say I don't care for the dip tubes too much.

While they do stop 1/2 inch short as advertised, the bottom of the keg has a punt, so you're leaving a lot behind particularly in such a small keg.

I will either extend the tube with a piece of hose or cut down longer tubes to be the size I want.  Not that big of a deal.

Other than that, even the "scratch and dent" seconds look pretty good.