CO2 Tank Guide

The CO2 tank is a critical part to any kegerator. It supplies carbon dioxide to your kegs.

The carbon dioxide keeps your beer carbonated and supplies pressure to dispense the beer.

Carbon dioxide tanks are sized to hold a certain pound of liquid CO2.

The typical tank sizes are 5 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb, and 20 lb. The most common size tank for home use is a 5 lb tank. 


How many kegs can you expect to dispense from each size of CO2 Tank?

CO2 Tank

The number of kegs will vary depending on your settings but this will give you a good estimate.

CO2 Tank Chart



Where can you buy a carbon dioxide tank?

You have a couple of options.

One place to buy a tank is a local welding supply store. These tanks are typically made of steel and are part of an exchange program. You just drop off the empty tank and pick up another tank that is full.

You can also purchase a tank that is not exchanged but instead filled and returned. You will be required to maintain certification on these tanks.

There are several online stores that sell tanks. The tanks are typically made of aluminum and are sold empty. You will just have to take it to the welding supply store to have it filled.

My local welding supply store charges $13 to refill a 5 lb tank.


It's a good idea to have two tanks...You don't want to run out of CO2 during a party.




I have two 5 lb CO2 tanks for my kegerator. One is part of an exchange program and one is an aluminum tank that I own. The aluminum tank is definitely lighter in weight and looks better but the steel tank exchange program is more convenient.

You can't go wrong with either option, so don't worry too much about your decision.


› Tank

Please subscribe to my free Kegerator Guide E-zine




Like This Site?


New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Share this page:
Enjoy this page? Please pay it forward. Here's how...

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.