Empty Keg Cost: USA & Canada Prices

Posted by Ron on 14th Jul 2026

Last updated: September 2026

If you're comparing beer keg prices, the first thing to check is whether the price is for an empty reusable keg or a keg filled with beer. This guide covers the cost of empty kegs sold by BeverageCraft in the USA and Canada.

Keg prices vary by size, manufacturer, construction, fitting, branding options and current availability. The price table below provides a practical starting point for comparing the most common empty keg sizes.

Quick answer: New empty kegs typically cost about $100 to $200, depending on their size, construction, manufacturer, fitting and branding options. The prices in this guide apply to empty reusable kegs sold by BeverageCraft, not kegs filled with beer.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy an Empty Keg?

Most new empty kegs fall within a range of approximately $100 to $200. The final price depends on several factors:

Keg size/type
Manufacturer and construction
Keg fitting and spear
Stackable or non-stackable design
Custom embossing or silk-screening
Country, currency and shipping location
Current promotions and availability

A quarter barrel generally costs less than a half barrel from the same product line, but size is not the only consideration. Stainless steel grade, chime design, fitting type and branding can all affect the final price.

Keg Sizes & Cost

The table below compares approximate prices for common empty keg sizes based on current BeverageCraft listings. These are general ranges rather than guaranteed quotes.

Keg Size	Keg Volume	Average Keg Cost (USD)
Corny keg	5 gallons (18.9 L)	$120 to $130
Sixth barrel	5.16 US gallons (19.5 L)	$102 to $120
Quarter barrel	7.75 US gallons (29.3 L)	$120 to $140
Half barrel	15.5 gallons (58.7 L)	$150 to $180
Cask keg	9 Imperial gallons (40.9 L)	$140 to $150

Prices are approximate and may vary by country, selected currency, model, fitting, branding, promotion and availability. Check the relevant product page for current pricing before ordering.

Learn more about keg sizes and their dimensions in the US and Canada in this article.

What Does It Cost to Own and Maintain a Keg?

Stainless steel kegs are built for repeated use, but ownership still includes routine cleaning, sanitizing and occasional replacement parts such as spears, O-rings and washers. The exact maintenance cost depends on how frequently the keg is used and cleaned. Breweries that want to preserve working capital can also compare an outright purchase with BeverageCraft's long-term lease-to-own keg program.

How to Save Money on a Keg

Start by comparing keg sizes and fittings so you do not pay for capacity or features your operation does not need. Current promotions and clearance products may also reduce the purchase price. Check BeverageCraft's refurbished and used equipment section for current availability, since the products listed there can change.

Keg Average Price in the US and Canada

BeverageCraft supplies empty stainless steel kegs in the USA and Canada. Available options include ball lock kegs, cask kegs, commercial Sanke kegs, keg accessories, keg couplers and faucets and shanks.

Many standard empty kegs fall between approximately $100 and $180, while certain sizes, construction options or branded models may cost more. Prices may display in CAD or USD depending on the selected storefront currency.

Lease-to-Own vs. Buying Kegs: Which Option Fits Your Brewery?

Buying and lease-to-own both lead to keg ownership, but they affect cash flow differently. BeverageCraft's long-term lease-to-own program is intended for breweries, cideries and wineries that need a keg fleet without paying the full purchase price upfront.

Factor	Leasing (Keg Leasing Program)	Buying
Upfront cost	Lower initial cost with monthly payments	Full purchase price paid upfront
Best for	Breweries, cideries and wineries preserving working capital	Businesses or individuals ready to own the keg immediately
Ownership	Monthly payments lead to ownership with a $1 final buyout	Immediate ownership
Best reason to choose it	Spreads keg acquisition costs over time	No financing process or monthly lease payments

See our keg lease-to-own program for current terms and available keg models.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a keg cost?+

Most new empty kegs cost approximately $100 to $200, depending on size, manufacturer, construction, fitting and branding. Check the individual product page for the current price and selected currency.

What size keg do I need?+

The right size depends on your required capacity, storage space, handling needs and dispensing setup. A sixth barrel or quarter barrel offers a smaller footprint, while a half barrel provides greater capacity. See our keg sizes guide for a full comparison.

Where to buy kegs in Canada?+

BeverageCraft sells empty stainless steel kegs in standard commercial and homebrew sizes and ships across Canada and the USA. Availability and pricing depend on the selected model and shipping market.

Are the prices in this guide for empty kegs?+

Yes. The prices in this guide apply to empty reusable kegs sold by BeverageCraft. They do not include beer, beverage filling, distributor deposits, shipping or applicable taxes.

Should my brewery lease-to-own or buy kegs?+

Buying provides immediate ownership and requires the full purchase price upfront. BeverageCraft's lease-to-own program spreads the cost across monthly payments that lead to ownership with a $1 final buyout. It is designed for breweries, cideries and wineries building or expanding a keg fleet.

How much can I save with a refurbished keg?+

Savings depend on the keg's size, model, condition and current inventory. Refurbished kegs are not always available, so check the refurbished equipment section for current listings.

What's the price difference between a Corny keg and a sixth barrel?+

The two are often close in price. A new Corny keg is typically around $120 to $130, while a sixth barrel may range from about $102 to $120. The more important difference is the shape and fitting type, so confirm compatibility with your kegerator and coupler before buying.

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