Keg Cost in the USA and Canada

Q: Should I rent or buy a keg?

If you only need a keg occasionally, for a single event or to try out a size, leasing through our keg leasing program avoids the upfront cost. If you'll be using one regularly, buying works out cheaper over time and you won't need to coordinate returns.

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

The two are close in price. A Corny keg typically runs $120 to $130, while a sixth barrel runs slightly less at $108 to $120. The bigger difference is shape and fitting type, not cost, so pick based on which fits your kegerator and coupler setup.

Posted by Ron on 14th Jul 2026

Last updated: July 2026

If you're in the market for beer kegs, you're probably looking for an answer to the question "how much does a keg cost?".

That answer, however, is rather multi-faceted as there are quite a few factors that can affect the final cost of a keg. Here in this article, we're going to cover the most important of them.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Keg?

So, how much does a keg for a kegerator cost? The short answer is between $110 and $165. If we're talking empty beer kegs, the three main factors you have to consider are:

Keg size/type
Keg brand
Reseller/distributor

Naturally, a 1/4 barrel keg will cost you less than a 1/2 barrel keg of the same brand. However, when it comes to different brands, things get complicated as certain manufacturers offer better quality (or additional features) and, therefore, charge differently for their products.

Keg Sizes & Cost

How much does a 16-gallon keg cost? How much does a mini-keg cost? The table below will give you an idea of approximate prices for different sizes/types of kegs, based on the current prices on the BeverageCraft website.

Keg Size	Keg Volume	Average Keg Cost (USD)
Corny keg	5 gallons (18.9 L)	$120 to $130
Sixth barrel	5.2 gallons (20 L)	$108 to $120
Quarter barrel	7.7 gallons (29 L)	$120 to $140
Half barrel	15.5 gallons (58.7 L)	$150 to $165
Cask keg	9 gallons (40.9 L)	$140 to $150

Prices shown are approximate and based on standard, non-branded kegs. Kegs with side embossing or custom branding typically cost $5 to $7 more per unit.

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

How Much Will a Keg Cost in a Year?

There's no way of telling where the prices could go. However, if we're talking about maintenance costs, it's not that much, stainless steel kegs are generally reliable and require little to no maintenance, except for replacement parts like spears, O-rings, washers and so on. And don't forget about regular cleaning and sanitizing! If you'd rather skip the upfront cost altogether, our keg leasing program lets you rent kegs instead of buying outright - worth comparing against a straight purchase before you commit (see the comparison table further down this page).

How to Save Money on a Keg

If new keg prices are more than your budget allows, you don't have to compromise on quality to bring the cost down. BeverageCraft's refurbished and used equipment is inspected and tested before it's listed for sale, and it's often the fastest way to save on a keg without waiting on a leasing agreement or settling for an unbranded, off-brand product.

Keg Average Price in the US and Canada

If you're looking to buy stainless steel kegs in the USA and Canada, consider BeverageCraft. We will offer a competitive price for any type of keg you might need. From ball lock kegs to cask kegs, there's nothing you can't get from us, including keg accessories, keg couplers and faucets and shanks to complete your setup.

Our average prices? Most of our kegs can be bought within the $110-$150 range depending on size and type, complete with prompt delivery and top product quality.

Renting vs. Buying a Keg: Which Costs Less?

Whether leasing or buying makes more sense depends mostly on how often you need a keg and for how long. Here's how the two options compare:

Factor	Leasing (Keg Leasing Program)	Buying
Upfront cost	Low - no full purchase price	$110 to $165 per keg
Best for	One-off events, occasional use, testing a new size	Regular or long-term use (bars, restaurants, frequent homebrewers)
Maintenance	Handled by BeverageCraft	Your responsibility (cleaning, parts, sanitizing)
Long-term cost	Adds up if used continuously for years	One-time cost, cheaper over several years of regular use

See our keg leasing program for current terms, or browse refurbished kegs if you'd rather own one for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a keg cost?+

Most kegs cost between $110 and $150 depending on size and type, with smaller Corny and sixth barrel kegs at the lower end and half barrel kegs at the higher end. Branded or embossed kegs typically cost a few dollars more.

What size keg do I need?+

It depends on your event size and how often you'll be dispensing beer. A sixth barrel or quarter barrel works well for smaller gatherings, while a half barrel is better suited for bars, restaurants or larger events. See our keg sizes guide for a full breakdown.

Where to buy kegs in Canada?+

BeverageCraft ships stainless steel kegs across both Canada and the USA, with competitive pricing on all standard sizes and types.

Is there a deposit for a keg?+

Deposits are common when a keg is filled and returnable to a distributor or brewery, and typically range from $10 to $30 on top of the keg/beer price. Kegs bought outright from BeverageCraft as empty, reusable containers don't carry a separate deposit.

Should I rent or buy a keg?+

If you only need a keg occasionally - for a single event or to try out a size - leasing through our keg leasing program avoids the upfront cost. If you'll be using one regularly, buying works out cheaper over time and you won't need to coordinate returns.

How much can I save with a refurbished keg?+

Refurbished and used kegs are typically priced below new stock while still being inspected and tested before sale. Exact savings vary by size and condition - check current listings in our refurbished equipment section.

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

The two are close in price - a Corny keg typically runs $120 to $130, while a sixth barrel runs slightly less at $108 to $120. The bigger difference is shape and fitting type, not cost, so pick based on which fits your kegerator and coupler setup.

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