Multi-Keg Clarification

tldr: Can I use a combination of distributors and single-body regulators to hook up 2-3 kegs with different pressures, or would a double body be the best way?

I’m looking into getting into kegging, but since I’m on a student budget, I’m going to be starting out small with just one keg and hopefully adding on as I go. The one thing I want to be sure of though is that I will be able to easily bolt on to the system I get now, so I don’t waste good money and equipment in the future. To that end, I was investigating the gas setup for multiple kegs, and just wanted to make sure I wasn’t misunderstanding something. Assume here that I will be starting out with a single-body regulator and adding on later. This is how I see the possible options when moving to a second keg (prices are estimated from kegconnection.com’s inventory).

$130: tank → distributor → single body → keg 1


…-> single body → keg 2

Pros: 2 pressures, uses existing hardware
Cons: Most expensive

$79 : tank → single body → distributor → keg 1


…-> keg 2

Pros: Cheapest, uses existing hardware
Cons: Single pressure

$110: tank → double body → keg 1


…-> keg 2

Pros: 2 pressures
Cons: Wastes existing hardware

I would be leaning toward the first option as it seems the most extensible, but I don’t want to get a single body just to find out my future set up won’t work and I have to get a double body after all. Is there any problem with that set up?

If you wish to serve 2 beers at different pressures, you will need 2 regulators.

You can always add a second regulator later when funds come available. Either by screwing them together or hose/barb them together.

If you have the time, check out ebay for deals.

To create the most scalable system, I would go with the double-body regulator and add on a distributor later when you exceed two kegs.