Finding the right CO2 cartridge for beer kegs helps ensure consistent carbonation, clean taste, and easy portability. This guide highlights five reliable choices—covering both unthreaded and threaded designs—so you can select the best fit for your keg setup, whether at home, on the go, or during outdoor adventures.
| Product | Brand | Pack Size | Connection | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ICO C02, 16g | ICO | 10 pcs | Unthreaded | Portable beer dispensing |
| RedRock Unthreaded 16g | RedRock | 10 pcs | Unthreaded | Universal compatibility |
| Soyishi 16g | Soyishi | 4 pcs? (listed as 16g) | Unthreaded | Portable dispensing |
| TrailKeg 16g | TrailKeg | 6 pcs | Threaded | Bev & bike tire use |
| RedRock Unthreaded 30 Pack | RedRock | 30 pcs | Unthreaded | High volume dispensing |
ICO C02, 16g Cartridges — Non-Threaded (10 Pack)
ICO’s unthreaded 16-gram CO2 cartridges provide a simple solution for portable beer dispensing. They eliminate the need for a tank and regulator, making it easy to transport and serve directly from a keg, CO2 growler, or pressurized beer growler. Each cartridge contains 16 grams of CO2 at approximately 60 bar / 900 psi and is made of recyclable steel, ensuring high purity and compatibility with various devices that require unthreaded cartridges.
RedRock Unthreaded 16 Gram CO2 Cartridges (10 Pack)
RedRock’s unthreaded 16-gram CO2 cartridges are designed for beverage use and deliver clean, crisp carbonation for beer, soda makers, seltzers, and more. With a universal unthreaded neck, they fit a broad range of dispensers and mini keg systems designed for unthreaded chargers. They’re ideal for portable draft setups, ensuring reliable pressure and consistent carbonation for beer keg applications.
Soyishi 16g CO2 Cartridges — Unthreaded
Soyishi unthreaded 16-gram CO2 cartridges are designed for portable beer dispensing, homebrew kegs, CO2 growlers, and pressurized beer growlers. They emphasize 100% pure CO2, odorless and colorless, with no minerals or additives. Each cartridge holds approximately 60 bar / 900 psi of CO2 in recyclable steel, delivering clean, high-quality CO2 for beverage carbonation and other CO2 device needs.
TrailKeg 16g Threaded CO2 Cartridges
TrailKeg cartridges feature a 3/8-24 threaded connection, compatible with many mini keg and bike inflator designs. They are designed for beverage dispensing and are also suitable for bike tire inflators, offering versatile use beyond drinks. The CO2 is food-grade and intended to preserve beverage flavor while providing consistent carbonation for growlers, mini kegs, and related systems.
RedRock Unthreaded 30 Pack — Food Grade CO2 Cartridges
This RedRock 30-pack offers a high-volume option for frequent dispensing. The cartridges are unthreaded and designed for compatibility with devices that accept unthreaded CO2 cartridges. They maintain food-grade CO2 quality for reliable carbonation across homebrew beer, soda makers, and other beverage devices, making them a practical choice for regular use.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Compatibility: Determine whether your dispenser or mini keg uses threaded or unthreaded cartridges. Many devices specify a standard 3/8-24 threaded connection, while others require unthreaded chargers.
- CO2 Purity and Source: Look for 99.5%+ pure, food-grade CO2 to avoid off-flavors. Avoid cartridges with additives or minerals that can affect taste.
- Pack Size and Availability: Choose a pack size that matches your dispensing frequency. Unthreaded cartridges often come in smaller packs for portability, while threaded options may be available in larger bundles for home setups.
- Portability: If you’ll be dispensing on the go, unthreaded 16g cartridges are typically lighter and easier to transport than larger threaded options.
- Environmental Considerations: Recyclable steel bodies support sustainability. Check labeling for recyclability and local disposal guidelines.
- Usage Scenarios: For beer, margins of pressure stability and carbonation level matter. Some cartridges are marketed specifically for beverage use, while others are versatile for inflators and other devices.
- Purity and Odor: Odorless, colorless CO2 reduces potential off-flavors. Ensure cartridges are free from contaminants that could affect beer taste.
- Availability and Support: Consider brands with a reliable supply chain and clear product documentation to support device compatibility and safe use.
Choosing the right CO2 cartridge involves balancing device compatibility, portability, and carbonation needs. The listed options cover common configurations for beer kegs, growlers, and portable dispensing systems, enabling you to select a cartridge that aligns with your setup and usage patterns.