How to Weigh a Keg

01/02/2024

Not many people know how to weigh a keg. In fact, most people tend to shake it to guess how much beer is left inside. Some may choose to use the process of tenthing, wherein you work out the quantity of beer by dividing the keg into tenths and estimate how much is left.

We’d like to introduce you to another, more precise method to weigh a key- the Marsden K-100 Keg Scale.

But First, What Is Tenthing?

Tenthing is one of the standard methods for weighing bottles of liquor and is sometimes also used to do inventory for kegs. This method involves picking up the keg and giving it a shake, trying to estimate how much beer is left in it, to the nearest tenth.

However this method is subjective, and incredibly inaccurate. The result may vary dramatically from person to person as it relies highly on human judgement. In fact, Barcop goes as far as to state that this has a margin of error of about 15%.

What Is the Ball and Keg?

Another cheap method is to use the Ball and Keg, although this only works for home brews.

This simple float stays on the surface of the beverage, and the orange magnet on the exterior of the keg indicates the amount of beer left inside.

What Is the Marsden K-100?

The K-100 is an effective way to check the contents of your kegs in a reliable and easy way. Simply place the scale next to the keg, switch it on, and then lift the keg onto it. Because of its low profile - at only 35mm - you won’t need to lift it very high. The scale will then accurately display the weight of the keg on the indicator.

After that you just need to do a simple calculation to help you work out how much beer is left inside: current weight - weight of an empty keg.

Weighing kegs in breweries

Unfortunately the K-100 is not suitable for use by breweries. It’s not Trade Approved and, therefore, cannot be used to weigh items that are sold based on weight. Here are a few alternative scales suitable for breweries.

What Trade Approved Options are there?

HSS

One option for weighing kegs in a brewery is the Marsden HSS Stainless Steel Bench Scale. With an optional max capacity of 150kg and optional max dimensions of 600mm x 600mm, this scale can easily accommodate all sizes of kegs.

When paired with the I-100SS-APP indicator, this scale can be Trade Approved. It is also IP65 rated, meaning it is dust tight and can be wiped down without causing damage to the scale.

For weighing kegs in a brewery, we’d recommend the HSS with the JIK-APP Trade Indicator. This version is IP67 rated, making it suitable for wet and dusty environments. So there’s no need to panic if you have an accident during the liquid filling process, which this scale is also suitable for.

Plus, because it’s stainless steel, it’s long-lasting, easy to clean and looks professional in your brewery.

P-SS-I-100SS-APP

One final option is the Marsden Stainless Steel Platform Scale. This scale is ideal for final weighing before kegs leave the brewery. It can be made Trade Approved and waterproof, depending on which indicator is chosen.

With capacities ranging from 600kg to 3000kg, you can rest assured that this scale can handle the weight of any keg.