What is the most common type of keg used in draft beer systems?

The most common type of keg used in draft beer systems is the Sankey keg. This design is widely accepted and utilized by breweries and bars primarily due to its compatibility with various dispensing systems. The Sankey keg features a single valve that serves both for dispensing the beer and for adding CO2 pressure, allowing for efficient beer management and ease of use.

Its popularity also stems from industry standards that favor the Sankey system, making it easy for establishments to source kegs of various beers from different breweries without needing multiple types of couplers. This helps streamline the operation of draft systems in bars and restaurants, as staff only need to be trained on one type of attachment and operation process.

The other keg types, such as ball lock and pin lock kegs, are typically found in homebrewing contexts or specific regional markets, while Euro kegs may refer to various European designs that are less universally adopted in the U.S. market. As a result, the Sankey keg remains the predominant choice for draft beer service across many establishments.