I was one of the first backers on Kickstarter and had to wait 2 years. Funny enough, this wait did not bother me as I have been a part of a few KS campaigns myself and know the actual process of product creation does not even begin until after the campaign has been funded and ends. Just got my uKeg 128 last week and I love it. Took in on a little weekend surf trip to the coast and having fresh triple IPA after a frigid PNW surf session was much appreciated. Not only that but I actually read their monthly updates, which is why I had no problem waiting for them to handle the annoying issues anyone faces when starting a company. Now that have my uKeg 128, I intend to take it on every weekend adventure in to the wilderness I go on. Cheers to the people at GrowlerWerks for being persistent in fulfilling their promise to deliver, even if it took a minute, because I have backed other KS campaigns that flopped hard.
Curious to hear how things have been working for you? I've recently purchased one and waiting for it to arrive! I agree, this dude's bitching about 'his experience" is quite hollow considering it was kickstarter! There are always, always issues. Deal with it, OR DO NOT BACK! People feel they are owed something special because they're backers (mind you, a quite small contribution!). If you have a problem with it, do what I do and wait for it to go through multiple iterations of development! PERIOD.
I have two of these, a 128 stainless steel and then a 64oz copper one, I enjoy them both. Haven't had much of an issue except I've had a brewery over tighten the cap and kink the cap O ring and cause a leak. From now on I have either asked for them to barely screw it on or just let me tighten the cap.
+BeerGeekGamer, If you'd like an opinion from a different perspective, here it is. I just purchased a uKeg 64 in copper from my local brew pub (5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, Georgia) in December of 2016. Unlike those of you who purchased one through the Kickstarter project, I didn't have to suffer through any long waits or lack of communication from GrowlerWerks. In fact, I didn't even know these existed until I bought mine a few days ago. I'm guessing that they've been making these long enough now to that they got all the bugs worked out of the system, because mine has been absolutely perfect. No leaks, no drips, no loose parts whatsoever. I cannot speak yet about their customer service, because I haven't needed any yet. Their website does seem very comprehensive as far as explaining how to maintain the system, including how to replace parts, through many videos. So far, I am extremely happy with mine. How's yours working nowadays?
Great video on this product. I finally got my uKeg, but on the first fill at a local tap room a leak appeared at the pressure gauge when I pressurized the system. That caused the pressure to weep off over night when I put it in the frig. Growlerwerks had me send the whole unit back and they paid for shipping. A couple weeks later I got another jug that didn't leak , but this time the pressure cap system did not seal well such that I lost too much gas pressure before I could secure the cap on the jug. The pressure went away after just one pull. Again I contacted GW and they kindly sent me a shipping label and had me send back just the pressure cap system. Within two weeks I received what I expected was either a new cap or a repaired cap. Three times I filled the just ad each time the cap system blew off too much gas before i could get it secured. Per this video, it shows a cap that doesn't leak as mine did. So I am sending it back in hopes of getting an effectively operating cap system. If the uKeg works as promoted, it should be a good product and fun to use.
Nice to see someone got theirs, I pledged for the laser engraved copper 128 assuming they knew what they were doing. With the latest kickstarter update I've lost all hope of ever seeing it.
+Daniel Zugarek The tap looks to be brazed to the output tube, so it is a little cocked, but the video makes it look worse then it really is. Also could have happened when I was wiggling everything around.
+Ted Pederson When I carbonate my beer, I use the "Set It and Forget" method, so whatever the PSI is at (usually 10-12) is what I dispense at. Since the beer your putting into the growler is already carbonated you only need to turn the dial a little for dispensing. As for storing, you could bump it up a little bit, but since the growler is pretty well sealed you shouldn't have any CO2 escaping.
Good evening, nice video thank you, I wanted to know how many days the beer stays cold out of the fridge? can you put it in the fridge? thank you very much, Mauro
Mauro B It depends on your refrigerator configuration. I have to move some things around, but I'm able to get in. It's been awhile since I've use it, but would say stays cold for at least a day. To be honest with all the other products that have come out, that do the same thing. In my opinion there are much better options.
My entire tap handle assembly came off the brass tube before I could even get beer in it. The brass tube was GLUED to a steel washer (yes, steel that rusts) with a silicone washer. Reported it to Growlerworks but all they did was say someone will "contact me soon". Man, what a let down. I ordered mine took over a year to get to me and never got beer in it.
Thanks for the share. Eagerly awaiting my 128 copper. Regarding the drippiness of the spout, I'd gathered from videos Growlerwerks made months ago that you're supposed to lock the tap after each use, and that that ensures it doesn't drip.
+StPatty33 Correct, you should lock the tap after each use. The taps they installed just don't seem to seat right away, like my Perlicks do on my kegerator.
+StPatty33 I just got my 64 today. Locked, not locked, high pressure, low pressure, my spout still drips. I think I will need to replace the shuttle o-ring. At least there is a video on their website.
+Tyler Harrington I just filled by 64 for the first time. The spout leaks about one drip every four or five seconds. That is a lot. It will probably leak a pint overnight.
+Jeff Daniels Sorry to hear that. So far I've filled mine a couple times. It drips from the pout for a little bit, maybe a minute or so, after I pour a pint but then stops. Other than that I haven't had any leak problems.
Sub'ing for future homebrew vids. Thanks for this review as I was looking at these a while back (likely a year ago ;] ). Let us know how many pours you get out of the c02 before changing it! Cheers!
I am still waiting on my ukeg 128 (of course); but do you think you would try the Synek tap system over the ukeg? synek.beer/ I am trying to look for something that will last me in the meantime; and I thought that this may be a good alternative? Thoughts?
+Max Hall The SYNEK is a totally different product than the uKeg, it's pretty much a mini kegerator on your countertop. The main reason I wouldn't get it is I already have a kegerator that I built, plus I'm not really sold on their "bag" technology or think most brewery's will fill them.
+Max Hall I've heard some good things about the ManCan, but I have no experience with them. Right now there are a ton of growler products available with different features. It really comes down to finding the one that meets your needs. Before the uKeg all my growlers have been glass expect for one, that I got from a brewery that is a 32oz stainless steal vacuum insulated one.
Hey thanks for a comprehensive review, I'll be interested to see how it deals with beer. The amount of foam you got from a cider then makes me think its going to be extremely frothy unless poured at a very low pressure. I nearly backed these to get one, really glad I didn't as I managed to start my own company, design a similar [but better ;-)] product, start manufacturing and have them out to customers before these guys even gave a couple of updates. Haha thanks Ukeg! now I have my own business
+iKegger Yours is nice, but it doesn't look nearly as cool as the uKeg. Although I have to give you it would not be hard to function better! I just got my uKeg 64 and the spout drips. Come on...
+Jeff Daniels yeah but I'm a practical kind of guy and I've worked in bars for 20 years... That tube up the side with glass insert and all the fittings just screams filthy beer lines to me. How did it go pouring beer?
Today was a very happy day...I finally put the uKEG in the trash...issue after issue...RMAs....4 carts to push out one filling...spigots falling off....why the hell do I need to wrap packages..get RMAs...email..blah-blah, go to the post office...try and justify the HUGE expense for this little number....when it was all solved by buying a Zell on Amazon for $29. I was so happy to get this thing off my back...I love the trash man...
Thanks for sharing. I am still waiting for mine. I haven't heard any response to any of my emails and I'm really losing faith in Growlerworks as a company. I was super excited for the longest time but now I'm feeling a little bitter about my whole experience.
Great video. I am looking forward to mine arriving sometime sooner or later (5191). This video takes a lot of the guesswork out of the commissioning process.
Thanks for the review - still haven't received mine, 2 months after your review! Anyway, it looks like it'll be worth the wait. What are your feelings about the uKeg after 2 months of use?
+HoverDonkey Unfortunately, I haven't been to any breweries lately, so I haven't filled it in awhile. I like the product, but can't vouch for the company with all the lack of communication that went on during the Kickstarter. Hopefully I can make it to a brewery soon and have it filled. My greatest worry is that breweries won't fill it because they might feel they can't "secure" the top, i.e. with electrical tape or the plastic heat shrink wrap.
When you do any kickstarter you have to realize your not buying a product... Your investing into a company to get started and buy giving them your money in hopes they get started you will receive a product.. Not Alot of people understand this. And I think your one if them. If they fail your out of money if they run and say fuck this your out of money because you invested into something and when they fail you don't receive the product. Things happen and you had to wait they had to build something from nothing to get you that product it doesn't start before kickstarter it starts when they get the money.
I was one of the first backers on Kickstarter and had to wait 2 years. Funny enough, this wait did not bother me as I have been a part of a few KS campaigns myself and know the actual process of product creation does not even begin until after the campaign has been funded and ends. Just got my uKeg 128 last week and I love it. Took in on a little weekend surf trip to the coast and having fresh triple IPA after a frigid PNW surf session was much appreciated. Not only that but I actually read their monthly updates, which is why I had no problem waiting for them to handle the annoying issues anyone faces when starting a company. Now that have my uKeg 128, I intend to take it on every weekend adventure in to the wilderness I go on. Cheers to the people at GrowlerWerks for being persistent in fulfilling their promise to deliver, even if it took a minute, because I have backed other KS campaigns that flopped hard.
Curious to hear how things have been working for you? I've recently purchased one and waiting for it to arrive! I agree, this dude's bitching about 'his experience" is quite hollow considering it was kickstarter! There are always, always issues. Deal with it, OR DO NOT BACK! People feel they are owed something special because they're backers (mind you, a quite small contribution!). If you have a problem with it, do what I do and wait for it to go through multiple iterations of development! PERIOD.
I have two of these, a 128 stainless steel and then a 64oz copper one, I enjoy them both. Haven't had much of an issue except I've had a brewery over tighten the cap and kink the cap O ring and cause a leak. From now on I have either asked for them to barely screw it on or just let me tighten the cap.
+BeerGeekGamer, If you'd like an opinion from a different perspective, here it is. I just purchased a uKeg 64 in copper from my local brew pub (5 Seasons Brewing in Sandy Springs, Georgia) in December of 2016. Unlike those of you who purchased one through the Kickstarter project, I didn't have to suffer through any long waits or lack of communication from GrowlerWerks. In fact, I didn't even know these existed until I bought mine a few days ago. I'm guessing that they've been making these long enough now to that they got all the bugs worked out of the system, because mine has been absolutely perfect. No leaks, no drips, no loose parts whatsoever. I cannot speak yet about their customer service, because I haven't needed any yet. Their website does seem very comprehensive as far as explaining how to maintain the system, including how to replace parts, through many videos. So far, I am extremely happy with mine. How's yours working nowadays?
Great video on this product. I finally got my uKeg, but on the first fill at a local tap room a leak appeared at the pressure gauge when I pressurized the system. That caused the pressure to weep off over night when I put it in the frig. Growlerwerks had me send the whole unit back and they paid for shipping. A couple weeks later I got another jug that didn't leak , but this time the pressure cap system did not seal well such that I lost too much gas pressure before I could secure the cap on the jug. The pressure went away after just one pull. Again I contacted GW and they kindly sent me a shipping label and had me send back just the pressure cap system. Within two weeks I received what I expected was either a new cap or a repaired cap. Three times I filled the just ad each time the cap system blew off too much gas before i could get it secured. Per this video, it shows a cap that doesn't leak as mine did. So I am sending it back in hopes of getting an effectively operating cap system. If the uKeg works as promoted, it should be a good product and fun to use.
Great video, thanks! Any updates on the experience with it so far?
Nice to see someone got theirs, I pledged for the laser engraved copper 128 assuming they knew what they were doing. With the latest kickstarter update I've lost all hope of ever seeing it.
Is the tap/handle twisted? Around 10:59, 15:31 the whole assembly looks to be twisted clockwise a bit.
+Daniel Zugarek The tap looks to be brazed to the output tube, so it is a little cocked, but the video makes it look worse then it really is. Also could have happened when I was wiggling everything around.
Probably a dumb question but so I need to go to a bar and fill this? I assume and I just don’t pour bottles or cans into it
If you really wanted to you could, but the main purpose of it is to use it as a growler.
To dispense from your kegerator what do you use, 2-3 psi? So do you want to dial down the pressure when serving, and then back up when storing?
+Ted Pederson When I carbonate my beer, I use the "Set It and Forget" method, so whatever the PSI is at (usually 10-12) is what I dispense at. Since the beer your putting into the growler is already carbonated you only need to turn the dial a little for dispensing. As for storing, you could bump it up a little bit, but since the growler is pretty well sealed you shouldn't have any CO2 escaping.
Good evening, nice video thank you, I wanted to know how many days the beer stays cold out of the fridge? can you put it in the fridge? thank you very much, Mauro
Mauro B It depends on your refrigerator configuration. I have to move some things around, but I'm able to get in. It's been awhile since I've use it, but would say stays cold for at least a day. To be honest with all the other products that have come out, that do the same thing. In my opinion there are much better options.
@@BeerGeekGamer do you have any better recommendations please? Thank you
Was wounded if just got one put soda in it set to 15 psi came out to fast and nothing but foam and flat what am I doing wrong
What does kickstarted mean
My entire tap handle assembly came off the brass tube before I could even get beer in it. The brass tube was GLUED to a steel washer (yes, steel that rusts) with a silicone washer. Reported it to Growlerworks but all they did was say someone will "contact me soon". Man, what a let down. I ordered mine took over a year to get to me and never got beer in it.
+Andrew Combs That really sucks, sorry to hear that.
Thanks for the share. Eagerly awaiting my 128 copper. Regarding the drippiness of the spout, I'd gathered from videos Growlerwerks made months ago that you're supposed to lock the tap after each use, and that that ensures it doesn't drip.
+StPatty33 Correct, you should lock the tap after each use. The taps they installed just don't seem to seat right away, like my Perlicks do on my kegerator.
+StPatty33 I just got my 64 today. Locked, not locked, high pressure, low pressure, my spout still drips. I think I will need to replace the shuttle o-ring. At least there is a video on their website.
Have you had any leakage problems? I noticed many of the first round of recipients had this issue at the taphead but reviews recently haven't had it.
+Tyler Harrington When you close the tap, there is a little drippage, but I haven't had any leaks so far.
+Tyler Harrington I just filled by 64 for the first time. The spout leaks about one drip every four or five seconds. That is a lot. It will probably leak a pint overnight.
+Jeff Daniels That sucks, I would definitely email them right away
+Jeff Daniels Sorry to hear that. So far I've filled mine a couple times. It drips from the pout for a little bit, maybe a minute or so, after I pour a pint but then stops. Other than that I haven't had any leak problems.
Sub'ing for future homebrew vids. Thanks for this review as I was looking at these a while back (likely a year ago ;] ). Let us know how many pours you get out of the c02 before changing it! Cheers!
The Co2 lasts an entire growler fill, with a little left over to clean and push water through the tap.
I am still waiting on my ukeg 128 (of course); but do you think you would try the Synek tap system over the ukeg? synek.beer/
I am trying to look for something that will last me in the meantime; and I thought that this may be a good alternative? Thoughts?
+Max Hall Or maybe even this mancan.beer/ ?
+Max Hall The SYNEK is a totally different product than the uKeg, it's pretty much a mini kegerator on your countertop. The main reason I wouldn't get it is I already have a kegerator that I built, plus I'm not really sold on their "bag" technology or think most brewery's will fill them.
+Max Hall I've heard some good things about the ManCan, but I have no experience with them. Right now there are a ton of growler products available with different features. It really comes down to finding the one that meets your needs. Before the uKeg all my growlers have been glass expect for one, that I got from a brewery that is a 32oz stainless steal vacuum insulated one.
Hey thanks for a comprehensive review, I'll be interested to see how it deals with beer. The amount of foam you got from a cider then makes me think its going to be extremely frothy unless poured at a very low pressure. I nearly backed these to get one, really glad I didn't as I managed to start my own company, design a similar [but better ;-)] product, start manufacturing and have them out to customers before these guys even gave a couple of updates. Haha thanks Ukeg! now I have my own business
+iKegger Yours is nice, but it doesn't look nearly as cool as the uKeg. Although I have to give you it would not be hard to function better! I just got my uKeg 64 and the spout drips. Come on...
+Jeff Daniels yeah but I'm a practical kind of guy and I've worked in bars for 20 years... That tube up the side with glass insert and all the fittings just screams filthy beer lines to me. How did it go pouring beer?
Well, except for the dripping and wasted beer, it poured great. I ordered some more o- rings for the shuttle.
My name kind of gives it away ;-) www.ikegger.com
Today was a very happy day...I finally put the uKEG in the trash...issue after issue...RMAs....4 carts to push out one filling...spigots falling off....why the hell do I need to wrap packages..get RMAs...email..blah-blah, go to the post office...try and justify the HUGE expense for this little number....when it was all solved by buying a Zell on Amazon for $29. I was so happy to get this thing off my back...I love the trash man...
Thanks for sharing. I am still waiting for mine. I haven't heard any response to any of my emails and I'm really losing faith in Growlerworks as a company. I was super excited for the longest time but now I'm feeling a little bitter about my whole experience.
+chrisbogdan Yea same exact feelings, I'm happy I received my uKeg, but I doubt I'll do business with them again.
+BeerGeekGamer I'm glad to know you can get the cartridges on amazon too
+NickGyver 87 Awesome! I finally got an email response from them and by their new estimate, I should have mine in the next month some time... YAY!
Great video. I am looking forward to mine arriving sometime sooner or later (5191). This video takes a lot of the guesswork out of the commissioning process.
Thanks for the review - still haven't received mine, 2 months after your review! Anyway, it looks like it'll be worth the wait. What are your feelings about the uKeg after 2 months of use?
+HoverDonkey Unfortunately, I haven't been to any breweries lately, so I haven't filled it in awhile. I like the product, but can't vouch for the company with all the lack of communication that went on during the Kickstarter. Hopefully I can make it to a brewery soon and have it filled. My greatest worry is that breweries won't fill it because they might feel they can't "secure" the top, i.e. with electrical tape or the plastic heat shrink wrap.
does this forcecarb homebrew?
+p ss Yes, you can forcecarb homebrew with this growler.
Still waiting for mine to arrive in South Africa. Your vid doesn't fill me with confidence, but thanks for a really comprehensive review.
the uKeg 128 copper was worth the wait
Dude doesn't know how to pour a beer.
When you do any kickstarter you have to realize your not buying a product... Your investing into a company to get started and buy giving them your money in hopes they get started you will receive a product.. Not Alot of people understand this. And I think your one if them. If they fail your out of money if they run and say fuck this your out of money because you invested into something and when they fail you don't receive the product. Things happen and you had to wait they had to build something from nothing to get you that product it doesn't start before kickstarter it starts when they get the money.
Agree. And also, it's *you're. Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine.