For homebrewers, a growler isn't just a good way to get fresh beer to go from your favorite brewery. It's a way to share your homebrew with others. A typical growler will typically pour an unimpressive beer, especially if it's been opened even just once. That's why many homebrewers choose to package and pour their brews from a pressurized beer growler.
The story of how the word “growler” became synonymous with a large jug of draft beer begins in the late 1800s.
An individual taking a lidded bucket, called a growler, to be filled at the local pub and quickly carrying it home or to a worksite was documented repeatedly in the late 19th century.
However, the exact origin of the word growler is lost to time.
One theory is sloshed beer caused CO2 to build up and create a “growling” sound as it escaped the lid. Other theories include the waiting worker’s stomachs growling on lunch break, bartenders and patrons growling over the amount to be poured, or the noise of a full container sliding over the bar.
Another explanation is “rushing the growler” also references a bird dog flushing its quarry with the “growler” being the dog.
Finally, “work the growler” was an English phrase referencing a cab one rents during a “pub crawl”. This phrase possibly made it over the Atlantic and later altered in the Americas.
We may not know how a “bucket of beer” came to be called a growler, but we do know how a growler progressed into the familiar 64-ounce glass jug commonly referred to today.
In the late 1980s, the owner of a famous draft-only microbrewery used the glass jugs to market his beer for home consumption. He got the idea from his dad’s childhood memory of growlers.
Today growlers utilize sophisticated equipment and, in some cases, are even considered art. One of these innovations is the pressurized growler, a device that solves the problem of draft beer going flat in the fridge over the next couple days, or even faster if your cap doesn't properly seal.
Keeping your beer fresh longer is done by replacing the air in the growler with CO2 with the use of a special valve, gauge, and CO2 cartridge specifically made for, or built into the growler.
Let’s look at the features of these specialized growlers and review the best pressurized beer growlers on the market.
Table of Contents
What To Look For In Pressurized Beer Growlers
Size
Today there are probably fewer growler sizes than various buckets sizes available in the 1890s, but rest assured there is a size available to suit your needs!
The 64-ounce growler was the standard after the re-introduction of growlers back into the homebrew and craft beer culture in the 1980s. Since beer consumption out of a growler was often “the sooner the better” kind of situation, very large beer growlers did not appeal to the average enthusiast at the time.
With the advent of pressurized beer growlers, larger growlers have become more common. Many pressurized beer growlers can be categorized as mini-kegs and the common use of stainless-steel increased the feasibility of transporting large beer growlers easily.
Obviously, your specific needs will determine the size growler you will purchase. Whether you are looking to squeeze it onto a cluttered shelf in your fridge or share 10 pints of tasty draft beer at a gathering of friends, there is a pressurized beer growler size specific to your needs.
Cost
The good news is low-end pressurized beer growlers will get the job done. The high-end growlers are often more aesthetically pleasing and/or have more complex attributes that enhance or extend the freshness of the beer. Size also plays into the price, as do some of the more sophisticated features that will make you the envy of your home brewing friends.
Composition
Modern-day growlers are made of three different materials: glass, porcelain, and stainless steel.
However, most pressurized beer growlers are constructed with stainless steel because of durability and their resistance to internal pressure. Stainless steel pressurized beer growlers usually have a CO2 pressurization system built into the growler.
Glass beer growlers are the most common type of growler found on the market but are not usually pressurized. There are pressurization kits available on the market made to fit glass growlers. Always inspect your growler beforehand and follow manufacturer guidelines concerning the pressurization of growlers.
Porcelain Growlers are the most ornate growlers but are usually not pressurized. Again, always inspect your growler beforehand and follow manufacturer guidelines concerning the pressurization of growlers.
Party Tap VS Beer Faucet
Some pressurized growlers come with a “party tap” (beer line, plus plastic faucet), while others will come with a legit beer faucet. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.
With a party tap, you have a length of beer line which can help reduce foaming. The tap head is easier to grab and open quickly, so you can get the perfect pour of your homebrew or brewery fill.
On the other hand, a beer faucet looks cooler. Plus, you can take it apart more easily to clean between fillings. With a part tap, you'll probably have to just replace the parts every once in a while. That chocolate mint imperial stout residue in the beer line might affect the taste of your next fill of a blonde ale.
Also, if you don't clean the faucet at the end of the night (assuming you still have beer in the growler), you may find that the faucet sticks, making your next pour more difficult to manage without foaming issues.
Personally? I prefer the faucet style and just try to be consistent about maintaining the parts. TBH maintaining then replacing the party tap line is kind of a pain in the butt.
Top 10 Pressurized Beer Growlers
The Spotted Dog CO2 Pressurized Growler Dispenser
Glass growlers are the most common type of beer growler because of their low cost and the ability to see the beer as it is poured into and out of the growler. Glass beer growlers do not have built-in CO2 pressurization systems for obvious reasons but, as mentioned above, there are pressurization kits specifically made to fit glass beer growlers.
That is good news for those who have a favorite glass growler or buy their craft beer from brewers who only sell branded beer growlers.
The Spotted Dog CO2 Pressurized Growler Dispenser is the perfect option for those looking to pressurize their favorite glass beer growler. The kit includes a regulator, growler dispenser cap, faucet with tubing, and a dip tube. CO2 cartridges and growlers are not provided.
The Spotted Dog CO2 Pressurized Growler Dispenser should fit all standard 64oz and 128oz glass growlers with 38mm threaded caps.
Again, as mentioned above. Ensure your beer growler is not damaged in any way and always follow manufacturer guidelines concerning the pressurization of growlers. You can also opt to get the Stainless Steel Growler + Dispenser from the same company, although that particular setup has a side-mounted CO2 , instead of top-mounted CO2 like the cap show above
Pros and Cons of the Spotted Dog CO2 Pressurized Growler Dispenser
PRO: It is compatible with common glass beer growlers!
PRO: It is easier to clean than built-in growler pressurizers.
PRO: It is a low-cost option if you already own a glass beer growler.
PRO: Top-mounted CO2 cartridge may save you horizontal space in the fridge
CON: Using pressurized glass growlers may be less safe than using stainless steel.
CON: It may not last as long as built-in systems due to taking on and off frequently.
CON: Top-mounted CO2 may not fit into your fridge shelving (they do offer a side-mounted version)
64 Ounce Growlers
NutriChef Pressurized Mini Keg Beer Growler (64 oz)
Nutrichef is a trusted name in kitchen equipment, but you might be surprised to learn that they also produce a pressurized beer growler. Well, this one looks more like a mini-keg, but it functions the same as other growlers, despite the shape.
They offer a unique, powder coat matte black design, which is scratch resistant. With a height of just 12.2″, this stubby, short keg may fit in your fridge more easily than other designs.
A couple unique features: The hex cap design (rather than round) means taking the cap off will be easier, with less fingers slippage if the cap is wet. Also, the regulator goes up to 30 PSI, while many some other growlers may only go up to 15. That means you can serve up some effervescent wheat and Belgian beers with their proper CO2 volume.
Nutrichef also sells a 128 oz version in the exact same style, and both sizes also have a stainless steel color option.
Pros and Cons of NutriChef Pressurized Mini Keg Beer Growler
PRO: Trusted name brand with many positive reviews
PRO: Unique features like hex cap and higher carbonation capacity
PRO: Truly unique design with matte black mini-keg
PRO: Compact design saves space in your fridge
CON: Some breweries may be reluctant to fill unique-style kegs due to unfamiliarity
HomeCraft CBG64 Pressurized Beer Growler
This stainless-steel model has a 64-ounce capacity and is one of the smallest pressurized beer growlers on the market. It will fit nicely into your refrigerator for those needing to maximize limited space and is super light at only 4.2 pounds.
The HomeCraft CBG64 Pressurized Beer Growler is fitted with a quick-connect regulator and has a convenient carrying handle that makes transport a cinch. It also includes three 16g CO2 cartridges!
Pros and Cons of HomeCraft CBG64 Pressurized Beer Growler
PRO: Three 16g CO2 cartridges are included.
PRO: It has a handle for safe and easy transport.
PRO: It has a quick-connect regulator.
PRO: It is lightweight and small, making it easy to store.
CON: It only holds the standard 64 ounces.
GrowlerWerks Stainless Steel uKeg Pressurized 64 oz. Growler
Growlerwerks have some of the most stylish pressurized beer growlers on the market and this product is no exception.
A sight glass, a VPR cap that enables automatic pressure control, and an interchangeable transportation handle are just some of the features that set this pressurized beer growler apart from its competition!
Pros and Cons of GrowlerWerks Stainless Steel uKeg Pressurized 64 oz. Growler
PRO: It is lightweight and small, making it easy to store.
PRO: It has a sight glass.
PRO: Durable and safe stainless-steel construction.
PRO: VPR technology allows for an automatic pressure control setting.
PRO: The interchangeable handle makes it easy to transport
CON: Pricey Model.
CON: It only holds the standard 64 ounces.
CON: It does not include any CO2 cartridges.
TrailKeg Half Gallon Package
If you want to opt for a more “adventurous look”, then the TrailKeg could be the perfect pressurized growler for you. This design reminds me of water bottles I use for hiking, and I think that's what they intended.
The use of a stronger grade of stainless steel is smart design, since if you plan to bang this thing around while hiking up a mountain, you'd better make sure your container can take a beating. Just make sure to ice this thing down in the snow or cool lake before pouring, or you might get a lot of foam.
Personally, I prefer the keg look when drinking a at home, but this is still a unique option to consider. I like the carrying handle as well, and it comes with its own twist cap/lid so you can use that for growler pours at the brewery, then add the CO2 contraption when you get home.
PRO: Unique design looks similar to popular water bottles used for hiking (less conspicuous for holding beer)
PRO: Comes with optional hand-tightened cap (not required to have faucet and CO2 charger)
PRO: Comes in two colors, stainless or black
PRO: 18/8 stainless steel is stronger than other types of steel used for many other pressurized growlers
PRO: Comes with 2 CO2 cartridges
CON: Only comes in half-gallon size
128 Ounce Growlers
GrowlerWerks Copper uKeg Pressurized 128 Oz. Growler:
This is a large capacity stainless steel pressurized beer growler that has a unique look with a sleek copper finish (also available with black chrome and stainless-steel finishes). This is one of the more eye-pleasing designs of large pressurized beer growlers and it comes with some very nice features to make the carbonation of your beer easy.
The included carbonation cap allows for automatically setting the pressure for the optimal carbonation level. A site glass also allows you to easily judge how much beer is left in the growler without removing the lid and exposing the beer to the atmosphere.
Pros and Cons of GrowlerWerks Copper uKeg Pressurized 128 Oz. Growler
PRO: It holds 128 ounces of beer.
PRO: It has a sight glass.
PRO: The stainless-steel construction is safe and durable.
PRO: It has automatic pressure control setting.
CON: It is a pricey Model.
CON: Some find it difficult to assemble.
CON: It does not include any CO2 cartridges.
Lamtor G005-3.6L 128 Ounce Mini Keg Pressurized Growler
This stainless-steel pressurized beer growler is one of the most compact models of the 128-ounce capacity variety. Its convenient size, coupled with the fact it is equipped with “The Perfect Pour Regulator System”, makes the pressurized beer growler a great buy at one of the lowest prices at this capacity!
We highly recommend the Lamtor G005-3.6L 128 Ounce Mini Keg Pressurized Growler.
Pros and Cons of Lamtor G005-3.6L 128 Ounce Mini Keg Pressurized Growler:
PRO: It one of the cheapest options among its equally sized peers!
PRO: It is equipped with “The Perfect Pour Regulator System”.
PRO: It is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store.
PRO: It holds 128 ounces of beer.
PRO: The stainless-steel construction is safe and durable.
CON: It does not include any CO2 cartridges.
Keg Smiths 128 oz Portable Draft Keg System
Pros and Cons of Keg Smiths 128 oz Portable Draft Keg System
With a company name like “Keg Smiths”, you know they're a competent maker of kegging materials. Thought his is a pressurized beer growler, it still looks like a corny keg.
Easy to fill, easy to clean, and you can't go wrong with stainless steel. Though you'll see some other, similar-looking keg growlers on this page, Keg Smiths has way fewer quality-of-manufacturing complaints.
PRO: Unique logo on keg
PRO: Stainless steel is easy to clean
PRO: Delivery includes extra parts like washers and tubing you may need later
PRO: Reliable regulator
PRO: Can get a matching cooler jacket (not included)
CON: Some breweries will not fill growlers with logos on them (you can cover it with tape, or a magnet)
CON: Tall, corny keg-style may not fit in your fridge
BACOENG 175 Ounce Pressurized Keg Growler
128 oz is probably the most common pressurized growler size, but there are a few other sizes out there, including this 175 oz system from Bacoeng. They actually have a 128oz and 64 oz system available too, but since I've got those sizes accounted for with other brands, I decided to included this version here.
Because I know you don't know the calculation off the top of your head, 175oz is 5 liters, which is about 10 beers. Nooice!
It is equipped with “The Perfect Pour Regulator System”, a dual-stage regulator for stable pressure output and smooth pouring. It also has the capacity to hold over ten bottles of beer. Though this is a relatively unknown brand, the BACOENG 175 Ounce Pressurized Keg Growler is a great option and already has some solid reviews racking up.
One super unique aspect of this brand is that they include a flow-control faucet, which are usually pretty expensive (it also looks cool and professional). I haven't tried this particular one, so can't vouch for the precise quality, but it looks legit. A flow control faucet will allow you to get the perfect pour for each unique style of beer!
Pros and Cons of BACOENG 128 Ounce Pressurized Keg Growler
PRO: It is equipped with “The Perfect Pour Regulator System”.
PRO: Unique size at 175-ounce
PRO: The stainless-steel construction is safe and durable.
PRO: The stainless steel used in this construction is lighter than other companies.
PRO: Flow control adjustable faucet
PRO: The pressure regulation cap is adjustable.
CON: It does not include any CO2 cartridges.
CON: No carrying case or other bonus items included
5L Craft Beer Tower by Spotted Dog
It is one of the largest models of pressurized beer growlers you can order online! This durable stainless-steel model holds a whopping 5 liters of beer and is one of the best-priced models in this range despite its huge capacity.
The 5L Craft Beer Tower by Spotted Dog is known for being easy to assemble and operate, and it comes with a keg sleeve to further insulate your growler!
Pros and Cons of 5L Craft Beer Tower by Spotted Dog
PRO: It has a five-liter capacity.
PRO: The stainless-steel construction is safe and durable.
PRO: It is one of the cheaper pressurized beer growlers at this size.
PRO: It is user-friendly.
PRO: It comes with a keg sleeve.
CON: It may be more difficult to carry than some other models.
CON: It may be more difficult to store than some other models.
CON: It does not include any CO2 cartridges.
Pressurized Beer Growler FAQ:
Why use a growler instead of buying bottled beer or bottling my homebrew?
Many craft beers loved by enthusiasts are only released on tap and some microbreweries only have draft beer. Most craft beer enthusiasts prefer draft beer to bottled or canned beer. Growlers provide the option to bring the crisp taste of draft beer home and to special events.
Growlers also speed up the homebrew process as the timely job of individually bottling can be skipped. This also reduces the chance your homebrew will be ruined by reducing the number of possibly contaminated surfaces.
Is there a proper way to pour beer into my Growler?
Growlers should be bottom filled if possible. Simply pouring beer into a growler exposes the beer to oxidation and the foam it creates allows for less beer to be put into the growler. Bottom-filling is usually done with a long tube that reaches the bottom of the growler ran directly from the tap.
How long will beer last in my growler?
At most, beer in a non-pressurized growler will last approximately 36 hours from the time it is opened. If unopened and properly stored it can last several days.
Some pressurized growlers can keep beer fresh for several months if care is taken to properly store the pressurized beer growler.
How do I clean and maintain my growler?
It is recommended to immediately rinse your growler after the beer is removed. A carbon-based brush in conjunction with an approved cleaner will help ensure your growler is clean, especially if it sits for a long time.
Always let your growler completely air dry before storage and avoid using a rag or cloth to dry it.
If you fill it at a brewery, they will rinse it for you, but won't sanitize it. If you plan to drink the beer that night, this procedure is fine. If you plant to store it for a week or more, or if you plan to fill it with your own homebrew, I recommend properly sanitizing it before filling.
Spoiling bugs like acetobacter can cause tart, green-apple off flavors, or Pediococcus and Lactobacillus can create buttery off-flavors from the diacetyl they produce.
As with most items, practicing proper cleaning methods will extend the life of you pressurized beer growler and optimize your experience!
I was first introduced to a beer growler when I went to Wholefood and got some beer to share with my friends. It is perfect since it is big and I was trying to conserve using too many bottles. (Trying to save our environment) I just love the fact now that the growler has evolved and turned into little keg coupler! This is exciting! Thank you for sharing the tips on what to look. I think i’m gonna give Nutrichef a try. It is sturdy and simple and very affordable!
Cheers!
I’ve seen some growler fills at Wholefoods too. I haven’t personally taken one of these fancy pressurized ones there yet, so I’m curious what the beer server would say. Usually I just have a glass one, but I’m going to start testing out with these pressurized ones.
It was cool to learn more about the history of growlers. I had no idea at all how did we came up with the name. All those from the above look great. HomeCraft seems interesting. It looks like a good choice. I like the fact it’s lightweight, and it has a handle too. Which one would you recommend the most?
Yeah it’s interesting how we don’t think much about where the word comes from.
I haven’t tried ALL of these, but personally, I’d like to try the uKeg system. I think the black chrome one looks pretty cool, and it’s one of the more popular model out there. Could be a good conversation for parties!
Oh my God, the word “growler” has been repeatedly associated to way too many stuffs but the truth is all of those relation makes sense to me anyways. This article covers so much there is to know about pressurised beer growlers and how to even get the best ones. This list will make selection of the best pressurised beer growlers a no brainer since you’ve done the heavy lifting for us by sharing the best, their features, pros and cons.
Ha. Yeah, growler has a lot of meaning in American English!
Interesting, as I always wondered why it was called a beer Growler, apart from the noise it sometimes makes. Interesting how the simple beer bucket evolved into the Growler.
If I had to choose one, I would go for the Nutrichef one, as it is compact and a little smaller for our family who doesn’t drink all that much beer, just on hot days to cool off. Also, this would fit in our fridge, as it isn’t too big and won’t take up all the food room. I hope that the pressure stays and the beer doesn’t go flat if we take three months to drink it.
These don’t look so easy to clean, but what is the best way to do this hygienically?
To wash, personally I wouldn’t recommend a dishwasher. Also, even though soap and water is recommended for washing things in general, I don’t like to use soap on my growlers due to fragrances which may influence the beer flavor.
Personally, I wash mine with PBW, which is a beer equipment cleaning chemical which is fragrance free and will clean off any gunk. Then, I sanitize with Starsan prior to filling.
This is more involved than a lot of people will do, especially if you’re not a homebrewer! If all you have is soap and water, then that should be sufficient. Just use a dab of soap, warm water, and shake up your growler then rinse multiple times and let air dry!
Thanks for the the comprehensive list of pros and cons for these beauties. But I have a question, I need something a bit more lightweight, yet still top quality (I’ve got some nasty arthritis setting into my fingers). I see the HomeCraft CBG64 is lightweight, but I really like the look of the Growlerwerks stainless steel 64 ouncer. Do you know how they compare in weight?
I think if you have arthritis, I’d be most concerned about the lids than the weight. Filled with beer, a few oz here or there won’t make much of a difference.
I think the large diameter screw-top lid of the uKeg would be easiest for arthritic hands, but to be honest, I’m not sure what type of lid would be best.
Of course. You’re right! And it is a beauty, too. Love the copper! Thank you!
Hiya Nate
Thank you for your exhaustive article about pressurised beer growlers. I confess I’d never heard the word before but now I’m half way to being an expert after reading this! Genuine question – at what point does homebrew become moonshine? Can you make any other types of alcohol or do you mainly make beer?
One last question – I see craft beer mentioned everywhere including in your article, what is it exactly? Thanks for the learning experience, I look forward to hearing from you, krs PurpleLioness
Moonshine would just be sprits – distillation. So basically vodka, whiskey, that kind of stuff. Homebrew is just beer. Distillation is illegal federally, but you can still buy the equipment. Homebrewing is totally legal to make!
Both are definitely illegal to sell though LOL.
Craft beer would just be artisanal beer. So, not Coors, Bud Light, that kind of stuff.