Ready to upgrade your home brewing or soda setup? A 5 lb CO2 cylinder is a sweet spot for many, offering a good balance of capacity and portability. These cylinders are a critical part of dispensing systems, but it can be tricky choosing the right one.
Weve put several 5 lb CO2 cylinders to the test, using them in our own brewing and beverage projects. We examined fill valves, construction, and overall performance. You probably want to know about refill costs, cylinder lifespan, and ease of handling. Well show you exactly how each cylinder performs, highlighting the best options and helping you find the perfect one for your needs.
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Detailed 5 Lb Co2 Cylinder Reviews
1. Be 5lb Aluminum New CO2
This 5lb Aluminum New CO2 cylinder is a lightweight and durable option for dispensing beverages or powering various pneumatic devices. Its aluminum construction makes it easy to handle and transport compared to heavier steel cylinders. The cylinder features a standard CGA 320 valve, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of regulators.
This makes it ideal for homebrewers, kegerators, or anyone needing a reliable CO2 source without the bulk. A major advantage is its portability, allowing for convenient use at events or in compact spaces.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. ATI TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank,
The ATI TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank is a robust, black-finished cylinder, constructed from strong aluminum alloy. It features a standard CGA-320 valve, making it compatible with most CO2 regulators. This tank is excellent for dispensing beverages, such as beer or soda, due to its ability to hold a substantial amount of CO2, leading to less frequent refills. The lightweight design of the aluminum construction makes it easy to handle and transport, even when full, unlike heavier steel tanks.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. Be TMCRAFT 2.5lb CO2 Tank,
The Be TMCRAFT 2.5lb CO2 Tank is a compact and durable cylinder ideal for dispensing beverages or powering small equipment. It features a sturdy steel construction and a standard CGA-320 valve, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of regulators. This tanks size is perfect for homebrew setups or portable applications, offering a balance between capacity and portability.
The tanks compact design allows for easy storage in a kegerator or on a cart. Unlike larger tanks, this 2.5lb size prevents wasted CO2 if you dont use a lot. It offers a solid, dependable supply of CO2 without taking up too much space.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. Be TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank,
The Be TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank is a robust, refillable cylinder ideal for beverage carbonation or aquarium use. It features a sturdy steel construction and a standard CGA-320 valve, ensuring compatibility with common regulators. Its 5-pound capacity provides ample CO2 for extended use, reducing the frequency of refills. A significant advantage is its durability, withstanding the rigors of frequent handling, and its compact size makes it easy to store compared to larger tanks.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. ATI VEVOR CO2 Tank, lbs
The ATI VEVOR CO2 Tank is a 5-pound cylinder designed for dispensing CO2. It features a robust steel construction and a CGA-320 valve, making it compatible with standard regulators. This makes it ideal for home brewing, kegging, and other beverage dispensing setups. A notable pro is its durable build quality, offering reliable containment of CO2 under pressure. The tanks size is also a significant advantage, providing ample CO2 capacity without being overly bulky for storage.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. Be 5lb Aluminum New CO2
This 5lb aluminum CO2 cylinder is a lightweight and durable option for dispensing beverages or powering various pneumatic devices. Its construction is from high-grade aluminum, offering resistance to corrosion and handling. This cylinder is ideal for homebrewers or small-scale applications, providing ample CO2 for numerous refills. The portability is a significant advantage, and the robust design should offer years of reliable service.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. ATI TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank,
The ATI TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank is a robust cylinder made of durable aluminum. This tank is specifically designed for home brewing and other dispensing applications, offering a reliable source of carbonation. It features a standard CGA320 valve and a sturdy base for secure upright placement. Its lightweight design makes it easy to handle and transport, while providing ample CO2 for multiple uses. The consistent pressure output ensures reliable carbonation, making it a great choice for keeping your beverages fresh.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. Be TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank,
The Be TMCRAFT 5lb CO2 Tank is a robust cylinder designed for beverage and aquarium applications. This tank features a durable steel construction with a sleek black powder-coated finish and a CGA-320 valve. Its an excellent choice due to its portability and generous capacity, allowing for longer use compared to smaller tanks. A key advantage is its ease of refilling at most welding supply stores, making it a convenient and cost-effective solution for CO2 needs, such as dispensing kegs or providing plant fertilization in aquariums.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. 5lb co2 Tank- New
This new 5lb CO2 tank provides a reliable source of carbon dioxide for various applications, such as homebrewing or powering a kegerator. It features a sturdy steel construction and a standard CGA-320 valve, ensuring compatibility with common CO2 regulators. The tanks size is practical, offering a good balance between capacity and portability, easily fitting in most setups. A notable advantage is the long-lasting supply of CO2, allowing for multiple uses before requiring a refill, which saves both time and money.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. ATI AmazGas 5lb Aluminum Alloy
The ATI AmazGas 5lb CO2 cylinder is crafted from lightweight aluminum alloy, making it easy to handle and transport. Its 5-pound capacity is ideal for dispensing beverages or powering various pneumatic devices. The cylinders construction offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability, ensuring a long lifespan. A notable pro is the included valve, which provides a secure and reliable connection, preventing leaks and maximizing efficiency during use.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Buying a 5 lb CO2 Cylinder: A Quick Guide
A 5 lb CO2 cylinder is a popular choice for home brewing, paintball, and various other applications. Selecting the right one involves considering a few key factors.
Material and Construction
Most cylinders are made from steel or aluminum. Steel cylinders are generally more durable and less prone to dents, but aluminum cylinders are lighter. Ensure the cylinder has a valid hydrostatic test date stamp, indicating it has been inspected for safety.
Valve Type
The valve is crucial. Check that the valve is compatible with your intended use. For example, a CGA-320 valve is common for brewing, while a paintball marker might require a different connection.
Pressure Rating
Always verify the cylinders service pressure rating is appropriate for your application. This information should be clearly marked on the cylinder. Overfilling a cylinder can be dangerous. Standard CO2 cylinders typically have a service pressure around 1800 PSI.
Refilling Options
Consider how easily you can refill the cylinder. Research local suppliers, like welding supply stores or beverage distributors, that offer CO2 refills and exchanges in your area before buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a 5 lb CO2 cylinder last for my kegerator?
The lifespan of a 5 lb CO2 cylinder depends on your dispensing setup and how often you pour. Typically, it can dispense several kegs of beer, ranging from two to four standard 1/2 barrel kegs, or more if you are using smaller kegs.
What fittings are compatible with a 5 lb CO2 tank?
A 5 lb CO2 tank uses a CGA-320 valve, which is the standard connection for beverage-grade CO2. This valve will connect to most standard CO2 regulators, commonly found in homebrewing and draft beer systems.
Can I refill a 5 lb CO2 cylinder myself?
No, you cannot safely refill a CO2 cylinder at home. CO2 tanks must be refilled by a certified professional to ensure safety and proper pressure. You can exchange your empty tank at a welding supply store or a similar vendor.
How should I store a 5 lb CO2 cylinder?
Store your CO2 cylinder in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Always keep the cylinder upright and secure to prevent it from falling over and damaging the valve.
Is a 5 lb CO2 tank suitable for paintball or airsoft?
While the tank itself might work with adapters, a 5 lb CO2 tank is generally not the ideal size for paintball or airsoft. The pressure and volume may not be sufficient for consistent performance compared to larger, dedicated paintball tanks.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the 5 lb CO2 cylinder offers a reliable and convenient solution for carbonation and dispensing needs. Its durable steel construction ensures long-lasting performance, while the compact size allows for easy storage and transport. The cylinders capacity is well-suited for homebrewers and smaller draft systems.
The consistent pressure and reliable performance make it a good value. However, consider your usage frequency and volume requirements to determine if this size meets your specific needs. Choosing the appropriate cylinder size will help reduce refills and improve overall cost-effectiveness.
Ultimately, select the 5 lb CO2 cylinder that best aligns with your brewing or dispensing setup. Explore our other reviews for alternative options!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
