There once was a man with a heart for beer. One day, this man decided to take his passion for beer to the next level. He was tired of simply drinking everyone else’s beer and was set on making his own. First, he decided to go through every brand and version of beer he could get his hands on. After spending a few days sampling, he settled on the type of beer he wanted. Over the next few days he acquired a
brew kettle, sieves, steeping bags, the necessary ingredients, and even a
kegerator.
He soaked, boiled, added more ingredients, boiled some more, and then finally put the resulting brew in an
aging barrel. The next two weeks were torturous, made even worse because he swore off beer till his was out. Finally the day arrived and his wonderful brew was ready. Happily, he dipped his cup inside and had the very first taste. He was disappointed. Good as the beer was, it was quite clearly flat. He tried several more times, but every effort turned out the same as the last – the beer came out flat. One day, tired of the disappointment, he complained to a friend. A stranger overheard and casually mentioned that if his beer was flat, then it probably wasn’t getting enough CO2. The man's mind was blown, then very quickly reassembled, and focused. One moment he was thanking the stranger excitedly, and the next he was running down the street. A month later, his beer was the toast of his town.
CO2 is a vital ingredient in beer making and preservation. It might seem strange, but that particular gas has a lot to do with beer’s taste. A CO2 regulator is a way to ensure that there is always an adequate presence of CO2 in your brews.
Of course, a CO2 regulator is useful for more than just beer. Plants require CO2 for photosynthesis. For anyone with an indoor garden or hydroponic garden, a CO2 regulator is one way to ensure your plants stay healthy.
Finding the right CO2 regulator can be a bit tricky, especially for people new to these fields. This is why we have provided detailed information in this guide, so you won’t just find a good regulator, but the best CO2 regulator for you.
Price
Price, as always, is a major consideration factor when buying a CO2 regulator. It’s a given that these regulators have different features and prices. However, from our research, we found that you can get a good CO2 regulator for between $45 and $160.
A CO2 regulator’s price is usually determined by factors such as its brand, the number of gauges, and the type of outlet among other factors. Based on these, there are regulators that are priced outside of the price range above. Some of these are more expensive, while some cost less. While you may certainly get a more expensive one if it offers the value you seek, we will advise you to stay away from cheap CO2 regulators, as they are likely to be a big disappointment.
Features
There are certain features that should be considered before a CO2 regulator is purchased. By examining these features, you should be able to determine what CO2 regulator is the best for you. Some of the important features to check for include:
- Type
- Design
- Pressure Range
- Outlet Type
- Timer Compatibility
- Knobs and Adjustability
- Pressure Release Valve
- Split
Let’s explain these further.
Construction and Design
There are several types of CO2 regulators on the market. What you intend to use one for will determine which one is best for you. Some CO2 regulators are chiefly meant for plants and aquariums. These regulators are used to inject CO2 directly into the tanks. They are usually of a smaller sort and generally have less pressure. The other main type of CO2 regulator is mostly used for beer and has higher pressures.
The gauge is the portion of the regulator that you take readings from. CO2 gauges can be single gauge or double gauge. Single gauge regulators are usually only able to measure the CO2 flow rate. Double gauge regulators have two gauges. One measures the flow rate, while the other measures the remaining quantity of CO2 in the tank.
For CO2 to be pumped, there must be some pressure. Different CO2 regulators can handle varying levels of pressure. Low CO2 regulators can usually handle pressures of between 15-30 PSI (pressure per square inch). CO2 regulators with high pressure gauges will have a capability of 1000 PSI and above. It is important to maintain the right pressure, as too much pressure can often be harmful, especially to plants. Too little pressure will just be ineffectual.
A CO2 regulator’s outlet is another important feature that must be taken into consideration. There are two main outlet types on CO2 regulators: the Barb shutoff and the Solenoid valve. The Barb shutoff is a simple rubber valve that is entirely manually operated. Solenoid valves usually use some measure of electricity. This makes them very convenient to use, because they can be connected with timers. By plugging these valves into timers, it is possible to automate when they are switched on and switched off. This means that with solenoid valves, you have less continuous work to do.
Performance and Ease of Use
The flow rate of a CO2 regulator will sometimes need to be lessened and increased. This control can sometimes require tools such as screwdrivers to access. However, some CO2 regulators have knobs and dials that let you control them without the use of a tool.
Pressure release valves, on the other hand, only let you reduce the pressure output of the CO2 regulators. This is usually done by opening the pressure valve. However, different valves let you do this with different levels of control. Some valves let you control the pressure release, while other valves only let you open and shut them.
A CO2 regulator can sometimes be split into multiple outlets. Each of these outlets will be able to perform its own task independently of the others. In this case, the CO2 regulator is connected to one tank, but has multiple outlets, making it potentially able to do the work of multiple regulators with incredible accuracy.
In deciding on the best CO2 regulator, you have to consider your own needs and goals. For example, people trying to preserve beer will have different needs from people raising plants in a greenhouse. There are different regulators for different needs. Once you’re sure of all your CO2 regulator needs, you will be able to find the best CO2 regulator.
After seeing our review, we do hope you found it useful. A CO2 regulator might just be the missing link you’ve been searching for. Go and order one now, if you haven't done so already!
