How Many Beers Can a CO2 Cartridge for Beer Dispense?

For anyone using a CO2 cartridge to dispense beer, the key question is: how many beers can you pour from one cartridge? The answer depends on the size of the cartridge and the conditions in which it’s used.

On average, an 8g CO2 cartridge can dispense around 3-5 pints, while a 16g cartridge can serve about 7-10 pints. A larger 74g CO2 cartridge can dispense up to 40 pints, depending on pressure settings and keg type. For commercial setups, larger CO2 tanks (e.g., 5LB or 10LB) can handle multiple kegs, but small cartridges remain the most convenient option for portable and home use.

Now, let’s dive deeper into CO2 cartridge sizes and how they impact beer dispensing.

CO2 Cartridge Sizes and Their Beer Dispensing Capacity

CO2 cartridges come in different sizes, and their dispensing capacity varies based on keg pressure, ambient temperature, and beer type. Below is an estimated guide for small cartridges and larger CO2 tanks:

📌 Key Takeaways:

• Small CO2 cartridges (8g, 16g, 74g) are ideal for mini-kegs, portable beer systems, and small-scale home use.
• Medium CO2 tanks (5LB, 10LB) are better suited for commercial bars, restaurants, and large events.
• These estimates assume a standard serving pressure of 10-12 PSI, and actual performance may vary based on beer type and dispensing system.

Factors That Affect CO2 Consumption

Several factors determine how much beer a CO2 cartridge can dispense:

1️⃣ Serving Pressure

• Lighter beers require 10-12 PSI, while highly carbonated beers (e.g., wheat beers, stouts) need 15+ PSI.
• Higher pressure uses more CO2 per pint.

2️⃣ Temperature

• Colder kegs retain carbonation better, requiring less CO2.
• Warm beer foams more, leading to higher CO2 usage.

3️⃣ Keg Size & Type

• Cornelius (Corny) kegs use less CO2 compared to commercial Sankey kegs.
• Larger kegs require more CO2 to push the beer out.

4️⃣ CO2 Cartridge Purity & Efficiency

• Food-grade CO2 ensures better performance and avoids off-flavors.
• High-quality regulators reduce CO2 wastage.

Comparing Small CO2 Cartridges with Larger CO2 Tanks

B2B buyers often need to choose between small CO2 cartridges and larger CO2 tanks. Here’s how they compare:

For portable dispensing (homebrewing, events, mobile bars), 8g, 16g, and 74g cartridges are the best choice. Larger CO2 tanks suit commercial settings where frequent refills are needed.

What is the Pressure Inside a CO2 Cartridge?

CO2 cartridges are highly pressurized. A standard 16g CO2 cartridge holds around 800-900 PSI at room temperature. Pressure varies with temperature:

• Cold temperatures (below 0°C) → Lower pressure (~500-600 PSI)
• Room temperature (~20°C) → Standard pressure (~800-900 PSI)
• Hot environments (>30°C) → Higher pressure (~1000+ PSI, risk of bursting)

Proper pressure regulation is crucial for safety and efficiency.

How Do You Know When a CO2 Cartridge is Empty?

Signs that your CO2 cartridge is running low:

• Beer pours slowly or stops entirely.
• Excess foam due to unstable pressure.
• No hissing sound when attaching a new cartridge.
• Regulator gauge (if used) shows low or zero pressure.

Pro tip: Always keep spare cartridges to avoid disruptions during service.

Summary & Best Practices

• An 8g CO2 cartridge can dispense 3-5 pints, a 16g cartridge serves 7-10 pints, and a 74g cartridge can handle 30-40 pints.
• CO2 consumption depends on pressure, temperature, and keg size.
• Small CO2 cartridges are ideal for portability, while large tanks suit commercial setups.
• Monitor pressure levels and always have backup cartridges ready.

Need CO2 cartridges for your beer setup? Make sure to choose high-quality, food-grade CO2 for the best results!