Keg Of Root Beer Cost Review (Updated | Apr 23rd)
This analysis benefits event coordinators, restaurant owners, and home enthusiasts seeking the most cost-effective way to serve bulk beverages. By comparing unit prices and rental terms, consumers can make informed decisions that align with their specific serving requirements and financial goals.
Key Takeaways
- The Ultimate Value Bundle is the best choice for beginners needing a complete, spill-free setup with extra refills.
- Choose the Complete DIY Starter if you want a reliable entry-level kit for basic home brewing projects.
- Prioritize kits with pressure-rated bottles to ensure safety and consistent carbonation levels during the fermentation process.
- Calculate the cost per gallon by factoring in the price of refills versus the initial equipment investment.
- The Ultimate Value Bundle offers the highest utility for those prioritizing clean preparation and long-term brewing value.
Mr. Beer 20041 Root Beer Kit with Refill Pack
Ultimate Value Bundle
- Includes everything needed to start brewing immediately.
- Comes with a bonus refill for extra value.
- The included funnel prevents messy kitchen spills.
- BEST FOR COMPLETE DIY STARTER: Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ORGANIC CANE SWEETENED: Maine Root Beer, 4 Count Read More ↓
- BEST FOR FULL-SIZE CRAFT CANS: 1919 Classic American Root Beer, 12-Pack 16oz Cans Read More ↓
- BEST FOR SNACK-SIZED PORTIONS: 1919 Classic American Root Beer, 10-Pack 7.5oz Cans Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ECONOMICAL BATCH REFILL: Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Refill Kit Read More ↓
- BEST FOR ULTIMATE VALUE BUNDLE: Mr. Beer 20041 Root Beer Kit with Refill Pack Read More ↓
- BEST FOR CLASSIC BULK BOTTLES: A&W Root Beer, 20oz Bottles, 8-Pack Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Keg Of Root Beer Cost
Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit
If you have ever wanted to turn your kitchen into a mini-brewery, this 2-gallon home brewing kit is a fantastic place to start. It comes with everything you need to get going, including root-beer extract, flavor crystals, and actual yeast to give it that authentic carbonation.
I love that it includes four 1-liter reusable bottles with caps, so you don’t have to go hunting for containers. It is the perfect weekend project for families or anyone who appreciates a creamy, old-fashioned soda with a head of foam.
The process is straightforward thanks to the fun guide and tutorials, making it a great gift for curious kids. However, you need to be patient because it takes about a week to carbonate and chill properly.
The biggest downside is that the yeast carbonation can be tricky to master; if your kitchen is too cold, you might end up with a flat drink, or if it’s too warm, it can get a bit over-pressurized.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes everything needed for a full two-gallon batch.
- Reusable bottles and funnel make the process very organized.
- The flavor is authentic, creamy, and better than store-bought cans.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Carbonation levels are inconsistent depending on your room temperature.
- The cleaning process for the bottles is somewhat tedious.
Maine Root Beer, 4 Count
When you aren’t in the mood to wait a week for a DIY kit to ferment, this 4-pack of Maine Root Beer is the gold standard for premium soda. What sets this apart is that it is organically sweetened with fair-trade cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup.
You can really taste the difference; it has a deep, spicy wintergreen and clove profile that hits much harder than the generic stuff. It is caffeine-free, so it is a safe bet for a late-night float with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This is for the person who treats soda like a craft beer experience rather than just a quick sugar fix. The United States-sourced ingredients feel high-quality and the carbonation is crisp.
The main drawback here is the price per bottle, which is significantly higher than your average grocery store brand, making it more of a special treat than a daily fridge staple.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Fair-trade organic cane sugar provides a clean, crisp sweetness.
- Strong herbal notes offer a complex and sophisticated flavor profile.
- Glass bottles preserve the carbonation and chill much better.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The cost per ounce is quite high for a four-pack.
- Glass bottles are heavy and prone to breaking during shipping.
1919 Classic American Root Beer, 12-Pack 16oz Cans
If you have ever been to a local fair or a classic brewery and tasted that creamy, draft-style soda, this 1919 Classic American Root Beer is exactly what you are looking for. It is basically a keg experience delivered in a 12-pack of 16oz cans.
What makes this stand out is the commitment to quality; it uses real cane sugar and a blend of spices that gives it a velvety, smooth finish without that chemical aftertaste you get from big-box brands. There is no high-fructose corn syrup, which makes it feel like a more premium treat for your next backyard BBQ.
I would recommend this to anyone who misses the taste of a frosted mug at a diner. However, the larger 16oz size can be a bit much to finish in one sitting if you just want a quick sip, and since it is a craft soda, it definitely carries a higher price point than your average grocery store pack.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Uses real cane sugar for a clean, authentic sweetness.
- Large 16oz cans provide a satisfying, full-sized serving.
- The recipe is completely free of high-fructose corn syrup.
- Rich, creamy flavor mimics a fresh draft pour perfectly.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The 16oz volume might be too much for light drinkers.
- Premium pricing makes it an expensive daily habit.
1919 Classic American Root Beer, 10-Pack 7.5oz Cans
Sometimes you want that incredible 1919 draft flavor but you don’t want to commit to a massive serving. This 10-pack of 7.5oz cans is the perfect solution for portion control or for kids who never seem to finish a full soda.
Despite the smaller size, you are still getting that high-end crafted flavor made with real vanilla and cane sugar. It has that signature thick foam and spice blend that makes it the gold standard for root beer enthusiasts.
These are great to keep in the fridge for a quick sugar fix or to use as a perfectly sized mixer for a small root beer float. The main downside here is the value proposition; you are paying a premium for the convenience of the small can, and you might find yourself popping two at a time because the 7.5oz portion disappears incredibly fast during a meal.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Small 7.5oz cans are ideal for kids and portion control.
- Real vanilla and cane sugar create a superior taste profile.
- Compact cans save a lot of space in your refrigerator.
- Perfect size for making small, mess-free root beer floats.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The price per ounce is significantly higher for these minis.
- One tiny can is often not enough to satisfy thirst.
Mr. Beer Mr. Root Beer Refill Kit
If you already have the bottles and just want to keep the soda flowing, this refill kit is a total lifesaver for your wallet. It’s designed to make 2 gallons of that classic, naturally carbonated brew that tastes worlds away from the syrupy stuff you find in plastic liters at the store.
I love how it leans into that smooth, creamy profile that reminds me of an old-school soda fountain. It’s the perfect weekend project if you want to teach your kids about fermentation without it getting too complicated.
You basically get a rich, old-fashioned flavor for a fraction of the price of buying gourmet four-packs. However, you really have to be patient with the yeast carbonation process; if you don’t let it sit in a warm spot for the full time, you’ll end up with flat, sweet water instead of a bubbly treat.
It’s a great way to reuse your existing gear while keeping your home ‘keg’ topped off.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Produces a very smooth and creamy texture.
- Makes two full gallons of soda per kit.
- Much more affordable than buying individual bottles.
- Natural carbonation creates a unique mouthfeel.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires a warm environment for the yeast to work.
- Does not include bottles or basic brewing hardware.
Mr. Beer 20041 Root Beer Kit with Refill Pack
This is the ultimate starter pack if you’re looking to build your own little root beer empire at home. Since it’s a value pack, you get the full hardware setup—including four 1-liter bottles, a funnel, and brewery wash—plus a free refill kit so you can brew a total of 4 gallons right out of the gate.
It’s basically a DIY keg of root beer experience in a box. The instruction sheet and fun guide make it nearly impossible to mess up, even if you’ve never brewed anything in your life.
It’s an awesome gift for families because it feels like a science experiment you can actually drink. The only real bummer is the plastic bottles; while they are durable and reusable, they don’t hold a chill as long as glass or stainless steel would, so you’ll want to pour your glass and get the rest back in the fridge quickly to keep it cold.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Includes everything needed to start brewing immediately.
- Comes with a bonus refill for extra value.
- The included funnel prevents messy kitchen spills.
- Bottles are specifically designed for high carbonation pressure.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic bottles lose their cold temperature quickly.
- Cleaning the narrow bottles requires a specific brush.
A&W Root Beer, 20oz Bottles, 8-Pack
If you are planning a backyard barbecue or a birthday party and want that classic soda fountain vibe without the hassle of a pressurized steel drum, this eight-pack of 20-ounce bottles is a clever alternative to a traditional keg. I love that you get that signature caffeine-free vanilla profile that A&W is famous for, which makes it the ultimate choice for building root beer floats with heavy vanilla bean ice cream.
It is the perfect buy for parents who want to control portions or for anyone who wants to stock a cooler for a road trip without worrying about a tap system. The resealable caps are a lifesaver because you can take a few sips and save the rest for later, unlike a giant keg that starts going flat the moment you tap it.
The only real bummer here is the plastic waste generated compared to a single large container, and you definitely miss out on that ultra-crisp carbonation you only get from a professional draft line.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Individual bottles keep the soda carbonated much longer than a keg.
- The caffeine-free formula is safe for late-night parties and kids.
- Resealable lids prevent messy spills during outdoor events.
- Perfect size for mixing consistent root beer floats every time.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Plastic bottles create significantly more environmental waste than a keg.
- Lacks the heavy carbonation bite found in draft root beer.
- Unit price is often higher than buying in bulk volume.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Is it cheaper to brew my own root beer or buy it by the case?
If you are looking for the lowest cost per gallon, the Mr. Root Beer Home Brewing Kit is the most economical choice since the refill kits produce 2 gallons at a fraction of the price of premium cans. However, you must factor in the 2-3 days required for natural carbonation and the effort of cleaning bottles. For those who want immediate quality without the work, 1919 Classic American offers a high-end experience but at a significantly higher price point per ounce.
Which option is best for a large party or event?
For a gathering where you want a ‘keg’ feel without the heavy equipment, the 1919 Classic American 16oz cans are the gold standard because they use real cane sugar and mimic the taste of draft root beer. If you are on a strict budget, the A&W Root Beer 20oz bottles are the most practical for high-volume consumption. For a unique activity, brewing a few batches of Mr. Root Beer ahead of time allows you to serve ‘house-made’ soda, though you’ll need to start the process a week early.
What is the difference between ‘draft style’ and standard grocery store root beer?
Draft-style options like 1919 Classic American focus on a creamy head and a thick mouthfeel, often achieved through cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup. Standard options like A&W are more carbonated and bitey, which some prefer for root beer floats. Maine Root Beer sits in the middle, offering an organic profile that is cleaner and less syrupy than mass-market brands.
Does the type of sweetener affect the cost and taste?
Yes, products using pure cane sugar, such as Maine Root Beer and 1919, typically command a 20-40% price premium over those using corn syrup. Cane sugar provides a crisp finish without the lingering syrupy aftertaste, which is essential if you are sensitive to artificial sweeteners. When brewing with Mr. Root Beer, you control the sugar input, allowing you to customize the sweetness level to your preference.
What should I look for in a root beer brewing kit?
Ensure the kit includes a no-rinse cleanser, as any bacteria in the bottles will ruin the flavor of the yeast-driven carbonation. The Mr. Root Beer kits are excellent because they provide pressure-rated PET bottles, which are safer for beginners than glass bottles that can explode if over-carbonated. Check if the kit includes a funnel and labels, as these small conveniences make the bottling process much less messy.
How can I get the best value when buying premium root beer online?
Always calculate the price per fluid ounce rather than the price per pack, as sizes vary wildly from 7.5oz ‘mini’ cans to 20oz bottles. Buying in bulk, such as the 12-pack of 16oz 1919 cans, usually reduces the shipping cost impact per unit. If you plan on drinking it regularly, investing in a brewing kit and using refills is the only way to keep costs under $1 per liter.
