I use 4 LBKs on a regular basis (sometimes 6), and have a few
![silly :whistle:](./images/smilies/whistle.gif)
more. If you're considering getting more LBKs,
I would recommend you wait until the January/February timeframe when the stores put them on clearance. For me the size is perfect - I make 5 gallon batches but don't want to carry 5 gallons due to a bad back. And my upright freezer with coils under the shelves perfectly fits LBKs and nothing else - I could have 5-6 in there at once.
In January 2013 I bought 2 full kits from Rite Aid for $12.49 each (sold one for $30 and the other for $25 before deciding I wanted more than my initial 2).
Last year Mr. Beer made special packages just for Target consisting of an LBK, a can of CAL, carbonation drops, and no rinse sanitizer. I bought 5 of them for $8.98 each. I then sold the cans of CAL (I don't like it) to a fellow homebrewer, gave them a deal, ended up costing me nothing for the LBKs. I also picked up another LBK and ten 25 oz bottles, plus another can of CAL and a can of Irish Stout, for $10 on Craigslist, have the can of CAL again for sale.
So that's 2 original LBKs (I from Woot, one from CL), 5 more from Target, and another from CL for a total of 8. I also have 2 others that were replacements for ones with defective holes, I ended up using a file and got them so they wouldn't leak - so with 2 more spigots and 2 more lids I'd have 10. I only really have a need for 6 max - my youngest son (who moved back home after grad school but professes to want to brew when he goes on his own) may take 2 or 4 with him.
So I'd say wait. Get the list of local retailers from Mr. Beer's site in your area (usually Target, KMart) and search online come mid January.
Also - Mr. Beer just changed the LBK to a bigger opening and a black spigot. Some other things going on - I expect large clearance sales coming up in January.
I have over 9,000 posts on "another forum", which means absolutely nothing. Mr. Beer January 2014 Brewer of the Month with all the pomp and circumstance that comes with it...
Certificate in Brewing and Distillation Technology
Sites to find beer making supplies: Adventures in Homebrewing -
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