A draft beer system, also known as a draught beer system or draft beer dispenser, is a setup used to store and dispense beer from a keg or cask. The main components of a draft beer system include a refrigeration unit, a pressure regulating system, beer lines and faucets, and kegs or casks. The refrigeration unit keeps the beer at a cool temperature, while the pressure regulating system ensures that the beer is dispensed at the correct pressure.
The beer lines and faucets are used to transfer the beer from the keg to the glass, and the kegs or casks are the containers that hold the beer. Draft beer systems can be found in bars, pubs, restaurants, and other commercial establishments that serve beer. They can also be purchased for home use and come in various sizes and configurations to accommodate different needs.
Benefits of Installing a Draft Beer System
Freshness
Dispensing draft beer directly from a keg helps to maintain its freshness and flavor because it is stored under pressure and kept at the correct temperature, which helps to prevent oxidation and other factors that can affect the quality of the beer. This results in a fresher tasting and more flavorful beer compared to canned or bottled beer that may have been exposed to air or light, which can cause it to deteriorate over time. Additionally, a draft beer system allows for the beer to be served at the right temperature, enhancing its flavor and aroma.
Consistency
A draft beer system provides carbonation, temperature, and pour size consistency. The pressure regulating system ensures that the beer is dispensed at the correct pressure, which helps maintain the desired carbonation level. The refrigeration unit keeps the beer at a consistent temperature, which helps to prevent it from getting too warm or too cold. And the beer lines and faucets are designed to ensure that each pour is of consistent size, providing a consistent experience for customers with each glass of beer. These factors all contribute to a consistent, high-quality beer-drinking experience.
Convenience
A draft beer system provides convenience for bartenders as they can quickly and easily dispense beer without opening cans or bottles. This reduces the time and effort required to serve customers, allowing bartenders to serve more customers in less time. Additionally, draft beer systems eliminate bar staff’s need to handle individual cans or bottles, reducing the risk of breakage and saving time and effort in cleaning up any potential mess. This can help improve the overall efficiency of a bar or restaurant, allowing staff to focus on providing excellent customer service.
Space saving
Draft beer systems can save space compared to storing cans and bottles. Kegs take up much less room than equivalent amounts of canned or bottled beer, making them a more space-efficient solution. This can be particularly beneficial for bars or restaurants with limited storage space, as it allows them to maximize available space. By reducing the storage space needed for beer, a draft beer system can free up valuable real estate for other items, such as additional seating or storage for other products.
Increased selection
Installing a draft beer system can allow a bar or restaurant to offer a wider selection of beers. It’s easier and more cost-effective to switch out kegs than constantly changing bottles and cans, as kegs take up less space and are easier to handle and store. This provides greater flexibility for bars and restaurants to offer a wider range of beer options, appealing to a wider range of customers. In addition, switching out kegs is quicker and more efficient than changing bottles and cans, allowing bars and restaurants to more easily keep up with changing customer preferences and demands. Offering a wider selection of beers can help differentiate a bar or restaurant from its competitors and can lead to increased customer loyalty and repeat business.
Cost-savings
Buying beer in kegs can be more cost-effective than purchasing cans or bottles, as the cost per unit of beer is often lower for kegs. A draft beer system can also help reduce waste and spillage, leading to additional cost savings. When beer is dispensed from a keg, it eliminates the risk of spillage and waste from opening cans or bottles. The precise pour control provided by a draft beer system also helps reduce waste, as bartenders can dispense the amount of beer needed for each pour. These cost savings can add up over time, making a draft beer system a more cost-effective solution for bars and restaurants, particularly those that serve a high volume of beer.
Finally, a draft beer system provides a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective way to dispense and enjoy fresh beer.