Draft Beer Dispenser Buying Guide

Whether at home or if you own/work at a bar, or at a restaurant, a draft beer dispenser is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy a frosty glass of cold suds straight from the keg. In this buying guide, we will discuss what draft beer is, proper beer storage, which type of dispenser is best for your business, and the benefits of using a draft beer dispenser

1. What Is Draft Beer?

Draught beer, also spelled "draft", is beer served from a cask or keg rather than from a bottle or can. Joseph Bramah patented the beer engine in 1785. Before the beer engine, beer was served directly from the barrel and carried to the customer. It wasn't until the early 20th century that draft beer started to be served from pressurized containers.

"Draft beer" is a term that varies from region to region. Common knowledge dictates that "draft" or “keg” beer refers to beer that is served directly from kegs or casks rather than from an individual storage container such as a can or bottle. 

2. Is Draft Beer Better?

Many beer drinkers prefer draft beer, claiming that it tastes better, richer, and more flavorful. As the popularity of “home brewing” has grown, so has the selection of home “kegerators”. When installed in a home bar, a draft beer dispenser offers their owner and guests of the house access to the same quality beer they would get at a bar, for a fraction of the cost. Commercial draft kegs typically do not hold more than five gallons of beer, and for the home bar, they are usually significantly smaller.

In addition, canned or bottled beer is pasteurized in order to kill the active yeast and make it safer to drink. This type of beer lasts longer because of this process., but it often lacks the same fullness and flavor of draft beer due to filtering and pressurization for storage.

Draft beer is not typically pasteurized, which means the yeast within the beer remains active. To maintain beer safety, the kegs must be stored at a specific temperature and served cold. Which begs the question…

3. How Do You Store Kegs?

54 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for a keg of draft beer. However, most establishments typically use a separate cooling component (e.g. Kegerator) to lower the beer temperature to around 46 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a more satisfactory temperature for beer drinkers. After the keg has been “tapped”, it should be emptied within a few days.

Single Draw

Designed with a sleek, easy-to-clean stainless steel exterior, this True TDD-1-S direct draw beer tap is the perfect way to serve the coldest beer in town! This dispenser's spacious interior accommodates one half-barrel keg of your finest brews, while a 3" diameter stainless steel insulated tap tower allows easy dispensing and reduces product foam-age.

  • True's direct draw beer dispensers are designed with enduring quality and value. Our commitment to using the highest quality materials and oversized refrigeration assures colder product temperatures and years of trouble-free service.
  • Oversized, factory balanced, refrigeration system holds 33°F to 38°F (.5°C to 3.3°C).
  • Exterior - stainless steel doors, front and sides. Matching aluminum back. All stainless steel countertop.
  • Interior - Stainless steel floor with 1/2" (13 mm) reinforced lip and heavy gauge galvanized steel walls. NSF-7 approved for packaged and bottled product.
  • One (1) 3" (77 mm) diameter stainless steel insulated beer column.

Double Draw

For cold, fast, efficient distribution, it's hard to go wrong with direct draw beer dispensers. The True TDD-2-HC is the best beer dispenser for your bar, pub, restaurant, or banquet facility. True's TDD-2 two-tap kegerator is designed with unmatched quality and durability for a perfect cold beer with every pour.

  • True's direct draw beer dispensers are designed with enduring quality and value. Our commitment to using the highest quality materials and oversized refrigeration assures colder product temperatures and years of trouble-free service.
  • Oversized, factory balanced, refrigeration system holds 33°F to 38°F (.5°C to 3.3°C).
  • Exterior - heavy duty, wear-resistant laminated black vinyl front and sides. Matching black aluminum back. All stainless steel countertop.
  • Interior - 300 series stainless steel floor with 1/2" (13 mm) reinforced lip and heavy gauge galvanized steel walls. NSF approved for prepackaged and bottled product.
  • Entire cabinet structure and solid door are foamed-in-place using high density, CFC-free, polyurethane insulation.

Triple Draw

Glastender's KC72-R1-BS is a beast! The swing door double direct draw beer dispenser gives you plenty of room to grow with a 3-faucet column tower. Glastender's beer dispensers are designed with enduring quality and value that will protect your investment.

  • Galvanized steel interior construction with stainless steel floor
  • Stainless steel keg racks and 1/2" thick ABS plastic threshold scuff plate
  • Foamed-in-place CFC free insulation
  • Stainless steel finished top with full length recessed drain pan and lift out stainless steel perforated inserts
  • Six foot grounded cord and plug (exits at rear)
  • One stainless steel 3-faucet column tower
  • Black vinyl-clad steel exterior front and sides

4. Conclusion

A draft beer dispenser can add a touch of luxury to your home or commercial establishment. Dispensers let everyone enjoy a cold beer right from the keg, with all the freshness and flavor they expect and deserve. The right dispenser will keep your family, friends, and customers happy, their glasses full and their whistles wet! Cheers!

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