The Easy Guide to Commercial Beer Tap Systems: Everything You Need to Know
Planning, designing, and installing commercial beer systems doesn’t need to be hard. However, even if you have the best intentions and an efficient team, if you don’t have the right product or the right customer support, mistakes are more likely to happen.
So, let’s make it easier to be profitable, efficient, and streamlined by choosing the commercial draft beer system that uniquely fits your business. Our guide will walk you through the different types of systems, products available, what you need to watch for, and what installation these systems will entail.
The 4 Common Types of Commercial Beer Tap Systems
1. Glycol-Cooled Beer Dispensing Systems/Long DRAW Systems
One of the most popular commercial beer tap systems is the glycol-cooled system.
Glycol-cooled beer dispensing systems include beer lines wrapped in foil and insulation. These lines run along tubing filled with food-grade antifreeze solution (glycol) to maintain the beer's cold temperature over long distances between keg storage and the glass.
This makes it ideal for larger commercial spaces like restaurants, casinos, and stadiums.
Glycol-cooled draft systems may be more complex and sometimes more expensive, but they have the most flexibility and design options for your spaces.
2. Direct Draw Systems
Of commercial beer tap systems, the most common and straightforward is direct draw.
Direct draw dispensers require that kegs be stored nearby since the beer is drawn straight from the keg through short lines to the faucets.
They are easy to install and ideal for smaller commercial spaces — such as a convenience store or small bar — since they have limited keg space. Because there is minimal beer in the short line lengths, product loss during cleaning is substantially lower than in long-run systems.
The cost of direct draw systems varies depending on the size of the kegerator or walk-in cooler box, the quality of the installation, and the number of beer lines.
3. Air-Cooled Systems
Another option for smaller commercial spaces is air-cooled systems.
They use either a single or double-insulated air duct with a large blower fan to circulate the air and maintain beer temperature from the keg to the faucets.
These systems are becoming less popular as maintaining temperature is challenging within the entire distance. Compared to CO2, using a gas blender for pressure enables kegging at higher PSIG, preventing foam issues due to temperature fluctuations.
4. Self-Serve Beer Tap Systems
Innovation has pushed commercial beer tap systems into the world of self-serve.
Depending on your type of establishment, installing self-serve dispensers may work well with your customers. This helps patrons get their drinks sooner, lowers operations costs, and often results in higher sales volume.
You can monitor how much everyone drinks (and ensure you get paid for it) by providing guests with wristbands with RFID technology or requiring credit card payment right at the dispenser.
Choosing the Right Commercial Beer Tap Systems for Your Needs
There are so many choices when selecting a commercial beer tap system that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. However, investing in the right beer dispensers for your commercial space is integral to its success. Not all dispensing systems are created equal, and you should consider your specific circumstances.
To make your decision process quicker and more effective, let’s consider what you need to consider before purchasing a commercial beer tap system.
1. What is the size of the space you’ll be operating in?
Honestly, you need to know what you’re working with—including realizing how much room you have.
Direct draw will be an obvious solution if your space is small enough, and you only have room for the keg and some small lines. A self-serve tap system may be the best option in a small space where customers expect to get in and out fairly quickly.
However, if you are a high-end restaurant serving hundreds of customers within an evening and relying on a large supply of wine and alcohol stored out of sight—a glycol-cooled, long draw system seems to be the obvious answer.
2. How far will the beer keg be from the dispensing system?
This question directly relates to the above question—how much distance do you need to cover? If you need to keep beer cooled over long distances until poured, you’ll want to look at a long-draw option and most likely consider glycol-cooled.
3. What kind of volume will you be pouring?
If you run a high-demand bar, you’ll need to bypass kegerators and opt for a tap system with multiple faucets. You’ll also want to install an adequate number of faucets — both to serve every single type of beer you offer as well as to ensure orders are taken as fast and efficiently as possible.
In these situations, you are more likely to need a glycol-cooled commercial beer tap system because you’ll store multiple kegs in a walk-in cooler.
4. Will you be offering more than one beverage on tap?
The more beverages or beers you offer on tap, the more kegerators and lines you may need, as well as a much larger cooler.
Reminder about Different Keg Couplers
As a reminder, different types of beer require different types of equipment. For example, you’d need a D coupler for American brews, while German varieties require A or M couplers. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
There are many different types of couplers, and various breweries design their kegs to work with specific couplers. Installing the right one will ensure that (a) it will fit the keg valve and (b) it hooks up correctly to the pressurized gas that’s necessary for each type of beer (e.g., CO2 or a blend of CO2 and nitrogen).
5. What is your current beverage and beer dispensing set-up?
If you already serve other beverages on tap, finding the right commercial beer tap system can streamline your current beverage offerings and improve efficiency within your restaurant, bar, or brewery.
Draft systems have evolved past only offering beer on tap, so depending on if you are already offering cocktails, mocktails, coffee, etc., may impact the size and types of systems you should invest in. Consolidating how these are prepared and served will streamline your processes, leading to a more profitable business.
Understanding the Costs of Installing Commercial Draft Beer Systems for Foodservice Establishments
The cost of installing a commercial draft beer system in your establishment can vary significantly depending on the type of system you choose.
For a basic direct draw system, expect to spend around $1,000 or more per tap, with installation typically completed in less than a day. For larger operations or spaces where a long draw glycol system is more appropriate, the cost per tap ranges from $1,300 to $1,500. This increase is due to the more complex installation process, additional equipment, and the need for strategic planning.
When deciding which system to install, consider key factors like the available space, the number of beers on tap, and the volume of product you plan to serve, ensuring the system aligns with your operational needs and customer demand.
Top Considerations That Impact Installation Costs
You’ll also want to look at other considerations when you’re budgeting for installation costs, such as:
USING ALL 304 Stainless Steel IN Draft Beer Systems
Stainless steel type 304 is a highly durable material that is excellent for components used in draft dispensing systems. It's more hygienic to use stainless steel parts (such as for your faucets) for durability, bacteria resistance, and to maintain taste.
It is resistant to corrosion and the growth of bacteria, making it ideal for equipment used in the food industry. Additionally, it is easy to clean and maintain.
As if these practical elements weren’t reason enough to purchase systems made of this material, it also has aesthetic appeal.
Flavourlock Tubing
Flavourlock tubing has an inner bonded layer that reduces the ability of yeast and bacteria to adhere. It also preserves beverage quality by preventing the loss of carbonation, flavor, and aroma. It can dispense beer, wine, and other kegged products.
Types of Beverages Served
In addition to beer, on tap solutions can serve other high-demand beverages, such as coffee, nitro cold brew coffee, kombucha, wine, and cocktails. If your business serves some or all of these options, having them available on tap translates to less waste of glass bottles and aluminum cans for your business.
It also allows you to offer customers and venue guests the option to sample your products before they decide to buy them.
6 “Gotcha’s” to Watch Out for When Installing Commercial Draft Beer Systems
1. Unreliable Customer Service or Support
An excellent commercial beer tap system purchase requires much more than simply delivering the equipment to your business. You want a vendor who will consider your space, design, the scope of your project, and the number of locations to be served.
You also want to ensure that their timeline for getting things done is compatible with your timeline of being open for business. Finally, you’ll want customer support that offers training for you and your entire team.
2. Lack of Knowledge about Commercial Tap Systems
Some draft beer system providers may talk a good game but need more knowledge of their product, the different commercial tap systems, or the industry's nuances.
Many manufacturers utilize a rep model, where salespeople represent various lines of equipment. While some may excel in one area—such as design—they may fall short in another, such as installation.
One common problem is that many beverage dispensing solution providers need to undergo a comprehensive training program that covers all aspects of the process. A true partner should understand everything about commercial tap beer systems, from draft beer tower capabilities and remote system installation to troubleshooting and profitability.
Also, remember that a commercial tap system will serve others differently than a simpler at-home system. Do they understand your business subtleties and industry problems?
3. A Cookie-Cutter Approach: Not Customizing to YOUR Business Needs
Many tap system providers take a one-size-fits-all approach to their projects. The glaring problem with this strategy is that something other than what may work for one venue will work for another.
Whether it’s creating a unique draft beer tower that ties in with a particular brand and vision or solving an issue pertaining to space, customization is key. Yet, some fabricators aren’t willing to provide customized options because this can significantly extend production time — a luxury most bars and breweries can’t afford.
4. Low-Quality Components: Always Go for High-Quality Products
To maximize profit, some beverage dispensing companies may seek low-cost components and raw materials from foreign markets where quality control is minimal or nonexistent.
This affects the end product—whether it’s improper cooling within a commercial draft beer system, poorly graded beer lines, or an unsatisfactory pour from the draft beer tower. Subpar equipment or components upfront ultimately means more maintenance and repair.
Honestly, compromising on quality will cost you in one way or another. High-quality tap systems can actually save you money through longevity down the road.
5. Improper Maintenance
In addition to installing commercial beer tap systems ideal for your specific needs, it’s crucial to be well aware of all maintenance requirements. This includes how to clean the beer taps, how often they should be cleaned, and ongoing replacement of worn or defective parts.
6. Failing to Have a Plan
Even if everything seems to be moving along seamlessly, it’s good to be prepared to troubleshoot when you have a packed house.
It is crucial to ensure that you and your team possess the necessary skills to handle common issues that may arise while serving beer, such as cloudy beer, lack of or too much foam, or failure to dispense beer from the tap. And, professional, high-quality vendors should want to help you know how to handle these situations.
You should know the correct temperature for storing kegs, the settings for regulator gauges, and how to check if couplers are installed correctly. See if your vendors offer this type of information. Doing so will enable you to deal with any possible issues promptly and efficiently.
Solutions For Common Commercial Beer Tap System Issues
The best way to save the day when things aren’t going as planned is to know how to troubleshoot common issues. These include:
Flat Beer
Nobody likes a flat or an excessively foamy beer. So, to keep everyone happy — and coming back for more — it’s crucial to use the correct amount of pressure and type to push the beer from the keg to the tap.
Depending on the type of beer you're serving, your dispensers need the correct PSIG of carbon dioxide (CO2) or a blend of CO2 and nitrogen. The PSIG often is between 12-15 for most ales and lagers. CO2 has limitations, though, such as long systems and those where temperature fluctuates.
Assure all regulators are on and pressure cylinders have gas. Maintaining consistent carbonation throughout the entire keg ensures repeat sales and eliminates revenue loss from excessive foam.
Foamy Beer
Beer that’s too foamy could indicate that the cooler is not cold enough or that the beer in the keg is too warm. The beer temperature at the keg, right around 38 degrees, is ideal.
By the same token, the required PSI will depend on the kind of beer you’re serving. Check for recommendations for each beer type and adjust your equipment accordingly. Finally, when pouring beer, hold the glass at a 45-degree angle.
Cloudy Beer
Cloudy beer could be the result of beer that’s stored at too low a temperature, or it could be a sign that there’s a bacteria buildup in the beer lines.
This is another reason why it’s essential to prioritize educating your staff on proper storage and scheduling regular equipment cleanings.
Unusual Beer Taste
This could be the result of several things. First, check the expiration date of the beer. Depending on the beer you’re serving, it should stay fresh on the keg between 45 days to several months.
If that’s not the issue, check the system for other culprits, such as dirty beer lines or dirty faucets.
Beer Is Not Coming Out of the Tap
The most common reason is an empty keg. Yes. It’s like, have you tried turning it off and then back on? It's the beer tap edition.
If that’s not the issue, check that the keg is tapped correctly, the regulators are turned on, and the gas cylinders are full. You can monitor when you need to refill them by monitoring regulator gauges. Another common issue is the keg couplers' check ball sticking. System cleaning every two weeks prevents this.
Find a Customized Solution for Your Space: Commercial Beer Tap Systems Made Specific to You
You wouldn’t knowingly make a bad investment in your business, right? But buying commercial beer tap systems that don’t custom fit your business and aren’t high quality is doing just that. You don’t need to take those risks; you just need the right partner. Micro Matic is that partner.
Streamline the Process by Working with the Best: We’re Raising a Glass to Your Draft Beer Sales!
For over 60 years, Micro Matic has been recognized as one of the world’s leading suppliers of draft beer equipment. We specialize in keg-to-glass technology and offer a total solution for meeting your draft beer equipment needs. Our dedication to customer service is supported by four regional sales and distribution centers, the Micro Matic Dispense Institute for training and education, and a Certified Installer Network for draft beer installations. Want to speak with a “perfect pour” expert? Contact Micro Matic today.