Jason Wagner
Stella Artois is a popular beer choice for kegerators, but users have reported issues with foaminess and overcarbonation. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to maintain a temperature of 38°F and a pressure of 12-14 PSI, adjusting the pressure by 1 PSI for every 2 degrees above or below the target temperature. Additionally, ensuring clean glasses and the correct coupler type are also important factors in achieving the desired pour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| CO2 pressure | 12-14 PSI |
| Temperature | 36-38°F |
| Elevation | 2000 ft |
| Beer line length | 5-6 ft |
| Coupler | S-type or D-type |
What You'll Learn
Stella Artois keg not working
Stella Artois is the best-selling Belgian beer in the world. It can be enjoyed on tap at home using a kegerator. However, sometimes a Stella Artois keg may not work as expected. Here are some troubleshooting tips to try if your Stella Artois keg is not working properly:
Check the Coupler Type
Stella Artois kegs use different couplers depending on the size of the keg. A half keg uses an 'S' type coupler, while a sixth keg uses a 'D' type. If you use the wrong coupler, the tap may not work.
Check the Pressure
The CO2 pressure should be set correctly for Stella Artois. A pressure that is too high can over-carbonate the beer, leading to excessive foam. The recommended pressure range is between 12 and 14 PSI at a temperature of around 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the Glassware
Ensure that your glasses are "beer glass clean". Dirty glassware can cause the beer head to collapse prematurely.
Check the Dispense Specifications
The dispense specs, including temperature and line length, should be in the right range for a lager. A temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit and a line length of 6 feet with 3/16" ID has been reported to pour pretty good.
Check the Gas Mixture
Some bars use a nitrogen and carbon dioxide gas blend (60% nitrogen and 40% CO2) to dispense Stella Artois. This may help the beer head last longer.
Check for Leaks
If you are experiencing excessive foaming, check your system for any gas leaks. Leaks can affect the performance of your kegerator.
Check the Beer Temperature
It is important to measure the temperature of the beer, not just the temperature of the kegerator. The beer temperature may be inconsistent with the kegerator temperature, especially if you are not using a tower cooler. This can result in initial foam in your first pour.
Check the Keg Compatibility
If you are using the PerfectDraft Machine, ensure that you are using compatible Stella Artois kegs. The PerfectDraft Machine only works with specific kegs designed for the machine.
Beer as Petrol: Can You Really Run on Hops?
You may want to see also
Troubleshooting foam issues
If your kegerator is pouring foamy Stella Artois, there are a few things you can try.
Firstly, check the temperature of the beer. If the beer is too warm, foam will build up throughout the pour. The ideal temperature for Stella is between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to adjust your kegerator's temperature settings or invest in a tower cooler.
Secondly, ensure that your CO2 pressure is correct. Stella Artois should be dispensed at between 12 and 14 PSI. If the pressure is too high, you may need to lower it. However, if the pressure is too low, you may need to raise it.
Thirdly, check the length and quality of your beer lines. Beer lines should be between 5 and 8 feet in length and 3/16" in diameter. Old or dirty lines can cause foam issues, so it's important to clean them regularly and replace them if necessary.
Finally, if you're still having issues, check for worn washers in your faucet and replace them if needed. Additionally, make sure that your faucet is opening fully and that there are no obstructions.
Beer Enemas: Do They Work or Are They Dangerous?
You may want to see also
CO2 pressure for Stella Artois
Stella Artois is a lager, so a regulator set between 10 and 14 psi will work best. One source recommends a pressure of 14 psi at 38 degrees Fahrenheit, while another recommends 12 psi at the same temperature. A third source recommends 13 psi at 37 degrees Fahrenheit.
Stella Artois is a 5.0 g/l (~2.5 v/v) beer, so the corrected pressure at 2000 feet elevation and 38 degrees Fahrenheit would be 14 psig. That's 11 psig to maintain carbonation, plus 1 psig adjustment for elevation, and 2 psig drive pressure.
If you're using a kegerator, you'll also need to take into account the length of the beer line, line resistance, and gravity to determine the exact pressure you need to set your regulator to. However, with a kegerator, you may get a spurt of foam, depending on your ambient temperature. If your tower temperature is not consistent with the kegerator (warmer), you will get an initial shot of foam.
Asking for Beer Outside Gas Stations: Does It Work?
You may want to see also
Stella Artois serving temperature and pressure
Stella Artois is a pale Pilsner lager. It is recommended that Stella Artois be served at a temperature of 3°C (37°F) or 36°F to 38°F. However, some people prefer to let it warm up to room temperature, as this can enhance the flavour. One source suggests that the ideal temperature for Stella Artois is one degree above the ABV, so 6°C (43°F) for a 5% ABV beer.
The correct CO2 pressure for Stella Artois is between 12 and 14 PSI, with 13 PSI being ideal if the beer is at 37°F. If the beer is poured at 38°F, 12 PSI may be preferable. A 60% nitrogen/40% CO2 blend can also be used to pour Stella Artois, which will make the head last longer.
Stella Artois can be served from a kegerator, but care must be taken to ensure that the temperature and pressure are correctly set to avoid over-carbonation and excessive foam.
Beer Left Outside: Still Refreshing or a Disaster?
You may want to see also
Stella Artois keg issues
Stella Artois is the best-selling Belgian beer in the world. It is brewed with four ingredients: water, malted barley, corn, and Saaz hops. The beer has a wonderful floral aroma, well-balanced malt sweetness, crisp hop bitterness, and a soft, dry finish.
Stella Artois kegs are available in 13.2-gallon, 5.5-gallon, and 6-liter sizes. The 6-liter kegs are designed to work with the PerfectDraft machine and should not be filled manually.
When using a kegerator, the recommended serving temperature for Stella Artois is 38°F, and the carbon dioxide pressure should be set to 12 PSI. If the temperature is above or below 38°F, the pressure should be adjusted accordingly: increase or decrease by 1 PSI for every 2-degree change in temperature. These settings should result in a good pour with an adequate head.
However, some users have reported issues with excessive foam when dispensing Stella Artois from a kegerator. In one case, the issue was resolved by adjusting the pressure to 13 PSI and ensuring the beer temperature was consistent with the kegerator temperature. In another instance, the problem was caused by a dust cover becoming lodged in the connection between the coupler and the keg. Therefore, it is important to check for any obstructions if experiencing foaming issues.
Do Sulfite Wands Really Work for Beer?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The recommended CO2 pressure for Stella Artois is between 12 and 14 PSI.
The recommended serving temperature for Stella Artois is 38 degrees Fahrenheit.
There could be several reasons for foamy Stella Artois beer when dispensed from a kegerator. Some potential causes include incorrect CO2 pressure, improper serving temperature, a faulty regulator, or a pinched O-ring between the beer line and the coupler.
Stella Artois kegs typically use an "S" type coupler for a half keg or a "D" type coupler for a sixth keg.
