The Magic Of Beer Dispensers: How Do They Work?

Beer dispensers are machines that can pour up to 44 pints per minute, with some machines reaching speeds of 56 pints per minute. There are three standard systems for dispensing draft beer: direct draw, long draw glycol cooled, and long draw air-cooled. Each system uses similar pieces of draft beer equipment but has its own unique components for delivering or cooling draft beer as it travels from keg to tap. Beer dispensers can be used in both commercial and residential settings and can be powered by USB, batteries, or a power pack.

The Bottoms Up Beer Dispenser fills glasses from the bottom using magnets

The Bottoms Up Beer Dispenser is a machine that fills beer glasses from the bottom, using magnets. It can pour up to 44 pints per minute with just one person operating it, and even more with additional staff. This innovative dispenser fills the glasses from the bottom, using magnets to seal the hole at the base of the glass. The plastic glasses have a floppy fridge-style magnet inside, which sticks to a corresponding ring around the filling hole. When the cup is placed on the dispenser, the magnet is pushed up, breaking the seal, and allowing beer to flow into the cup. Once the beer has finished dispensing, the cup is removed, and the magnet reseals the hole, preventing leaks. This unique system reduces wastage by minimising spills and foam, and increases efficiency in busy venues.

The Bottoms Up Beer Dispenser offers several advantages over traditional pouring methods. Firstly, it significantly increases the speed of service, making it ideal for high-volume bars and large events. Secondly, it provides a perfect pour every time, ensuring customers receive a consistent product with the optimal amount of head. This can lead to higher customer satisfaction and repeat business. Additionally, the Bottoms Up system can be connected to any keg, providing versatility and convenience for venues.

However, there are also some drawbacks to this system. One of the main concerns is the waste generated by the disposable plastic cups. While the magnets can be customised with logos or promotions, they are designed for single-use, which may not be environmentally sustainable. Another issue is the potential for spills if customers play with the magnets or disturb the seal. This can result in wasted beer and increased costs for the venue. Additionally, the system may not be suitable for certain beer styles that require a significant amount of head, as the dispenser limits the head and further reduces it when pouring multiple pints in succession.

Overall, the Bottoms Up Beer Dispenser offers a unique and innovative approach to beer service, providing speed, efficiency, and consistency. While it may be well-suited for high-volume venues and events, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as waste generation and spillage, when deciding whether to implement this system.

Direct draw, long draw glycol cooled, and long draw air cooled are the three standard systems for dispensing draft beer

Direct draw, long-draw glycol cooled, and long-draw air cooled are the three standard systems for dispensing draft beer. Each system shares the same goal: to dispense beer and achieve a perfect pour, pint after pint.

The direct draw beer system is the most common and straightforward method for delivering draft beer from keg to tap across a short distance. It is the top choice for bars with a beer keg located within a few feet of the beer-dispensing faucet. The beer in the keg, beer line, and beer tower connected to the faucet are chilled by circulated cold air. A thermostat regulates the temperature, keeping the kegs between 34-38 °F for optimum performance.

The glycol-cooled remote beer system is one of the most popular draft beer systems and is an excellent choice for any long-draw dispensing setup, typically running 25 feet or longer. The beer in the keg is kept cold by the cold air in the walk-in cooler. The beer in the beer lines, beer tower, and faucets are kept cold by the continual flow of glycol through the coolant lines, which are designed to transport the cold temperature of the draft beer from the walk-in cooler to the dispensing tower at a consistent temperature. Glycol is a non-evaporating refrigeration liquid that can achieve cold temperatures without freezing.

The air-cooled beer system is any system that uses circulating cold air to keep the beer cool in the walk-in cooler, around the beer lines, and up to the faucet. This method of forcing chilled air from the walk-in cooler to the tap was the only way to chill draft lines before glycol systems were introduced. This is a less expensive option for short-draw draft systems.

CO2 or a mixture of nitrogen and CO2, known as beer gas, is used to push beer from the keg to the tap

A kegerator or draft beer system is made up of a series of components that work together to deliver a perfectly poured pint. There are three standard systems for dispensing draft beer: direct draw, long-draw glycol cooled, and long-draw air-cooled. All three systems use similar pieces of draft beer equipment but differ in their unique components for delivering or cooling draft beer as it travels from keg to tap.

Direct Draw System (Kegerator)

Kegerators are the most common example of a direct-draw draft system. This is a standard system for delivering draft beer from keg to tap across a short distance. CO2 or a mixture of nitrogen and CO2, known as beer gas, is used to push beer from the keg through the beer line up to the draft tower and faucet. Cold air from the refrigeration unit holding the keg travels up to the draft tower to assist in chilling the beer. A tower cooler or fan can help push that air upwards.

Glycol Cooled Draft System

If the kegs cannot be kept refrigerated within close proximity to the draft tower and faucets, a long-draw draft system is required. A glycol-cooled draft system is a long-draw system that uses a glycol chiller or power pack to pump a mixture of glycol and water through a trunk line that keeps the draft beer at a consistent temperature as it travels from keg to tap. Beer is pumped from the keg in the same manner as a direct-draw system using CO2 or beer gas.

Air-Cooled Draft System

Long-draw draft systems that have runs of less than 25 feet from keg to tap can use chilled air blown through a duct containing beer lines to keep it cooled. A forced air blower sends air from the keg cooler through the duct to the draft tower. An air-cooled draft system can either use a single air duct or two ducts to carry air back and forth to the cooler.

Any draft system requires pressurized gas to propel beer from the keg to the faucet. When this pressurized gas is pushed into the keg through the coupler, it forces the beer out into the beer line, where it eventually travels up to the tap so you can pour a pint on demand.

Micro-Foam Technology converts beer into a nitro-style draft

Fizzics' DraftPour Beer Dispenser uses Micro-Foam Technology to convert any beer into a nitro-style draft. This patented technology leverages sound waves and fluid dynamics to produce the perfect pour. The dispenser is compatible with all cans and bottles, and it does not require CO2 cartridges or nitrogen (N2).

To use the dispenser, simply place any size can or bottle of beer into the machine. Pull the handle forward to pour the beer under pressure at a controlled rate, maintaining the carbonation within the body of the beer. To begin the sonication process, push the handle backward, applying sound waves to convert the beer's natural carbonation into an ideal Micro-Foam. This process creates uniform, tiny-sized bubbles that deliver an enhanced aroma, flavour, and mouthfeel. The result is a smooth and creamy nitro-style pour that elevates the taste and texture of any beer.

The Fizzics DraftPour is available in four stunning finishes: Ice, Carbon, Pub, Pub Special, and Copper. It can be powered by USB or 2 AA batteries, making it convenient for use at home or on the go. With its compact size and durable construction, the dispenser is perfect for outdoor activities, picnics, camping, and tailgating.

A tap handle, or faucet handle, is the lever that screws into the draft beer faucet

A tap handle, or faucet handle, is an essential component of a beer dispenser. It is the lever that screws into your draft beer faucet, enabling you to easily open and close the faucet when pouring your beverage. The tap handle is designed to make the process of dispensing beer smoother and more convenient.

To connect the beer tap handle to the beer faucet, follow these steps: First, screw the beer tap handle onto the beer faucet lever in a clockwise direction until it is hand-tight. On the beer faucet lever, there is an adjusting knob that allows you to align the beer tap handle to your desired position. Typically, the beer tap handle is positioned to face the bartender so that the brand logo can be read as one would read a label on a bottle. However, you can customise the tap handle's position by turning the adjusting knob counterclockwise until it tightens in the desired location.

It is worth noting that the way you grab the beer tap handle can impact whether your beer pours smoothly or becomes foamy. Most first-timers tend to grab the handle from the top and pull it forward with a jerking action. This can damage the beer faucet components and cause the beer to become agitated and foamy. Instead, it is recommended to grab the handle from the bottom with your index and middle fingers, pulling it toward you in one smooth motion. When closing the faucet, use the same smooth motion to avoid excessive foaming.

Tap handles come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and designs. They serve the purpose of advertising a brand logo and supporting a lifestyle theme, indicating "what's on tap." With the popularity of kegerators and home draft beer systems, tap handles have also become a way for individuals to express their personality and style. Whether you prefer a sports theme, a specific brand, or a particular lifestyle, you can now customise your tap handle to fit your unique taste.

Frequently asked questions