Best Places To Buy Draft Beer Machines

There are many options available for purchasing a draft beer machine. The first option is to purchase a kegerator, which is a refrigerator designed to store and dispense kegs of beer. Kegerators can be found at online retailers such as Kegerator.com, BeverageFactory.com, and Amazon.com. Another option is to purchase a countertop keg machine such as the PerfectDraft Machine, which can be purchased from the company's website, us.perfectdraft.com. Finally, there are also portable beer dispensers such as the Fizzics DraftPour, which can be purchased from the company's website, fizzics.com, or from Amazon.com.

Online retailers selling beer machines

There are a number of online retailers selling beer machines, also known as kegerators. Kegerator.com offers a wide range of kegerators, including undercounter kegerators, coffee kegerators, and kombucha kegerators. They also provide free standard shipping on thousands of designated products and have been providing excellent customer service for over 24 years.

Another option is BeverageFactory.com, which offers a variety of kegerators such as single faucet, dual faucet, and triple faucet kegerators. They also provide wholesale pricing and have a customer support phone line.

PerfectDraft is another online retailer that sells a beer machine with smart pour technology, variable temperature control, and an app that allows you to monitor freshness and beer levels. The machine is easy to install and can pour up to 18 beers per keg.

For those looking for used or new equipment, BrewBids.com is an online marketplace that connects buyers and sellers of beverage equipment and supplies. This platform offers a wide range of options, including new and used items, from various suppliers.

Different types of beer machines

There are several types of beer machines available on the market, each designed to suit different needs and preferences. Here is an overview of some of the most common types:

Gravity-Based Beer Filling Machines

Gravity-based beer filling machines are simple yet effective. They utilise gravity to fill bottles or cans with beer. This type of machine features a reservoir elevated above the filling station, allowing the beer to flow down into the containers placed beneath the nozzle. Gravity-based machines are ideal for small-scale operations, homebrewers, or craft breweries due to their low volume and simple design.

Counter-Pressure Beer Filling Machines

Counter-pressure beer filling machines are commonly found in larger breweries and bottling facilities. They employ a pressurised filling process that helps minimise oxidation and maintain consistent carbonation levels in the beer. By purging the container with CO2 and matching the pressure in the beer storage tank, the beer is gently forced into the container, ensuring its quality and carbonation remain intact.

Isobaric Beer Filling Machines

Isobaric beer filling machines operate similarly to counter-pressure machines but are designed for continuous operation. They maintain constant pressure during the filling process, allowing for faster production rates without interrupting the flow of beer. Isobaric filling machines are often used in high-speed bottling lines, making them a popular choice for larger breweries with high production volumes.

Vacuum Beer Filling Machines

Vacuum beer filling machines use a vacuum system to fill bottles or cans. By creating a vacuum inside the container, the beer is drawn in, minimising foaming and product waste. This type of machine is particularly useful for filling glass bottles with foamy or carbonated beers, making them a common choice for craft breweries and specialty beer producers.

Kegerators

Kegerators are refrigerated dispensers that store and serve draft beer. They come in various types, including single, dual, and triple faucet options, as well as built-in and freestanding models. Kegerators offer convenience and flexibility, allowing beer enthusiasts to enjoy fresh, cold beer at home. They are available in different sizes and styles to cater to diverse preferences and spaces.

Crowler Machines

Crowler machines, or can-growler machines, have gained popularity in the craft beer industry. These compact and portable machines fill 32-ounce or 64-ounce aluminium cans directly at the point of sale. They are perfect for smaller breweries, taprooms, and brewpubs, as they allow customers to take home fresh beer in sealed cans.

Each type of beer machine has unique features and advantages, catering to different production scales, filling processes, and beer styles. Understanding these differences can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions when choosing the right equipment for their brewing and dispensing needs.

Pros and cons of each machine

There are several machines available for purchasing and using at home. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of some of the most popular options:

PerfectDraft Machine

The PerfectDraft Machine is a countertop keg machine that serves bar-quality draft beer. It is easy to set up and use, with an initial cooling time of 10 hours (or 2-3 hours if the keg is placed in a fridge beforehand). The machine allows you to set your desired temperature between 32°F and 54°F, and it keeps the beer at a steady temperature. It also has an LED monitor that displays the current temperature and the level of beer remaining in the keg. The kegs are easy to change and only take about a minute to swap out. Each 6L keg serves 12+ pints and stays fresh for 30 days after tapping.

Pros:

• Easy installation and pouring experience
• Variable temperature control
• Quick initial cooling time
• LED monitor displays temperature and beer level
• Easy and quick keg changes
• Large keg size ideal for gatherings
• 30-day freshness guarantee
• Zero maintenance required

Cons:

• Only compatible with PerfectDraft kegs purchased from the official US website
• Limited variety of kegs available
• Larger kegs may be difficult to store and cool in a fridge

Krups Sub Classic

The Krups Sub Classic is a compact and affordable draft beer machine. It offers a good range of beers, including IPAs and wheat beer. The 2-litre "torps" are easy to store in a fridge.

Pros:

• Affordable
• Compact and aesthetically pleasing
• Quiet
• Good range of beers
• Small torps are convenient for storage

Cons:

• Beer is more expensive per pint
• No gauge to indicate capacity
• Short torps run out quickly
• Takes a while to reach the correct temperature
• First couple of pours tend to be very frothy
• Only one temperature setting

Blade

The Blade is a chrome machine that delivers a fresh draft pint. It has an 8-litre capacity, making it ideal for parties. The dome feature can be lit, creating a visually appealing look.

Pros:

• Attractive design, especially when the dome is lit
• Excellent beer pour
• Large keg capacity
• 30-day freshness

Cons:

• Limited range of kegs
• No temperature control
• Larger kegs are difficult to store and cool in a fridge
• Replacing kegs can be tricky due to the line getting trapped

Customer reviews of machines

However, some customers have noted that the variety of beer available for the machines is limited. For example, one customer review from PerfectDraft's website mentions that "only PerfectDraft kegs purchased from our US website (us.perfectdraft.com) will fit into the PerfectDraft machine."

Additionally, some customers have provided suggestions for improving the machines. For instance, a review from Amazon.com for the product Kegerator and Keg Beer Cooler, Single Faucet Draft Beer Dispenser, Full Size Keg Refrigerator With Shelves, Stainless Steel, Drip Tray & Rail, Black, suggests that "the temperature control could be more accurate, as it seems to fluctuate a bit."

Overall, customer reviews of draft beer machines are positive, with many customers praising the convenience, taste, and ease of use of the machines. However, there are some concerns about the limited variety of beer available and suggestions for improvements in certain areas.

Retailer-specific benefits

Kegerator.com

Kegerator.com offers a wide range of draft beer machines, including home kegerators, commercial kegerators, and conversion refrigerators. They provide excellent customer service with 24x7 phone support, a user-friendly website, and fast home delivery. The website also features product reviews, allowing customers to make informed purchasing decisions. Additionally, Kegerator.com offers free standard shipping on thousands of designated products, making it convenient and cost-effective for customers.

BeverageFactory.com

BeverageFactory.com is a one-stop shop for all your draft beer equipment needs. They offer a wide range of products, including kegerators, conversion kits, kegs, and accessories. The website provides detailed product descriptions, making it easy for customers to find the right equipment for their specific needs. BeverageFactory.com also offers wholesale pricing, which can be beneficial for businesses or customers looking to purchase in bulk.

PerfectDraft

PerfectDraft offers a compact and high-performance machine that brings the bar experience to your home. The machine allows you to set your desired temperature for the beer, ensuring a perfect pour every time. With its easy installation, you can enjoy fresh draft beer within 30 days of purchase. PerfectDraft also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, free next-day delivery, and an app to manage your machine, providing a convenient and satisfying customer experience.

Fizzics

Fizzics offers a unique and innovative draft beer dispenser that enhances the taste and mouthfeel of your beer. Their patented Micro-Foam Technology uses sound waves and fluid dynamics to create the perfect pour with enhanced aroma and flavor. The Fizzics dispenser is compatible with all can and bottle sizes, and it can be powered by USB or batteries, making it portable and ideal for outdoor use. Fizzics also offers a range of finishes to suit your style, including Ice, Carbon, Pub, Pub Special, and Copper.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com provides a vast selection of beer dispensers for home use, with a variety of options to suit different needs and preferences. The website offers detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and buying options, making it easy for customers to find the right product. Amazon also offers fast delivery options, with some products eligible for free delivery, ensuring convenience and a quick shopping experience.

Frequently asked questions