While most commonly found in bars, you can manage a draft beer system from your own home. If you enjoy drinking good beer at a low cost, owning a draft beer system is a great way to indulge. Either by purchasing a ready-to-go kegerator, or by converting a refrigerator through a few simple steps, you can drink draft beer without breaking the bank at the local bar.
Definition
Draft beer is simply beer that is drawn through a large container rather than purchased in bottles or cans. Most draft beer systems draw from a keg, a metal unit which dispenses beer through a pressurized system.
How It Works
The system is simple: The CO2 tank, containing pressurized gas, releases the gas into the keg through the keg coupler, connected by the air line. The pressure of the gas gives the needed push to draw the beer through the beer line and out of the faucet when you pull the faucet handle. As the amount of beer in the keg diminishes, more CO2 is released into the keg, maintaining a constant pressure which is set by the regulator. The amount of keg space that CO2 takes up is called the "head space." The overall system consists of this draw system and a refrigerator unit for keeping the beer cold.
Types of Systems
There are two types of draft beer systems: the refrigerator conversion system and the kegerator. The kegerator is simply a refrigerator customized to fit a keg and to accommodate a draw system. Because it is specially made for draft purposes, it usually runs smoother and longer, looks better and is easier to move around--although it can be expensive. Converting a refrigerator is usually much cheaper and requires few changes, basically drilling holes to accommodate the faucet and tubing of the draw system. You might have a few added steps, depending on your refrigerator, in order to make everything fit properly.
Maintenance/Troubleshooting
It is important to properly store, monitor and clean your draft beer system. Kegs must always be kept cold; because keg beer is unpasteurized, it will go bad if not stored at proper temperatures (temperatures and pressures vary depending on beer type). Monitor your pressure regulator to make sure that the keg is constantly in the right pressure range. Too much or too little pressure can result in flat or foamy beer, among other problems. Beer lines must be cleaned regularly in order to avoid damage from yeast and sugar deposits, which can cause the beer to go bad.
Additional Facts
When purchasing custom parts, keep in mind that U.S. and European standards often vary; always check specifications to ensure a proper fit. Always let your keg sit for a while after a prolonged period of movement; just like shaking up a beer can, if you tap the keg too quickly it will result in lots of foam.
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