Bars & Breweries, Management & Operation

Choosing the Best Direct-Draw Beer System for Your Business

Last updated on Sep 14, 2020
Rachel Jenkins

If you own a bar, restaurant, or brewery, serving draft beer is an easy and profitable way to expand your drink selection. To get your ice cold beer from the keg to the customer, you’ll need to find the perfect direct-draw beer tap system for restaurants. If you're looking to enhance your establishment's beverage service, keep reading to learn what a direct-draw system is, and discover which type may be best for your business.

What Is a Direct-Draw Beer System?

what is a direct draw beer system

A direct draw beer dispenser stores kegs at the ideal serving temperature in a self-contained unit. With the use of beer-dispensing hardware and a beer line, the beer is drawn straight from the keg to the faucet.

Advantages of a Direct-Draw Beer System

When considering which direct-draw beer system will work best for you, keep in mind these important advantages of installing a direct-draw system.

  • Direct-draw beer systems are easy and quick to install, which means you can start serving draft beer in no time.
  • These systems work best in smaller establishments or restaurants looking for an economical option.
  • The short distance from the keg to the glass typically means your guest’s beer stays cold and fewer complications can arise.

Disadvantages of a Direct-Draw Beer System

Before installing a draw system, it’s important to consider some of the drawbacks or limitations a direct-draw beer system can experience.

  • These systems may not work well in high-volume bars.
  • Kegs and containers must be changed wherever the system is located, which could be right in your crowded bar area.
  • These systems offer a limited number of keg spaces with typically no more than 8 faucets possible.

What’s the Difference Between a Direct Draw and Remote Draw Beer System?

While a direct draw beer system stores kegs in the same unit in which the beer will be dispensed, a remote draw beer system stores kegs in an entirely separate area. They are typically housed in walk-in coolers either inside or outside the building. Often times, this allows the bar or restaurant to house and tap more kegs at one time while keeping them out of sight from the customer.

Remote draw systems are more costly to install, and they’re more prone to temperature fluctuations or maintenance issues. However, they are an ideal option for businesses selling a high volume of beer regularly or for businesses with limited bar space in the front-of-house area.

Types of Direct-Draw Beer Systems

kegerator

Once you’ve decided a direct-draw beer system will be a beneficial addition to your bar's back-of-house area, it’s time to figure out which of the following specific types of systems will best suit your needs. Take your bar, restaurant, or brewery’s needs into consideration as you discover the difference between these direct-draw beer systems.

Kegerators

Combining the words “keg” and “refrigerator,” a kegerator is a freestanding unit designed to house single or multiple kegs at the optimal temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Keeps beer temperature regulated and steady before serving
  • Shorter lines between the keg and the spout means less maintenance and cleaning than kegs housed farther away
  • Can be used for serving wine, cold brew coffee, kombucha, and certain liquors
  • Houses varying combinations of 1/6, 1/4, and 1/2 barrel capacity kegs
  • Outdoor kegerators can combat unusually high or low temperatures in extreme climates

While kegerators may be great for larger bars, there are a few limitations to consider. Kegerators tend to take up valuable space behind the bar, which is often an issue in smaller or tighter bar areas. Plus, they can often conflict with your bar’s aesthetics, and they draw attention anytime a new keg is delivered to your bar.

Club Top Beer Dispensers

Club top beer dispensers are a type of kegerator that includes an additional compartment with a slide-top. This compartment is perfect for chilling canned or bottled beers and for frosting mugs.

  • Offers the same conveniences as a kegerator with additional refrigeration space
  • Can be installed directly into the bar or made mobile with casters
  • Cold air intake reduces excess foam when pouring beer

Club top beer dispensers include similar limitations as kegerators. They can take up large amounts of space in a cramped bar and may not fit your establishment’s decor. However, they do provide a convenient storage solution for selling the occasional six pack to-go.

Back Bar Coolers

Back bar coolers offer maximum storage in a compact space. They contain multiple storage compartments designed to house kegs, six packs, cans, or bottles. Unlike other kegerators, this system is typically designed to enhance the look of your bar while showcasing merchandise to boost impulse sales.

  • Glass doors create an enticing display of bottles and cans for purchase
  • Offers a greater variety of selection for guests
  • Direct-draw tap system provides cold air intake capabilities designed to reduce excess foam

Just like kegerators, back bar coolers are still going to draw attention when it comes time to change out empty kegs. But, choosing a back bar cooler with a sleek, glass door can create a merchandising opportunity that may ultimately increase sales. Plus, the two-in-one storage solution is great for bar areas with limited space.


Installing a direct-draw beer system in your bar, restaurant, winery, or brewery is a simple and cost-effective way to expand your craft beer offerings. Based on the types of direct-draw beer systems offered, evaluate your bar back and decide which system would best serve the needs of your bartenders and customers.

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Related Resources

  • How to Change a Keg

    Changing a keg is fundamental for aspiring bartenders and establishments serving draft beer. Whether you operate a bustling bar, a trendy brewery, or a cozy pub, knowing how to properly tap a keg is essential to maintaining a steady flow of refreshing beer for your patrons. Use this step-by-step process of changing a keg that includes preparation, tapping a keg, and disconnecting the draft system from an empty keg. Use these links to learn how to change a keg: Prepare the Keg for Tapping Attach the Tap to the Keg Push the Tap Handle Down Pour the First Beer Pump the Keg as Needed Untap the Keg How to Tap a Keg Whether you use a direct-draw system or a manual tap, follow these steps to learn how to tap a keg without delaying or disrupting service at your establishment. 1. Prepare the Keg for Tapping Preparation is just as noteworthy as your tapping technique when serving draft beer. Small mistakes can damage your equipment, delay service, or cause substandard pours. Before you begin the tapping process, complete the following items: Check that you have the correct tap system for your keg. US manufacturers use the "D" system, while European importers typically use the "S" system or "G" system. Chill the whole keg in a large bucket filled with ice for several hours until it reaches the ideal serving temperature, or approximately 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This process prevents foamy beer when you pour. Some operators also chill their coupler and beer lines beforehand for a better pour. Ensure the pump is disengaged and the handle is upright in the unlocked position. Otherwise, beer might spray everywhere when you attempt to tap the keg. 2. Attach the Tap to the Keg Before you begin, check that the handle is upright, the pump is disengaged, and the faucet head is closed to avoid an impromptu beer bath. Remove any protective cover and align the base of the coupler with the spout on top of the keg. Once you're sure it fits, press the coupler down into the spout and turn the pump clockwise by 90 degrees. The pump should be snug and straight if inserted correctly. If the unit is slanting, loose, or leaking foam from the connection point, disengage the coupler from the spout and try inserting it again. 3. Push the Tap Handle Down Once you're certain the coupler is attached correctly, engage the pump by pressing down on the handle into the locked position. This allows gas to enter and beer to flow through the hoses. Finally, check the seating for bubbles or foam, meaning the coupler is set incorrectly and must be removed to try again. 4. Pour the First Beer Now that you tapped the keg, push the nozzle down on the dispenser to pour the first beer. You do not need to pump the coupler beforehand as the natural CO2 inside will produce enough pressure to keep the beer flowing. If you immediately start pumping, the liquid will become more foamy and you'll waste valuable beer. 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If the flow slows, don't be afraid to pump it until it pours quickly again. Pumping with the valve closed: Always check that the pouring faucet is open before you pump the coupler. A closed faucet results in too much pressure inside the keg, causing the beer to pour too quickly with too much foam. Pumping too hard: Use gentle pressure to protect your draft system and to ensure the correct amount of gas enters the chamber to prevent foamy beer. How to Untap a Keg Once the keg is empty, use these simple steps to detach the draft system from the spout: Pull the locking handle out to unlock it. Disengage the coupler by pulling the locking handle upwards. Check that the handle is completely up, or you'll be sprayed with any beer left in the lines when you untwist the coupler. Twist the coupler counterclockwise to release it from the spout. Drain tap lines, rinse with water, and clean the pump before tapping a new keg. Ensure a seamless transition between kegs and keep the drinks flowing smoothly at your bar, brewery, or beer garden by efficiently changing old kegs for fresh ones. Correctly tapping a keg maintains beer quality and keeps customers satisfied with their beverages. At the end of the night, check your draft system for damage or debris and thoroughly clean the lines and faucets.

  • Maintaining a Commercial Beer Tap System

    Part of running a successful bar business is knowing how to identify and resolve common draft system problems when they inevitably arise. This guide will go over how to troubleshoot various beer tap problems so you can train your bartenders to calmly and quickly handle the issues as soon as they happen. Use these links to jump to the beer tap problem you need to troubleshoot: Keg Is Not Pouring Beer Is Foamy Beer Is Flat Beer Won't Hold a Head Beer Is Cloudy Beer Tastes Bad Keg Is Not Pouring If the keg is not dispensing beer or the beer is coming out of the tap too slowly, here are some easy troubleshooting tips to ensure you get your beer flowing again quickly: Your keg is empty. Replace the empty one with a fresh keg. You can also use a keg check to see the current levels in your keg. Your gas cylinder is empty. Replace or refill your tank. A double gauge regulator can be a handy investment for your tank because it has a regulated pressure gauge and it also shows how much is left in your tank. The gas is turned off. Your CO2 should be left on unless there are leaks or you need to change out the cylinder. Your keg is tapped incorrectly. Make sure your keg has been tapped correctly. The beer lines are frozen. Thaw out the frozen lines. Make sure that the beer is being stored at an appropriate temperature, generally between 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit, to avoid freezing, which can cause ice to back up into your beer line. If ambient temperature is the problem, consider insulating the beer lines. Beer Is Foamy Beer that is too foamy is one of the most common problems bartenders and bar owners will encounter. The good news is that this is a very easily fixed problem. Here are some of the main causes of foamy beer and how to fix them: The draft cooler is too warm. The cooler should be kept between 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit. Your glasses are frozen. When beer comes into contact with a glass that is too cold, it can cause the beer to foam up. You should also never freeze your glasses because they can freeze water in the beer and numb customers' taste buds to the delightful flavors of your brews. The beer lines are too warm or cold. Make sure that your beer line systems are refrigerated or insulated according to the type of beer you're offering. Lines should be kept at the proper serving temperature for each beer. The beer is being improperly dispensed. Make sure your staff is trained on how to properly pour draft beer. There is too much pressure in your system. Generally, U.S. ales and lagers are dispensed at 10 - 12 PSI, while stouts and other styles are dispensed at 25 - 30 PSI (adding 1 PSI for each 2000 ft. increment above sea level). The taps are dirty or malfunctioning. Foamy beer may result from dirty beer lines, so be sure to clean your beer tap system thoroughly. If cleaning doesn't resolve the situation, you may need to have your system serviced by a professional, or some parts may need to be replaced. Your keg is tapped incorrectly. Make sure your keg has been tapped correctly at the right temperature. Avoid agitation in the keg before tapping. The tap lines are obstructed or damaged. Check that all lines are clear and free of kinks, dents, twists, or obstructions. Beer Is Flat Nothing is worse than getting a beer that is flat and tasteless. Ensure that you're serving your guests delicious and carbonated beverages with these simple fixes: Your beer is too cold. Barrels should be stored between 36 - 38 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lines should be refrigerated or insulated to properly maintain the serving temperature of the beer you're serving. Additionally, different types of beer are stored at different temperatures. The glasses haven't been properly cleaned. Glasses should be cleaned with specific bar glass chemicals since standard detergents are more likely to leave a film behind. Grease deposits and lint from towels can cause your beer to lose its head and have a flat appearance. So be sure to use the correct cleaner and let your glasses air dry. There is not enough pressure in your system. Make sure that your gas cylinder is set to the correct PSI and ensure that the coupler is securely attached. You're using an air compressor for pressure. Some establishments will try to use air compressors to dispense their beer to cut costs. Air will not carbonate your beer, resulting in a flat product. When dispensing beer, you must use either carbon dioxide or a mixture of carbon dioxide and nitrogen. There is an obstruction in the tap lines. Check the lines and clean thoroughly if necessary. Beer Won't Hold a Head While too much foam is an issue, not having any foam at the top of the beer is also an issue. A beer head affects the mouthfeel of the beer, enhances its aroma, and prevents all of the carbonation from escaping and becoming flat. If you're experiencing large, soap-like bubbles at the top or the head is dissolving too quickly, here are some things to look out for: You're using dry beer glasses. Flush the glasses with clean water and drain before pouring. The pressure required does not match the beer temperature. Research or consult your supplier for proper temperatures and pressures for each draft product. The coils in the beer lines are warmer than the beer in the keg. Check that the air hose clip in the draft tower is still in place. Check insulation for damage and repair as necessary. Beer Is Cloudy The ideal beer for most styles has a 1" head, is nicely carbonated, and is perfectly clear. But if your beer comes out cloudy, here are some ways you can fix it. It's important to note that some beers, like wheat beers, are supposed to be cloudy. The beer is over-chilled in the keg or beer lines. If the beer is too cold, ice can start forming, which causes the beer to become cloudy. Make sure that your beer is stored at the correct temperature. The beer lines or taps have not been adequately cleaned. Over time, yeast and sediment can build up in your draft lines or taps. This sediment can get into your beer and cause it to turn cloudy. You can prevent this by cleaning your beer tap system regularly and thoroughly. Your pressure source is contaminated. Carbon dioxide cylinders should be regularly inspected and maintained if they're being refilled instead of replaced. Otherwise, rust and other contaminants may build up inside and get into your beer. Some cylinders can be fitted with in-line purifiers that use carbon beads to remove contaminants. Beer Tastes Bad Nothing can hurt your reputation more than serving a beer that tastes or smells unusual. Here's how to prevent it from happening at yours: The beer lines or faucets are dirty. Buildup in the beer lines or faucet can affect the taste of your beer, so you should clean them regularly. The beer lines are not being flushed properly between kegs. Make sure you flush the lines thoroughly with clean water between each keg. The keg or beer lines are too warm. Check your beer dispenser's temperature setting and around the keg for hot spots. Your gas cylinders are contaminated. Check your gas tank for rust or contamination. You may need to swap it out for a different tank and have the contaminated tank cleaned. The beer glasses haven't been cleaned properly. If you use the wrong chemicals to clean your beer glasses, they can leave a small film that can cause your beer to taste off. Make sure that you're using specifically beer glass chemicals and sanitizer. You're serving old beer. 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  • How to Set Up a Kegerator

    After you've deliberated and chosen the best kegerator for your business, it's time to set up your beer dispenser and start serving fresh, cold beer! We've got step-by-step directions and an instructional video to help you through the process, allowing you to pour the perfect pint. Use our steps as a general guideline, but always refer to your equipment manual for the manufacturer's specific instructions. Shop All Beer Dispensers 1. Unpackage the Kegerator Remove all the packaging from your kegerator. If the unit has been transported on its side, let the unit stand upright for at least 24 hours before plugging it in. Move the unit to its final location and install it on a level surface. Make sure to provide clearance around the unit for ventilation, per the manufacturer's instructions. 2. Install the Draft Tower Once your kegerator is unpackaged and placed in its final location, you can begin installing the draft tower. Gather your materials and look for the circular opening on top of the unit. You'll need the following materials: Rubber washer Draft tower Beer line 4 mounting screws Air hose Tap faucet handle Follow these steps: Place a rubber washer on top of the circular opening. Feed the beer line down through the opening into the interior cabinet. Place the draft tower on top of the opening and secure it with 4 mounting screws. Feed the air hose into the draft tower from inside the cabinet. The air hose helps to keep the beer cold as it travels up the beer line. Screw the tap handle onto the tap faucet. Connect the tap faucet to the draft tower. 3. Connect Beer and Gas Lines You'll need two lines to set up your kegerator - the beer line and the gas line. The beer line connects to the keg by way of the keg coupler and delivers cold beer to the tap faucet. The gas line connects to the CO2 regulator on the CO2 tank, then also connects to the keg coupler. Depending on the manufacturer of your unit, you may need to purchase some of these required beer dispensing components separately. Refer to your kegerator manual for more information. You'll need the following materials: (2) Rubber washers Nut Keg coupler Beer line Gas line Beer keg CO2 tank CO2 regulator Follow these steps: Keep the tank upright at all times. Attach the beer line to the keg coupler, placing a rubber washer at the connection point. Attach the gas line to the CO2 regulator output barb and tighten screw clamp. Connect the other end of the gas line to the keg coupler and tighten screw clamp. Using a rubber washer and nut, attach the CO2 regulator to the CO2 tank. Screw the coupler onto the keg. When the coupler is fitted into place, push the coupler handle down to open the seal. Place the keg inside the kegerator. 4. Adjust the CO2 Regulator With your beer and gas lines in place, you're almost ready to start dispensing your customers' favorite beers. You'll just need to make some adjustments to your CO2 tank and regulator to release the gas and make sure it's at the correct pressure. Follow these steps: Turn the handwheel on the CO2 regulator to the left to open the air tank. Flip the shut-off valve on the regulator to ON. You should hear air enter the gas lines. Adjust the PSI so the pressure gauge reads between 10 and 15. Carefully place the CO2 tank into the cabinet and close the door. Now that your kegerator is in place and ready to use, set up a schedule to maintain your beer system and ensure your taps and beer lines stay clean. Inspect the CO2 levels on your tank regularly and check the PSI gauge to make sure the pressure is at the right level. With proper maintenance, your beer dispenser will provide many years of service.