The Air Cooled Beer Tower: Keeping Your Beer Cold

If you own a bar or restaurant, you know how important it is to have a reliable and efficient draft beer dispensing system. One of the key components of any draft beer system is the draft beer tower. An air-cooled draft beer tower is a popular choice for the beer lines at many businesses due to its ease of installation and maintenance.

With an air-cooled beer tower, cold air is circulated through the tower to keep the beer lines and faucet cool. This helps to maintain the quality and freshness of the beer, while also preventing foaming issues. Unlike glycol-cooled systems, which require additional equipment. Air-cooled systems are simple to set up and can be installed on any countertop surface.

With a variety of styles, material, and finishes available, you can choose a tower system that complements the decor of the inside your establishment and adds to the overall ambiance.

What is an Air Cooled Beer Tower?

If you're a beer lover, you've probably seen an air cooled beer tower before. It's a common sight at bars, restaurants, and even in homes. But what exactly is an air cooled beer tower?

How Does it Work?

An air cooled beer tower is a type of tower that uses cold air to keep the beer lines chilled. These towers are usually found on direct-draw beer systems and are hollow inside. Cold air blows on the inside of the tower tube to keep the beer lines in it chilled.

The tower is connected to a kegerator or beer walk-in cooler, which keeps the beer at the perfect temperature of 38 degrees. The cold air from kegerator is blown through ducts and tubing which contain the beer lines by a blower located in the kegerator. The chilled air and beer lines travel through the smallest duct from the kegerator cooler to the tower while the spent air returns to the kegerator cooler via the larger inner duct.

Overall price though, an air cooled beer tower is a simple and effective way to keep your beer cold and refreshing. Whether you're a bar owner or a homebrewer, an air cooled beer tower is a great investment for any kitchen of any beer lover.

Benefits of an Air Cooled Beer Tower

Maintains Beer Temperature

One of the biggest benefits of an air-cooled beer tower is that it helps maintain the temperature of your beer. When beer is served at the right temperature, it tastes better and is more enjoyable to drink.

With an air-cooled t tower system, chilled air is sent alongside your beer lines from inside your walk-in cooler to reach an air-cooled draft tower through a run of insulated ducts. This insulation prevents heat from entering inside the beer line and keeps your beer at a consistent temperature from keg to tap.

Reduces Foam and Waste

Another benefit of an air-cooled beer tower is that it can reduce foam and waste. When beer is served too warm, it can create excessive foam, which can be frustrating for bartenders and patrons alike. With an air-cooled beer line system, you can ensure that your beer is served at a consistent temperature, which can reduce foam and waste. This can save you money in the long run, as you won't have to waste as much beer due to foaming issues.

Additionally, air-cooled systems are typically more cost-effective to run than glycol-cooled systems, making running them a popular choice for many businesses. They are also a bit easier to install, run and maintain, which can save you time and money on maintenance costs.

Overall, an insulated, air-cooled beer tower is a great choice for businesses that want to maintain the quality of their beer and reduce waste. By keeping your beer at a cool, consistent temperature, you can ensure that it tastes great and is enjoyable to drink.

Types of Air Cooled Beer Towers

If you are in the market for an air cooled beer tower, it is important to know that they come in different types. Here are types of air cooled beer towers:

Single Faucet

A single faucet air cooled beer tower is ideal for those who want to serve one beer line or just one type of a beer line. This type of tower is perfect for home use or small bars that don't have a lot of space. It is also a great option if you want to keep your beer draft lines separate from each other.

Multiple Faucets

If you want to serve more than one type of draft beer though, a multiple faucet air cooled beer tower is the way to go. This type of tower can accommodate two lines or more taps, allowing you to serve different types of beer at the same time. This is a great option for bars or restaurants that want to offer a variety of beers to their customers.

Design and Style

When it comes to design and style, air cooled beer towers come in a range of options. You can choose from different finishes, such as chrome, brass, or stainless steel. You can also choose from different shapes and sizes, such as a T-shape or a Pass-Thru tower. Some other beer cool down towers even come with LED lights that can change colors, adding a fun element to your bar or restaurant.

When choosing a design and style for beer towers, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic of your establishment. You want your beer tower to fit in with and match the rest of your decor and be designed to create a cohesive look.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Air Cooled Beer Tower

Size

When choosing an air cooled beer tower, size is an important factor to consider. The size of the tower will depend on the number of beer draft lines you plan to have. Most air cooled beer towers come in sizes that can accommodate between one and eight beer draft lines each. It is important to choose a tower that can accommodate the number of beer draft lines you plan to have to ensure that you have enough space for all of your kegs.

Capacity

When choosing an air cooled beer tower, it is important to choose a tower with enough capacity to ensure that the beer is properly cooled and the system operates efficiently. Choosing a tower with insufficient capacity can result in warm beer and an inefficient beer towers system that requires more energy to run and operate.

Installation and Maintenance

When it comes to installing and maintaining an air cooled beer tower, there are a few key things to keep in mind. By following the proper installation process and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your beer tower is functioning properly and serving up delicious, cold beer.

Installation Process

The installation process for an air cooled beer tower is relatively straightforward, but it's important to follow the steps carefully to ensure that everything is set up correctly. Here are the basic steps:

• Attach the beer tower to the top of your kegerator or cooler using the appropriate hardware.
• Connect the beer lines to the keg coupler and the tower shanks.
• Attach the air line to the beer couplers.
• Hook up all your gas connections like secondary regulators and primary regulator
• Adjust the temperature and pressure settings as needed.

It's important to note that the specifics of the installation and cleaning process may vary depending on the specific type of air cooled beer tower system you have installed. Be sure to consult the manufacturer's instructions for detailed guidance.

Maintenance Tips

To keep your air cooled beer tower functioning properly, it's important to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks. Here are a few tips:

• Clean the beer lines regularly to prevent buildup and contamination.
• Check the temperature and pressure settings regularly to ensure they are at the appropriate levels.
• Inspect the tower and shanks for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
• Replace any worn or damaged parts as needed. Such as gaskets around the faucets.

By following these maintenance tips, you can help extend the lifespan and durability of your air cooled beer tower and ensure that it continues to serve up cold, refreshing beer for years to come.

Conclusion

When choosing between an air cooled beer tower and a glycol cooled beer tower, there are several factors to consider. Air cooled towers are generally less expensive and easier to install, making them a popular choice for home use or small commercial operations.

If you have a small setup or are just starting out, an air cooled tower may be the way to go. They are easy to install and maintain and can provide cold beer without the need for additional equipment.

Ultimately, the decision between air and glycol cooled towers will depend on your specific power needs and budget. Take the time to research and compare options, and consult with a professional if necessary, to ensure that you make the best choice for your setup and power amount.

Here's a great resource to look at Micromatic

‍Cheers!