Beer Faucet: Tap Solutions for Restaurants & Breweries

A beer tap faucet is a valve that regulates the flow of beer from a keg to the drinking glass. It is typically made of brass or stainless steel. The beer tap faucet is an important part of the beer-dispensing process. Because it controls the amount of beer that is dispensed and prevents over-pouring, pulling the lever forward will cause the faucet to open and allow the beer to flow from the keg to the spout. The handle is then used to control the flow of beer. Beer tap faucets are an essential part of any retail draft beer system setup and we talk about two distinct styles.

Understanding Beer Faucets

Beer faucets are a crucial component of any draft beer dispensing system. They are responsible for controlling the flow of beer from the keg to the glass, ensuring a smooth and consistent pour every time. A typical beer faucet consists of a handle, a shaft, and a valve that regulates the flow of beer. The handle, often made of durable materials like stainless steel or chrome, allows the bartender to control the flow with precision. The shaft, usually crafted from corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel, ensures flow control faucet has longevity and reliability. Together, these components work harmoniously to deliver the perfect pint, making beer faucets an indispensable part of any draft beer setup.

What is a Beer Tap Faucet And What Does It Do 

Beer tap faucets are an essential component of any beer dispensing system. Beer taps control the flow of beer from the keg to the glass.

Beer faucets are made of stainless steel or chrome-plated brass, and they come in a variety of different styles. The most common type of beer tap faucet is the standard beer faucet. A popular premium option is the all stainless steel beer faucet, known for its polished finish and durability. When it comes to draft beer systems, beer faucets designs can vary.

Beer Faucet Components and Accessories

The smooth operation of a draft beer system relies heavily on the quality and functionality of its components and accessories. Here are some key parts that make up a beer faucet:

• Shafts: The shaft is the moving part of the faucet that opens and closes the valve. Made from corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or brass, it ensures durability and smooth operation.
• Levers: The lever holds the handle and pivots on the shaft, allowing for precise control over the beer flow. Stainless steel levers are preferred for their durability, especially with larger, heavier handles.
• Lever Types: Brass levers are more economical but can be prone to damage, while stainless steel levers offer superior durability and are ideal for high-traffic environments.
• Friction/Ball Washer: This black rubber washer, paired with a white nylon ball washer, ensures a smooth and consistent flow by reducing friction between the shaft and the lever.
• Lever Bonnet: A compression nut that sits atop the friction/ball washer, determining the lever action and ensuring smooth operation.
• Coupling Washer: Positioned between the faucet body and shank, this thin black washer should be inspected during cleaning and replaced if damaged to prevent leaks.

These components and accessories are essential for maintaining the efficiency and reliability of your draft beer system, ensuring every pour is perfect.

How Beer Faucets Work

Understanding how beer faucets work can help you appreciate the intricacies of a draft beer system. Here’s a step-by-step explanation:

1. Beer Flow: Beer flows from the keg through the beer line and into the faucet.
2. Connection: The faucet connects to the beer line via a shank, ensuring a secure and leak-free connection.
3. Handle Operation: Turning the handle moves the shaft, which opens or closes the valve to regulate the beer flow.
4. Lever Action: The lever, which holds the handle, pivots on the shaft, allowing for smooth and consistent control over the beer flow.
5. Friction/Ball Washer: This washer reduces friction between the shaft and the lever, ensuring a smooth and consistent pour.
6. Lever Bonnet: The lever bonnet determines the lever action, providing precise control over the beer flow.
7. Coupling Washer: This washer ensures a secure connection between the faucet body and the shank, preventing leaks and ensuring a smooth flow of beer.

By understanding these components and their functions, you can better maintain your beer faucets and ensure a perfect pour every time.

What Makes a Beer Faucet High-Quality

A beer tap faucet is a small but essential piece of equipment. Not only does it help to regulate the flow of beer, but it also affects the taste and aroma of the beer.

As such, it is important to choose a high-quality beer tap faucet that will enhance your beer-drinking experience. When looking for a beer tap faucet, consider the following factors:

Material: The material of the beer tap faucet will affect its durability and how easy it is to clean. A stainless steel beer faucet is a popular choice because it is durable and easy to clean. Some beer tap faucets are also chrome-plated.

However, I wouldn’t recommend chrome-plated brass faucets. Yes, they may be cheaper… but they won’t last and are unsanitary compared to stainless beer taps.

Why Use Stainless Steel Faucets

When it comes to beer tap faucets, there are two main types on the market: stainless steel and chrome plated. Both have their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

Stainless steel beer faucets are more durable than chrome-plated ones. Making them the best choice for restaurants, breweries, or taphouses. They’re also easier to clean since beer residue won’t stick to the surface. Stainless Steel faucets can be used in different applications. They can dispense wine, ciders, kombucha, coffee, and cocktails on draft. Stainless steel is also ideal for a stout beer faucet, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and functionality necessary for pouring stout beer, especially Guinness. There’s more application with stainless steel faucets. And they will last a very long time with regularly scheduled cleanings.

Why You Should Stay Away From Chrome Plated Beer Faucets

Chrome beer faucets are a common sight in bars and restaurants, but they can actually be unhealthy. The chrome plating on these faucets can flake off and contaminate beer. In addition, the chrome plating will wear off over time with consistent cleanings. Exposing the brass underneath. Brass is porous and can also harbor bacteria, which can lead to beer spoilage. For these reasons, it is best to avoid chrome or metal-plated beer faucets altogether. Stainless steel beer faucets are a much safer option. They are less likely to flake or harbor bacteria. With stainless steel beer faucets, you can enjoy your beer without worrying about contamination, and they will last you a very long time. Additionally, using specialty tools ensures that your beer dispensing system is maintained properly, providing you with the best beer experience.

What Type of Stainless Steel Faucets Are Best for Beer Systems?

When it comes to selecting the best stainless steel faucets for your beer system, several factors should be considered:

• Material: Opt for high-quality stainless steel, such as 304 or 316, known for their durability and resistance to corrosion.
• Finish: A polished or brushed finish not only provides a sleek and modern look but also reduces the risk of corrosion, ensuring longevity.
• Construction: Look for well-constructed faucets with sturdy shafts and levers. This ensures smooth and consistent flow control, essential for a perfect pour.
• Compatibility: Ensure the faucet is compatible with your existing beer system, including the shank and beer line. This ensures a seamless integration and optimal performance.

By considering these factors, you can select a stainless steel faucet that will provide reliable performance, enhance the aesthetics of your setup, and ensure a great beer-drinking experience for your customers.What type of Stainless Steel Faucets Are Best Beer Systems?There are many types of beer tap faucets that are used in beer systems: Micro Matic beer faucets, Perlick beer faucets and other standard beer faucets. Micro Matic beer faucets are the most economical option and are adequate for most beer systems. Perlick beer faucets are more expensive, and high quality. Perlick and Micro Matic have their own versions of what is best to dispense draft beer. If you are looking for the best possible beer-drinking experience. You can’t go wrong with either one. It will come down to your style. I favor Micro Matic because their stainless steel faucets are very easy to clean. Perlick Faucets are forward sealing. And some may argue this is less sanitary because the entire faucet is full of beer when it’s not being used. Beer is also exposed to the ambient temperature and bacteria.

Summary

In conclusion, beer faucets are a vital component of any draft beer system, playing a crucial role in regulating the flow of beer from keg to glass. This blog post delved into the nuances of beer faucets, highlighting the importance of choosing high-quality materials like stainless steel for durability and hygiene. We explored the various components and accessories that ensure smooth operation, such as shafts, levers, and washers, emphasizing the significance of maintaining these parts for a perfect pour. The post also compared stainless steel and chrome-plated faucets, advocating for stainless steel due to its longevity and resistance to contamination. Finally, we discussed top brands like Micro Matic and Perlick, providing insights into their offerings for an optimal beer-drinking experience. By understanding these elements, you can enhance your draft beer system and deliver exceptional quality beer to your patrons.