Beer Tower Parts: Essential Components for Your Bar

Beer tower parts are essential components of any beer dispensing system. They are responsible for delivering the beer from the keg to the tap, ensuring a smooth and consistent flow of beer. Beer tower parts include various components such as the beer tower itself, faucets, shanks, couplers, and more.

Understanding beer tower parts is crucial for anyone who owns or operates a beer dispensing system. It is important to know how each component works and how they interact with each other. Knowing this information can help troubleshoot any issues that may arise, and also help determine when maintenance or replacement of certain parts is necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding beer tower parts is crucial for anyone who owns or operates a beer dispensing system.
• Maintenance and replacement of beer tower parts are important to ensure a smooth and consistent flow of beer.
• Selecting quality beer tower parts is essential to avoid issues and ensure the longevity of the system.

Understanding Beer Tower Parts

Beer tower parts are essential components of a draft beer system. They include small parts such as elbows and tower extensions, as well as steel bodies and internal tower assemblies. Understanding these parts is crucial for maintaining a high-quality draft beer system.

Air Cooled Towers

Air cooled towers are a popular choice for draft beer systems. They use a fan to circulate cool air around the beer lines, keeping the beer at the perfect temperature. The tower is made up of several parts, including the tap handle, faucet, shank, and draft tower. The tap handle is the part of the tower that the bartender or customer uses to pour the beer. The faucet is the part that controls the flow of beer. The shank connects the faucet to the beer line, and the draft tower is the vertical column that holds the beer lines.

Glycol Cooled Towers

Glycol cooled towers are another option for draft beer systems. They use a separate cooling system to keep the beer lines cold, which is ideal for longer lines or when the beer is being served over a long distance. The tower is made up of the same components as an air cooled tower, but with the addition of a glycol cooling system. The glycol system uses a refrigeration unit to cool a mixture of glycol and water, which is then circulated through the beer lines.

When it comes to maintaining a draft beer system, it is important to understand the different types of beer tower parts and how they work together. By keeping these parts clean and in good condition, you can ensure that your customers always receive a high-quality draft beer.

Maintenance and Replacement of Beer Tower Parts

To ensure the proper functioning of a beer tower, regular maintenance and replacement of its parts are necessary. Without adequate maintenance, beer towers can become clogged or damaged, leading to poor-quality beer and a shorter service life. In this section, we will discuss some tips for maintaining and replacing beer tower parts.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance of beer tower parts is crucial to keep the tower in good working condition. The following tips can help extend the service life of a beer tower:

• Clean the beer lines regularly to prevent clogging and ensure the quality of the beer.
• Inspect the tower gasket for wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.
• Check the bolts, washers, and clamps that hold the tower in place and tighten them if needed.

Replacement Parts

Over time, beer tower parts may need to be replaced due to wear and tear or damage. The following replacement parts are commonly available:

• Tower gasket: A tower gasket is a rubber seal that fits between the faucet and shank. It faucet or tap will have these. Check the gaskets occasionally to make sure the seal isn't damaged. A leaking faucet is a giveaway.
• Beer line: The beer line connects the keg to the tower and carries the beer from the keg to the tap. Over time, beer lines can become clogged or dirty, affecting the taste and quality of the beer.
• Tower replacement parts: If the tower is damaged or worn out, it may need to be replaced. Tower replacement parts include the tower cap, shank, and faucet.

Upgrading and Modifying

Upgrading and modifying beer towers can improve their performance and functionality. Some common upgrades and modifications include:

• Installing a fan to cool the tower and prevent foaming. For Air-Cooled Towers.
• Adding a flow control faucet to regulate the flow of beer.
• Upgrading to a stainless steel tower for improved durability and sanitation. Which should always be the first choice.

Selecting Quality Beer Tower Parts

When it comes to setting up a draft beer system, selecting quality beer tower parts is crucial. The draft beer tower is the centerpiece of the system, and it is essential to ensure that it is made of top-quality, corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the rigors of daily use.

Why Stainless Steel Draft Equipment is a Must

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting beer tower parts is the material they are made of. Stainless steel is the most popular material for beer towers, and for good reason. It is corrosion-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. It also looks great and adds a touch of elegance to any bar or restaurant.

Stainless steel draft beer towers are available in both air-cooled and glycol-cooled options. Air-cooled towers are the most common type and are perfect for smaller systems. Glycol-cooled towers are ideal for larger systems and can keep beer at the perfect temperature, even over long distances.

When selecting beer tower parts, it is also important to consider other components such as faucets, tap handles, nuts, and PVC tubes. These components must be made of high-quality materials such as stainless steel to ensure that they are durable and long-lasting.

Overall, selecting quality beer tower parts is essential for ensuring that your draft beer system is reliable, efficient, and looks great. By choosing top-quality, corrosion-resistant components made of stainless steel and other durable materials, you can be sure that your system will provide years of trouble-free service.

Purchasing Beer Tower Parts

When it comes to purchasing beer tower parts, there are several factors to consider. The most important ones are the quality of the parts, the supplier's reliability, and the price. In this section, we will explore some of the most popular beer tower parts suppliers and their offerings.

Micromatic

Micromatic is a well-known supplier of beer tower parts in North America. They offer a wide range of products, including caps, insulators, upgrades, and mounting kits. Their website is easy to navigate and provides detailed descriptions of each product. Micromatic's team is knowledgeable and responsive to customer inquiries. They offer reliable products at competitive prices, making them a popular choice for homebrewers and pub owners alike.

Perlick

Perlick is another popular supplier of beer tower parts, known for their high-quality chrome towers. They also offer a variety of caps, insulators, and upgrades. Perlick's website is user-friendly and provides detailed information about each product. Their team is knowledgeable and responsive, providing excellent customer service. While their products may be more expensive than other suppliers, their reputation for quality makes them a reliable choice for bars and restaurants.

UBC

UBC is a supplier of beer tower parts that offers a wide range of products at competitive prices. They offer a variety of upgrades, as well as complete tower assemblies. Their website is easy to navigate and provides detailed information about each product. UBC's team is knowledgeable and responsive, providing excellent customer service. While they may not have the same reputation as Micromatic or Perlick, they are a reliable choice for those looking for affordable beer tower parts.

In conclusion, purchasing beer tower parts requires careful consideration of the supplier's reputation, product quality, and price. Micromatic, Perlick, and UBC are all reliable suppliers with excellent products and knowledgeable teams. No matter which supplier you choose, make sure to research their offerings and compare prices before making a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Taps Can a Beer Tower Hold?

The number of taps a beer tower can hold depends on the size of the tower. Most beer towers have between one and four taps, but some larger towers can hold many. Inside Beer offers a variety of beer tower parts, including single and multi-tap towers.

How Do You Clean a Beer Tower?

It is essential to clean a beer tower regularly to prevent bacteria growth and ensure the quality of the beer. To clean a beer tower, first, remove the tap and soak it in warm, soapy water. Next, use a cleaning solution and a cleaning brush to clean the inside of the tower. Rinse thoroughly with water and let it air dry before reassembling. Draft Beer Dispense provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and maintaining beer taps and parts.

What is The Average Lifespan of a Beer Tower?

The lifespan of a beer tower depends on the quality of the materials and how well it is maintained. On average, a beer tower can last between five and ten years. However, with proper care and maintenance, a beer tower can last much longer.

What Are Some Common Issues That Can Occur With Beer Towers?

Some common issues that can occur with beer towers include leaks, clogs, and mold growth. These issues can be caused by improper installation, poor maintenance, or low-quality materials.

Summary

Beer tower parts are essential components of any draft beer dispensing system. From the tower itself to the faucets and components, each part plays a crucial role in ensuring that the beer is served at the right temperature, pressure, and quality.

One of the most important parts of the beer tower is the faucet. There are different types of faucets available, including standard, creamer, and stout faucets. Creamer faucets are designed to produce a dense, long-lasting, foamy head that is desirable on certain ales and stouts. Stout faucets, on the other hand, are designed for dispensing nitrogenated beers like Guinness.

In summary, beer tower parts are essential components of any draft beer dispensing system. From the faucet to the shank to the tower itself, each part plays a crucial role in ensuring that the beer is served at the right temperature, pressure, and quality. It is important to choose the right parts based on the specific needs of the system to ensure a perfect pour every time.

For any questions please reach out to us at Renny's. For more information on draft beer dispensing or information. Visit our Beer Education Blog.