Jockey Box: The Ultimate Guide for Portable Beer Dispensing

Looking for a way to serve draft beer at your next outdoor event? A jockey box might be just what you need. A jockey box is a portable draft system that allows you to pour chilled beer from a keg anywhere you go, making it perfect for a beer festival where continuous beer pouring is essential. This handy device uses ice and stainless steel coils to keep your beer at the perfect temperature until it reaches your glass.

The setup is simple. Fill the jockey box cooler with ice, connect it to your keg, and let the beer flow through the chilled coils to the faucet. You can choose a jockey box with different coil lengths for optimal cooling depending on your needs. This makes it ideal for parties, festivals, and tailgating where convenient access to cold beer is a must.

When using a jockey box, selecting the right keg beer dispenser is crucial for ensuring the best performance and ease of use.

Besides being easy to set up, jockey boxes are also relatively low-maintenance. Regular cleaning and proper storage will ensure that your jockey box stays in good condition for many uses. Ready to dive deeper? Our comprehensive guide will cover everything from setting up your jockey stock box to keeping it running smoothly.

Key Takeaways

• A jockey box is a portable draft system for serving chilled beer anywhere.
• It uses ice and stainless steel coils for cooling.
• Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure long-term use.

Understanding Jockey Boxes

Jockey boxes are specialized cooler boxes used for dispensing cold beer and other beverages without the need for a traditional refrigeration system like a kegerator.

What is a Jockey Box?

A jockey box is a portable, self-contained beer dispensing system designed to keep beer at the optimal serving temperature. It comprises a cooler box, a cooling coil or cold plate, and a beer faucet shank. Jockey boxes are ideal for outdoor events, festivals, and gatherings where cold beer is a must. They are also suitable for indoor use and require operating a CO2 tank and ice.

Benefits of Using a Jockey Box for Cold Beer

Using a jockey box for cold beer has several benefits. Firstly, it ensures that beer is served at the optimal temperature, which is essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of the beer. Secondly, jockey boxes are portable and easy to set up, making them perfect for dispensing events. Thirdly, they are efficient and can dispense a large amount of beer, making them an excellent choice for bars and events where there is a high demand for beer. Finally, jockey boxes are easy to clean and maintain, which is essential for preventing contamination and ensuring the quality of the beer.

Core Components and Functionality of Stainless Steel Coil

Jockey boxes consist of several key components, each playing an essential role. The main components include stainless steel coils, a cold plate, an ice bath, and shanks with faucets. The coils or cold plates are housed inside the cooler, which is filled with ice to chill the liquid passing through.

An additional feature often included is a covered drain tray, which helps maintain a clean and organized setup by catching any spills that occur during dispensing.

When beer is poured from a keg, it flows through the coils or cold plate, where it is rapidly cooled by the ice. This setup ensures that the beer remains cold from the keg to the glass. For proper functioning, the CO2 tank must be set between 25-30 PSI to maintain the right pouring speed. Adjustments can be made by turning the valve and regulator on the CO2 tank. Learn more about setting up a jockey box.

Types of Jockey Boxes

There are two main types of jockey boxes: coil coolers and cold plate coolers. Coil coolers use long stainless steel coils submerged in an ice bath to chill the beverage. They are preferred for their ability to keep drinks extremely cold over long periods. Coil coolers can typically handle multiple kegs at once, making them suitable for large events and portable beer dispensing systems.

Cold plate coolers, on the other hand, use a metal plate that sits at the bottom of the cooler. The beverage runs through channels in the plate and gets chilled by the surrounding ice. Cold plate coolers are simpler and quicker to set up but might not cool beverages as thoroughly as coil coolers for extended use. These types are often chosen for smaller gatherings or shorter usage durations.

Additionally, multi tap jockey boxes enhance the efficiency and portability of beverage cooling systems. They can accommodate multiple taps, improving cooling power and making transportation easier.

Choosing the Right Jockey Box

Choosing the right jockey box depends on several factors, including the size of the event, the type of beer being served, and the desired level of portability. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a jockey box:

• Size: Jockey boxes come in various sizes, ranging from small, single-tap units to large, multi-tap units. Choose a size that suits your needs.
• Material: Jockey boxes are typically made of stainless steel or chrome-plated brass. Stainless steel is durable, long-lasting, and easy to clean, while chrome-plated brass is more affordable but may affect the taste of the beer over time.
• Coil length: The length of the coil is an important factor to consider when choosing a jockey box. A longer coil will provide more surface area for the beer to be cooled, but may require a higher PSI to dispense the beer.
• Number of taps: Jockey boxes can have one or multiple taps, depending on the size and design. Choose a jockey box with the right number of taps for your needs.

Setting Up a Jockey Box

Setting up a jockey box involves attaching the CO2 tank, connecting beer lines, and ensuring all components are sealed and secured. Choosing the right equipment is crucial for a smooth operation.

Installation Process

1. Attach the Regulator to the CO2 Tank: Use a crescent wrench to secure the regulator to the CO2 tank. Make sure the connection is tight to prevent leaks. Adjust the regulator to 25 PSI initially. For Longer coils of 120' 30-35 psi may be needed.
2. Connect the Air Line: Attach one end of the airline to the regulator and the other to the keg coupler. Ensure both ends are firmly fitted.
3. Set Up the Keg Coupler and Beer Line: Connect the keg coupler to the keg and attach the beer line to the coupler. Check that all grommets and gaskets are properly placed to avoid leaks.
4. Install the Shank and Faucet: Insert the shank through the cooler wall and attach the faucet to it. Secure using a spanner wrench or crescent wrench.
5. Run the Beer Line through the Cooler Coupling: Place the beer line through the cooler, connecting it to the shank on one end and the jockey box coil or cold plate on the other.
6. Fill the Cooler with Ice: Add ice to the cooler, ensuring the coils or cold plate are fully submerged. This helps in keeping the beer cold as it flows through the system. During high-traffic events, you will need to add more ice frequently to maintain optimal cooling. Make sure the cooler can drain efficiently too.
7. Turn On the CO2 Tank: Open the CO2 tank, and adjust the pressure if needed. Test the system by pouring a small amount of beer and checking for proper flow and temperature.
8. Keep The Keg of Beer Under 55 Degrees: Put the keg in a buck of ice. Use a keg blanket if needed. If the the kegged beer gets to warm it will be difficult to pour beer efficiently.

Choosing the Right Equipment

Beer Line and Air Line: Use high-quality lines to prevent kinks and blockages. The beer and wine line should be food-grade for safety. We recommend xfm beer line from Micromatic.

CO2 Tank and Regulator: Ensure the CO2 tank is filled and the regulator is in good condition. A reliable regulator helps in maintaining consistent pressure.

Faucet and Shank: Go for stainless steel faucets and shanks as they are durable and resistant to corrosion. Use appropriate tools to secure them tightly.

Keg Coupler: Choose a keg coupler that matches the type of keg you will be using. Different keg types use different couplers. Keep in stainless.

Cooler Coupling and Grommets: Make sure the cooler coupling can handle the number of beer lines and faucets you plan to use. Proper grommets are essential to prevent leaks.

Coils or Cold Plate: For higher beer volumes, 50-foot coils- 120-foot colils are preferable, as they ensure the beer stays cold. If serving high volumes quickly, a cold plate might be more suitable.

Proper selection and installation of equipment ensure the jockey box works efficiently and keeps beer at the optimal temperature.

Jockey Box vs. Kegerator: Which is Right for You?

Jockey boxes and kegerators are both popular options for serving cold beer, but they have some key differences. Here are some factors to consider when deciding between a jockey box and a kegerator:

• Portability: Jockey boxes are portable and easy to set up, making them perfect for events. Kegerators are typically larger and more permanent, making them better suited for indoor use.
• Cost: Jockey boxes are generally less expensive than kegerators, especially for small events or gatherings.
• Ease of use: Jockey boxes are easy to set up and use, while kegerators require more maintenance and upkeep.
• Beer quality: Both jockey boxes and kegerators can serve high-quality beer, but kegerators are generally better at maintaining the optimal serving temperature.

Optimizing Performance

Proper setup of a jockey box involves managing temperature and pressure closely. These elements ensure that the beer flows correctly and remains fresh.

Temperature Control and Management for Cold Beer

Maintaining the right temperature is essential for serving cold beer. Start by filling the jockey box with a mixture of ice and water. Ice helps keep beer lines cold and prevents temperature fluctuation. Make sure to regularly check and add ice as needed.

Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature inside the jockey box. Keeping the beer between 32°F and 38°F ensures optimal chill without freezing. If electric cooling is available, consider using it for more reliable temperature management.

Keeping the beer cold from the keg to the faucet is critical. Insulated tubing and well-maintained cold plates or coils can further stabilize the temperature.

Maintaining Pressure and Carbonation

Pressure management is key for a smooth beer flow. Set the CO2 regulator pressure between 25 and 35 PSI. If the beer flow seems slow, gradually increase the regulator pressure closer to 30 PSI. Use a CO2 regulator with a reliable gauge to keep an eye on the exact pressure levels.

Check the CO2 tank and make sure it has enough gas. Low CO2 levels can cause carbonation issues and affect beer quality.

Ensure all connections are tight and sealed to prevent leaks. Adjusting both the CO2 regulator and keg coupler properly balances the carbonation, ensuring the beer remains fizzy and fresh throughout the party and event.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular upkeep is essential to ensure the best performance of a jockey box, from cleaning the equipment to preventing common issues like foamy beer. Proper maintenance extends the lifespan of the stainless steel coils and ensures smooth beer dispensing.

Regular Cleaning Routine

To begin, always disconnect the beer hose before cleaning. Remove the faucets using a wrench and clean them thoroughly.

Next, rinse the whole system with plenty of clean water. If the interior of the cooler gets dirty, you can clean it with mild soap. Afterward, rinse with clean water again and wipe dry.

Important Steps:

1. Rinse Taps and Coils: Use water to flush out any residue in the taps and coils. Ensure everything is clear of cleaning solutions by running water through until it runs clear.
2. Air Drying: Leave the lid cracked open and place the jockey box in a clean, well-ventilated area to air dry.
3. Optional CO2 Purge: For an extra step, you can purge the system with CO2. This helps remove any remaining moisture.

Preventing and Troubleshooting Issues

Regular cleaning prevents issues but sometimes, additional steps are necessary. For example, make sure the faucet is closed prior to setup.

Chilling Coils: To prepare for use, fill the cooler with 2/3 ice and then add cold water. This submerges the stainless steel coils without risking them freezing.

Dealing with Foamy Beer: Foamy beer can be caused by several factors. Ensure the ice water in the cooler melts evenly to avoid temperature fluctuations.

Checking Connections: Always double-check that all connections are secure.

1. Inspect Hose Connections: Loose connections can cause leaks or foamy beer.
2. Clean Faucets: Build-up in the faucets can also lead to dispensing issues.

By following these maintenance steps, you can keep your jockey box in top condition, ensuring a smooth, enjoyable pour every time.

Jockey Box Applications

Jockey boxes are versatile tools that provide portable beverage dispensing solutions. They are particularly useful at various events and for beer enthusiasts who need a reliable way to serve cold beer.

Outdoor Events and Parties

Jockey boxes are perfect for festivals, tailgates, outdoor parties, and other large gatherings. They allow for the dispensing of draft beer with ease, ensuring all guests enjoy a perfectly poured, cold beverage. Because they are portable, they can be set up almost anywhere, whether in a park, backyard, or stadium parking lot.

These systems use either 50' or 120' coils to keep the beer cold. A jockey box with a 50' coil is suitable for smaller events, where beer is not constantly flowing. On the other hand, a 120' coil is ideal for larger events, such as beer festivals, where the demand for cold drinks is high.

Commercial Use and Enthusiasts

In a commercial setting, jockey boxes are handy for breweries and bars during outdoor events. They allow businesses to serve customers quality draft beer even when away from their permanent establishment. They are essential for beer-centric events, providing a way to maintain the ideal temperature, flavor and carbonation of the beer.

Enthusiasts also find beer jockey boxes useful. People who enjoy tailgating can set up these boxes to serve cold beer before the game. They are relatively easy to set up and can dispense multiple types of kegged beverages, appealing to varied tastes. Attaching the beverage lines to the keg taps and adjusting the CO2 pressure is straightforward, making it a practical solution for those passionate about their beer.

Summary

A jockey box is an insulated container used to dispense draft beer. It includes components like a cold plate or cooling coil to chill beer quickly.

Key Components:

• CO2 Tank: Provides carbonation and pressurization.
• Regulator: Controls CO2 pressure, usually set between 25 and 30 PSI.
• Beverage Lines: Connect beer kegs to the jockey box.

Setup Steps:

1. Connect Beverage Lines: Attach lines to keg taps and the jockey box shank.
2. Adjust Pressure: Open the CO2 tank, and adjust the regulator to proper PSI.

Using a jockey box allows for a cold beer on the go, making it popular for events and parties. Beer flows through the cooling coils or plate, chilling instantly before pouring. This setup is like a portable kegerator, without needing electric refrigeration.

Understanding how a jockey box works can enhance the beer dispensing experience for any event.