Tap Towers: A Guide to Choosing and Installing Your Beer Dispensing System

Tap towers are an essential part of any bar or pub that serves draft beer. They are responsible for delivering beer from the keg to the glass, and they come in various styles and materials to suit different needs and preferences. Tap towers also play a crucial role in the overall customer experience, as they are often the centerpiece of the bar and can make a lasting impression on patrons.

Draft beer is a popular choice among customers due to its freshness and unique flavor profile. Tap towers are an integral part of the draft beer system, as they help to regulate the flow of beer and maintain its quality. Different types of tap towers are available, including single, double, and triple tap towers, depending on the number of beers that need to be served. Materials such as brass, stainless steel, and a chrome finish are commonly used to construct tap towers, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

When choosing a tap the right draft beer tower, however, it is important to consider factors such as the type of beer being served, the volume of beer being dispensed, and the overall aesthetic of the bar or pub. A well-designed tap tower can enhance the overall customer experience, while a poorly designed one can detract from it.

Types and Styles of Tap Towers

Tap towers come in a variety and wide selection of types and styles, each with its own unique features and benefits. In this section, we will discuss the different types and styles of tap towers available on the market.

Material and Finishes

Tap towers are available in a range of materials and finishes to suit different preferences and decor styles. Some of the most common materials used for tap towers include stainless steel, brass, chrome, and polished brass. Each material has its own unique look and feel, with stainless steel being the most durable and easy to clean, brass offering a classic and elegant look, and metal and chrome providing a sleek and modern appearance.

Tap towers can also come in a range of finishes, such as polished stainless steel, brushed stainless steel, chrome plated, and polished brass. The finish of a tap tower can affect its appearance and durability, with a mirror-like quality or finish being highly desirable for many restaurant customers.

Dimensions and Design

Tap towers come in different dimensions and designs to suit different needs and preferences. The most common size for a standard draft beer tower is 14" tall with a 3" diameter column, but there are many other sizes available as well. Some draft beer tap towers are designed to accommodate a specific number of taps, such as a 3" column with one or two taps, while others can accommodate up to six taps or more.

Tap towers can also come in different styles, such as T-style, L-style, and U-style, with each style offering its own unique benefits. T-style towers are the most common and offer a classic look, while L-style and U-style towers can be more space-efficient and offer a unique appearance.

Specific Brands and Models

There are many different brands and models of tap towers available on sale in the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. Some of the most popular brands of tap towers include Perlick, Banner, and Micromatic.

Dual tap kegerators with double pedestal towers and kegerators with multiple tap towers are popular choices for man caves and bars, while standard draft beer towers are a great choice for home use. When choosing a tap tower, it is important to consider factors such as the number of taps needed, the style and design of the tower, the amount of room in a walk-in cooler, and the material and finish that best suits your needs and preferences.

Installation and Maintenance

Installation Process

Installing a tap tower requires a handful of components working together, with one of the more typical configurations highlighted below.

1. Mounting the Tap Tower: First, mount the tap tower to the desired location. Use the mounting hardware provided with the tower to ensure it is securely attached to the surface.
2. Connecting the Beer Line: Once the tower is mounted you'll need to connect the beer lines. For a simple kegerator connect the vinyl tubing to the end of the shank with an oetiker clamp. If you're connecting the beer line to a tower on a remote system. Make sure that you have the right restriction in place before connecting the line. We want the beer to pour correctly after it's hooked up.
3. Installing the Tap Handles: Install the tap handles on the tap tower. Make sure they are securely attached and tightened to prevent them from coming loose during use.
4. Pressure Test The Lines: Before connecting the keg couplers it's nice to pressure test the lines to verify there aren't any leaks.
5. Connecting The Keg Coupler: Connect the keg couplers to tap the kegs.
6. Testing the Flow: Turn on the CO2 tank and test the flow of beer through the tap. Adjust the pressure as necessary to achieve the desired flow rate.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining a tap tower is easy and straightforward, and can be done with a few simple steps:

1. Regular Cleaning: Clean the tap tower and tap handles regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other contaminants. Use a cleaning solution specifically designed for beer lines and tap towers. Here are some Beer Line Cleaning FAQ's
2. Insulation: If using an air-cooled system, ensure that the tap tower is properly insulated to prevent condensation buildup and to maintain proper temperature.
3. Glycol Cooled System: If using a glycol-cooled system, ensure that the glycol level is maintained at the proper level and that the glycol is changed every couple of years.
4. Hose Replacement: Replace hoses as needed to prevent leaks and ensure proper flow. Vinyl lines should be replaced every 12-18 months.
5. Professional Help: If experiencing issues with the tap tower or flow, seek professional help to diagnose and fix the issue.

Overall, tap towers are easy to install and maintain, and with proper care and maintenance, can provide years of trouble-free service.

Accessories and Add-Ons

Tap towers are not just functional, but they can also be stylish and customizable. There are a variety of accessories body styles and add-ons available to enhance the look and presentation of your tap tower.

One popular accessory is the tap handle. Tap handles come in a variety of styles and materials, from simple plastic to elaborate wood carvings. They can be personalized with logos or designs to add a touch of personality to your tap tower.

Presentation is also important when it comes to tap towers. Adding LED lighting or a backlit sign can create a visually appealing display that draws attention to your tap tower. Some manufacturers even offer custom branding options to create a cohesive look with your business or event.

Overall, there are many accessories and add-ons available to customize and enhance your tap tower. Whether you want to add a personal touch or expand functionality, there are options available from a variety of manufacturers.

Summary

Tap towers, also known as draft towers, beer towers, or beer tap towers, are an essential component of any draft beer system. The tower is the center of the system where beer is poured and served. Draft beer towers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and settings. They can be made of different materials, such as brass, chrome, or stainless steel. The majority of beer faucets are made of brass, with some polished to a sleek finish and some with a chrome-plated finish. Some beer towers are designed to be glycol-cooled, while others are air-cooled.

The beer tap tower can have a single tap or multiple taps, depending on the needs of the establishment. A single tap beer tower, is suitable for small bars, while multiple tap towers are ideal for busy bars that serve a variety of beers. The number of taps also affects the size of the tower.

In addition to their functionality, tap towers also add a touch of style and convenience to the beer-drinking experience. They come in various shapes and designs, such as T-shaped, L-shaped, or cylindrical, and can be customized to match the decor of the establishment.

Overall, tap towers are an essential component of any draft beer system. They provide a convenient and stylish way to serve beer, and their same price and variety of shapes and sizes make them suitable for any establishment, from small bars to large breweries.

For more information on tap towers please contact us here, and for more information from our beer education blog click here.

Cheers!