Clubs, pubs, and bars need good draft beer systems. But what is suitable for one establishment is not necessarily a great choice for another. This is why you need to carefully consider all the advantages and disadvantages of different draft beer installation systems. Fortunately, they are not difficult to understand. Here is what you need to know.
Direct Draw Systems
The direct draw system can be a kegerator, walk-in cooler, commercial keg box, or an under-counter converted refrigerator. It is self-contained and regulated with the use of a thermostat.
Advantages
The most important advantages of the direct draw beer systems are:
- Very fast set-up. The dispenser is placed right under the bar or, alternatively, the back of the bar. Regardless of the chosen option, the unit is centered.
- Beer will be drawn straight from the refrigerated cabinet placed below. This means that complications are less likely to appear when compared to long-distance dispensing.
- Most craft beers are available in 1/6 containers. This makes it easy to then change a brand.
Disadvantages
The main disadvantages of direct draw beer systems are:
- The system does not work for a high-volume bar.
- Limited offerings. For instance, a 58’’ cabinet can just support 8 faucets.
- You have to change the container at the bar so the bar area can be crowded.
Basically, the direct draw beer system is perfect when you do not sell high amounts of tap beer. When the volume is high and you have to accommodate many brands, the system is not a good idea.
Remote Draw Dispense Systems
The remote system is storing kegs inside walk-in coolers, which are located in the back. The beer goes through beer lines to reach tap handles placed at the bar. A remove beer draw system is more powerful and bigger. It includes extras like monitors, controls, and even pumps. You can easily store kegs hundreds of feet away from counters.
Advantages
The main advantages of remote draw beer systems are:
- You can sell more brands and have more faucets open.
- You have more space available around the bar.
- You can significantly increase bar revenues when compared with smaller systems.
Disadvantages
The important disadvantages of remote draw beer systems are:
- A higher initial installation cost.
- The system is much larger.
- More maintenance is needed, so ongoing costs are higher.
- A higher possibility that mechanical complications appear.
At the end of the day, a remote beer draw system is very useful and even a must-have for the larger businesses. Direct draws should be considered by the smaller bars and pubs.
Final Thoughts
Having a good distribution system for tap beer is nowadays very important for all businesses that sell beer. Making a good choice though can be a little tricky. The main advantages and disadvantages of both should be more than enough to choose. However, if you have any doubt, the best thing you can do is contact a professional. There are many specialists available that can give you recommendations and help you with the beer draft distribution system installation.