Beer Faucet and Tap Guide

by Kegerators.com

Classic or Functional, Shiny and Trendy

Beer Faucet Guide

While you might automatically reach for the one that is familiar, like most do, you might want to think twice. Nowadays, you can outfit your kegerator with just about any type of beer faucet that you want. Whether classic and functional or shiny and trendy, take the time to find what type of tap and beer faucet would best fit your decor, but more importantly, your brew.

With so many tap and faucet choices on the market, how do you know what to choose? I've put together some of the pros and cons of each and some advice on how to choose which one you need to outfit your home bar.

Beer Faucet Choices

CHROME BEER FAUCET

Shiny and new, it will instantly catch your eye. I didn't actually know that chrome is just plated brass. The major pro of a chrome faucet is that it is relatively inexpensive. I found a few online ranging from $10-$15. Unfortunately, chrome often tends to chip. Since it is plated brass, you will end up with a not so nice looking faucet if you aren't too careful. Also, you have to be careful of the cleaning solution you use. You don't want to end up with internal damage as well.

PROS: Cheap
CONS: Chips

STAINLESS STEEL BEER FAUCET

Classic and durable, stainless is my choice for a quality beer faucet. It will last the longest and let's be honest, it won't mess up the taste of your beer. What good is a faucet that will ultimately ruin your creation? The major con of this type of faucet is the cost. Looking online, I wasn't able to find one under $20, with most up into the $40-$50 range. Even though the initial investment might be more than what you want to spend, it will be worth it in the long run.

PROS: Longevity
CONS: Expensive

PLASTIC BEER FAUCET

When I first started looking at plastic faucets, I wasn't impressed. But once I researched it some more, I found that by using food grade plastic, there isn't any adverse taste to the beer. Also, the wine industry has taken to using plastic wine faucets because it doesn't break down. The obvious con, that also lends itself to plastic fermentation buckets as well, is that plastic does scratch. When something scratches, that means the sanitary surface is compromised and bacteria can set it. Much like your 6 gallon fermentation bucket, a scratch means no dice, and it's time to replace it. The same would need to happen with your faucet.

PROS: Multi-purpose
CONS: Scratches

BRASS BEER FAUCET

Have you ever been to a pub with authentic brass taps? The cool old look instantly takes you to an old pub in England. There isn't any other type of faucet that competes with that kind of vintage alehouse feel. However, with all brass, tarnish is to be expected. Don't be surprised if your brass faucet needs a lot of attention. Also, with any kinds of metal of this caliber, you run the risk of having a metalic taste to your beer. Europeans seem to have figured this out. They have plastic lined brass faucets. This allows for that old pub feel, but protects the beer by running it through food grade plastic.

PROS: Old pub charm
CONS: Tarnishes

Beer Tap Types

Now let's talk about beer tap types. While you might only see one or two tap types around town, there are actually several types to choose from. Whether it�s a standard tap, roto tap, or a flow control, read on to see which one is right for you.

STANDARD BEER FAUCET

This is what you will find at most bars and on most home kegerators. A polished chrome finish with a knob and shaft design, this tap has a free flow pour. With interchangeable tap handles, as well as customizable ones, this tap has adorned my kegerator for the past couple years without any complaints.

PERLICK BEER FAUCET

Available in both flow control or creamer styles, this brand of faucet prides itself on the lack of internal faucet parts. Less parts means a less likelihood of acquiring mold and mildew inside the actual tap. A narrowed spout also deters bacteria. Using their patented ball and o ring design, the need for a valve shaft is eliminated.

CREAMER BEER FAUCET

When I first heard of this kind of tap, I instantly thought of those old school coffee vending machines. Remember when you would order a hot chocolate or cappuccino and had to hold the button down to dispense that sweet nectar, but had to let up on the button about an inch from the top in order to get all that foamy goodness on top? Remember what would happen if you didn't let go? Hot milky foam would go everywhere! The creamer tap allots for perfect head each and every time. You pull forward on the tap for the beer to flow and then push it all the way back, past the starting point, in order to get the perfect head. Unlike that aforementioned coffee machine, you are in control of exactly how much head you want on your beer without any waste.

ROTO TAP BEER FAUCET

A uniquely designed European tap, the Roto tap has a long spout that points right into the pint glass. At first glance, it looks a bit like an anteater nose. The tapered design undoubtedly helps keep bacteria out of your tap lines. Stainless steel polished, this tap pours both ales and lagers with ease.

SELF CLOSING BEER FAUCET

The only difference between this tap and your standard bar tap is the addition of a well placed spring. That spring allows for a quick and complete close, which in turn prevents any loss of beer. Another stainless steel tap that ensures a classic look for your kegerator.

FLOW CONTROL BEER FAUCET

Another European style, this long spouted tap gives you the control to increase or decrease the flow of beer. This seems like it would be ideal for pouring small samples as well as full pints since you are able to acutely fine tune the flow. With the decreased foam, this tap would also work well with highly carbonated or lively homebrews. Another feature of this tap is that it has a self closing feature that once again aids against drips and dribbles.

About this Beer Writer
Heather Erickson is a beer writer, advocate and teacher in Tacoma, WA. Her home brewery is named H2 Brewing. A craft beer lover for over a decade, Heather finally made her first batch of beer in 2010. Over the past three years, she has experimented with different styles, ranging from a triple hopped Barleywine to a Peanut Butter Porter. With hops in her family, her great grandfather was a hop farmer, it is no surprise that Heather's favorite style to brew and drink is an IPA. She religiously brews 10 gallons a month on a SABCO Brew Magic system.