The best beer taps in the UK 2023

Even if you are not a zythologist, the beer lover in you will find something to enjoy in the purchase of a beer fountain. Thanks to this kind of device, beer on tap comes directly to your home. So you don't have to go out for a drink with your friends. BeerTender, PerfectDraft, The Sub or universal beer taps, find yours with our comparison.

Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition
9/10

Best value for your money

Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition

The best beer fountain in 2021

The Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition keeps the quality of the draught beer for 1 month at a temperature of around 4°C. It can also inform about the remaining quantity.

168 £ on Amazon

The Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition will let you enjoy a good draught beer as if you were at the club. Thanks to the BeerTender system, the machine preserves the quality and finesse of the beverage's aromas for up to 30 days at a temperature of 4°C. Its compatibility with a wide range of 5L beer kegs is one of its charms. You can choose among others the brands Heineken, Desperados, Pelforth, Edelweiss, Affligem...

The beer pump is equipped with an LED indicator that gives you real-time details on the remaining volume of drink and its temperature. To get the foam you want, lower the ergonomic handle so that your glass tilts 45° and then straighten it as you go. The removable drip tray makes it even easier to clean your beer maker.

Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition
6/10

Best value for your money

Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition

The best entry-level beer fountain

Still at Krups, here is the VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition. Quality draught beer, 2°C storage temperature, ease of use, attractive price... This beer filler has everything to please.

105 £ on Amazon

The Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition comes in a timeless black dress with a well thought-out ergonomics, which will not stand out in your decor. In terms of practicality, this atypical beer fountain is one of the easiest to use. We like its good preservation of draft beer at a temperature of 2°C for 15 days. And it offers a nice foam every time!

This beer fountain makes the most of the Torps system. Compatible with all 2L beer kegs (Affligem, Heineken, Tiger, Brand Weisen, Wieckse...), this model promises a quick cooling. By the way, note that your kegs, due to their small capacity, can be stored perfectly in the refrigerator. The tap handle is ergonomic so that you can tilt your glass at 45° when you serve yourself.

Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft
8/10

Best value for your money

Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft

The best high-end beer fountain

The Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft is a must have beer pump. If you are an aficionado of this sweet beverage, you will always have a cold beer to enjoy.

232 £ on Amazon

More than just a BeerTender, the Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft comes with a 6L keg of Belgian lager (with 8% alcohol content) upon purchase. It is relatively easy to handle, especially since it has several comfort options that can only make your experience more pleasant. These include the drip tray, the ergonomic 2 L/min tap and the display.

Your beer can be stored for up to 30 days after the first opening, at a temperature of 3°C. In addition, you can choose from a wide variety of brands such as Stella Artois, Beck's, Hoegaarden, Bud, etc.

Seb VB310E10 Beertender
7/10

Excellent selection

Seb VB310E10 Beertender

A model of practicality

Irresistibly elegant thanks to its black chrome finish, the Seb VB310E10 Beertender allows you to enjoy good, rich-tasting draught beer. In addition, the device is sold at a good price.

109 £ on Amazon
Buying guide • November 2023

Best beer taps

Any specific needs?

The best beer fountain in 2021

The best entry-level beer fountain

The best high-end beer fountain

A model of practicality

Your guide : Samuel

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Comparison table of the best beer taps

TOP OF THE LINE CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition
9/10
Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition
6/10
Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft
8/10
Seb VB310E10 Beertender
7/10
OUR SELECTION
Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition
Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition
Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft
Seb VB310E10 Beertender
The Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition keeps the quality of the draught beer for 1 month at a temperature of around 4°C. It can also inform about the remaining quantity.
Still at Krups, here is the VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition. Quality draught beer, 2°C storage temperature, ease of use, attractive price... This beer filler has everything to please.
The Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft is a must have beer pump. If you are an aficionado of this sweet beverage, you will always have a cold beer to enjoy.
Irresistibly elegant thanks to its black chrome finish, the Seb VB310E10 Beertender allows you to enjoy good, rich-tasting draught beer. In addition, the device is sold at a good price.
Compatible keg capacity
5 L
2 L
6 L
5 L
Storage temperature
4 °C
2 °C
3 °C
4 °C
Material
Plastic
Plastic
Plastic, metal
Thermoplastic
Weight
7.3 kg
6.48 kg
7.2 kg
5.94 kg
Period of beer storage
30 days
15 days
30 days
30 days

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Buying guide - beer taps

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How to choose your beer taps

There are a plethora of models and brands on the market. However, the current beer taps have one thing in common: a sober but elegant design. Beyond this criterion, other parameters are also to be taken into account when choosing the right beer machine:
choisir tireuse à bière

#1 - Your drinking habits

Not all beer fountains are the same, even if they offer more or less the same operating mode. Your choice must first of all be based on your drinking habits:

  • Regular use and parties : If you often have guests or plan to use your beer pump frequently, we recommend the PerfectDraft. It can handle 6L kegs and the beer keeps for a long time, up to 30 days.
  • Occasional use : If you only drink infrequently, either solo or with a partner, consider The Sub. This is a beer fountain that fits 2L kegs. You can put the drink away for 15 days without affecting the taste.
  • Versatile use: Ideal for one-time or daily consumption, the BeerTender seems to be your best option. With this type of model, you are able to choose a 5L keg from a major brand. The beer remains drinkable for 30 days.

It should be noted that the universal beer filler is very well suited to those wishing to vary the pleasures and experiment with different brands of beer.

#2 - Capacity

This criterion is dependent on your drinking frequency and your lifestyle. Some people drink more beer than others, which greatly influences the capacity of the beer fountain. A 2L model would be perfect if you only have a small group or if you want to change brands several times until you find the right one. In addition, heavy drinkers and those organizing parties or evenings with friends on a regular basis will have to choose a machine capable of accommodating a 5 L or 6 L keg.

#3 - Barrel compatibility

There are 3 types of kegs on the market. However, they have their own specificities since they do not fit all beer fountains. Be sure to pay special attention to this before purchasing.

  • The non-pressurized keg : it requires the use of a CO2 cartridge to function properly. The shelf life is quite good and the beer is best consumed within 15 days after opening.
  • The pressurized keg : this is a pressurized keg that does not require a cartridge. Much more advantageous, this type of keg allows you to keep your beer up to 1 month.
  • The universal keg : it is more practical than the 2 previous models. Its best asset is that it adapts without difficulty to the great majority of beer taps.

#4 - Additional options

These are precisely the comfort options that will enhance your tasting experience. These extra features are often available on some models and absent on others. The LCD screen, for example, gives you an indication of the temperature of your beer via indicator lights. The adjustable thermostat makes it easy to control the temperature according to the type of beer you are drinking. Several models embody quantity and time remaining indicators, a removable handle, a detachable drip tray...

#5 - Brand of beer

You must have a preference for a certain brand of beer. Well! Take it into account when choosing your beer tapping machine, because with the exception of the universal pump, each type of model is intended for a limited number of brands. Here are the big names to remember:

  • BeerTender : Heineken, Pelforth, Edelweiss, Desperados, Cruzcampo, Affligem, Fisher, Krombacher, Maes Pils, Sagres, Newcastel, Brewdog, Cristal...
  • PerfectDraft : Budweiser, Jupiler, Hoegaarden, Hasseröder, Beck's, Dommelsch, Stella Artois, Virgen, Diekirch, Bavaria, Leffe blonde, Diebels Pils, Löwenbräu, Diebels, Grolsch, Hertog Jan, Franziskaner, Beck's?
  • The Sub : Pelforth blonde, Desperados, Amstel Bier, Heineken, Affligem, Tiger, Birra Moretti, Delirium Tremens, Wieckse, Edelweiss, Newcastle, Brand up, Zypfer, Gandolf, Cruzcampo, Sol Cerveza...

How do I use a beer fountain?

Before using it, be sure to place the unit on a stable and level surface. The beer fountain can be installed without much difficulty. You need to put the keg in place and the carbon dioxide cylinder in the case of a non-pressurized machine. Then plug it into a power outlet and turn on the cooling mechanism.

This step can take an average of 60 minutes, but if you don't have the patience to wait, put the keg in the refrigerator first. It is normal that on the first draft you will get only foam. Tilt the glass at 45° and then straighten it as you go along, keeping it firmly in place under the tap. This will ensure that the pressure is perfect and that the foam layer is perfect.

If you are using a CO2 cartridge, remember to turn off the faucet first. Once installed, open the cylinder, adjust the pressure level to 2.2 kg and finally open the tap.

The different types of beer taps

There are 4 main types of beer fountains easily recognizable by the kegs that are compatible with them, namely the BeerTender, the PerfectDraft, the Sub and the universal model.

BeerTender System

Système BeerTender

Created by Heineken and Krups, the BeerTender system is both practical and very easy to use. It is primarily intended for beginners and is suitable for all occasions (festive evenings, special moments alone or for one-on-one). Already pressurized, this beer machine does not need any CO2 cartridge.

Since the device is accessible to all budgets, you have nothing to worry about when it comes to purchasing a BeerTender beer fountain. This type of model is perfectly compatible with the popular brands of 5L kegs from the Heineken Group alone. The only major drawback is that the beer requires a waiting time of 8 to 15 hours to reach the ideal tasting temperature. To store a keg that has already been tapped, choose a dry place with a temperature between 5 and 8°C.

PerfectDraft System

Système PerfectDraft

The PerfectDraft system is unique to the Philips beer machine brand. Both individuals and professionals can use it. Although quite expensive, the quality of the sweet nectar approaches perfection in both pressure and temperature. The brands of kegs compatible with this type of pressurized beer fountain are more numerous than those of the BeerTender. They are exclusive to the ABInBev group such as Hoegaarden, Triple Karmelit, Leffe...

Its particularity lies in the capacity of its beer barrel which must imperatively be 6 L. At rest, the beer machine keeps the drink at a temperature of 3°C. Once the keg is opened, you have 30 days to consume your beer.

The Sub System

Système The Sub

Also marketed by the Krups group, The Sub beer machine only fits The Torp (torpedo) kegs with a capacity of 2 L. Specifically designed by Heineken and Seb for home use, the appliance comes in a compact and elegant design at the same time, which limits its footprint and makes it easy to store at the same time.

The choice of beer, whether lager or white, is vast, even if it is only from the Torps range. Beer can be stored for up to 15 days after opening the keg. The efficient cooling system promises a drinking temperature of 2°C.

Universal Beer Tester

Tireuse à bière universelle

If you don't want to break your head when looking for a specific beer keg, prefer the universal filler. It handles all standard 5L kegs, whether pressurized or not. In principle, the machine comes with several CO2 cartridges. If you want to enjoy a good draught beer, regular cartridge changes are highly recommended.

The universal beer fountain is marketed by a large number of brands such as H.Koenig, Klarstein, Russell Hobbs, Kitchen Chef or Royal Catering. It is an ideal choice for those who don't have a favorite brand of beer or just aspire to change brands. Some models are considered multi-drink. In this case, the keg pressurization pump is not only suitable for beer, but also for other types of beverages like water, wine or soda.

Beer filler or beer brewing kit?

Beer fountain

Beer taps, beer machines, beer pumps or beer machines, this device has many names, but its main advantage remains the same: it allows you to consume draft beer at home. It includes a mechanism that facilitates the distribution of the liquid, a barrel and a carbon dioxide cylinder.

It is thanks to the pumping that the typical foam of the beer under pressure is formed. This type of device can be pressurized or not. It is available in various formats which are distinguished by their keg system, namely BeerTender (for 5 L keg), The Sub (2 L torpedo keg), PerfectDraft (6 L keg) and Universal (standard 5 L keg).

Beer brewing kit

It is a kit specially designed to learn the techniques of brewing beer. There are 3 main types, including the all-grain kit, the hop kit and the malt extract kit, each of which corresponds to a specific level of knowledge. If you want to start from scratch and go through all the steps, the all-grain kit is highly recommended.

The intermediate level will choose the other two kits, which are easier to use and take very little time to prepare. On average, 4 hours are enough before the beer is ready for the fermentation phase. Note that the brewing kit often includes materials for bottling your drink.

Verdict

The beer taps are ideal for those unexpected parties or for people who don't have the time to brew their own beer at home. The brew kit, on the other hand, is best suited for those who want to create a custom beer and brag about it to their friends. However, there is nothing to stop you from combining them. After making your beer and waiting the weeks it takes to ferment, instead of bottling the liquid, put it in a keg and place it in your beer machine.

5 good reasons to buy a beer fountain

acheter tireuse à bière

1- A fresh beer at any time

Having a beer dispenser at home means choosing to enjoy a fresh glass of beer whenever you feel like it. You can enjoy the moment to relax and lounge on your sofa, on the terrace, during your evenings with friends or family... without worrying about the long drive to the bar.

2- Preservation of taste

The device has the advantage of preserving the aromas and flavor of your drink at the ideal temperature. Its taste will always be pleasant as long as you don't exceed the recommended use-by date after opening the keg (between 15 to 30 days).

3- Economical

Buying beer in a pack would be expensive in the end. in the UK alone, the average annual consumption reaches 40 L/person. For the price of such a quantity, it is wise to invest in a beer machine. Only the serving tubes require additional expenses.

4- A design element

If you have ever seen a beer dispenser, imagine for a moment that it is placed on your bar area or on your coffee table. Wouldn't that be a beautiful sight? Thanks to its design, this device will only add cachet to your festive events. Moreover, it will contribute to create a unique and friendly atmosphere.

5- Ecological

Domestic waste is only transported to the processing center by truck. Even if cans and bottles are recyclable, the means of transportation is far from being the best friend of the environment (fuel, carbon dioxide...). By deciding to buy a beer fountain, you take part in the preservation of the planet by limiting pollution.

The best brands of beer taps

In our opinion, the best brands of beer taps in 2022 are :

SEB
Philips
H.Koenig
Krups
Kitchen Chef

SEB is a master in the field of household appliances. It anticipates the expectations of its customers and responds favorably by offering practical and user-friendly products. Its beer taps are exceptionally solid and durable.

Philips beer taps are known for their robustness and performance. They are even among the must-haves. Sure, they are expensive compared to other brands, but you will get to enjoy many interesting features.

The H.Koenig brand is known for the quality, ease of use and elegance of its universal beer machines. They remain efficient despite their average performance.

Like SEB, Krups has gained its notoriety thanks to the sturdiness, high quality and long life of its appliances. Its beer fountains have a good number of advantages, including the freshness of the beer, the ease of handling or the appreciable tasting experience.

The Kitchen Chef brand is for the moment little known. Nevertheless, its beer filler stands out as a well-made model that can handle beer as well as wine, juice, soda or water.

What is the price beer taps

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
95 £ to 150 £
Mid-range
150 £ to 275 £
High-end
more than 275 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Maintain your beer fountain

The beer fountain should be serviced at least every 45 days. To perform the first cleaning before start-up, use a sanitation keg and a special cleaning solution. Pour the cleaning agent into the drum, connect the dispense head to the drum and open the shut-off valves. When you pull the lever, the cleaner will disperse. After letting it sit for 15 minutes, rinse the unit by pouring clean water into the barrel. Don't forget to wash the spare parts with the same cleaning product.

Place the keg in the refrigerator first

It is always recommended to place the kegs of beer beforehand in the refrigerator for about 8 to 12 hours before its installation in the machine. The cooling process may take much longer than expected.

Consider the shelf life

The keg is said to be "punctured" or "pierced" as soon as you place it in the beer fountain. This is what allows it to flow the drink. Unlike beer in cans or bottles, beer in kegs can be kept for a longer period of time, between 15 and 30 days depending on the brand and the range. The storage temperature must be between 5 and 8°C.

Reuse your BeerTender tubes several times

In the past, you could send a request on the official BeerTender website or call directly the customer service to get free replacement tubes. With the offer no longer available, you can still choose to reuse your tubes (even if they are single-use) before throwing them away. To do so, empty the pressure, letting all the foam out. Untie it gently before removing and remember to clean it well.

Avoid having too much foam in your glass

On the first service, getting an overflow of foam is inevitable. On the other hand, if you want to avoid it on the next draft, make sure the keg is cold enough. Tilt your glass under the tap at a 45° angle, pull the handle straight out and completely.

FAQ

What is the best beer fountain?

The best beer fountain depends on your needs and budget. Read our comparison to find the best models out there.

How do you install a keg in a beer fountain?

Start by plugging your beer fountain into an electrical outlet about 60 minutes before use. Put water in the tank in case you have a device with this type of cooling system. Secure the tube in the neck and put the keg in place.

Where do you throw away an empty beer keg?

If the kegs are single-use (PET, cardboard, or recyclable plastic), you can put them in with the same kind of packaging. On the other hand, reusable kegs are returnable and returned to the distributor.

When do you change the tube?

In general, it is recommended to replace the serving tube when your beer keg is empty. This is especially the case for Krups and SEB beer machines. This will ensure that you have optimal hygiene. Have extra spare tubes available to anticipate the often long delivery time.

What do you do if the beer doesn't flow?

If the beer doesn't flow even when you lower the handle, your machine is probably having problems with its mechanism. To do this, check that the service tube is pushed in properly, that it is placed properly, that it is not punctured or that the keg is not empty.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. Hops, univers-biere.net
  2. Beertender Seb beer taps, quechoisir.org
  3. How to drink beer, wikihow.com
  4. How to make your own homemade beer?, rolling-beers.fr
  5. This At-Home Beer Tap Is Everything We've Ever Wanted And More, delish.com
  6. Do it yourself - Make your own beer, noovomoi.ca
  7. The 5 best beer dispensers to buy in 2021, thesun.co.uk
  8. Best beer dispensers to bring the pub home, gq-magazine.co.uk
  9. The health benefits of beerBeer: benefits calories harms, passionsante.be
  10. and "alcohol free"?, journaldesfemmes.fr
  11. 7 best beer dispensers so you can have a draught pint at home, independent.co.uk
  12. Which beer dispenser to choose?, cdiscount.com
  13. The health benefits of beer!, doctissimo.fr
  14. How to choose the right beer dispenser for home use?, atelier.sos-accessoire.com
  15. The 10 benefits of beer you don't know about!, amelioretasante.com
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  17. Brewer - Pro beer dispenser, beer pump machine ..., tireusesabiere.fr
  18. Brewer, Beer Pump - Free Delivery* - In ...., darty.com
  19. Brewer at the best price | E.Leclerc, e.leclerc
  20. Amazon.co.uk : tireuse a biere, amazon.co.uk
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  22. Beertender & beer pump - Amazon.co.uk, amazon.co.uk
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  24. 5 Best Beer Pumps to Choose in 2021, mycomparatif.com
  25. Brewer : Buy cheap - Electro Dépôt, electrodepot.fr
  26. Pro beer pump, beer pump machine | tireusesabiere.fr, tireuseabiere.fr
  27. Beer pump COSYLIFE CL-DB15B 5L - Electro Dépôt, electrodepot.fr
  28. Pompes A Bière En Stock PerfectDraft, Beertender, Tireuse ...., saveur-biere.com
  29. Brewer: compare and find the best PRICE in ..., happybeertime.com
  30. Brewing Machines | Krups, krups.fr
  31. Multi Beer Evolution : The Universal Beer Tester - the ..., multi-beer.com
  32. Buy Cheap Beer Tester | BUT.fr, but.fr
  33. Lindr Beer Tester buy | tireusesabiere.fr, tireusesabiere.fr
  34. Professional Beer Tester Sales | Machines Pro, pompeabierepro.com
  35. Brewer : Complete Guide & Best Beer Tapping Machines ..., ma-tireuse-a-biere.fr
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

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Our selection
Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition
Krups VB700E00 Beertender Loft Edition
Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition
Krups VB650B10 The Sub Grey Edition
Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft
Philips H3720/26 PerfectDraft
Seb VB310E10 Beertender
Seb VB310E10 Beertender

Lecteurs

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