Best Draft System Setup for Bars

Opening a bar means making a lot of decisions—menu, layout, staff—but few choices impact your business like the draft system. The right setup keeps beer cold and pours consistent. The wrong one wastes product, time, and money.

This guide breaks down the most common draft system setups for bars, the pros and cons of each, and what to consider before you install.

Direct-Draw Systems: Simple and Reliable

A direct-draw system is the most straightforward option. Kegs sit directly below or behind the taps, keeping beer cold and the system compact.

Best for: small bars, restaurants, or tasting rooms where the cooler is close to the faucet.

Pros:

• Affordable and easy to install
• Fewer components = less maintenance
• Short, easy-to-clean beer lines

Cons:

• Limited tap capacity
• Cooler placement must be directly behind or under the bar

If you’re only running a few taps and space is tight, a direct-draw setup gives you dependable performance with minimal upkeep. For specs and cleaning recommendations, see the Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manual.

Air-Cooled Systems: Flexible and Efficient

An air-cooled system bridges the gap between small and mid-size operations. It uses chilled air to maintain beer temperature as it travels from the cooler to the taps—usually within 15 feet.

Best for: bars with a nearby walk-in cooler and up to a dozen taps.

Pros:

• Handles moderate distances
• Supports more taps than a direct-draw system
• Less complex than glycol-cooled setups

Cons:

• Air circulation must be consistent for temperature control
• Not suitable for long-draw or high-volume programs

Proper ducting and insulation make or break this system. If you’re noticing foam or temperature swings, a quick check of airflow and cooler seals can make a big difference.

Glycol-Cooled Systems: Built for Volume

A glycol-cooled system is the go-to for long-draw or high-volume bars. These systems pump chilled glycol through trunk lines, keeping beer cold from cooler to faucet—even across long distances.

Best for: multi-room bars, restaurants, or venues with 20+ taps.

Pros:

• Maintains perfect temperature across long runs
• Supports large tap lists and multiple zones
• Reduces waste and pour inconsistencies

Cons:

• Higher upfront and maintenance cost
• Requires professional installation and calibration

If you’re designing a bar with long runs or multiple service points, glycol is worth the investment. It delivers consistent, cold pours—no matter how far your cooler is from the bar.

CBG specializes in custom draft system design for complex builds like these, ensuring balance from the first pour to the last.

Final Thoughts

Every bar’s setup is different but the goal is always the same: a perfect pour, every time. Choosing the right draft system comes down to distance, tap count, and volume.

Whether you’re setting up your first bar or upgrading an existing system, CBG Draft Services can help you design, install, and maintain a setup that fits your space and budget.

Contact us to get started →