Choosing the Right Draft System

Whether you’re opening a new bar, expanding your tap list, or upgrading old equipment, your draft system is the backbone of your operation. A well-designed system keeps beer cold, consistent, and profitable—while the wrong setup can mean foam, waste, and frustrated staff.

Here’s what to consider when choosing the right draft system for your business.

Understand Your Setup and Space

The first step in selecting a draft system is understanding your layout.
Are your kegs located directly under the bar, or in a walk-in cooler across the room?

• Direct-draw systems work best for small setups, where kegs sit right below the taps.
• Air-cooled systems can handle a short run between cooler and tower, making them ideal for bars with moderate distance.
• Glycol-cooled systems are designed for long-draw runs, keeping beer at the perfect temperature from cooler to faucet—even across the room or floor.

The Brewers Association Draught Beer Quality Manual outlines these system types in detail and provides specs for temperature and line length that breweries and service companies follow industry-wide.

Factor in Volume and Tap Count

How many kegs will you pour from, and how quickly?
Your volume determines the size of your gas blend, line diameter, and cooling power you’ll need.

High-volume bars with 20+ taps benefit from a glycol-cooled draft system, which maintains temperature and reduces foam across multiple lines.
Smaller taprooms or restaurants might run more efficiently with a direct-draw system that requires less maintenance and space.

Our team at CBG designs systems specifically for your flow rate, space constraints, and future growth. Learn more about how we build and balance setups on our Draft Systems page.

Consider Maintenance and Cleaning Needs

No system runs perfectly without consistent upkeep. Beer lines must be cleaned every two weeks to prevent buildup that affects flavor, carbonation, and pour quality.

Whether you’re installing a new system or upgrading an old one, design it with easy maintenance access in mind. That means quick-connect couplers, proper line routing, and well-positioned gas and glycol manifolds.

For ongoing support, CBG offers professional beer line cleaning and preventative maintenance programs to keep your system efficient year-round.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right draft system comes down to more than just budget—it’s about performance, efficiency, and long-term reliability. The right design will keep your beer cold, your lines balanced, and your customers happy.

If you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an existing setup, CBG Draft Services can help you design a system built for your space, volume, and service goals.

Contact us to schedule a consultation →

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