The Ultimate Guide to Draft Beer Systems for Bars, Restaurants, and Events

Introduction

Whether you run a bustling sports bar, a cozy neighborhood pub, a restaurant looking to add craft taps, or a mobile bar serving events, your draft beer system is the backbone of your beverage program. A properly designed and maintained draft system ensures every pint is cold, fresh, and poured with the perfect head — keeping customers satisfied and profits flowing. But with so many options, components, and technical considerations, choosing the right draft system can feel overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about draft beer systems, from long draw setups for large venues to direct draw kegerators for bars and restaurants, and commercial kegerators for mobile or space-constrained operations. Along the way, we’ll cover installation, maintenance, common issues, and emerging trends to help you confidently select the best system for your unique needs.

Ready to dive in? Let’s start with the fundamentals of draft beer systems and why they’re essential for any establishment serving beer on tap. For a head start, check out our Complete Guide to Draft Beer Systems on our blog.

Draft Beer Basics

What is Draft Beer?

Draft beer is beer that’s served directly from a keg through a tap system, instead of being packaged in bottles or cans. It’s often considered the freshest way to enjoy beer because it spends less time exposed to light and oxygen, preserving flavor and aroma. When properly stored and dispensed, draft beer offers a crisp, smooth taste with the perfect carbonation. For a deep dive into why draft beer tastes better, read our Why Draft Beer Tastes Better Guide.

How Draft Beer Differs from Bottled and Canned Beer

While bottled and canned beers can lose freshness during storage and shipping, draft beer stays refrigerated and protected from light until poured. Draft systems also allow for a consistent pour with the right head and mouthfeel. Draft beer’s controlled temperature, shorter shelf time, and minimal handling reduce off-flavors and oxidation. Serving draft beer also gives bars and restaurants the flexibility to rotate seasonal or specialty brews quickly, keeping offerings fresh and exciting. For more on differences in beer packaging, visit our Draft vs. Packaged Beer Article.

Draft Beer System Components Overview

Every draft beer system — whether it’s a direct draw kegerator or a long draw glycol system — includes essential components working together to deliver beer perfectly to the tap:

• Kegs and Couplers: Store beer and connect to your draft system.
• Faucets, Shanks, and Towers: Dispense beer with control and precision.
• Beer Lines: Carry beer from kegs to taps; their length and cleanliness are crucial for quality pours.
• Gas Blenders and Regulators: Maintain proper pressure and carbonation with CO₂ or CO₂/N₂ mixes.
• Refrigeration Units: Keep beer at optimal serving temperatures, whether through walk-in coolers or commercial kegerators.

Understanding these components is the first step to setting up a reliable, high-quality draft system. Explore our Essential Draft System Components Guide for more details.

Types of Draft Beer Systems

Long Draw Draft Systems

Long draw draft systems are designed for large venues such as stadiums, concert halls, and multi-room bars. These systems use glycol-cooled trunk lines to transport beer from a central walk-in cooler to taps located far away, maintaining a consistent temperature across distances up to 500 feet. Long draw setups allow one centralized keg storage area to supply multiple bars, making them ideal for high-volume operations that need efficiency and scalability. Learn more about planning a long draw system in our Designing a Commercial Long Draw System Guide.

Direct Draw Draft Systems

Direct draw systems store kegs directly below or behind the bar, connecting them to taps through short beer lines, usually under 5 feet. This proximity reduces temperature fluctuations and simplifies installation since there’s no need for glycol chillers or complex trunk lines. Direct draw setups are perfect for bars, brewpubs, and restaurants serving up to 8 draft lines in a single location. For a hands-on guide, check out our Direct Draw System Setup Guide.

Commercial Kegerators

Commercial kegerators are compact, self-contained draft systems with built-in refrigeration, taps, and CO₂ connections. Designed for bars with space constraints, mobile bars, or seasonal venues, commercial kegerators are easy to install and move thanks to heavy-duty casters. Many models feature multiple taps, digital temperature control, and stainless steel construction for durability. Explore our Commercial Kegerator Buying Guide to find the right unit for your needs.

Hybrid Draft Systems

Hybrid draft systems combine features from long draw and direct draw setups to create customized solutions for unique bar layouts. For example, a hybrid system might use a short glycol run to reach a satellite bar in a large restaurant, while employing direct draw for taps in the main bar area. These systems offer flexibility for venues with mixed service areas or complex floor plans. While hybrids require professional planning, they can maximize space and minimize installation costs by adapting to existing infrastructure. For advice on building a hybrid solution, contact our experts via the Kegerator Online Contact Page.

Key Components of Any Draft System

Kegs and Couplers

Kegs store and pressurize beer until it’s dispensed, and couplers connect the keg to your draft system, allowing CO₂ to enter and beer to exit. Choosing the right coupler for your keg type (D, S, U, etc.) is essential to avoid leaks and ensure a proper pour. Explore our selection of keg couplers for every beer style and system.

Beer Lines and Trunk Lines

Beer lines carry beer from the keg to the faucet. In direct draw systems, lines are short and easy to clean. Long draw systems require trunk lines, which bundle multiple beer lines and glycol lines together for consistent temperature control across long distances. Keeping lines clean and properly balanced is critical for flavor and efficiency. Learn more in our Beer Line Maintenance Guide.

Faucets, Shanks, and Towers

These components make up the final step before beer reaches the glass. Beer towers hold the faucets above the bar, shanks connect the lines to the faucets, and faucets control the pour. High-quality stainless steel towers and faucets help maintain flavor and resist corrosion.

CO₂ and Nitrogen Gas Blends

Pressurized gas propels beer from the keg to the faucet and maintains proper carbonation. Standard CO₂ is perfect for most ales and lagers, while nitrogen or blended gases are needed for stouts, nitro beers, or long draw systems. For reliable pressure, browse our CO₂ and Nitrogen Blenders and Gas Regulators.

Regulators and Gas Blenders

Regulators control the pressure of CO₂ or nitrogen entering your kegs, while gas blenders mix precise ratios for long draw or specialty systems. Proper regulation ensures balanced pours without excessive foam or flat beer. Learn more about balancing your draft system in our Draft System Balancing Guide.

Refrigeration Options: Walk-in Coolers, Kegerators, and Glycol Cooling Equipment

Keeping beer cold from keg to tap is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing foam. Your refrigeration options include walk-in coolers for long draw systems, direct draw kegerators for bars, and commercial kegerators for flexible installations. For long draw systems, glycol cooling equipment — including glycol chillers, flash chillers, and glycol power packs — circulates chilled glycol to maintain consistent beer temperature even over hundreds of feet. These systems ensure every pour is perfectly cold, no matter the distance from your cooler to the taps.

Installation Considerations

Planning Your Bar Layout

Before installing a draft system, it’s essential to plan your bar layout carefully. Consider where your taps will be placed, where kegs can be stored, and how customers and staff will move around the space. A well-designed layout ensures efficient service, reduces staff strain, and minimizes the risk of spills or accidents. For inspiration, check out our article on Designing Your Bar for Draft Beer.

Space Requirements for Each System

Each draft system type has unique space considerations. Long draw systems require room for a walk-in cooler and space to run trunk lines from the cooler to the bar. Direct draw systems need sufficient under-bar or back-bar space for kegerators or coolers. Commercial kegerators take up floor space near the bar but offer maximum flexibility. Accurately measuring your available space helps you choose the best option and avoid costly modifications later.

Electrical and Ventilation Needs

All draft systems with refrigeration require reliable electrical connections. Glycol systems and glycol chillers may need dedicated circuits, especially in high-volume installations. Make sure your power supply can handle your system’s demands and that you install equipment per local electrical codes. Ventilation is also critical, especially for enclosed spaces like under-bar coolers or kegerators, to prevent overheating and maintain consistent refrigeration performance. For a detailed overview, read our Electrical Requirements for Draft Systems Guide.

Budgeting for Equipment and Labor

Creating a realistic budget is one of the most important installation considerations. Factor in the cost of draft equipment — like beer towers, trunk lines, and refrigeration — as well as labor for professional installation. Long draw systems typically require the highest upfront investment due to their complexity, while direct draw systems and commercial kegerators are more affordable to install. Remember to budget for future maintenance and cleaning costs to keep your draft system running smoothly. For a breakdown of expenses, visit our Draft System Cost Breakdown.

Maintaining Draft Beer Systems

Cleaning Beer Lines and Faucets

Regular cleaning is crucial for keeping your draft beer tasting fresh and preventing off-flavors, bacterial growth, and line clogs. Beer lines should be cleaned every two weeks using an approved beer line cleaning kit or professional cleaning service. Faucets and shanks should also be cleaned to avoid residue buildup. Explore our selection of cleaning equipment to keep your system pristine. For step-by-step instructions, read our Guide to Cleaning Beer Lines.

Maintaining Glycol Systems

For long draw systems, maintaining your glycol chiller and lines is essential for reliable performance. Regularly check glycol levels and inspect pumps, power packs, and trunk lines for leaks or blockages. Replace glycol fluid as recommended by your system’s manufacturer to keep it effective. For more information, visit our Glycol System Maintenance Guide.

Replacing Worn Components

Components like faucets, couplers, gaskets, and O-rings wear down over time. Replacing these parts promptly helps prevent leaks, contamination, and inconsistent pours. Stock up on spare parts from our Replacement Parts Collection to avoid unexpected downtime during busy shifts.

Setting Proper Gas Pressure and Balancing Lines

Incorrect gas pressure can cause foamy or flat beer, wasting product and frustrating customers. Use high-quality gas regulators and blenders to set precise pressures for each beer style and line length. Balancing your draft system ensures smooth, consistent pours across all taps. For help, read our Guide to Balancing Your Draft System.

Draft Beer System Comparisons

Long Draw vs. Direct Draw

Long draw systems excel in large venues needing centralized keg storage and multiple taps spread across distances. They maintain consistent temperatures with glycol cooling but require a higher upfront investment and complex installation. Direct draw systems are simpler, storing kegs directly below or behind the bar for easy installation and lower costs. Direct draw setups are perfect for small to medium bars with up to 8 taps. For a side-by-side breakdown, read our Long Draw vs. Direct Draw Guide.

Direct Draw vs. Commercial Kegerators

Both direct draw systems and commercial kegerators are ideal for limited spaces. Direct draw systems are built into bars with nearby kegs, while commercial kegerators are self-contained and mobile, allowing flexibility for seasonal or mobile operations. However, direct draw systems can support more taps in a fixed installation, whereas kegerators are better for setups with 1–4 taps per unit. Learn more in our Direct Draw vs. Commercial Kegerators Comparison.

Pros and Cons of Each System

Each draft system has unique benefits and trade-offs. Long draw systems support large tap lists and centralized keg storage but come with higher costs and complexity. Direct draw systems offer simplicity and efficiency for moderate tap counts. Commercial kegerators provide ultimate flexibility and mobility but may be limited in capacity for high-volume venues. Choosing the best option depends on your venue size, beer variety, and budget. For a detailed overview, see our Which Draft System is Best Guide.

Cost Breakdown for Installation and Maintenance

Long draw systems have the highest installation costs due to glycol chillers, trunk lines, and labor. Direct draw systems and commercial kegerators are less expensive to install but can become costlier over time if you expand with multiple units. Maintenance costs also vary: long draw systems require more extensive cleaning and balancing, while direct draw systems and kegerators are easier to maintain. For a full analysis, visit our Draft System Cost Breakdown Guide.

Choosing the Right Draft System

Matching System Type to Venue Size and Beer Volume

Start by considering the size of your bar or restaurant, expected beer sales volume, and the number of taps you plan to offer. Long draw systems are best for large venues with high-volume service and multiple bars. Direct draw systems are ideal for small to medium spaces serving 1–8 taps, while commercial kegerators offer ultimate flexibility for small bars, seasonal setups, or mobile bars. For a complete guide, visit our How to Choose Your Draft System Guide.

Considering Future Growth and Expansion

If you plan to grow your beer program, add more taps, or open additional bars, think long-term when selecting a draft system. Long draw systems are the most scalable, allowing you to add taps without major modifications. Direct draw systems and kegerators can expand up to a point but may require additional equipment or coolers for larger tap lists. Learn how to plan for growth in our Guide to Expanding Your Draft System.

Mobile vs. Fixed Draft Systems

Mobile draft setups are perfect for catering, festivals, or seasonal beer gardens. Commercial kegerators on casters can move easily between locations, offering draft service anywhere you have power and CO₂. Fixed systems — direct draw or long draw — are better suited for permanent installations in brick-and-mortar bars. For help deciding, check our Mobile vs. Fixed Draft Systems Guide.

Conclusion

Choosing the right draft beer system is one of the most important decisions for any bar, restaurant, brewery, or event venue. The right system ensures your beer stays fresh, cold, and perfectly carbonated from the keg to the glass — delivering a better customer experience and reducing waste. Whether you need the scalability of a long draw system, the simplicity of a direct draw system, or the flexibility of a commercial kegerator, there’s a solution to match your venue, budget, and goals.

By understanding the differences between these systems, key components, installation needs, and ongoing maintenance requirements, you can make a confident, informed investment that keeps your beer program running smoothly for years to come. If you have questions or need help designing the perfect draft system for your business, contact our experts at Kegerator Online. Our team is ready to provide personalized recommendations, custom system designs, and professional installation support.

Cheers to serving the freshest beer possible — and boosting your bottom line with every perfect pour!