Draft beer does not have preservatives and is a perishable product that requires refrigeration for storing and dispensing. If a restaurant or food service business is selling draft beer, some type of refrigeration equipment needs to be provided with the dispensing equipment. It’s important that the beer be maintained at the correct temperature. It should be drawn at 38°F to ensure that when the customer receives the glass, the beer is between 40° and 42°.
There are several kinds of draft beer dispensers. Direct-draw beer coolers are used for small bars that have space available under the counter. The beer kegs are located in a refrigerated case, and directly on top of the case is the beer dispenser. The refrigeration equipment is placed in a separate compartment at the end of the cabinet. Forced circulation of cold air keeps the beer cold right up to the dispenser’s shank.