No matter the hops or style, what truly makes draft beer enjoyable is serving it at the right temperature. A lukewarm pint can ruin even a truly excellent brew, and having the right kind of cooling system can make all the difference.

But how do draft systems keep beer (or any other beverage you want to put on tap) cool? Most bars have one of two systems: a glycol chiller or an air-cooled system.

How can you determine which system is right for you? Choosing the right setup depends on your bar layout, the length of your draft lines, and ultimately, how much you value consistency as a measure of quality.

Glycol Chiller: A System for Flexibility

A glycol chiller harnesses the power of—you guessed it—glycol: when mixed with water, it creates a solution that can remain cold without freezing.

Glycol chillers work by cooling a glycol and water mixture in a metal box unit. The chilled glycol is pumped through insulated lines that run alongside beer lines, usually between 28–32°F, keeping the beer cold.

Glycol chillers are ideal for draft systems where kegs are located far away from the taps, as the glycol can keep beer cold over long distances. This works for bars and restaurants where kegs are stored in a walk-in cooler far away from where beer is actually served. A glycol system can accommodate multiple taps and reduce foaming.

Benefits of Glycol Chiller:

• Ideal for bars where kegs are far away from the tap—can keep beer cold over long distances.
• One system can be attached to multiple tap lines.
• Because temperatures are consistent, it reduces foaming, keeping beer fresh and crisp when poured from the tap.

Air-Cooled System: Simplicity and Ease

Air-cooled systems harness already cool temperatures inside a refrigerator. These systems will use fans and insulated pipes to allow the cool air from the fridge to travel and keep beer cool.

For an air-cooled system to function properly, beer kegs must be kept cool, usually in a walk-in refrigerator. These systems work well for simple draft setups where lines are less than 10 feet from the tap.

Benefits of Air-Cooled System:

• Simple to set up and less costly than a glycol chiller.
• Low maintenance since you don’t have to check glycol mixtures.

Glycol Chiller vs. Air-Cooled System: How to Choose

Luckily, it’s easy to choose between a glycol chiller and an air-cooled system: the layout of your bar and your bar menu will likely dictate the choice for you.

A glycol chiller is the choice for bars with long draft lines and multiple taps. Glycol chillers also provide consistency, as the coolant maintains a constant temperature throughout use, keeping beer consistently cool and at a uniform temperature.

An air-cooled system is the ideal choice when simplicity is the top priority. If you have a small space with taps close to the kegs and need a cost-effective option, an air-cooled system is right for you.  

Both glycol chillers and air-cooled systems can be highly effective depending on the size and needs of a bar. Glycol chillers are ideal for high-volume bars where consistency is crucial, while an air-cooler system is the preferred choice for small operations with just a few kegs kept close to the taps.

If you’re still unsure, you can explore Foxx’s line of glycol chillers or chat with a member of our sales team for guidance.