Draft Beer Equipment

Keg Smiths draft equipment is curated to do one thing: get a clean, cold, properly carbonated pour out of whatever you are serving from. That covers our own mini keg systems, commercial kegs at a party, and kegerator builds in between.

Tapping commercial kegs. If you are picking up a half barrel or a sixtel, you need the right coupler. The D System coupler fits nearly every American brewery. European brands such as Heineken, Stella, and Warsteiner use the S System coupler. For events without a gas setup, the metal-body party pump gives you hand-pumped pressure that will get through a keg in an afternoon.

Faucets and taps. The faucet is where pour quality is won or lost. Our standard chrome faucet is the reliable default. The Intertap forward-sealing faucet seals at the front so beer never dries and sticks inside the tap, which makes it noticeably easier to clean and smoother pouring. The Micro Matic 304 stainless trigger tap gives you fine control for topping off, and the deluxe faucet with stout tip handles both crisp lagers and creamy nitro pours from one tap.

Gas and regulation. Precise pressure is what separates a good pour from a glass of foam. Browse CO2 regulators for everything from a low-pressure replacement to the 60 PSI unit built for stout and force carbonation, plus the CGA320 adapter for connecting to bulk tanks.

Serving and cleaning. A party tap with a 5-foot hose lets guests pour without hovering over the keg. And the beer line cleaning kit is the piece most people skip, though dirty lines will ruin good beer faster than anything else on this page.

New to draft? Our CO2 regulator setup guide covers pressure settings by beer style.

Frequently asked questions

Which keg coupler do I need?

D System for almost all American breweries, S System for European imports such as Heineken and Stella. If you are unsure, ask the brewery which system their kegs use.

What PSI should I pour at?

Most ales and lagers pour best at 10–14 PSI. Nitro stouts run much higher, around 25–30 PSI through a restrictor plate.

Do I need a party pump or a CO2 system?

A party pump is cheap and needs no gas, but it pushes air into the keg, so the beer goes flat within about 24 hours. CO2 keeps a keg fresh for weeks. Use a pump for a one-day party and CO2 for anything longer.

How often should I clean my beer lines?

Every keg changeover, or at minimum every two weeks. Old beer residue in the line will sour a fresh pour immediately.