Keg beer is popular among most beer lovers. That is because it goes at a low price and is therefore affordable. The beer is stored in huge barrels made primarily of aluminum. To serve the beer, you would need a beer pump to move it to the tap from the keg.
This article would be relevant to someone looking to understand more about the pumps.
The pump works on a principle similar to that of straw. When sucking using a straw, you suck out air from the straw which creates space, and due to the pressure difference, the fluid goes up to get into your mouth.
A keg pump can either use an air compressor to exert pressure or a gas cylinder. The gases, however, do not come into contact with the beer; hence no alteration to the beverage’s taste.
Usually, the pump is fixed into an opening on the upper part of the keg. It has a narrow tube. Each time the pump is actuated, the entire mechanism begins at the lower part of the tube. Due to the pressure difference, the beer is sucked into the tube and then moves to the tap allowing you to serve.
However, using the pump introduces oxygen into the keg. This would cause the beer to go rancid quickly since oxygen is not an inert gas. And so, if you choose to use the keg pump, make sure you intend to finish the beer in the barrel within a day.
Aspects you can consider when choosing a keg pump
- Types of keg – The barrels are available in different styles depending on their origin. And so, you need to ensure that the pump you pick is compatible with your keg.
- Quality – Keg pumpsrange from the best to the worst quality. Choose one that can last for a long time and works perfectly without altering your beer by making it flat or oxidized.
- Use – Depending on whether you intend to use the pump in a commercial setting like a bar or a small gathering of family and friends, choose a pump that suits the most and works efficiently.
- Simplicity – Make sure to choose a pump that is not so complicated in terms of operation to avoid struggling when using it.
How to use a keg pump
- Allow the beer to settle in the keg. That is because while moving the barrel, the beer gets agitated, causing foam.
- Ensure you have the means to keep the keg cold the whole time until it is empty.
- Check that the lever on the pump is upright, meaning it is locked to prevent the beer from shooting as you fit into the keg.
- Fit the pump to the opening on the top side of the keg by twisting clockwise.
- Push the lever down to allow you to tap the barrel.
- Then you open the tap to relieve air pressure.
- Open the tap again; you pump the desired amount of beer.
- You must keep repeating step seven until the keg is empty.
Conclusion
This article would help one choose the kind of best keg pump to buy and directs you on how to use the pump properly without spilling beer.
