FAQs
FAQs for Businesses in Portland, OR
Restaurants and other food service facilities need equipment that they can rely on. With customers coming in throughout the day, you have to be ready to serve them food and drinks efficiently. That’s why companies like Northwest Draft Technicians are here to offer systems, services, and draft lines to those in and around Portland, Oregon. If you’re interested in installing one of our systems but have questions, this beer FAQ page can help.
What Kinds of Systems Does Your Team Design and Install?
At Northwest Draft Technicians, we know that no two establishments are the same, which means they will have distinct needs when it comes to their draft beer systems. We meet with each customer to figure out which options suit their needs, their setup, and their budget. Because we work with both businesses and home brewers, you can trust our expertise.
Some of the systems we may install are:
- Direct draw
- Glycol
- Forced air
- Walk-in cooler organization
- Growler stations
- Customized beer towers
- Custom kegerators
- Self-serve beer walls
- Keg cabinets
What Are the Differences between Direct Draw, Glycol, and Forced-Air Beer Systems?
Direct draw systems, also known as short-draw systems, are the most common type of draft beer system. They deliver beer from the keg to the tap over a short distance, making it a great choice for bars that house their kegs within a few feet of the dispensing equipment. Because of the shorter lines, this option helps minimize waste.
Glycol systems are designed for setups with lines that need to run longer distances. They are helpful because they use glycol to help keep beer cold as it moves through the lines and out of your dispensing equipment. This is the most complex of the systems, but it provides more customization and flexibility to suit your situation.
Forced-air systems help keep beer cold by circulating cold air throughout the system. This system is typically inexpensive and great for smaller, personal businesses that just want to offer nice, cold beverages without needing a more complex setup.
Why Is the Beer Foaming in My System?
Foaming in a direct draw or glycol system can be common, however, there are many possible causes, including:
- The liquid temperature may be too warm (it should be around 38°F, with the glycol chiller between 28-34°F).
- The draft line may be kinked.
- The gas pressure could be too high or too low (CO² should be 12-14 psi, and mixed gas should be 24-26 psi).
- The probe tip washer may be missing.
- There could be a CO² leak or the CO² or nitrogen could be empty.
How Often Do I Need to Clean My Draft Lines?
Because alcohol runs through your system, yeast, mold, beer stone, and bacteria are inevitably going to begin to build up, which will mess with the taste and carbonation. This is why Northwest Draft Technicians offers maintenance and cleaning services for your draft lines.
Lines should be cleaned every two weeks, and you should consider deep cleaning using an acid-cleaning solution around every three months. Our team can perform these services as well as a thorough inspection of your equipment. We can manage any repairs or replacements that you need.
How Can I Install a Home Kegerator?
If you want high-quality draft beer, wine, cocktails, or cold brew coffee at home, a home kegerator is the way to go. You’ll need a 115V plug and a 15A outlet to power the device. You’ll also need a carbon dioxide or nitrogen gas tank.
How Much Maintenance Does My Home Kegerator Need?
Like with a draft system, home kegerators require frequent maintenance if you want your beverages to be as delicious and carbonated as they should be. This means the draft lines should be regularly cleaned to help prevent the buildup of mold, bacteria, yeast, and beer stone. This is yet another service the team at Northwest Draft Technicians can offer.
How Does Custom Branding Work?
Our team works with Steel Leaf Designs to offer custom branding. This helps each of our systems stand out and furthers our passion for giving each customer special treatment. Using laser and CNC technology, Steel Leaf Designs can cut logos into different parts of your system to bring a special touch that you and your customers will appreciate. You can enjoy custom glass racks, tailored towers, personalized signs, and more.
What Other Systems Do You Offer?
Our draft wine systems help you serve guests flavorful wines from the tap, something that is becoming increasingly popular. We also offer draft coffee, cider, and cocktail systems to give you options.
Reach Out for Answers to Other Beer FAQ
Adding an innovative draft system to your setup can help provide customers with tasty drinks every time. The team at Northwest Draft Technicians is great at helping those in Portland, OR, get their businesses ready to serve their customers. Our beer FAQ page offers plenty of helpful information, but you can explore our service pages to learn more. Contact us today if you’re ready to get started.