A Guide to Different Types of Jockey Boxes
Jockey boxes can be categorized according to three main characteristics:
- Type of cooler
- Number of taps
- Location of inputs
COOLER TYPES
Our portfolio includes two high-end, well-insulated styles: attractive, steel belted and heavy-duty Roto-molded models.
STAINLESS STEEL
These steel belted models raise the bar for what portable draft systems should be and can look like.
Designed and built specifically to exceed the demands of the active beverage industry, these 54 qt coolers are currently in use by thousands of customers worldwide.
OPTIONS
They’re available configured with 2, 3, or 4 taps, 50 or 100’ stainless steel coils, and with inputs located on the front or back.
BONUS FEATURE
Their aesthetically sharp exterior also happens to lend itself well to creative branding. You can personalize your jockey box by custom-wrapping it with your choice of logos and graphics in permanent vinyl or removable magnet.
ROTO-MOLDED
Designed exactly like our flagship, steel belted editions, with all stainless steel touching everything the liquid does, our Roto-molded models raise the ante on durability.
They’re built for those times when the environment you’re pouring in is a little unforgiving. These coolers can withstand the knock-around from the toughest events.
OPTIONS
They’re available in two sizes, also with 50 and 100’ coils, with 1-4 taps, and inputs also on the front or back.
NUMBER OF TAPS
Regardless of which of these coolers you land on, their function as a jockey box performs exactly the same. So, deciding between 1, 2, 3, or 4 taps really just boils down to personal preference based on how many different kegs you’d like to be able to serve at once through a single jockey box.
Based on cooler type (i.e., its size) and the number of taps per jockey box, we allow you to pick the length of stainless steel coils used for chilling your beer, 50' or 100'.
Their difference is simply in the volume of liquid they’re able to hold. Unless you’re in an exceptionally high-demand situation where you’d need to fill hundreds of pitchers non-stop for thousands of people—think major sporting events or weekend-long music festivals—rest assured that you can rely on our standard-length 50’ coils, which will always provide more than a pint of ice-cold beer in the chamber, at the ready, for every pour.
If you'd like more info on coil length, you can read our post, here.
INPUT LOCATION
Lastly, let’s talk about input locations. While we asked you to consider the environment you’ll be serving in, your preference for cooler style, and how many kegs you’ll need to tap simultaneously, the options for your input location are going to be somewhat determined by how you answered those questions.
FRONT INPUTS | AKA "BARTENDER EDITION"
Our most popular jockey box was designed for bartender convenience at festivals and events with a clean aesthetic for guests.
The liquid inputs are located on the same side as the faucets (the bartender’s side), which allows kegs to be conveniently positioned and changed within quick reach of the bartender. In busy, demanding scenarios, this feature is worth its weight in gold.
This also creates an attractive experience for patrons who deserve and want to drink your product without getting tangled in draft lines as they approach.
Available in 1-4 taps.
REAR INPUTS | AKA "PASS-THROUGH EDITION"
Generally, this is where you’re going to find them on most traditional jockey boxes. Our "Pass-Through" models feature the liquid inputs shanks on the back side of the jockey box—opposite of the faucets on the front.
Rear inputs are most beneficial when presentation matters, or when the guests are pouring their own drinks.
If you’re creative, rear-input models also lend themselves well to being mounted or built into mobile bars or beer trailers
Available in 1-4 taps.
CHOICES, CHOICES, CHOICES
In the world of jockey boxes, you truly have plenty of options. And certainly, there’s one compatible for everyone. So, when you’re ready, it’s important to us that you’re informed so you can invest with confidence because you deserve a perfect pour and peace of mind—every single time. Still have questions? Email us—we'll be happy to help!