Does jockey box coil length matter?
When it comes to serving draft beer at events, jockey boxes are a go-to choice, offering convenience and professional quality. But does coil length really matter in a jockey box setup? Absolutely—it’s crucial to the quality of your pour and overall performance. The length of the coil impacts the temperature, flow rate, and pressure needed to keep each pint flowing smoothly. So, let’s dive into why coil length matters and how to choose the best option for your next event.
Full Pint Ready to Pour
A jockey box works by running beer through stainless steel coils inside a cooler filled with ice. The moment the beer enters the coil, it contacts the chilled steel and starts cooling down immediately. With every pour, the liquid travels through the coil, reaching the faucet at a refreshingly cold temperature. To keep your beer at the perfect temperature, it's essential to keep the cooler filled with ice throughout your event, as this ice-cold environment helps keep the beer flowing at a consistent chill.
A standard 50-foot coil can cool a pint of beer in seconds, with about 17 ounces of liquid held in the coil, ensuring that your first pint is perfectly chilled. For situations that call for a faster or larger volume pour—such as pitchers of beer on St. Patrick’s Day or festivals with long lines—a longer 100-foot coil might be the best choice, providing the extra cooling power needed for high-demand environments.
Achieving the Proper Beer Temperature
Most beers are ideally served between 38º-55º F, though the exact temperature may vary depending on the beer style. A jockey box setup won’t provide as precise control as a traditional tap system, but it can still serve beer at an impressive 34º-42º F if the keg is kept cool. When setting up, it’s recommended to fill the cooler completely full of ice for optimal cooling performance, ensuring your guests enjoy each pint at a satisfying temperature, even if the keg starts at room temperature (not recommended).
Serving PSI and Coil Length
The length of the coil impacts how much pressure, or PSI, is needed to achieve a smooth pour. For a 50-foot coil, a serving pressure of around 25-30 PSI typically works well, while a 100-foot coil requires a higher PSI, around 35-40, to manage the added resistance. A 50-foot coil is generally sufficient for most events, allowing you to serve beer with minimal risk of over-carbonation, even during longer events. This balance makes it a versatile choice for both casual gatherings and professional setups.
Tap More Kegs with Ease
A 50-foot coil not only provides efficient cooling but also takes up less space, making it easier to manage multiple taps. Coldbreak’s 4-tap jockey boxes, for example, use a 54-quart cooler that’s compact enough for versatility yet capable of holding several coils. For those looking to serve a broader selection of beers, the 50-foot coils allow for multiple taps without requiring a larger, bulkier setup.
If you're prepared for the extra weight, you can even opt to install 100-foot coils for events requiring higher cooling capacity or more taps—ideal for high-demand environments like music festivals or sporting events where an extra-chilled pour is a must.
Understanding Jockey Boxes
Unlike traditional kegerators, jockey boxes operate as an unbalanced draft system. The coils create resistance that requires higher PSI to maintain a steady flow. However, this higher pressure can cause beer to absorb extra CO2, leading to overcarbonation if the keg sits too long at elevated pressure. Jockey boxes are best for short-term events, giving you the flexibility to serve chilled beer without the need for a fully balanced draft system. When setting up, be sure to use proper adapters and connections to maintain an efficient system that keeps the beer flowing smoothly from keg to tap.
Coil Specifications and Importance
The coil's specifications—length, diameter, and material—are essential in determining the quality of your pour. Stainless steel is the preferred material for its durability and resistance to corrosion. A 50-foot coil length is generally suitable for most occasions, while a 100-foot coil provides the added cooling needed for major events (think Daytona 500). By matching the coil specifications to your event's needs, you can ensure a smooth flow and ideal temperature for each pour.
Upgrading and Maintaining Jockey Box Coils
Upgrading your coil to high-quality stainless steel (no vinyl tubing) can improve your jockey box’s performance, especially for high-demand events. Regular maintenance, such as thorough cleaning after each use and proper storage, will help prevent buildup and ensure your coil continues to function optimally. A well-maintained coil will serve you well, whether you're hosting a small gathering or a major event.
Jockey Box Performance and Flow Rate
Jockey box coil length absolutely matters, affecting everything from beer temperature to pour rate and pressure. By understanding your event’s needs and selecting the appropriate coil length, you’ll provide guests with a premium draft beer experience, making your setup a reliable and valuable addition to any event.
