How To Use A Jockey Box and Set It Up
While our jockey boxes are available in a variety of styles, the internal components we use to manufacture them are all the same, making them an efficient draft beer system. The model shown below may be different than the one you purchased, but the applications transfer. Beer jockey boxes are designed to maintain the ideal serving temperature for beer by passing it through stainless steel coils chilled by ice, ensuring a consistently cold pour without the need for electricity.
In order to move beer from its keg into your pint glass, there are two sides that have to work together—one is the gas (or, CO2) side; the other is the liquid (or, beer) side.
Parts Needed (sold separately)
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Keg(s) of whatever you’re serving
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Dispensing kit, which includes two types of tubing (for your gas line and beer line), a coupler that attaches both of them to your keg, and a CO regulator—everything you need to start pouring right now.
Additionally, you’ll need three simple, non-powered tools: a faucet wrench (incl. with your jockey box purchase), a crescent wrench, and a flat-head screwdriver (or ¼” nut driver).
Note re. universal threads: All of our jockey boxes use the industry standard thread, 7/8”-14 (5/8” BSP). It’s the same thread that is used on standard keg couplers and tailpieces and hex nuts. If you have existing jockey box beverage jumper tubing, they will fit our jockey boxes.
Introduction to Jockey Boxes
A jockey box is a portable, self-contained beer dispensing system that allows you to serve cold, delicious beer on tap without a permanent installation or complicated keg system. Ideal for outdoor events, festivals, and gatherings, jockey boxes—also known as beer boxes or coil coolers—are a great way to enjoy ice-cold beer without the hassle of a traditional kegerator. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a large-scale event, a jockey box ensures that your beer stays cold and refreshing, making it a must-have for any beer enthusiast.
Definition and Purpose of a Jockey Box
A jockey box is a portable, self-contained beer dispensing system designed to serve cold, draft beer at outdoor events, festivals, and gatherings. Its primary purpose is to provide a convenient and efficient way to dispense ice-cold beer without the need for a permanent installation or complicated keg system. Jockey boxes are ideal for breweries, mobile bars, and event organizers who want to offer high-quality, cold beer to their customers. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a large-scale event, a jockey box ensures that your beer stays cold and refreshing, making it a must-have for any beer enthusiast.
Choosing the Right Jockey Box
When choosing a jockey box, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best fit for your needs. First, think about the size of the event and the number of guests you will be serving. For larger events, multi tap jockey boxes might be necessary to keep up with demand, while a single-tap jockey box could suffice for smaller gatherings. Additionally, consider the type of beer you will be serving and the optimal serving temperature. Some jockey boxes come equipped with a cold plate, while others use stainless steel coils to cool the beer. Each has its advantages, so choose based on your specific requirements and preferences.
Coil Length
The length of the coils in a jockey box plays a crucial role in maintaining the beer at the proper temperature and ensuring a smooth pour. Longer coils provide more surface area for the beer to cool as it travels through the system, which is essential for maintaining the desired temperature from keg to glass. When considering coil length, it's important to balance the need for cooling with the resistance that longer coils can introduce, which may require adjustments in gas pressure to ensure optimal flow.
Cold Plate Jockey Box:
Cold plate jockey boxes, while compact and efficient for short-term use, have limitations in their cooling capacity. They are not recommended for events requiring continuous pouring, as their internal cooling power is only sufficient for chilling 3-4 ounces of liquid at a time. This makes them inefficient for larger gatherings or when a steady flow of cold beer is needed. As a result, cold plate jockey boxes are best suited for brief events where kegs can be kept at or near proper serving temperature (like refrigeration).
Jockey Box Coil Size:
When selecting the right coil size for your jockey box, think of it as finding the Goldilocks zone—where everything is just right. Coil size directly impacts both cooling efficiency and beer flow rate. Larger coils, ranging from 50 to 100 feet, offer increased chilling power, making them suitable for larger events or warmer settings. However, it's crucial to balance coil length with keg pressure. Longer coils mean more resistance, requiring higher pressure to maintain a steady flow. Jockey boxes are inherently unbalanced systems; thus, achieving the perfect balance between coil length, chilling power, and keg pressure is key to ensuring a smooth pour and optimal performance.
50' Coils: 50-foot coils are the most popular choice for many jockey box setups, offering a good balance between cooling efficiency and pressure needed for dispensing. These coils are suitable for most events, providing ample cooling for the beer without requiring excessive gas pressure. They are versatile enough to handle a variety of beer styles and serving conditions, making them a reliable option for both novices and experienced users.
100' Coil: For those hosting larger events (think pouring pitchers at the Daytona 500) or serving beer in extremely warm conditions, a 100-foot coil may be necessary. These longer coils provide extra cooling capacity, ensuring that the beer remains at the proper temperature even in challenging environments. However, the increased length also means more resistance, which will require careful adjustment of the gas pressure to maintain a steady flow.
Getting to Know Your Jockey Box
Printable PDF Instructions - Click Here
A. Beer faucet*
B. Black tap handle
C. Liquid input shanks*
D. Drain plug*
E. Coil*
F. Beer hex nut
G. Ferrule*
H. Grommet
Dispensing Kits
I. CO2 tank
J. CO2 regulator
K. CO2 air line
L. CO2 Manifold
M. Beverage jumpers*
N. Beer coupler (Sankey 'D')*
O. Beer washer
P. Hose clamp
*manufactured with stainless steel
Cleaning & Rinsing Stainless Steel Coils
Detailed Instructions - Click Here
Prior to your first use, you should run a cleaner through the coils to remove any debris left behind by the manufacturing process, then flush with hot water.
After cleaning (and each use), sanitize the coils with a rinse-free sanitizer. These solutions can be forced through the coils using a hand pump or pressurized cleaning keg. Visit the cleaning solution manufacturer’s website for proper mixing ratios and chemical safety tips.
How to Set Up a Jockey Box in 10 Easy Steps
Setting up a jockey box can be intimidating, but with this step-by-step guide, you’ll be pouring perfectly chilled beer in no time.
Quick Tip: Hold the Ice!
Before starting, do not add ice to your jockey box until the setup is complete. It’ll make moving the box easier, and you need to run beer through the coils first.
Cold-plate jockey boxes need only ice for effective cooling, unlike coil-based models.
Step 1: Attach the CO2 Regulator
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Connect the regulator to the CO2 tank and tighten with a wrench.
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Top gauge measures PSI for adjusting beer pressure.
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Secondary gauge shows tank gas pressure.
Tip: A full 5 lb. CO2 tank weighs about 12.5 lbs. Plan for 1 lb of CO2 per half-barrel keg.
Step 2: Connect the CO2 Line
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Attach one end of the gas line to the regulator and the other to the coupler’s side input.
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Ensure the regulator valve is off before attaching.
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Use hose clamps to secure the line.
Step 2.5: Optional - Use a CO2 Manifold
For multiple taps:
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Attach the manifold to the regulator.
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Use hose clamps to secure all connections.
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Manifolds split gas for pouring from multiple kegs.
Step 3: Connect the Beverage Lines
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Attach the beverage jumper to the jockey box input and the beer coupler output (top).
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Use beer washers and hose clamps for a secure seal.
Step 4: Install the Faucets
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Hold the faucet straight up, rotate the collar counter-clockwise, and hand-tighten.
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Use a faucet wrench to finish securing.
Step 5: Connect the Couplers
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Make sure faucets are closed.
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Set coupler in “unlocked” position, twist onto the keg, and engage the handle.
Tip: Most U.S. kegs use Sankey “D” style couplers.
Step 6: Turn on Gas & Adjust Pressure
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Open the CO2 tank and set regulator to 25-30 PSI.
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Pull the regulator knob out to adjust, or use a screwdriver if needed.
Important: A regulator can’t remove excess pressure. If pressure is too high, turn it down and release gas through the coupler relief valve.
Step 7: Fill the Coils with Beer
Before adding ice, run beer through the coils to remove residual moisture and prevent freezing.
Step 8: Check All Connections
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Inspect for leaks in gas and beverage lines.
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Ensure connections are secure by listening for hissing and looking for leaks.
Pro Tip: Check connections inside the jockey box before adding ice.
Step 9: Add Ice
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Fill the cooler with ice completely to maximize cooling.
Step 10: Allow to Acclimate
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Wait 10-15 minutes for the stainless steel parts to cool.
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Check that the faucet feels cold or shows condensation.
Congratulations, You're Ready to Pour!
You’ve successfully set up your jockey box! Pour yourself a cold one, snap a photo of your setup, and tag us @coldbreakusa.
Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect. The more you use your jockey box, the easier it becomes.
Caught a snag, have questions? Check out our FAQ.
Chilling the Keg
Chilling the keg is an essential step in using a jockey box. While the keg doesn't need to be kept excessively cold, it should remain cool throughout your event. This can be achieved by using a keg jacket or surrounding the keg with ice. Keeping the beer from warming up is crucial to preserving its flavor and quality. A consistent temperature can be maintained with these methods, ensuring that every pour is a refreshing, ice-cold beer.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
When troubleshooting your jockey box, follow these steps to ensure a smooth operation. First, always start with the CO2 tank and work your way to the jockey box. Verify that all valves are open, the CO2 is set at the proper PSI, and that gas is flowing correctly. Secondly, check the beer couplers and ensure all connections are secure, check valves are correctly placed, and liquid is flowing from the kegs through the jumper lines. Third, confirm you have enough ice in the jockey box and that the lines are not frozen, which can occur if ice is added before filling the coils with beer. Lastly, inspect the entire system for any leaks. Remember, foam issues are typically related to temperature or pressure discrepancies—either a significant temperature change or incorrect pressure levels can cause foaming.
