Why Do Jockey Boxes Need Higher PSI When Dispensing Beer?

If you’ve ever used a jockey box for beer dispensing, you may have noticed it requires a significantly higher PSI (pounds per square inch) compared to other draft systems like kegerators. This might leave you wondering why this is the case. In this post, we’ll dive into the science behind it, explain the differences between jockey boxes and kegerators, and highlight why maintaining higher pressure is crucial for your perfect pour.

What is a Jockey Box?

A jockey box is a mobile draft system designed for serving cold beer on the go, commonly used at events, festivals, and outdoor parties. Unlike traditional systems, a jockey box chills beer as it’s dispensed, using coils submerged in ice water to instantly cool the beer from the keg to your cup.

The Difference Between Jockey Boxes and Kegerators

Kegerators are a type of draft system that maintains consistent cooling from keg to tap. They are designed for shorter, direct draws, typically with pressure settings between 10-12 PSI. This lower pressure is sufficient because the beer travels a short distance from the keg, through the line, and into your glass.

Jockey boxes, however, function differently. The beer travels through long coils inside the jockey box, which can add several feet to the overall system length. This extra distance and the need to push the beer through the coils mean that more pressure is required to maintain a consistent and quality pour.

Why Jockey Boxes Need Higher PSI

1. Longer Beer Travel Distance: The coils inside the jockey box increase the beer's travel distance significantly compared to direct draw systems like kegerators. This increased distance causes more resistance, necessitating a higher PSI to push the beer through the coils effectively.

2. Maintaining Proper Flow Rate: To ensure that beer pours at an optimal flow rate, the PSI needs to be set higher—typically between 25-30 PSI. This ensures that the beer doesn't pour too slowly, which could lead to foam and improper carbonation levels.

3. Consistent Carbonation Levels: Higher PSI helps maintain the carbonation of the beer as it travels through the system. Without adequate pressure, you risk losing carbonation, leading to flat or foamy pours.

4. Minimizing Foam: While higher pressure helps maintain carbonation, it’s also crucial to adjust it carefully. Too low a PSI can cause beer to foam excessively due to agitation as it travels through the coils.