Why Jockey Boxes Need Higher PSI: Understanding the Science Behind Remote Beer Dispensing

When it comes to serving beer outside of a traditional taproom, using a jockey box is often the preferred method for breweries and event hosts. However, many people new to jockey boxes find themselves asking why these systems require significantly higher PSI (pounds per square inch) compared to a typical kegerator. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the mechanics of jockey boxes, why they operate as high-pressure systems, and what this means for your beer.

Jockey Boxes vs. Kegerators: Understanding the Differences

One of the most common misconceptions about jockey boxes is that they can be operated at the same PSI levels as kegerators, usually between 10 to 12 PSI. However, jockey boxes are not designed the same way. Unlike kegerators, which are balanced short-draw draft systems, jockey boxes are unbalanced, long-draw systems that require higher pressure to function correctly.

In a kegerator, the draft system is meticulously balanced. The keg is pressurized to a specific PSI that matches the carbonation level of the beer, typically between 10 and 12 PSI. The line length from the keg to the faucet, along with the height difference between the keg and the faucet, is calculated to ensure a smooth pour with the correct flow rate. This balance maintains the beer’s carbonation and prevents foaming, making it ideal for taproom setups where the system remains consistent and predictable.

Why Jockey Boxes Operate as High-Pressure Systems

Jockey boxes, on the other hand, operate differently. They function as long-draw draft systems, but instead of being spread across a large taproom, the system’s long beer lines are coiled and packed into a small cooler filled with ice. This compact and mobile setup is ideal for events, festivals, and other remote pouring situations, but it comes with challenges that require higher PSI.

When you use a jockey box, you’re pushing beer through 50 to 100 feet of stainless steel coil inside the cooler. This extended length creates significant resistance, which the system must overcome to pour the beer correctly. To do this, jockey boxes need to operate at much higher pressures, typically between 25 to 30 PSI. This increased pressure ensures that the beer can travel through the long coils and still come out of the faucet cold and foam-free.

Impact of High Pressure on Beer Quality

While jockey boxes are excellent for remote serving, the higher PSI can have some side effects on the beer, especially when it comes to carbonation. Because of the elevated pressure, once a keg is tapped with a jockey box, it’s generally not returned to the taproom and served again. The carbonation level can change due to the extra pressure applied during dispensing, which may affect the beer’s taste and quality when brought back into a balanced, lower-pressure draft system.

For breweries, this means that once a keg is used with a jockey box, it’s usually considered “done” for taproom use, even if there’s still beer left inside. The higher PSI can cause over-carbonation over time, particularly if the keg isn’t kept cold. However, for most non-commercial uses—such as private parties or festivals—this isn’t a problem. The beer remains perfectly drinkable, and the minor changes in carbonation are often unnoticeable.

Testing and Understanding Jockey Boxes

At Coldbreak, we continuously test our jockey boxes to understand how they interact with kegs and beer quality over time. We’ve run experiments using the same keg with a jockey box multiple times to see how the beer changes. While the quality does diminish over repeated high-pressure pours, especially if the keg isn’t kept consistently cold, the impact on the average festival or event pour is minimal.

The key takeaway is that jockey boxes are designed for temporary, high-pressure pouring situations. They excel in environments where quick setup, portability, and maintaining cold beer are priorities, even if that means accepting some trade-offs in carbonation when compared to a balanced draft system.

Conclusion: Mastering Jockey Boxes for Remote Pouring

Understanding why jockey boxes need higher PSI is crucial for anyone looking to serve beer outside of a controlled taproom environment. The higher pressure compensates for the resistance created by the long coils, ensuring a smooth, cold pour every time. While it’s important to recognize the impact of this pressure on your beer, the benefits of using a jockey box—mobility, ease of use, and instant cooling—make it an unbeatable choice for remote beverage dispensing.

For breweries, event hosts, or anyone looking to pour beer outside of a traditional setup, mastering the nuances of a jockey box can elevate your serving experience. Just remember: it’s all about the right pressure.

Contact Us:
For more information on Coldbreak jockey boxes or to find the right system for your needs, visit www.coldbreakusa.comor email us at support@coldbreakusa.com.

For mobile bar rentals and services, reach out to Mobile Bev Pros at www.mobilebevpros.com or email info@mobilebevpros.com.

Let us know your thoughts and experiences with jockey boxes in the comments below!