Kegerator vs. Jockey Box: Which is Best for Remote Pouring?

When it comes to serving cold beverages at events, the debate often arises: should you use a kegerator or a jockey box? Both options have their pros and cons, but when it comes to remote pouring at beer festivals, outdoor events, or any location away from the taproom, the jockey box is the clear winner. In this post, we’ll dive into why breweries and beverage professionals prefer jockey boxes and why they have become an industry staple.

Why Jockey Boxes Outshine Kegerators

If you’ve ever attended a beer festival, you’ve likely seen a jockey box in action. These portable draft systems are designed to cool beer as it’s poured, making them ideal for serving ice-cold drinks on the go. Here’s why jockey boxes are preferred over kegerators, especially in remote and temporary setups.

1. Instant Cooling for On-the-Go Pouring
   One of the biggest challenges when pouring remotely is temperature control. Kegs often travel long distances, sitting in the backseat of a car and arriving warm. If you were to put a 75°F keg into a kegerator, it could take six to eight hours to cool down before it’s ready to serve. On the other hand, a jockey box can overcome a warm keg almost instantly. Even if the beer is below 80°F, a jockey box will cool it down as it passes through the coils, allowing you to pour ice-cold beer from the start.

2. No Electricity, No Problem
   Unlike kegerators, which need to be plugged in and cooled down well before an event, jockey boxes require no electricity. This makes them perfect for outdoor events or locations where access to power is limited. Setting up a jockey box is simple and quick—just add ice, connect the keg, and you’re ready to pour. This convenience and efficiency make jockey boxes the go-to choice for breweries on the move.

3. The Challenges of Using Kegerators
   Kegerators are excellent for fixed locations, but they have limitations when it comes to mobility and handling beer in different environments. Beer is sensitive to movement and temperature fluctuations. If a keg is moved too much or not kept at the right temperature, it can lead to foaming issues due to CO2 imbalance. This is why breweries often avoid kegerators when serving outside their taprooms.

The Rise of Coldbreak Jockey Boxes

At Coldbreak, we didn’t initially set out to build jockey boxes. Our journey started in the homebrewing industry, manufacturing immersion chillers, mash paddles, and other brewing equipment. But then, a local brewery approached us with a need: they wanted a better jockey box. The first jockey box we ordered to examine was a typical blue or red model that’s commonly seen at events. Before we even opened it, we knew we could make it better—and we did.

Our redesigned jockey boxes quickly gained popularity. Word spread, and soon, most breweries across the country were using Coldbreak jockey boxes to pour at festivals, pop-up events, and anywhere outside their taproom. From small local breweries to major events like Three Floyds’ Dark Lord Day, our jockey boxes have become a staple at beer festivals nationwide.

Mastering the Art of Remote Pouring

Using a jockey box isn’t just about convenience; it’s about understanding the nuances of pouring beer in an unbalanced system. Unlike the precisely calculated draft systems in a taproom, a jockey box is a condensed version of a long-draw draft system packed into a small cooler. You’re pouring at higher pressures (25-30 PSI) to push beer through the coils, and it requires a bit of a learning curve to get the pour just right. But once you master it, the jockey box becomes an indispensable tool for any brewery or mobile beverage service.

Conclusion

When deciding between a kegerator and a jockey box for remote pouring, the choice is clear: jockey boxes offer unmatched portability, ease of use, and the ability to pour ice-cold drinks no matter the conditions. For breweries and beverage professionals looking to serve their best beers outside the taproom, jockey boxes are the ultimate solution.

Whether you’re planning your next event or simply curious about how to improve your remote pouring setup, consider making the switch to a jockey box. At Coldbreak, we’re proud to provide the industry with reliable, high-quality equipment that makes serving great beer easy, no matter where you are.

Contact Us:
For more information on Coldbreak jockey boxes or to find the right setup for your needs, visit www.shopcoldbreak.com or email us at [email protected].

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

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