Air-Cooled vs. Glycol-Cooled Beer Systems: Which One Is Right for You?
When it comes to setting up a draft beer tap system, choosing between air-cooled / direct draw or glycol-cooled is a key step. Each setup suits a different kind of bar, restaurant, or event space. In this post, we’ll explain how each system works—especially the difference between air-cooled and glycol-cooled setups—and how to choose the right one for your needs.
What Is an Air-Cooled Beer System?
An air cooled system uses fans and insulated ductwork to blow cold air from a walk-in cooler to the beer tower. The same cold air that cools the keg room also flows through the ductwork and around the beer lines to keep beer chilled from keg to faucet. A direct system is similar but typically the beer towers are installed right on top of the refrigerator /cooler and hence the name direct draw.
Best for:
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Short runs—typically under 15 feet
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Bars where the walk-in cooler is located directly behind the tap tower
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Simple installations with limited beer lines
✅ Air-Cooled System Pros & Cons
Pros:
✅ Lower installation cost
✅ Fewer moving parts and simpler setup
✅ Direct draw models are ideal for compact spaces
Cons:
❌ Limited to short distances
❌ Less consistent temperature control
❌ Not ideal for high-volume or long-draw applications
❄️ What Is a Glycol-Cooled Beer System?
A glycol system uses a refrigerated glycol (propylene glycol and water) mixture pumped alongside the beer lines inside an insulated trunk line. The glycol lines wrap around the beer lines and the tower, keeping everything cold and consistent from keg to tap—even across long distances.
Best for:
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Long-draw systems (15+ feet)
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High-volume bars and restaurants
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Multi-tap installations
Pros:
✅ Consistent beer temperature across long runs
✅ Reduces foam and beer waste
✅ Supports many lines and remote towers
Cons:
❌ Higher upfront cost
❌ More technical to install and maintain
🛠️ Expert Tip from Draft Warehouse
If you’re serving just a few beers and have limited space, a direct draw kegerator or compact air-cooled system is likely all you need.
If your cooler is just behind the bar and you need a short-run solution, an air-cooled line setup can work well.
But if you're building a long-draw, multi-tap system or want the best beer quality and efficiency, a glycol system is the smart investment.
🍻 Still Not Sure?
We’re here to help. Whether you're setting up a home bar, taproom, or high-volume restaurant, Draft Warehouse has the parts, equipment, and expertise to get your beer flowing just right. Contact us for help in choosing the right setup, finding the right equipment or installation needs.
