Beer gas vs CO2 regulators explained
If you are looking to mount a draft system in your home bar or add it to your commercial establishment, one of the key pieces that you must have is the gas regulator. Gas regulators are necessary to maintain the flow of your gas from your tank into your keg in order so that you can carbonate and dispense whatever kind of beer or other beverage just how you like it. As you look into selecting a gas regulator, you may see two primary types: beer gas regulators and CO2 regulators. It is important to get the distinction between these two types of regulator right in order that you can make an informed choice for your particular application.
Nitrogen Beer Gas Regulators (Mixed Gas Regulators) Beer gas regulators are made for use with a mixture of nitrogen and CO2. These regulators are generally utilized on nitrogenized beers such as stouts and porters which require a higher PSI pour than the more common CO2 charged beers. Beer gas regulators are two gauge – you can see the pressure remaining in your gas tank and know the amount of delivery pressure being measured. This is designed to help ensure you’re serving nitrogen-infused drinks at the appropriate pressure for ideal carbonation and taste.
On the flip side, CO2 regulators have been developed for only carbon dioxide gas. A CO2 regulator is the standard gas regulator for serving most beers and other carbonated beverages. These regulators generally come with one gauge, indicating the pressure in your gas tank. They are key to preserving the carbonation in your drinks so that you can adjust the pressure per your preference for some fizz, ultimate 1/4"CO2 keg regulator.
Selecting the correct regulator for your draft system
If you're trying to choose the right beer gas regulator or CO2 regulator for your draft system, it's all about what you will be dispensing. If you are mostly cranking out creamy stouts and porters, you’ll want a beer gas regulator. Combining nitrogen with CO2 in beer gas produces the thick, smooth quality and lush bubbles you expect from these beers. Furthermore, beer gas regulators support higher dispensing pressures that are required to push nitrogen-charged drinks through the faucet.
You do both, however, whereas if you serve only one type of beer and carbonate other drinks accordingly, a C02 regulator would be more versatile. CO2 regulators are for use with all types of beers, ciders, sodas and sparkling water. If you have a CO2 regulator, it's simple to adjust the pressure according to carbonation of various types of drinks so that each drink can be served at its proper serving.
Pros and cons of beer gas vs CO2 regulators
Beer gas regulators present a number of advantages when serving nitro beverages. The nitrogen and CO2 mix contributes to a nice smooth carbonated texture for the beer, making it go down even easier. Beer gas regulators can also withstand serving pressures, which are required to push beers that have been infused with nitrogen through long beer lines or to multiple taps.
Yet there are a few downsides to beer regulator. They are not compatible with all beverage types since the gas mix might have a poor match or be chemical incompatible. Nitrogen tanks may also be costlier and difficult to locate than CO2 tanks, which can be a negative for some users. In addition, beer gas regulators need to be properly maintained so that the gases mixtures stay correct and the regulator works properly.
On the other hand, CO2 regulators do not come with any special heavy duty features and they’re great for serving a few different kinds of drinks CO2 is widely distributed and inexpensive, so the use of CO2 is a viable option for some power bank users. CO2 Regulators are also user friendly and easy to clean with convenient adjustments that allows you to adjust the level of carbonation from your beverages. CO2 regulators also easily attach to and are adapted for use in most draft systems and kegs, allowing the user a variety of mounting options.
But CO2 regulators have their downfalls as well. Would you expect the same level of carbonation control from a nitrogen infused beer regulator used for beers on beer gas? What’s more, and a slightly acid taste can be contributed to drinks with co2 treatment at high pressure, but not all people are ok with slightly acid taste.
Informed decision on how to carbonate and dispense best.
To decide between the beer gas regulator and a CO2 regulator for your set up, it is important to consider what style of beer and other beverages you will be dispensing, as well as any specific needs your draft setup may require. A beer gas regulator would be the right one if you mainly dispense nitro-infused beers, or any other type of draft beverages that need high dispensing pressures. If you’re serving a bunch of different drinks and care about portability and convenience, a CO2 regulator might be the better option.
You’ll want to think about the kinds of drinks that you are offering, how carbonated you want them to be, and what gas is accessible for tanks in your area. Alternatively, you can consult a professional or experienced brewer so that he/she advise you which of these is the right regulator for your purpose. About Kegco King-Size CO2 Tanks: Make sure that your beers are being served in the ideal conditions by using this regulator to control the pressure of their CO2 flow.
Making it easy to find the perfect regulator for your gear and setup
When it does, you may be wondering if you should get a beer gas regulator or CO2 regulator here. It boils down to what your draft system needs are and the types of drinks that you want to serve. Beer gas regulators are great for nitrogen-infused beers with high dispensing pressures, CO2 regulators are more versatile and simple when it comes to carbonating different drinks. With this information at your fingertips you’ll be able to make an educated decision which will provide excellent carbonation and serving of your brew.
At DICI we have a large inventory of precision pressure regulators for any type of application, including beer gas and CO2 regulators for draft systems. Our regulators will give you accurate and consistent control of the gas flow to your keg ensuring your beer is carbonated to perfection. With decades of experience and dedication to quality, you can rely on DICI regulators to help ensure that Draught Perfect beer reaches your and your customers’ glasses. Choose DICI for accuracy, dependability and gas control excellence.