When it comes to keeping multiple kegs cold without a kegerator, one alternative that you can consider is using a jockey box. A jockey box is essentially a portable draft system that allows you to cool the beer as it flows through the system, rather than cooling the entire kegs themselves.
The jockey box consists of a cooler with ice packs or ice inside, a coil or cold plate, and dispensing faucets. The beer is pushed through the coil or plate, which is surrounded by the cold ice, and dispensed through the faucets, providing a chilled and refreshing pour.
One advantage of using a jockey box is its portability. It can be easily transported and set up for events such as outdoor parties, picnics, or barbecues. It eliminates the need to lug around heavy kegs and the bulkiness of a traditional kegerator.
Furthermore, a jockey box allows you to have a variety of beers on tap simultaneously. You can connect multiple kegs to the jockey box, each with a different type of beer, providing your guests with a wider selection of options. This can be particularly beneficial if you are hosting a gathering with diverse beer preferences.
To set up a jockey box, you will need the following equipment:
1. Cooler: Choose a cooler that is large enough to accommodate the necessary ice packs or ice to keep the beer cold throughout your event. Ensure that the lid is easy to open and close, as you will need access to the ice.
2. Coil or Cold Plate: The coil or cold plate is the component responsible for cooling the beer. The coil is a long, stainless steel tube that is immersed in the ice, while the cold plate is a flat, rectangular plate that is also placed inside the cooler with the ice. Both options work effectively to chill the beer as it passes through.
3. Dispensing Faucets: These are the taps where the beer is poured from. Typically, jockey boxes have two or more faucets, allowing you to serve multiple beers simultaneously. The faucets are connected to the coil or cold plate, and the beer flows through them when they are opened.
4. CO2 System: A CO2 system is required to push the beer from the kegs through the jockey box and out of the dispensing faucets. This system usually consists of a CO2 tank, regulator, and hoses. The CO2 tank is connected to the kegs and provides the pressure needed to push the beer through the system.
Setting up a jockey box is relatively straightforward. First, fill the cooler with ice packs or ice, ensuring that the coil or cold plate is fully surrounded. Connect the kegs to the CO2 system and the dispensing faucets to the coil or cold plate. Open the faucets and adjust the CO2 pressure to achieve the desired flow rate.
It's worth noting that the jockey box will gradually lose its cooling capacity as the ice melts. Therefore, it is important to keep an eye on the ice level and replenish it as needed to maintain the desired temperature.
In my personal experience, I have used a jockey box for outdoor events and parties where a kegerator was not feasible or available. It worked exceptionally well in keeping the beer cold and providing a refreshing pour. The versatility of having multiple beer options on tap was a hit among guests who appreciated the variety.
To summarize, a jockey box is a practical and portable alternative to a kegerator when you want to keep multiple kegs cold. It allows for a wider beer selection and eliminates the need to cool the entire keg. With the right equipment and setup, you can enjoy chilled draft beer at various outdoor or social gatherings.