The 8 Best Beer Taps
This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in March of 2020. If you run a local bar or have a passion for home brewing, a key piece you will need to finish your setup is the tap. This is the final piece of equipment your brew will touch before it reaches the glass, so you want to make sure you have the best beer faucet for the particular beverage you plan on serving. Our list covers front and rear-sealing models, units with valve control, and nitro options. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Perlick 650SS
2. Intertap Stainless Steel
3. Talos European Faucet
Editor's Notes
March 31, 2020:
If you already have your brewing kettle, wort chiller, and CO2 regulator, then a beer tap is probably the next item on your list. It's an often overlooked part of the beer making and drinking process but, but it holds a very important role in effecting your brew. When searching for a faucet, it's good to keep in mind what types of beer you will be pouring, how many types you'll be pouring at once, and whether you're looking more for versatility or specialization.
The two main types of faucets are rear-sealing, and forward-sealing. The rear-sealing options tend to be cheaper, and they are mostly made from chrome-plated brass. There are vents inside the shaft which help to create a slow pour, but these can also trap leftover beer from inside the body and lead to cleanliness issues. For those just starting out these are a good option, so beginners should check out the Bev Rite CPCCM201 and the Ferroday 5/16 Adjustable Faucet.
The other type of beer tap is forward-sealing. These are usually more expensive, and are often made from food-grade stainless steel. They are designed so that the washer on the lever seals closer to the nozzle, eliminating the space for beer to be trapped. This makes them a more sanitary option, so these faucets are good for those not clearing their lines with everyday use, or people who want an option that is a little more sanitary all around. Take a look at the Intertap Stainless Steel or the Perlick 650SS, which are both renowned in the home brewing world as the best of the best.
If you are creating a nitro setup and want a tap that can serve stouts or even cold brew coffee, then the Royal Brew Forward Sealing Tap is probably your best option.
Finally, if you are looking to take your creation on the go, check out our list of pressurized growlers.
Special Honors
The Hopsy Sub This model from Krups is for those that aren't brewing at home but still want to have microbrewery selections on tap. Once you have the system, you can purchase 67 ounce kegs from their website which will be delivered to your house. However, the shipments are only available in certain states. sf.hopsy.beer
4. Royal Brew Forward Sealing Tap
5. G Francis Beer Tower
6. Ferroday 5/16 Adjustable Faucet
7. Bev Rite CPCCM201
8. Pera Party Pump
Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.