The number of beer taps can seem like a simple decision when you are planning a bar. In reality, it is not. More taps can mean more variety for customers, but it can also create problems. More taps can mean higher equipment costs, more maintenance, and the risk of slow-moving kegs. You also have the practical side of your setup, including beverage equipment installation and service. So, when it comes to deciding the number of beer taps, ask yourself: how many taps does your bar really need?
How Many Taps Does Your Bar Really Need?
The answer doesn’t depend on having the biggest selection possible, but on matching your draft system to your customers, menu, and expected beer sales. Different things need to be considered.
Start with Your Beer Selection
A small neighborhood bar may only need a few taps, while a craft beer or taproom may require many more. As a general guide, 1-4 taps can work for a small or starter bar, 5-6 for a medium selection, and 7-10 for a bigger or busier operation. Actual requirements vary by business, so these are practical ranges, not industry mandates.
Consider the types of beer you want to serve. A basic bar may dedicate taps to popular choices such as lager, pale ale, IPA, and stout. If your business focuses on craft, you may want to have additional taps for seasonal beers, local breweries, sour ales, wheat beers, or specialty releases.
However, make sure each additional tap serves a purpose, because each one adds a keg, beer line, faucet, and connection to manage.
Do Not Install Taps Just for Show
Although a long row of shiny faucets may look impressive, unused taps can become an expensive feature rather than a business advantage.
It is hard to keep a beer tasting fresh if it does not sell as fast as it should. It can also tie up inventory. Therefore, consider your actual sales volume rather than simply how many beers you want to offer.
Look at your daily and weekly beer sales, as well as the popularity of different styles. If you already have a historical data, use that. If you are opening a new bar, be conservative in your planning. That is wiser than immediately investing in a large draft system.
Think About Keg Storage
Your tap count also needs to work with your keg storage. Each draft line needs a keg or another appropriate beverage source, plus the necessary tubing, gas supply, and temperature-control arrangements. A larger draft system may require more refrigeration and more complex plumbing.
The keg storage is also important. You may keep them in a walk-in cooler, under-counter refrigerator, or another properly designed refrigerator system. The beer should travel efficiently from the keg to the faucet while maintaining the right temperature and pressure.
A professional draft system is especially important for larger systems because gas balance, tubing, temperature, and system length all affect how the beer pours. The Brewers Association identifies draft-system components, system design, gas dispense and balance, and proper pouring as important aspects of draught-free quality.
Every Tap Needs Maintenance
Because every tap needs maintenance, more taps mean more maintenance. The Brewers Association recommends cleaning draught-beer lines at least every two weeks. This helps prevent buildup and protects the beer’s flavor and quality. Keep an updated cleaning record.
Other components like faucets also need specific care and attention. A neglected system can ruin beer flavor and quality, no matter how many taps your bar has.
So How Many Taps Should You Choose?
The best number of taps is the number you can sell consistently, keep properly refrigerated, and maintain correctly.
To be more practical, small bars may start with a handful of well-chosen taps. It is better to have a small, well-maintained draft selection than to have a massive lineup of poorly managed beers. It is better for your customer experience and for your business.
If you are ready to build a beer setup that works for your establishment, explore reliable beer systems designed to help you serve quality beer efficiently, maintain consistency, and maximize your available space. Take your draft service to the next level. Call us today to see how we can help.
