Glycol Chillers: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Draft Beer Ice Cold

If you're running a brewery, bar, or taproom, maintaining the right temperature for your beer is non-negotiable.

Warm beer? Ruins the taste.
Inconsistent temps? Say goodbye to quality.

This is where glycol chillers come in. They keep your draft system cold, efficient, and consistent—whether you're running a long-draw beer system or a commercial brewpub setup.

Let’s break it all down

What Is a Glycol Chiller & Why Do You Need One?

A glycol chiller is a cooling system that circulates a glycol-water mix through insulated trunk lines, keeping beer at a steady temperature from keg to tap.

Why it’s a game-changer:
✔ Keeps beer at 34-38°F all the way to the tap
✔ Prevents foaming and waste
✔ Supports long-draw beer systems (over 25+ feet)
✔ Works with multi-tap setups in bars, restaurants, and breweries

Without a glycol system, your beer can warm up mid-pour, causing flat, foamy, and inconsistent drinks. And if you're selling beer? That’s lost money.

How Do Glycol Chillers Work?

Think of it like an AC unit for your beer lines:

1. The glycol chiller unit cools down a mixture of propylene glycol + water
2. The cold mix is pumped through trunk lines wrapped around your beer lines
3. This keeps the beer at a constant cold temperature from keg to tap
4. The excess heat is released, and the cycle repeats

It's a closed-loop system, meaning zero waste and maximum efficiency.

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Types of Glycol Chillers (And Which One You Need)

There are two main types of glycol chillers:

1. Remote Glycol Chillers (Best for Bars & Restaurants)

• Ideal for long-draw systems over 25+ feet
• Installed away from the bar (storage room or basement)
• Keeps beer ice cold from keg to tap
• Works with multi-line trunk systems

Best for:
✔ Bars, taprooms, and restaurants
✔ High-volume draft systems
✔ Keeping beer lines ultra-cold over long distances

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2. Direct-Draw Glycol Chillers (Best for Small Setups)

• Installed close to the beer taps
• Best for short beer line runs (under 25 feet)
• Easier to install and maintain
• No trunk lines needed

🔥 Best for:
✔ Small taprooms or home bars
✔ Single-kegerator setups
✔ Brewpubs with taps close to the cooler

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Glycol Chiller Sizing: How to Pick the Right One

If your glycol chiller is too small, it won’t cool effectively. Too big? You waste money on energy costs.

Here’s what you need to consider:

   Number of Taps: More taps = Bigger chiller
   Line Length: Long-draw systems need a stronger unit
   Ambient Temperature: Hotter climates = More cooling power

General Sizing Guide:

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Installation & Maintenance Tips

🔧 Quick Setup Guide:
✔ Step 1: Place the glycol chiller in a well-ventilated area
✔ Step 2: Connect the glycol supply lines to the beer trunk line
✔ Step 3: Fill the system with a glycol-water mix (35-40% glycol)
✔ Step 4: Set the chiller temp to 28-32°F
✔ Step 5: Test the system to ensure proper flow and cooling

🛠 Maintenance Checklist:
✅ Check glycol levels monthly (refill if low)
✅ Clean beer lines every 2 weeks to prevent buildup
✅ Inspect pumps and coils for blockages
✅ Replace glycol mix every 6-12 months for efficiency

How Much Do Glycol Chillers Cost?

💰 Glycol Chiller Pricing Breakdown:
✔ Entry-Level (Homebrewers & Small Bars) – $800 - $1,500
✔ Mid-Range (Taprooms & Restaurants) – $1,500 - $4,000
✔ Commercial (Large Breweries & Distilleries) – $4,000 - $15,000+

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Is a Glycol Chiller Right for You?

If you’re running a high-volume draft system, a glycol chiller is a must-have. It keeps beer cold, reduces waste, and maximizes profits.

🔥 Who needs a glycol chiller?
✔ Bars & Restaurants with long-draw beer systems
✔ Breweries looking for consistent fermentation cooling
✔ Taprooms that serve high-quality, cold beer
✔ Large events needing portable beer dispensing

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Final Thoughts

A glycol chiller is one of the best investments you can make for your draft beer system. It ensures cold, fresh, and foam-free pours, keeping customers happy and profits high.

✔ Need help setting up a draft system? Explore our Guides for expert tips.

Got questions? Drop a comment below or browse our full collection of draft beer systems.