With the weather warming up and days growing longer, we all want to be out and about enjoying life and good beer. Unfortunately, lugging around several six-packs or dragging your kegerator around with you isn't the best way to do that. Also, while a growler is a good choice for a small group, it doesn't work if you want to serve a large party. Luckily, there's a way to take your party on the road and it's called a jockey box.
It's essentially your classic ice chest or cooler, converted into a kegerator system! Is it magic? No, it's engineering! Using an aluminum cold plate or metal coils with ice, a jockey box flash chills your beer and using carbon dioxide (CO2) beer is dispensed, just like a draft system. The beauty of a jockey box is that it is much more portable than a kegerator and can serve more beer than a growler. Learn more about growlers in our detailed blog post, here.
A jockey box is designed to be used on-the-go and is lighter than a kegerator. Additionally, it is more affordable than a kegerator. Designed for outdoor use, a jockey box is much more affordable than an outdoor kegerator. Jockey boxes can be placed on concrete without affecting the beer's temperature and due to its highly insulated design, it can withstand extremely hot temperatures and direct sunlight.
With no access or limited access to electricity, a jockey box is a great option for getting draft beer without a kegerator. Jockey boxes are the underrated secret for those who want to drink draft beer on-the-go.
Here are just some of the ways a jockey box can be used:
There are a variety of features and components to consider when selecting a jockey box for your next event or party. We'll go over several of the major options and features available to help you get the perfect pour wherever you are.
Check out our range of jockey boxes here and pick out the perfect one for you!
Depending on the volume of beers or beverages you'll want to serve, will determine the number of taps and size of the jockey box you'll need.
There are two common means of cooling beer using a jockey box, a coil or a cold plate system. Both of these require filling the cooler with either ice or ice and water to fully submerge the cooling system and ensure the rapid cooling of the liquid. Both systems serve different purposes depending on your beverage cooling needs.
CoilJockey boxes using a coil system run the liquid through the coils, which is submerged in ice and water. It has a greater surface area than a cold plate and allows for back to back cold pours.
When using a cold plate cooling system, ice must be in constant contact with the metal plate in order to maintain a cold temperature. As the beer passes through the tubing inside the cold plate, it chills the beer. The aluminum gets colder than stainless steel, allowing for more efficient chilling.
There are a variety of coil lengths available for jockey boxes and if you are expecting to pour continuously, you will want a longer coil because it will maintain the temperature of your beer and increase the temperature change from the keg to the faucet.
The general rule is that the longer the coil the better the more efficient the cooling of your beverage will be but keep in mind that you will need to balance your CO2 PSI to match the length or your coils. The longer the coil the more pressure you will need to dispense your beer but a dramatic increase in pressure can cause you to over carbonate your beer, causing issues.
You will find coils starting at 50ft going to 120 ft and it is recommended that you get the longest coil your jockey box and contain because the more beer will be submerged in the chilling ice water, delivering you the coldest beer every pour.
There are some additional features that you may want to consider when purchasing a jockey box that doesn't affect the function of the system but will affect your overall experience when using a jockey box.
The only and best way to tailgate is with draft beer! A jockey box is the ideal solution for serving up brewery-quality draft beer. Easy to assemble and even easier to enjoy, our experts at Beverage Factory can help you choose your perfect jockey box and offer up advice on how to expertly assemble it for any occasion! Contact our team at 800-710-9939.