So I recently became the proud owner of a
Krups BeerTender B95I would have been just as happy with the
Krups BeerTender B90but I got it so cheap I couldn't pass it up, and it has made such an improvement to my bar.
The Differences are the B95 has:
- a digital screen (as opposed to a light up screen) to display temperature and volume of beer remaining
- A calendar countdown, which tells you how long you've had the beer in the BeerTender (it lasts for 30 days)
There were a couple things I needed to look into before making this life altering purchase. Can I use another beer with the BeerTender? Or is it only Heineken? How often do you replace the tubes? Where do you get the tubes? Is it worth the cost? How many beers are in the 5L Keg?
So now the answers:
- Unfortunately, with the BeerTender after all my research, you can really only use the Heineken or Heineken Light 5L Draught Kegs. Each keg has an internal CO2 compressor, that's why you cannot use anything but the Heineken Draught Kegs. I did also find in some markets they are Selling Newcastle Draught Kegs, but those markets are limited to Los Angeles, Chicago, and Minnesota.
- The tube leading from the keg to the tap needs to be replaced after every keg. I guess this could be extended, depending on how long it take you to dink the keg, but due to the nature of beer, it can get moldy if it is attached for too long. I replace it after every new keg. I find the best place to get the cheap Beertender tubes is on Amazonthey are $11.99 for 10 of them, I suggest ordering a couple packages of 10 for future use.
- The 5L Keg holds about 14 to 15 beers.
Now it comes down to whether it is ultimately worth the cost. To me it is, because I like to come home and just have the taste of fresh cold beer, and the Heineken keg taste like a real keg beer, and I can have just 1/4 of ice cold fresh beer. I am really impressed with the BeerTender and think it is a pretty awesome investment, and a must for any bar and a great piece for entertaining...you are never without beer for the unexpected company.