What are the Essential Differences Between Beer Keg Couplers
Those unfamiliar with keg couplers often raise two common questions:
- What is the origin of these various coupler types?
- Why isn’t there a single, universal coupler for all the different types of keg?
The answer to the first question is relatively straightforward. Many couplers were developed independently by breweries worldwide before the advent of globalisation and large multinational corporations.
Problems began to arise when beers from different regions, like Germany, became readily available and popular in various parts of the world. Breweries were unwilling to compromise, resulting in consumers needing to work with a variety of keg coupler types if they wanted to stock a variety of different styles or brands of beer. .
Consequently, there are now six distinct keg coupler types, which encompass nearly every beer style available which are:
- D-type coupler – fits U.K. Sankey keg valves
- U-type coupler – fits some European keg valves
- G-type coupler – fits some European keg valves
- S-type coupler – fits European Sankey keg valves
- A-type coupler – fits most German keg valves
- M-type coupler – fits some German keg valves
Before we start looking at the ways in which they differ here are some of the things all these bar coupler types have in common.
- The flow directions for gas and beer (pressurised CO2 or nitrogen enters through the side, while the beer exits through the top).
- A locking mechanism that secures the keg valve.
- A rear lever that connects with the keg valve via the coupler.
All of these types of keg couplings work in pretty much the same way. The difference comes in how they are connected to the keg valve. We will explain that in more detail below.
The Characteristics and Fit of the D Type Keg Coupler
Referred to as the American Sankey coupler, the D-type keg coupler can be found as an essential part of cellar equipment throughout the USA and Canada. However, as North American beer brands, such as Molson, Corona, Coors, Budweiser, Miller, and many others have become a familiar sight on the bars of UK pubs they are now routinely used in the UK.
Along with the standard D-type keg coupler is also offered in a low-profile version with a shorter handle, tailored to fit kegs within compact refrigeration systems specifically manufactured to fit in areas with restricted space.
The Characteristics and Fit of the U Type Keg Coupler
Also recognised as the Irish or Guinness keg coupler type, the U-type keg coupler is primarily used with beers hailing from the Emerald Isle, like Guinness, Harp Lager, Smithwick’s, and Magners Cider.
Locating a reliable U-type keg coupler for sale can sometimes be a challenge, but rest assured, we consistently keep a stock of them available!
The Characteristics and Fit of the G Type Keg Coupler
Immediately recognisable by its distinctive triangular shape, the G-type keg coupler is usually associated with certain British, Dutch, and even a handful of American breweries, including Anchor.
According to legend, these breweries opted for the unique European-style G-type keg coupler as a means to differentiate their kegs, ensuring they could be easily identified for return, eliminating any confusion.
Notable brands utilising the G-type keg coupler include Boddingtons Pub Ale, Fuller’s, Grolsch, Sir Perry William’s, and Watney’s.
The Characteristics and Fit of the S Type Keg Coupler
Frequently described as the European Sankey coupler, the S-type keg coupler is utilised by some of the most popular European brews such as Amstel and Pilsner. There are alternative names for this type of coupler which include:
- The Stella Artois keg coupler type
- The Heineken keg coupler type.
The primary distinction between the European Sankey and American Sankey lies in the probe. American couplers feature a short and wide probe, whereas European ones have a slender and extended probe.
Attempting to connect the S-type coupler to an American beer keg is likely to result in you getting sprayed with beer..
Conversely, if you reverse the connection (using a D-type coupler on a European Sankey keg), the beer will not pour.
The Characteristics and Fit of the A Type Keg Coupler
The A-type keg coupler is a standard choice for most German beers and approximately half of the Belgian beer varieties. This type of coupler is frequently found with renowned brands such as Löwenbräu and Warsteiner.
Those are the 5 most used keg couplers while there is a sixth the M type it is less common as it is only found on the kegs of a small number of German beers.
Still Unsure Which Type of Keg Coupler you Need
If you are still not certain which couplers you need speak to the team here at drinks flow. As one of the leading cellar equipment companies in the UK we have access to the full range of keg couplers and will be only to happy to accommodate you.