beverage tubing- 3/16 vs 1/4

[sgraham602]

3/16" vs 1/4" beverage tubing. Are there pros and cons for each? does it even matter???

which one is better!!!

 

[HHP]

Restriction:

3/16: 3lbs/ft
1/4: .85lbs/ft

 

[drocu]

I think the rule of thumb is if you're running beer lines within a kegerator (i.e. <10'), then use 3/16" ID. If you have to run your beer lines long distances like between rooms, from the basement to upstairs, etc., then use a line with less resistance such as 1/4".

 

[P-J]

Use 3/16" Beverage Tubing - unless you have a very long run from your kegs to your taps (over 15 feet).

I think you need to do a little digging for information on balancing a draft system. There is a lot of misinformation out there about setting up a balanced system. You might be interested in reading this document that was written by the inventor of the forward seal faucets, Brad Amadzich:
How I can get a better pour out of my Kegerator?

I firmly belive it's worth the read.

I hope it helps.

P-J

 

[mh-brews]

thanks for that article. i have not seen one that expalins it like this one. this may solve an issue i am having with foam.

Use 3/16" Beverage Tubing - unless you have a very long run from your kegs to your taps (over 15 feet).

I think you need to do a little digging for information on balancing a draft system. There is a lot of misinformation out there about setting up a balanced system. You might be interested in reading this document that was written by the inventor of the forward seal faucets, Brad Amadzich: How I can get a better pour out of my Kegerator?

I firmly belive it's worth the read.

I hope it helps.

P-J

 

[AlphaKing11]

I too am confused because I can by a manifold with 1/4 or 3/8 barbs.....which should I go with? It will be a standard old fridge with the co2 outside the fridge, not traveling far. here is a pic

http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=JO60-M-4P

 

[drocu]

I too am confused because I can by a manifold with 1/4 or 3/8 barbs.....which should I go with? It will be a standard old fridge with the co2 outside the fridge, not traveling far. here is a pic

http://www.kegkits.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=JO60-M-4P

This thread is regarding tubing for beverage. You're asking about CO2 where the diameter of the tubing really doesn't matter. Typically gas line inner diameter is either 1/4" or 5/16".

The manifold you're indicating actually comes with flare fittings standard and is a gas manifold (not for beer!). But you can opt to choose barbs that are either 1/4" or 3/8", like you said. I would stick with the flare fittings so you can easily disconnect tubing. You'll need something like this to connect your tubing to these male flare fittings: