Chrome vs. Stainless Faucet

[ToddPEI]

Has anyone had any experience using Chrome Plated faucets, or stainless steel? I'm looking to buy three faucets, and for the price of one stainless faucet I can buy three chrome.

Is there a flavour difference? Will the chrome affect my beer in any way?

These are the two i've been looking at:

http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Chrome_Faucet_Beer_Shank_Combo_Kit_p/cfshank-fslash-faucet.htm

http://www.ontariobeerkegs.com/Stai...r_Shank_Combo_Kit_p/ss-faucet-shank-combo.htm

Thanks for your help.

 

[simcoe26]

If you are paying that much for a stainless at least get a perlick 525ss shank combo off amazon. They are 62 dollars shipped. Perlicks are worth it

 

[Nitrousbird]

If you ever want to run cider or wine through it, you have to get stainless or it will eat the chrome. Even then I've read about beer killing chrome over time.

The Perlicks are also better for home use as they are front closing, so there is less issues with them gumming up. You get what you pay for.

Beverage Factory has the SS Perlick/shank combo for $57: http://www.beveragefactory.com/draftbeer/faucets/faucets/perlick525_stainless_combo_shtml

I bought two of those kits then pieces together the other 4 as I wanted the 575SS creamer faucets. It's really top quality stuff.

 

[phuff7129]

I bought the cheap chrome and they are ok. They do gum up and you have to clean regularly. They also drip quite a bit.
I bought a kegerator that had perlick perl faucets and they are definitely worth the extra money.

 

[RoadKing]

I JUST got 2 Stainless Perlicks. They are replacing 2 regular chromed faucets which I never had a problem with. I was up in the air about getting chrome
ones too, being I never had problems with the ones I had, but figured I'd get the SS and won't be sorry later that I didn't.
The best price I could find was HERE
Oh, I see your in Canada..

 

[DrunkleJon]

Full stainless are nicer than the plated, but you can get good service out of the cheapey faucets. Spending a little more up front for quality forward sealing faucets will overall provide a less hassle, longer lasting setup. This is one of those times that you really get what you pay for when it comes to brand names.

 

[mikescooling]

I'm going to be the guy, I have both, Perlick in SS and a junk one's for 12-15 bucks. I like the junk ones, they work fine. Next time you're at the bar, look at the faucets, they most likely are the junk ones. If they start giving you any problems, throw them away. The Perlick 525 SS is having a problem with leaks, the MFR will send you a kit or replace with a downgraded faucet (how nice of them). Flame suit on, check, big can of diesel fuel, check.

 

[2B_Brewing]

I'm kind of a stainless steal snob about my brewing equipment but I've got both taps and have been completely happy with both. If I expand to beyond the 5 taps I currently have, I'll buy more of the cheap ones. Having the chrome plated ones doesn't bother me, I clean both just as often and don't notice any type of excessive build up or leaks with either of them.

 

[Billsbrew]

I did a lot of research on this topic. The overwhelming thought was to buy perlick stainless. You will never buy another faucet and you will forever be happy. If you can do it, this is one of many places,to splurge a little. It will not stick even if you don't use it for weeks and it will seal shut with a satisfying feel. You will not regret it.

 

[Nitrousbird]

Anything that touches liquid in my 6-tap system is stainless steel. Two Perlick 525SS and four 575SS Creamer faucets. Do it right the first time.

Plus, if you want to run cider or wine through it you have to go SS anyway, otherwise it will eat through the chrome.

 

[Billsbrew]

Do you find that the creamer function is useful? If I want more foam I just crack open my 525 and I get extra.