Need advice on faucets

[codycodycody]

I have a keezer using picnic taps at the moment. I'm ready to put faucets on it and I can't decide on what to get. No previous experience with faucets. Everything I read says get Perlicks, but they are not cheap. I understand spending more now, or end up spending more later, but is it really worth it? I can get 2 chrome faucet combos for 50 bucks, but the Perlicks seem to be over 100 for everything. Thoughts?

 

[StainlessBrewing]

Not quite $50 but not $100 either! Either way I would prefer an all SS design if you decide to go with another brand.
http://www.stainlessbrewing.com/Perlick-Faucet-525SS-_p_42.html

 

[codycodycody]

Sorry, I meant 100 for 2 faucets,shanks, etc.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Perlicks are, IMHO, more than worth it. Especially at the homebrew level, if you don't pour from a standard faucet for 48 hours or so, it'll stick like crazy. Perlicks will be fine.

I ended up dropping a bunch of coin to replace all three of my standard faucets with Perlick on my old kegerator. I *wish* I had bought Perlicks the first time around.

 

[solbes]

SS Perlicks for the win!

 

[StainlessBrewing]

The other style tends to get sticky and can feel like you're going to break something when pouring a beer. If kept clean, capped or used everyday you might not have that issue.

 

[carlisle_bob]

Hi

The chrome plated Perlick's can be found for less than $20 each. Functionaly they are identical to the stainless steel parts. Not as cool, but way better than the generic faucet.

Bob

 

[Gameface]

I have only used perlick faucets so I don't really know what the other ones would have been like. What I can say is that I'm very happy with the perlicks. I can go weeks without using them and they don't stick.

 

[PJM]

Go with the perlicks. I bought the cheaper ones and ended up replacing them with perlicks.

 

[Homercidal]

Perlicks FTW!

Seriously, they are well worth it, IMO and the new style isn't as expensive as the previous models.

For a kegerator, they are the only choice. If you were hosting a party and planned to use them a lot at one time, the plain jane faucets work ok. If they will spend a lot of time sitting there doing nothing, then Perlicks forward seal is great.

 

[Face Eater]

I had 8 standard faucets on my kegerator and changed them to perlick 525ss. A much better faucet and no more sticking problems. Like others have said the offer a chrome version for much cheaper but the same forward sealing design. I would start with perlicks from the start even if they are the chrome ones.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Wow. I'm not sure I've ever seen a HBT thread with this much agreement!

Let's get off this subject and start debating "shake & bake" vs. "set & forget"!

 

[codycodycody]

Ordered 2 perlicks 525ss from Stainless Brewing today. Thanks for the advice everyone!

 

[HItransplant]

Wow. I'm not sure I've ever seen a HBT thread with this much agreement!

Let's get off this subject and start debating "shake & bake" vs. "set & forget"!

thats exactly what I was thinking

good talk though.. I know what Ill buy when I build my keezer

PROST!

 

[63belair]

Perlicks for kegerators, cheapo's for jockey boxes/portable kegerators that will always be broken down and cleaned the following day.

If you're on a budget go with chrome plated faucets and shanks. I went all ss, but only installed 2. You could always start with fewer quality taps and space/leave room for future growth accordingly.

Everyone agrees! Quit reading and start building!

 

[zacster]

I'm looking myself and decided to go with Perlick when I'm ready. I'll have to mount it to some kind of stand as I don't have a kegerator.

 

[jholen]

Got my perlicks today from ritebrew! Love 'em!

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Got my perlicks today from ritebrew! Love 'em!

+1 for Ritebrew.com -- My recent build saved me a BOATLOAD of money, since I needed 5 shanks, 2 new SS Perlicks, 100' of beverage line, a manifold and a whole slew of ball lock QD's. Altogether, I probably saved $100 by buying from them, and can't complain a bit about their service.