The Krups BeerTender B90 is a popular choice for beer enthusiasts who enjoy draft beer at home. However, one common issue many users face is excessive foam during pours. A foamy pour not only wastes beer but can also affect the flavor and drinking experience. This guide provides a detailed troubleshooting approach to help you fix foamy pours and ensure your Krups BeerTender B90 functions optimally.

Understanding the Causes of Foamy Pours

Before diving into troubleshooting, it’s important to understand what could be causing the foam. Several factors can contribute to foamy pours from your BeerTender B90, including improper temperature, incorrect pressure settings, dirty components, and incompatible beer taps. Addressing these underlying issues will help you resolve the problem effectively.

Tools Required

• Soft cloth
• Cleaning brush
• Mild dish soap
• Bucket or container for cleaning
• Digital thermometer
• CO2 cartridge (if applicable)
• Pressure regulator (if necessary)
• Compressed air (optional for drying components)

Installation of the Krups BeerTender B90

Proper installation is crucial for optimal performance and preventing foamy pours. Follow these steps to ensure your BeerTender is set up correctly:

1. Unbox and Position: Place your BeerTender B90 on a flat, stable surface. Make sure it is near a power outlet and easily accessible for changing beer kegs.
2. Insert CO2 Cartridge: The BeerTender B90 uses a CO2 cartridge to pressurize the keg. Install the CO2 cartridge securely as per the instructions provided by Krups.
3. Install the Beer Keg: Place the beer keg into the BeerTender. Ensure that the keg is properly aligned with the dispensing nozzle and connected to the pressure system.
4. Adjust the Temperature: Set the BeerTender’s temperature control to around 37°F to 41°F (3°C to 5°C) for optimal pouring. Higher temperatures can increase foam production.

Adjusting the BeerTender B90 for Optimal Pouring

Once installed, you may need to adjust a few settings to prevent foamy pours:

1. Check the CO2 Pressure: Too much pressure can lead to excessive carbonation in the beer, causing foam. Use the built-in pressure regulator to lower the pressure. A range of 1.0 to 1.5 bars is typically ideal for most beers.
2. Set the Temperature Correctly: If your BeerTender is too cold or too warm, it can cause foam issues. Ensure that the beer is served at the correct temperature by adjusting the BeerTender’s settings as mentioned earlier.
3. Calibrate the Nozzle: Sometimes, the nozzle may need slight adjustment. Ensure that the nozzle is clean and unobstructed, which can prevent beer from being poured too forcefully, creating unnecessary foam.

Cleaning and Maintenance to Prevent Foamy Pours

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your BeerTender B90 are essential to keep the system running smoothly and to prevent any performance issues, including foamy pours.

1. Clean the Beer Lines and Nozzle: Beer lines can accumulate residue over time, which affects the flow and can result in foamy pours. Use a soft cloth and mild dish soap to clean the beer dispensing nozzle and the beer lines regularly.
2. Rinse the Keg: Before inserting a new keg into the BeerTender, rinse it with warm water to remove any leftover beer and yeast buildup. A clean keg ensures smoother pours.
3. Disinfect the System: Use a cleaning brush and beer line cleaner specifically designed for home beer dispensers to ensure all components are disinfected.
4. Dry Components: After cleaning, use compressed air or a soft cloth to thoroughly dry all components before reassembling. Moisture can affect the carbonation process and contribute to foamy pours.

Troubleshooting Common Foamy Pour Issues

Here are some of the most common causes of foamy pours in the Krups BeerTender B90 and their solutions:

1. Excessive CO2 Pressure

• Problem: High CO2 pressure can cause beer to over-carbonate, leading to excessive foam during pouring.
• Solution: Check the CO2 pressure and reduce it using the regulator. Aim for a pressure range of 1.0 to 1.5 bars to avoid foamy pours.

2. Incorrect Temperature

• Problem: Beer that is too warm or too cold may foam excessively.
• Solution: Ensure the BeerTender is set to the optimal serving temperature of 37°F to 41°F (3°C to 5°C).

3. Dirty Nozzle or Beer Lines

• Problem: Beer residue and bacteria buildup in the nozzle or lines can disrupt the flow and lead to foam.
• Solution: Clean the beer lines and nozzle with a soft cloth and mild soap regularly. Use a cleaning brush for thorough maintenance.

4. Improper Beer Keg Insertion

• Problem: A misaligned keg or improper connection between the keg and the dispensing system can result in foam.
• Solution: Ensure that the keg is inserted correctly and that all connections are secure.

5. Keg Temperature Too High

• Problem: If the keg temperature is too high when placed in the BeerTender, it may lead to foamy pours.
• Solution: Pre-chill the keg to the appropriate serving temperature before placing it into the BeerTender.

Customizing the BeerTender B90 for Better Performance

To enhance your BeerTender B90’s performance and minimize foam production, consider the following optimizations:

1. Use a Beer Line Restrictor: Some users find that adding a beer line restrictor can help regulate the flow and reduce foam.
2. Experiment with Different Beer Types: Some beers, especially highly carbonated styles, can foam more than others. Try different beer types to see how they behave in your system.
3. Keep the Beer Keg Cold: If you frequently pour from the BeerTender, consider using a keg cooler to keep the keg temperature stable before inserting it into the BeerTender.

Comparison with Other Beer Dispensing Products

While the Krups BeerTender B90 is a popular option, it’s essential to consider how it compares with similar products in terms of performance and features. The BeerTender B90 stands out due to its compact size, ease of use, and integration with Heineken kegs. However, it may not be ideal for those who prefer to use different keg types or have specific temperature requirements.

Other popular beer dispensers on the market may offer additional customization options, such as more precise temperature control, larger beer storage capacity, or more advanced CO2 pressure regulation. Consider these factors when choosing a beer dispenser based on your preferences and needs.

Compatibility with Other Beer Products

The Krups BeerTender B90 is compatible with Heineken DraughtKegs, which are specifically designed to fit within the system. If you plan to use different brands of kegs, you may need an adapter or a different dispensing system.

If you already have a keg system at home, ensure that it is compatible with the BeerTender B90 before installation. Additionally, you may need to consider compatibility with external CO2 regulators, as some setups may require more precise control over pressure settings to minimize foamy pours.

Conclusion

By addressing the key causes of foamy pours and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly improve your BeerTender B90’s performance. Regular cleaning, proper installation, and careful adjustment of the pressure and temperature settings will help ensure a smooth pour every time.