The Krups BeerTender B95 is a high-quality beer dispensing system that promises to deliver fresh, chilled beer with every pour. However, like any piece of equipment, it may experience issues, including unwanted foam in your glass. Foamy pours can be frustrating, especially when you want to enjoy a smooth and refreshing beer. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting the most common causes of foamy pours with the Krups BeerTender B95, along with tips for ensuring optimal performance.

Understanding the Causes of Foamy Pours

Before diving into troubleshooting steps, it’s important to understand why foamy pours occur. Foamy beer is often caused by a combination of factors, including temperature, pressure, and the state of your BeerTender system. Foamy pours typically result from either too much pressure, improper temperature control, or issues with the tap. Identifying the root cause of the foam will allow you to address the issue effectively.

Tools Required

• Clean cloth or paper towel
• A soft brush
• Replacement CO2 cartridges (if applicable)
• Thermometer
• Level tool

Common Causes of Foamy Pours and How to Fix Them

1. Incorrect Temperature Settings

One of the leading causes of foamy pours in the Krups BeerTender B95 is improper temperature. Beer that is too warm or too cold can cause excessive foam. When the beer is too warm, the CO2 gas in the beer escapes too quickly, resulting in a frothy pour.

How to Fix It:

• Check the temperature: Ensure the beer is being kept at the correct temperature of around 40°F (4°C). You can use a thermometer to measure the beer’s temperature if the BeerTender’s built-in display doesn’t provide a precise reading.
• Adjust the temperature: If the beer is too warm, adjust the BeerTender’s cooling setting to a lower temperature.
• Allow time to chill: If you’ve just inserted a new keg, allow it to chill for at least 6-8 hours before dispensing to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature.

2. Incorrect CO2 Pressure

The BeerTender B95 relies on CO2 cartridges to pressurize the beer and push it through the tap. If the CO2 pressure is too high or too low, it can lead to foamy pours. High CO2 pressure forces too much gas into the beer, creating excessive foam, while low pressure prevents proper beer flow, causing sluggish pours and foam buildup at the tap.

How to Fix It:

• Check CO2 pressure: Ensure the CO2 pressure is set at the recommended level for your specific keg. Typically, the ideal pressure for the Krups BeerTender B95 is between 1.0 and 1.5 bars. Refer to the user manual for the exact pressure specifications.
• Replace the CO2 cartridge: If the CO2 level is low, replace the CO2 cartridge. Ensure the cartridge is properly installed and sealed to avoid leaks.
• Adjust pressure regulator: If your BeerTender B95 has a pressure regulator, adjust it to the appropriate setting based on your beer’s needs.

3. Dirty Tap or Dispenser

Over time, beer taps and dispensers can accumulate residue and bacteria, leading to clogged lines and improper flow. Dirty taps often result in excess foam as the beer struggles to flow through the contaminated system.

How to Fix It:

• Clean the tap: Regularly clean the tap with warm water and mild detergent. Use a soft brush to scrub any residues from the faucet and surrounding areas.
• Clean the dispensing lines: If your BeerTender B95 allows you to remove the dispensing lines, clean them thoroughly. Run warm water through the lines to remove any beer buildup. You may need to use a beer line cleaning solution for deeper cleans.
• Use a damp cloth: Wipe down the dispenser and surrounding areas to ensure there is no dirt or debris.

4. Improper Keg Installation

A poorly installed keg can lead to foamy pours. If the keg is not seated properly in the BeerTender B95 or the tap is not aligned correctly, the beer may not flow smoothly, creating an overabundance of foam.

How to Fix It:

• Ensure proper installation: Make sure the keg is seated securely in the BeerTender B95 and the tap is connected properly.
• Align the tap correctly: If the tap appears misaligned, adjust it until it is properly positioned. Ensure the tap is firmly attached to the keg’s nozzle and that the flow control is set appropriately.

5. Beer Not Properly Carbonated

If the beer inside the keg is under-carbonated or has lost its carbonation, it may result in excessive foam when poured. This issue can occur if the beer has been stored improperly or if the keg has been exposed to fluctuating temperatures.

How to Fix It:

• Check beer freshness: Ensure that the beer is fresh and hasn’t been stored for too long. Beer that has been sitting around for an extended period may lose carbonation.
• Allow beer to carbonate: If you have recently installed a new keg, allow it to carbonate by keeping the BeerTender B95 on for a few hours before pouring. If the carbonation level is too low, you may need to replace the keg.

6. Overfilled Keg

An overfilled keg can also lead to foamy pours, as there may not be enough space for the beer to settle and flow properly. This is typically a result of improperly inserted kegs or excess beer left in the keg.

How to Fix It:

• Check keg fill levels: Ensure the keg is not overfilled. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the appropriate keg fill level.
• Remove excess beer: If you suspect there is too much beer in the keg, remove the excess to ensure proper dispensing.

7. Faulty Tap Assembly

In some cases, a faulty tap assembly or a defective part within the BeerTender B95 system could cause foamy pours. A damaged tap valve or other components could result in an improper seal or incorrect flow.

How to Fix It:

• Inspect the tap assembly: Carefully inspect the tap assembly for any visible damage. Check for cracks, leaks, or signs of wear.
• Replace faulty parts: If you notice any damage, consider replacing the faulty parts. You may need to refer to the BeerTender’s user manual or contact the manufacturer for replacement parts.

Additional Tips for Better Beer Dispensing

To optimize the performance of your Krups BeerTender B95 and ensure consistently smooth pours, follow these additional maintenance and usage tips:

• Regularly clean the BeerTender: Cleaning your BeerTender system after each use will prevent beer buildup and ensure proper operation.
• Store beer kegs properly: Store your kegs in a cool, dry place to prevent temperature fluctuations and maintain the proper carbonation levels.
• Avoid overpressurizing: Always use the recommended CO2 pressure settings to avoid foamy pours caused by over-pressurization.

Conclusion

Foamy pours from the Krups BeerTender B95 can be caused by a variety of factors, including improper temperature, incorrect CO2 pressure, dirty taps, or poorly installed kegs. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide, you can resolve these issues and optimize the performance of your BeerTender system. Regular maintenance and careful attention to setup and operation will help you achieve the perfect pour every time, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable beer-drinking experience.