The Krups BeerTender B95 is a popular beer dispenser that provides a draft-style pouring experience at home. To ensure the best performance and taste from your beer, it is essential to clean and maintain your BeerTender regularly. In this guide, we will cover the detailed steps involved in cleaning and maintaining your Krups BeerTender B95, troubleshooting common issues, and optimizing its performance.
Tools Required
- Mild detergent (non-abrasive)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Warm water
- Bottle brush or small brush
- Paper towels
- A sink or basin for soaking
- Bucket for drainage
Cleaning the Krups BeerTender B95: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
1. Prepare the BeerTender for Cleaning
Before starting any cleaning process, it’s essential to remove the keg and disconnect any power source.
- Disconnect the BeerTender from the electrical outlet.
- Remove the keg from the BeerTender unit, ensuring there’s no beer left in the system.
- Dispose of any remaining beer in the keg and clean the keg separately if required.
2. Disassemble the BeerTender B95
To ensure thorough cleaning, you need to disassemble the BeerTender. This involves taking out the components that come into direct contact with beer.
- Remove the drip tray from the BeerTender and set it aside.
- Detach the beer tower (where the beer flows out) from the dispenser unit.
- Remove the hose from the dispensing nozzle to clean it thoroughly.
3. Cleaning the Beer Tower and Nozzle
The beer tower and nozzle are critical components where beer residue often accumulates. Cleaning these parts regularly prevents the build-up of mold, bacteria, or stale beer taste.
- Soak the beer tower and nozzle in warm water with a mild detergent for 15–20 minutes.
- Use a bottle brush or small brush to scrub the inside of the beer tower and nozzle, ensuring all beer remnants are removed.
- Rinse with warm water until all detergent is gone.
- Dry the parts with a soft cloth.
4. Cleaning the Drip Tray
The drip tray collects excess beer and residue that drips from the dispensing nozzle. Regular cleaning of the drip tray is essential to maintain hygiene.
- Remove the drip tray from the BeerTender and wash it in warm, soapy water.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe off any stuck beer stains.
- Rinse it thoroughly and dry it with a soft towel or paper towels.
5. Cleaning the Beer Hose
The beer hose is a vital component that transfers the beer from the keg to the dispensing nozzle. It is crucial to clean it thoroughly to avoid any beer build-up or contamination.
- Detach the beer hose from the BeerTender.
- Use warm water and mild detergent to clean the hose.
- You can use a bottle brush to scrub inside the hose if necessary.
- After cleaning, rinse the hose thoroughly with clean water to remove any detergent residues.
6. Cleaning the BeerTender Base Unit
The base unit of the BeerTender can accumulate dust and beer spillage. Cleaning the base ensures that the unit continues to operate efficiently.
- Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior of the base unit.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they may damage the surface of the unit.
- Ensure that no water gets into the interior parts of the BeerTender.
7. Reassemble the BeerTender
After all the parts are thoroughly cleaned and dried, it’s time to reassemble the BeerTender.
- Attach the beer hose to the dispenser nozzle.
- Reinstall the beer tower onto the unit.
- Place the drip tray back in its designated position.
- Ensure all components are securely in place before plugging the unit back in.
Troubleshooting Common Set-up Issues
Even with regular cleaning, certain issues can arise with the Krups BeerTender B95. Below are some common problems and their solutions:
1. Beer Not Dispensing Properly
If the beer is not dispensing correctly, there may be a blockage in the beer hose or dispensing nozzle.
- Ensure that the beer hose is clean and free of blockages.
- Check the nozzle for any beer residue or build-up.
- Clean the beer tower and nozzle thoroughly, as they could be clogged with beer remnants.
2. Beer Temperature Issues
If the beer is not staying cool or dispensing at the right temperature, there could be an issue with the cooling mechanism or the placement of the keg.
- Ensure the keg is properly inserted and the BeerTender is plugged in and powered on.
- Check the cooling system by confirming the BeerTender is placed in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources.
3. Leaks or Dripping Beer
Leaks can occur if the beer hose or dispensing nozzle is not connected correctly.
- Inspect the hose connections to ensure they are secure.
- If you notice any damage to the hose or nozzle, replace them immediately.
- Regularly clean the hose and nozzle to prevent any beer build-up that could lead to leaks.
Customization and Optimization for Better Performance
1. Optimal Beer Placement
To ensure the best performance from your BeerTender B95, always ensure that the keg is properly stored and cooled before inserting it into the unit. The temperature of the keg should be between 35°F and 45°F for optimal pouring.
2. Adjusting the Beer Flow Rate
While the BeerTender doesn’t offer advanced flow control features, you can control the flow rate by adjusting the dispensing nozzle. If the flow is too fast, reduce the angle at which you hold the glass under the nozzle.
3. Cleaning Frequency
For optimal performance, clean the BeerTender B95 at least once a week, especially if you use it frequently. If you notice any odd flavors or excessive foam, clean it more often.
Comparison with Similar Products
The Krups BeerTender B95 is often compared to similar beer dispensers like the Heineken BeerTender and the DrinkPod. While these models share some similarities, they differ in their specific features:
- Heineken BeerTender: The Heineken BeerTender is a compact and easy-to-use dispenser, but it has a smaller cooling capacity compared to the Krups BeerTender B95. The Krups B95 offers more flexibility with temperature settings and provides a longer shelf life for beer.
- DrinkPod Beer Dispenser: The DrinkPod has a larger footprint and is designed to support more volume, making it suitable for larger parties. However, the Krups BeerTender B95 is a more compact option, ideal for casual beer drinkers with limited space.
Which One Should You Choose?
- For casual use and a smaller unit, the Krups BeerTender B95 is a great choice.
- For larger gatherings or frequent use, the DrinkPod may be a better option due to its capacity.
Understanding Compatibility with Other Related Beer Products
The Krups BeerTender B95 is specifically designed to work with Heineken mini kegs, but it may also be compatible with other brands of kegs that fit the same size and valve system. Before purchasing a different keg brand, ensure it fits the BeerTender’s specifications to avoid any issues with operation.
Some users also opt to use the BeerTender with a beer line cleaning kit to further enhance the cleanliness of their system. Ensure that any accessories or modifications you use are compatible with the Krups BeerTender B95 to maintain optimal performance.