Serving cold brew or "Nitro" coffee on draft is the ultimate upgrade for any coffee lover. However, the hardware requirements for coffee are slightly different than those for beer. Because coffee is highly acidic and often served with Nitrogen instead of $CO_2$, choosing the right components is the difference between a creamy, café-quality pour and a metallic-tasting mess.

Here is your guide to choosing the right kegerator and components specifically for draft coffee.

1. The Kegerator (The Foundation)

The first choice is whether you want a dedicated plug-and-play unit or a conversion kit for a fridge you already own.

  • Dedicated Kegerators: We recommend the KOMOS® Series. These are designed specifically for beverage dispensing, with tower fans to keep the lines cold and digital thermostats to keep your coffee at the perfect serving temperature (usually 38°F–42°F).

  • Tower vs. Door Mount: If you are building a "keezer" (chest freezer conversion), a Tower (D1332) looks professional on top. If you are converting a dorm-style fridge, a Through-the-Door Kit is often easier to install.


2. The Gas System: Nitrogen is King

While beer uses CO2, draft coffee is almost always served with 100% Nitrogen (N2).

  • Why Nitrogen? CO2 dissolves into liquid and creates carbonic acid, which makes coffee taste sharp, fizzy, and sour. Nitrogen is "insoluble," meaning it provides the pressure to push the liquid and creates those tiny bubbles and that velvety "cascade" without changing the flavor of the brew.

  • The Tank: You will need a Nitrogen Tank (D1054K). Note that Nitrogen tanks have a different valve (CGA 580) than CO2 tanks.

  • The Regulator: You must use a Nitrogen Regulator (D1070). A standard beer regulator will not fit a Nitrogen tank.


3. The Faucet: "Still" vs. "Nitro"

How do you want your coffee to look in the glass?

  • For Nitro Coffee: You need a Stainless Steel Stout Faucet (D1250). These faucets have a internal "restrictor plate" that forces the coffee through tiny holes, creating the iconic creamy head and cascading effect.

  • For "Still" Cold Brew: If you just want iced coffee without the foam, use a standard Stainless Steel Intertap or NukaTap (D1200SS).

  • Pro Tip: If you want both, the NukaTap is great because you can swap the nozzle out for a Nitro spout in seconds.


4. All Stainless Steel (Non-Negotiable)

Coffee is significantly more acidic than beer. Over time, this acidity will eat away at chrome-plated brass (the standard material for many cheap beer components).

  • The Rule: Every component that touches the coffee, the faucet, the shank, and the keg must be Stainless Steel.


5. The Keg (The Vessel)

For coffee, the 5-Gallon Ball Lock Corny Keg (KEG420) is the industry standard.

  • They are easy to open, easy to clean (essential for coffee oils), and fit perfectly inside almost any kegerator.

  • If you are doing small batches, consider a 2.5-Gallon Keg (KEG422).


6. The Lines: EVABarrier Tubing

Coffee oils can go rancid if they get trapped in porous tubing. We highly recommend EVABarrier Double-Walled Tubing (D1710).

  • This tubing is "PVC-free" and has a silver-ion internal barrier that is incredibly smooth and antimicrobial. It prevents flavor staining and ensures that your "Guatemalan Light Roast" doesn't taste like last month's "French Roast."

Summary Checklist for a Nitro Coffee Setup:

  1. Kegerator: KOMOS® Unit or Conversion Kit.

  2. Keg: 5 Gallon Ball Lock Stainless Keg (KEG420).

  3. Gas: Nitrogen Tank (D1054K) + Nitrogen Regulator (D1070).

  4. Faucet: Stainless Steel Stout Faucet (D1250).

  5. Shank: Stainless Steel Wall Shank (of the proper length).

  6. Tubing: EVABarrier 4mm or 5mm ID (D1717).

Ready to start brewing? Check out our Cold Brew Coffee Systems page for pre-bundled kits that include all of the above components in one package.