If you’re running a bar, restaurant, or any business that serves draught beer, understanding the different types of keg couplers is essential. Each coupler type is designed to connect to specific keg styles and brands, ensuring smooth and efficient beverage dispensing.
Below, All So Cool has an overview of the most common keg coupler types and their applications:
A-Type Coupler
Colloquially known as the “Flat Top” coupler, the A-Type is widely used by many micro craft breweries. It’s also compatible with products from Coopers and Lion Nathan, including popular beers like Tooheys and XXXX. This makes it a go-to choice for venues offering a diverse range of local brews.
D-Type Coupler
The “Well Type” D-Type coupler is common in Australia and is used by some micro craft breweries. It is predominantly compatible with Asahi and CUB products, such as Great Northern, VB, and Carlton Draught. If your beverage lineup features these brands, the D-Type coupler is essential.
G-Type Coupler
G-Type couplers are primarily used for imported European beers. One unique feature of this coupler is its use of 1/2″ fittings, which are less common than the standard 5/8″ fittings found in most other couplers. Despite their rarity, All So Cool ensures these fittings are readily available for clients who need them.
KeyKeg Coupler
Not to be confused with G-Type couplers, KeyKeg couplers are specifically designed for plastic one-way kegs commonly used for wine and cocktails. One of the advantages of KeyKegs is that they can be dispensed using compressed air instead of CO₂ since the air never comes into contact with the product. This makes them a versatile and eco-friendly option for venues serving mixed drinks.
M-Type Coupler
The M-Type coupler is not commonly used in Australia. However, it is essential to be aware of it for venues that may occasionally handle imported specialty kegs.
S-Type Coupler
Historically, the S-Type coupler was used for Asahi products in Australia. However, since Asahi’s acquisition of CUB, most of their kegs have transitioned to the D-Type coupler. Understanding this change can help prevent connection errors during keg swaps.
U-Type Coupler
Guinness fans might recognise the U-Type coupler, which was historically used for this iconic stout. However, with Lion now distributing Guinness in Australia, the brand has switched to using the A-Type coupler.
Common Features Across Couplers
Regardless of the type, all keg couplers share some common features:
- Gas In: Located on the side, allowing CO₂ or compressed air to be injected into the keg.
- Beer Out: Positioned at the top, enabling the smooth flow of beer to your taps.
With the exception of the G-Type coupler, all other types use standard 5/8″ fittings. The G-Type’s unique 1/2″ fittings may be less common, but we ensure they are readily available for our clients.
Choosing the correct keg coupler is vital for efficient and hassle-free beverage dispensing. Understanding the differences between coupler types ensures that your system remains compatible with various keg brands and styles.
If you need assistance selecting or installing the right coupler for your setup, the All So Cool team is here to help. All So Cool can perform installation, service, repair and preventative maintenance to commercial beverage dispensing machinery, ranging from single tap systems through to large-scale stadium systems – and everything in between.
Chat to All So Cool fridge mechanics Brisbane and Gold Coast on (07) 3422 0011 to discuss how we can help keep your business running cool. We are available 24/7.