Showing posts with label home beer-tap systems. Show all posts
Showing posts with label home beer-tap systems. Show all posts

5/19/2012

BeerTender from Heineken and Krups B90 Home Beer-Tap System Review

BeerTender from Heineken and Krups B90 Home Beer-Tap System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
ALas.....it seems I as many of the early adopters are learning the pain of the KRUPS BEERTENDER.
I was very excited for this product and my girlfriend bought one for me for my birthday in APRIL 2008.
THe product is well designed and works well when it works.
Problem is...I only used it 2x...and the unit stopped cooling.
One thing customers of this item should know is that you really aren't supposed to store a Heineken Draught Keg in it for more than a day (they say this in the manual) and that you are supposed to remove the keg and put it in the fridge if you plan on storing it longer.
ISn't that kinda stupid and defeats the purpose of such an expensive unit?? Also...it only uses Mini-Kegs that have their own CO2 pressuration built in like the Heineken Mini-keg.....so expect your choice (if any) to be limited.
Anyhoo, I used 2 Draught Kegs in a 6 week period....and the unit stopped cooling. I contacted KRUPS and received an RMA and had the unit shipped in for repair on 6/23/08. After hearing nothing I followed up on 7/24/08 as to the status of my machine, they apologized and put in a rush order to have a replacement shipped after emailing them 2x and calling.
My latest phone conversation (8/19/08) I was told that they had been backordered on the machine until this past week and should receive my replacement machine in 2 weeks....we'll see.
While I like the machine......the rep said that this being a brand new product for Krups they were experiencing issues in servicing of the unit. I am thinking this machine was not ready to be released and that the cooling unit is very likely to fail in every unit.
I would have to say there might be a better options if you plan to use this type of dispenser regularly.
UPDATE (9/21/08):
Received my warranty replacement unit at the end of AUGUST. To my surprise.......KRUPS did not repair my machine...they sent a completely NEW Unit!! YAY!
So far the unit has worked perfectly and I have used it 1x since i received it. Hopefully they have resolved any issues they were experiencing in manufacturing so I or others won't experience the cooling failure that I did with my 1st unit. So Far So Good.....there are also rumors of more varieties of Draught Keg coming to the US like they have in Europe....that would definitely make the unit a more worthwhile purchase rather than a creature comfort.

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5/10/2012

BeerTender from Heineken and Krups B95 Home Beer-Tap System Review

BeerTender from Heineken and Krups B95 Home Beer-Tap System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
If you love draft beer but don't drink enough to need a full keg this is for you!
I like my beer ice cold poured in a SMALL frozen glass .... I dont drink enough to warrant a full size type draft keg machine with all the hassles that come with it (like Co2) this unit is simple: just drop the draughtkeg in and your done. This unit has a thermostat setting that lets you set it to 36 degrees , the other unit will not allow you to lower the setting so this alone makes it worth the extra $20.
With the draughtkeg and beertender you get a nice little fridge who's sole job is to keep that keg ice cold and easy to pour... since it has a bottom drip tray you can pour your draught " english " style by letting the first half second just pour out to clear the foam then quickly put your glass in to get a nice pour with little foam - you cant do that when pulling from the big fridge....
What makes it nice is you can pour as much or more importantly as little as you want... like I said I like a small beer glass that gives me nice cold gulps of beer then just pour more - no wasted warm beer just nice and cold PLUS its fun to pour ! Lets face it this is a luxury item because you could just keep it in the big fridge and pour from there but thats no fun! Plus the big fridge is not going to maintain that keg at a constant 36 degrees!
The unit itself is pretty small and very light - it uses some induction type cooling so there is no typical fridge motor its a small fan - now this fan will work hard at first to get that keg down to temp but once its done it gets quieter - its loud enough that you should not put it in an area that is normally quiet .. also since it does not use a fridge type motor it will not work outdoors! It uses the ambient air to help cool the unit - anything over 85 degrees and it will not be able to maintain the temp - so indoor use only.
So to sum up - if you like the Heineken draghtkegs you will enjoy this item - is it necessary ? No , but you will get a much more enjoyable feeling when pouring that perfectly chilled draught. I hope Heineken adds more to the draughtkeg line up like they have in Europe... remember it only works with Heineken so if you dont like Heineken then this item will not work for you...
B95 or B90 ? Spend a little more and get the fancy lcd screen and temp control - especially if you like the cold beer because the other unit is preprogrammed at 39 or 40 deg ... but some people like a warmer draught but the price difference is so little you might as well ' go all the way ' ....
Cheers!

Click Here to see more reviews about: BeerTender from Heineken and Krups B95 Home Beer-Tap System

Krups, the world wide leader of small appliances and Heineken, the leader in European Premium Imported Beer have partnered together to create the ultimate beer drinking experience at home. The BeerTender system is compatible with the Heineken DraughtKeg system which utilizes an internal carbonator pressure unit. The Heineken DraughtKeg unit releases Co2 every time the tap is opened, ensuring the beer remains fresh for up to 30 days and allows for a crisp quality beer with Heinekens' signature head of foam and trademark "bite". The BeerTender silent cooling system provides constant and consistent cooling of the 5L Heineken DraughtKeg and will keep it at the ideal temperature of 41 degrees F.Easy to operate, just run the keg's plastic tube to the BeerTender tap and you're done. It's that simple. Inserting a keg takes less than 15-seconds. The Krups BeerTender has an LCD display panel featuring a volume indicator and temperature indicator. It features a detachable pour handle, detachable draw spout, a removable tray. Beautifully designed, the BeerTender is compatible with the Heineken DraughtKeg and Heineken Premium Light DraughtKeg.

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4/09/2012

Danby DBD5L 5-Litre Tabletop Beverage Chiller and Dispenser Review

Danby DBD5L 5-Litre Tabletop Beverage Chiller and Dispenser
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This unit appears to work well so far as a beverage dispenser. I have not tried a beer keg yet. I like it's appearance and ease of setup.
My biggest concern is that this was a gift and one of the adapters was broken. When I called danby they didn't even have this model on record yet. After repeated calls they stated that the accessories and adapters can not be purchase and will not be available.
I was in awe I said what do I do if a needed part like the stem breaks. I was told that if it's happens within the warranty period one year, that you have to bring the whole unit back.
I don't have a receipt so I'm out of luck and so will any one else be if a part breaks.
Service people were very friendly, but I still can't believe replacement adapters can not be purchase. Especially because they all made of plastic.
As the song goes take good care of your baby, or you'll be out of luck like me.
Having a $300 dollar unit you can't use because of a broken $15 adapter.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Danby DBD5L 5-Litre Tabletop Beverage Chiller and Dispenser

Enjoy hosting effortless dinner parties, simple game-day gatherings, and other fun-filled events with this 5-liter tabletop beverage dispenser at the center of the show. The sleek-looking plug-in appliance keeps drinks perfectly chilled and ready to serve--simply pull forward on the lever for convenient dispensing into an individual cup or large-size pitcher. Best of all, the unit works with a wide array of beverages. Insert a mini beer keg (not included) into the unit for a continual supply of the foamy favorite, or use the included 5-liter (1.3-gallon) plastic bottle with wine or mixed drinks for adult gatherings; lemonade, iced tea, and other warm-weather favorites for that barbecue or picnic; or even milk or apple juice to please the younger crowd. Compact and portable, the unit can be quickly transported from the entertainment center or den out to a patio or poolside for cool refreshments anywhere, anytime. Additional highlights include a rear-mounted mechanical thermostat that allows for easy temperature programming, sturdy chrome legs that keep the unit steady during use, and a removable drip tray for quick cleanup. A beer skimmer and two stub couplers come included. An excellent choice for year-round entertaining, the 5-liter beverage dispenser measures approximately 16 by 11-3/5 by 22 inches.

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2/02/2012

BeerTender VB2158001 T-fal Home Beer-Tap System Review

BeerTender VB2158001 T-fal Home Beer-Tap System
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I typically am not even a big Heineken fan, but my wife got this for me, and I figured what the heck. The 5L mini-kegs sell for seventeen bucks at my local grocery store, and you throw one in, let it cool overnight and you are good to go! It's not cheaper than buying 'regular' beer cans/bottles but the novelty, convenience, COLDNESS and a great draft pour are why I usually keep a second (or third) mini-keg in a small refrigerator just in case a party breaks out. The only reason this is not a 5-star review is because you can only get Heineken & Heineken Light currently...I hear Newcastle Brown is in some test markets though, so hopefully that will change soon.

Click Here to see more reviews about: BeerTender VB2158001 T-fal Home Beer-Tap System



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12/23/2011

Krups B100 Beertender Review

Krups B100 Beertender
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I purchased this unit on sale at Best Buy for $79.99. I was very skeptical about the quality for the price, but with the big game next weekend I could not resist.
I stopped by BevMo on my way home. This unit ONLY uses Beertender compatible kegs. So far, only Heinekin, Heinekin Light, and New Castle are available for this machine. If you don't like any of those beers, skip it.
Luckily, BevMo had the Heinekin and New Castle minikegs in stock, but it was not cold.
I brought it all home and started to set it up. It was VERY SIMPLE. The directions are all illustrated with written directions a couple pages later.
Things I did not know before set up:
1) It takes special "BeerTender Tubes". I did not know about these until I started setting it up. I looks like you can only use them one time. There were 6 included with purchase. It looks like replacements are available on Amazon for $9 for 6 tubes.
2) You must insert a COLD KEG into the machine. If it is not already the correct temp, you need to chill in the fridge for 10 hours or in the BeerTender for 18 hours before you can use it. There are two small green lights on the top: one to tell you it is on and the other to tell you the beer is cold enough to pour. Luckily, there is a store close by that sells the Heinekin minikegs already chilled, so I ran out and got one so I could try the machine out right away.
So far so good. Everything worked great, the lights came on and it poured beautifully.
I think that this is an excellent addition to my kitchen. It fits perfect on the kitchen counter. Does not take up too much room and it will be a great addition to summer BBQ's.

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