User Manual Homecraft CBD5BS Black Stainless Steel Full-Size Kegerator Draft Beer Dispenser & Beer Cooler

• Owner's manual - (English, French, Spanish)

Table of contents

• PARTS & ASSEMBLY
• HOW TO OPERATE
• HELPFUL TIPS
• CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Owner Manual HomeCraft On-Tap Beer Growler System

PARTS & ASSEMBLY

PARTS

LED Temperature Display

CO2 Regulator Knob

BASIC ASSEMBLY

1. Fit the Tap Handle onto the Tap Faucet.
   
2. Slide the notches on the Drip Tray into the tabs located at the bottom of the main unit
   
3. Make sure the Drain Tab is in the closed position, like shown above.
   

KEG LIFTER ASSEMBLY

Once you have determined the type of keg you will be tapping, correctly secure the Keg Lifter Assembly to the keg.

5L Standard Non-Pressurized Kegs

1. Follow any required instructions marked on the keg to eliminate excess gas, and to ensure the keg has rested long enough to avoid foam coming out of the Tap Faucet.
2. Place the Keg Adapter (square) into the top opening of the Keg Lifter, then screw the Dip Tube into the bottom of the Beer Line Connector. When done correctly, this will secure all three pieces together.
3. Pierce the seal on the top of the keg and place the Keg Bung into the opening.
4. Insert the Dip Tube into the Keg Bung and fully into the keg.
5. Secure the ends of the Keg Lifter onto the lip of the keg.

5L Growler Keg (Non-Pressurized)

1. Unscrew the Cap on the top of the keg.
2. Place the Keg Adapter (circle) into the hole on top of the Cap.
3. Screw the Dip Tube to the bottom of the Keg Adapter. When done correctly, this will secure all three pieces together.
4. Insert the Dip Tube into the keg and screw the cap onto the keg tightly.

5L Pressurized Kegs (Heineken™)

1. Follow any required instructions marked on the keg to eliminate excess gas, and to ensure the keg has rested long enough to avoid foam coming out of the Tap Faucet.
2. Carefully place the Pressurized Keg into the Cooling Cavity.
3. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the plastic plug from the top of the keg.
4. Connect the Pressurized Keg Adapter to the Tap Beer Line.
5. Insert the Pressurized Keg Adapter into the top of the Pressurized Keg.

HOW TO OPERATE

Before you begin, determine whether you are tapping a pressurized keg, non-pressurized keg, or the included 5L Growler Keg. Follow the steps below for each type of keg.

5L STANDARD NON-PRESSURIZED KEGS

1. Chill the keg for 10-12 hours in the refrigerator, or for 4-6 hours in an ice bath.
2. Find a stable, waterproof surface near an electrical outlet to set the unit. Make sure the cord is away from any water source.
   NOTE: When moving the keg, take care not to shake or jostle the keg as it may cause your beer to pour with too much foam.
3. Check that the Drain Tab is in the closed position (up position), and there are no extra objects in the Cooling Cavity.
4. Add 3 cups (800 ml) of water into the Cooling Cavity. Be sure water levels do not exceed the MAX line found inside the Cooling Cavity. The water works to keep the keg cool.
5. Set the LED Temperature Display to your desired temperature by pressing the "-" and "+" buttons.
   NOTE: It may take several hours to reach your desired temperature.
   This is why it is important to chill your keg beforehand.
6. Turn the Power Switch to ON (I).
7. Follow the steps under KEG LIFTER ASSEMBLY for STANDARD NONPRESSURIZED KEGS, and secure the Keg Lifter Assembly to your keg.
8. Turn the CO2 Regulator Knob to the OFF position (turn dial all the way clockwise).
9. Making sure the keg is upright, carefully place your keg into the Cooling Cavity.
   NOTE: Make sure the Suction Cup is securely fashioned to the bottom of the Cooling Cavity. The Suction Cup ensures the keg will not float.
10. Connect the Keg Adapter to the CO2 Line and Beer Line.
11. Tilt the CO2 Holder out from the Top Cover and unscrew the CO2 Sheath. Insert a CO2 Cartridge into the CO2 Sheath, rounded end first. Then screw the CO2 Sheath tightly onto the CO2 Holder. Tilt the CO2 Holder back into the Top Cover.
    NOTE: When the CO2 cartridge has been pierced, your should hear a short burst of CO2 escape from the cartridge.
    
12. To pour a beer, slowly turn the Regulator Dial counterclockwise to increase the CO2 pressure within the keg. When you hear the CO2 begin to flow, you may want to pause to try pouring a beer.
    If the beer does not have enough foam for your liking, slowly increase the CO2 pressure. DO NOT increase the CO2 pressure too quickly or your beer may dispense too quickly and with too much foam.
    PRO TIP: When the regulator is open, CO2 will continue flowing into the keg. This may result in a surplus of pressure flowing into the keg, and may be a cause of foamy beer. If you experience foamy beer, simply fill the keg with CO2, then turn the Regulator Knob to the OFF position. As more beer is dispensed, add small amounts of CO2 into the keg to displace the dispensed beer, then turn the Regulator Knob back to OFF.

5L GROWLER KEG (NON-PRESSURIZED)

1. Find a stable, If the beer has too much foam, adjust the CO2 pressure down. Simply turn the Regulator Dial to the OFF position
   Chill the keg for 10-12 hours in the refrigerator, or for 4-6 hours in an ice bath.
2. Find a stable, waterproof surface near an electrical outlet to set the unit. Make sure the cord is away from any water source.
   NOTE: When moving the keg, take care not to shake or jostle the keg as it may cause your beer to pour with too much foam.
3. Check that the Drain Tab is in the closed position (up position), and there are no extra objects in the Cooling Cavity.
4. Add 3 cups (800 ml) of water into the Cooling Cavity. Be sure water levels do not exceed the MAX line found inside the Cooling Cavity. The water works to keep the keg cool
5. Set the LED Temperature Display to your desired temperature by pressing the "-" and "+" buttons. Recommended temperature is 37°F.
   NOTE: It may take several hours to reach your desired temperature.
   This is why it is important to chill your keg beforehand.
6. Turn the Power Switch to ON (I).
7. Follow the steps under KEG LIFTER ASSEMBLY for STANDARD NONPRESSURIZED KEGS, and secure the Keg Lifter Assembly to your keg.
8. Turn the CO2 Regulator Knob to the OFF position (turn dial all the way clockwise).
9. Making sure the keg is upright, carefully place your keg into the Cooling Cavity.
   NOTE: Make sure the Suction Cup is securely fashioned to the bottom of the Cooling Cavity. The Suction Cup ensures the keg will not float.
10. Connect the Keg Adapter to the CO2 Line and Beer Line.
    
11. Tilt the CO2 Holder out from the Top Cover and unscrew the CO2 Sheath. Insert a CO2 Cartridge into the CO2 Sheath, rounded end first. Then screw the CO2 Sheath tightly onto the CO2 Holder. Tilt the CO2 Holder back into the Top Cover.
    NOTE: When the CO2 cartridge has been pierced, you should hear a short burst of CO2 escape from the cartridge.
    
12. Slowly turn the Regulator Dial counterclockwise to increase the CO2 pressure within the keg. When you hear the CO2 begin to flow, you may want to pause to try pouring a beer.
    If the beer does not have enough foam for your liking, slowly increase the CO2 pressure. DO NOT increase the CO2 pressure too quickly or your beer may dispense too quickly and with too much foam.
    If the beer has too much foam, turn the Regulator Knob to the OFF position, pull the Pressure Relief Valve on the 5L Growler Keg, then slowly turn the Regulator Dial counterclockwise to increase the CO2 pressure within the keg.
    PRO TIP: When the regulator is open, CO2 will continue flowing into the keg. This may result in a surplus of pressure flowing into the keg, and may be a cause of foamy beer. If you experience foamy beer, simply fill the keg with CO2, then turn the Regulator Knob to the OFF position. As more beer is dispensed, add small amounts of CO2 into the keg to displace the dispensed beer, then turn the Regulator Knob back to OFF.

5L PRESSURIZED KEGS (HEINEKEN™)

1. Chill the keg for 10-12 hours in the refrigerator, or for 4-6 hours in an ice bath.
2. Find a stable, waterproof surface near an electrical outlet to set the unit. Make sure the cord is away from any water source.
3. Check that the Drain Tab is in the closed position (up position), and there are no extra objects in the Cooling Cavity.
4. Add 3 cups (800 ml) of water into the Cooling Cavity. Be sure water levels do not exceed the MAX line found inside the Cooling Cavity. The water helps to keep the keg cool.
5. Set the LED Temperature Display to your desired temperature by pressing the "-" and "+" buttons.
   NOTE: It may take several hours to reach your desired temperature.
   This is why it is important to chill your keg beforehand.
6. Turn the Power Switch to ON (I).
7. Carefully place the Pressurized Keg into the Cooling Cavity.
   NOTE: When moving the keg, take care not to shake or jostle the keg as it may cause your beer to pour with too much foam.
   NOTE: Make sure the Suction Cup is securely fashioned to the bottom of the Cooling Cavity. The Suction Cup ensures the keg will not float.
8. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the plastic plug from the top of the keg.
9. Connect the Pressurized Keg Adapter to the Beer Line.
10. Insert the Pressurized Keg Adapter into the top of the Pressurized Keg.
11. Pour yourself a beer!
    NOTE: Pressurized kegs come pre-charged with CO2. These kegs do not require the use of this unit's external CO2 system, so there is no need to install a CO2 cartridge. The Regulator Knob on the Top Cover does not work with these kegs.
    
12. When the keg is empty, remove the Pressurized Keg Adapter from the keg by pressing inward on both sides of the adapter.

HELPFUL TIPS

Pouring Draft Beer

1. Start with a clean glass.
2. Hold the glass at a 45° angle about 1 inch below the Tap Faucet.
3. Pull the Tap Handle forward to completely open the flow of beer.
4. Continue holding the glass at 45° and allow the beer to flow down the side of the glass until the glass is half full.
5. Once glass is half full, continue pouring while you gently tilt the glass upright and pour down the center of the glass. Ideally, this will create about a 1" head of foam as you finish the pour.
6. Quickly put the Tap Handle back into the original upright position.

NOTE: If a beer pour foams more than expected, let the beer rest until the head calms down, and then finish your pour. This prevents beer waste.

Prevent Foamy Beer

• Chill the beer. Warm beer is more likely to cause foamy beer. It is recommened to buy beer the day before and allow it to chill in the refrigerator for 10-12 hours. The recommended temperature is 37°F
• Pour into a clean glass. Reside in an unclean glass can disrupt the pour and taste of your beer. Follow the directions on Pouring Draft Beer to perfect your pour.
• Confirm the beer lines are not kinked and are clean.
• Adjust down your CO2 pressure.
• Do not shake or jostle the keg. Too much agitation of the keg can create foamy pours. If the keg has been shaken or jostled, allow the keg to rest and settle for 2-3 hours before pouring.
• Foamy beer may also be caused by a faulty seal or connection between the keg and the main unit. Make sure all connections are secure, well tightened and correctly placed.

Pressurized Kegs

• Pressurized kegs come pre-charged with CO2 and do not require the use of this unit's external CO2 system regulator. The Regulator Knob on the Top Cover does not work when using a pressurized keg.
• If you experience a less than satisfactory pour of beer, such as foamy beer, please contact the manufacturer or seller of the keg.

CO2 Regulator Knob

• When the regulator is open, CO2 will continue flowing into the keg. This may result in a surplus of pressure flowing into the keg, and may be a cause of foamy beer. If you experience foamy beer, simply fill the keg with CO2, then turn the Regulator Knob to the OFF position. As more beer is dispensed, add small amounts of CO2 into the keg to displace the dispensed beer, then turn the Regulator Knob back to OFF.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

1. After using your ON-TAP BEER GROWLER SYSTEM, disconnect the unit from the electrical outlet.
2. Detach the Keg Lifter Assembly from the keg, then remove the keg from the Cooling Cavity.
3. Clean the Cooling Cavity.
   a. Make sure there are no foreign objects in the Cooling Cavity.
   b. Drain the water in the Cooling Cavity by placing the unit near the edge of a table or countertop so that a bowl can be placed below the Drain Tab.
   c. Place a bowl beneath the Drain Tab, then pull down on the Drain Tab to allow the water in the Cooling Cavity to drain into the empty bowl.
   d. Wipe the Cooling Cavity dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
4. Clean the beer line using the included Cleaning Bottle.
   a. Place an empty bowl beneath the Tap Faucet.
   b. Load the Cleaning Bottle with warm, soapy water.
   c. Insert the tip of the Cleaning Bottle into the open end of the Dip Tube (part of the Keg Lifter Assembly).
   d. Pull down on the Tap Handle, then squeeze the Cleaning Bottle to allow the soapy water to flow through the beer line and into the empty bowl.
   e. Repeat this process with just warm water as many times as necessary until the beer lines are clean and all soap is cleared from the beer line.
   f. If the Beer Line needs to be replaced, lift up on the Beer Line and chrome plate covering the line. Pull down on the Tap Handle, then pull on the old Beer Line to remove. The new Beer Line can be put back into place by again pulling down on the Tap Handle, then inserting the Beer Line into the tap. Releasing the Tap Handle will pinch the new Beer Line, securing it.
5. Wash the remaining removable parts in warm, soapy water. Dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth.
6. As needed, wipe down the exterior of the unit with a damp, non-abrasive cloth.