By Joybuy, our high-tech and lifestyle trend expert
Enjoying a bar-quality draught beer without leaving the comfort of your living room is a dream for many enthusiasts. Navigating the maze of home beer taps can be overwhelming, making it hard to choose. That's why we're putting the Philips PerfectDraft beer dispenser under the microscope, a system acclaimed for its simplicity and the quality of its experience. Our goal? To help you decide if this machine is the right fit for you.
Before you take the plunge, here are a few essential points that define a great at-home draught beer experience.
The heart of the operation is the keg. The PerfectDraft system works exclusively with 6L PerfectDraft kegs. This pressurised format was specially designed to preserve the freshness and carbonation of your beer. One of the system's greatest assets is its extensive catalogue of compatible beers, ranging from classic lagers to craft IPAs, wheat beers, and ambers. Before you decide, simply check that your favourite brands and beer styles are available in this format.
A great draught beer must be served at the ideal temperature to release its full aroma. The Philips PerfectDraft machine chills the kegs and maintains the beer at a perfect, consistent serving temperature of 3°C. Once a keg is tapped, the system guarantees impeccable preservation for up to 30 days, with no loss of taste or carbonation. This is a decisive advantage if you don't plan on finishing the keg in a single evening.
A good machine should be simple to use. Recent models, like the 5000 series, feature light indicators that let you know when the beer has reached its ideal serving temperature. But the experience doesn't end with the pour: the choice of glass is just as crucial. A double-walled beer glass, for example, will keep your drink colder for longer, without any unpleasant external condensation. Considering the entire setup (machine + kegs + glasses) is the key to a successful experience.
Here is a selection of products to start or complete your setup and transform your living room into a tasting lounge.
Why it stands out
This is the ultimate starter pack. It combines the famously reliable Philips PerfectDraft dispenser with a pair of Bodum Canteen glasses. Both stylish and smart, these double-walled glasses provide perfect thermal insulation to preserve your beer's freshness.
Benefits
Who is it for?
For those who want to get started with a turnkey solution, no questions asked. It's also an excellent gift for a beer lover who appreciates beautiful objects and a proper tasting experience.
Why it stands out
This set of mugs is the epitome of conviviality. With their classic design and sturdy handle, they ensure a perfect grip and evoke a pub-like atmosphere. A simple, solid, and effective glass.
Benefits
Who is it for?
For fans of gatherings with friends (game nights, barbecues) who are looking for practical, durable glasses perfect for a relaxed atmosphere.
Why it stands out
With this set of stemmed glasses, tasting reaches a new level. Their tulip shape, a hallmark of connoisseurs, is specially designed to concentrate aromas and maintain a perfect head of foam.
Benefits
Who is it for?
For budding zythologists who love exploring different beer styles (Belgian ales, IPAs...) and want the right glass to capture all their subtleties.
The choice of glass depends on the beer and the occasion. If our suggestions haven't won you over, feel free to explore our complete selection.
Explore our full collection of beer glasses
Here are the answers to the most common questions about the Philips PerfectDraft dispenser.
Once the keg is installed and tapped, the beer stays perfectly fresh and carbonated for 30 days. The system keeps the keg pressurised, which prevents oxygen from coming into contact with the beer and causing it to oxidise.
Not at all; the system was designed to be incredibly simple. Just pre-chill the keg in the refrigerator (allow 6 to 8 hours), clip on the provided service tube, insert it into the machine, and close the lid. The dispenser does the rest: it finishes chilling the beer and maintains the ideal temperature. A light indicator even tells you when the beer is ready to be served.
This is one of the system's biggest strengths! The range of compatible kegs is immense and includes dozens of brands from French, Belgian, German, and international breweries. You'll find a vast selection of styles: lagers, wheat beers, IPAs, tripels, abbey ales, and more. To see the most up-to-date catalogue, the easiest way is to check specialised websites.