Applebee’S Beer On Tap Review (Updated | Apr 11th)
Choosing the right beer on tap at Applebee’s can be overwhelming—there are so many options, but little clarity on which ones actually taste good or offer real value. This review breaks down which taps deliver a satisfying pour and which ones aren’t worth the order, so you can skip the guesswork and pick the best beer for your palate and budget.
Key Takeaways
- Editor’s Choice Kegerator-Ready Draft Tower suits home brewers needing versatile, rust-resistant draft systems.
- Choose the Runner-up Heavy-Duty Party Pump for occasional use and simple keg dispensing.
- Prioritize stainless steel cores to preserve beer flavor and prevent rust long-term.
- Check insulation quality to maintain cold pour temperature during extended service.
- Use included assembly tools to ensure leak-free connections on first setup.
MRbrew Single Tap Draft Beer Tower
Kegerator-Ready Draft Tower
- Supports both kegerator and countertop setups
- Self-closing faucet reduces beer waste effectively
- Stainless core preserves beer flavor and prevents rust
- BEST FOR KEGERATOR-READY DRAFT TOWER: MRbrew Single Tap Draft Beer Tower Read More ↓
- BEST FOR HEAVY-DUTY PARTY PUMP: FERRODAY 4″ Beer Keg Tap Heavy Duty Complete D-System Keg Pump US Beer Keg Pump for Sankey Keg Party Pump Picnic Keg Tap Keg Hand Pump Draft Beer Kegerator Pump Easy Lock 4 Inch Keg Pump Soda Pump Read More ↓
- BEST FOR STAINLESS HIGH-REACH TAP: Hgkeke 8″ Keg Tap D System Beer Keg Party Pump Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Applebee’S Beer On Tap
MRbrew Single Tap Draft Beer Tower, Support Countertop and Kegerator Installation, Stainless Core Beer Faucet Stainless Steel 3” Flange Brewing Tower Dispenser Kit with Self-Closing Faucet Spring
The MRbrew Single Tap Draft Beer Tower stands out for its dual installation flexibility, supporting both kegerators and custom countertop setups—a rare feature in its class. Ideal for homebrewers and enthusiasts building a dedicated draft system, it offers a fully stainless structure with a beer-contact-safe core that preserves taste.
The built-in insulation foam helps maintain pour temperature, though performance relies heavily on an external cooler. While it’s well-suited for permanent installations, the need for drilling in countertop use and partial pre-assembly mean it’s less beginner-friendly.
A solid long-term investment for serious users, but not for casual testers.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Supports both kegerator and countertop setups
- Self-closing faucet reduces beer waste effectively
- Stainless core preserves beer flavor and prevents rust
- Includes useful tools for leak-free assembly
- Insulation foam helps maintain cold pour temperature
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires drilling for countertop installation
- Heavier than similar single-tap towers
- Assembly can confuse first-time users
FERRODAY 4″ Beer Keg Tap Heavy Duty Complete D-System Keg Pump US Beer Keg Pump for Sankey Keg Party Pump Picnic Keg Tap Keg Hand Pump Draft Beer Kegerator Pump Easy Lock 4 Inch Keg Pump Soda Pump
The FERRODAY 4″ D-System Keg Pump is a no-frills, portable solution for tapping standard Sankey kegs—perfect for parties, outdoor events, or temporary setups where a full draft system isn’t practical. It shines in simplicity and durability, with a heavy-duty brass coupler and leak-resistant O-rings that deliver reliable performance.
Best suited for casual users or event hosts who need a dependable, one-off pour system without permanent installation. However, it lacks temperature control, so beer warms quickly, and the picnic faucet, while durable, can be hard to clean over time.
It’s a workhorse for short-term use but not ideal for daily dispensing.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable brass construction resists rust and wear
- Leak-proof seals with premium O-rings included
- Easy to connect and operate in minutes
- Works with most North American beer kegs
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- No cooling mechanism; beer warms fast
- Picnic faucet harder to clean than draft towers
- Not suited for long-term continuous use
Hgkeke 8″ Keg Tap D System Beer Keg Party Pump, Standard US Hand Pump for Sankey Keg Stainless Steel Probe with Beer Faucet & Hose Clamps for Homebrew Picnic Parties Draft Beer Dispenser
The Hgkeke 8″ D-System Keg Tap stands out as a durable, no-frills hand pump ideal for home users hosting parties or casual beer dispensing. Made from food-safe stainless steel, it preserves beer flavor and resists corrosion—unlike cheaper plastic alternatives.
It’s best suited for beginners or occasional users who want a CO₂-free way to serve draft beer from Sankey kegs. While it offers reliable performance and easy one-handed use, the pump requires consistent manual effort over time, making it less ideal for high-volume serving.
Still, for backyard gatherings or small events, it delivers solid value with minimal setup.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- Durable stainless steel construction
- No CO₂ tank needed
- Secure seal prevents leaks
- Easy one-handed operation
- Includes food-safe beer line
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- Requires frequent pumping
- Not for continuous heavy use
- Plastic faucet feels cheap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What should I look for in a beer tap system?
Focus on build quality, compatibility with Sankey D-system kegs, and leak resistance. Look for stainless steel or chrome-plated brass components, secure connections with O-rings, and a design that allows for easy pumping and cleaning. Avoid flimsy plastic parts, especially in high-use settings.
How do they compare in durability and performance?
The MRbrew Single Tap is best for permanent setups with its countertop or kegerator mount, while the FERRODAY 4″ and Hgkeke 8″ are portable party pumps. FERRODAY uses chrome-plated brass and has a tested leak-free faucet, whereas Hgkeke’s 8″ stainless steel shaft resists rust and offers smoother strokes due to its length.
Which one is best for home use with occasional parties?
The MRbrew Single Tap Draft Beer Tower suits home users wanting a built-in draft experience. It installs cleanly and reduces waste with its self-closing faucet spring, though it requires drilling for countertop use. Great for those who want a permanent, tidy setup.
Is the FERRODAY 4″ Beer Keg Tap reliable for repeated use?
Yes, the FERRODAY 4″ is built like a commercial unit with a heavy-duty brass coupler and tested picnic faucet. It holds up well over time, but the shorter pump stroke means more effort per pour compared to longer models like the Hgkeke 8″.
Does the Hgkeke 8″ Keg Tap offer any real advantages over shorter pumps?
The Hgkeke 8″ provides a longer pump stroke, reducing effort and enabling smoother, faster dispensing—ideal for large gatherings. Its full stainless steel construction resists corrosion better than chrome-plated alternatives, and the built-in check valve minimizes leaks and gas loss.
Are these compatible with standard beer kegs in the US?
All three are compatible with American D-system Sankey kegs, the standard for most domestic and many imported beers in the US. Always check the coupler type—D-system is most common—and ensure O-rings are in good condition before use.
What maintenance do these taps require?
After each use, disassemble and rinse the faucet and probe to prevent clogs and bacterial growth. Use the included cleaning brush on models like the MRbrew. Store with O-rings lubricated to prevent drying and cracking, especially on the FERRODAY and Hgkeke pumps.
Can I use these without a CO2 tank?
Yes, all three are manual pump systems that don’t require CO2, making them ideal for outdoor events or temporary setups. The FERRODAY and Hgkeke party pumps push air into the keg, so beer stays fresh for a day or two—best for short-term use.