Star Wars Beer Tap Handles Review (Updated | Apr 27th)
Star Wars beer tap handles serve as functional collectibles for home bar enthusiasts and commercial establishments. When selecting these items, key considerations include material durability, thread compatibility with standard faucets, and the level of sculptural detail. This guide evaluates various designs, from lightsaber hilts to character busts, focusing on build quality and ease of installation.
Key Takeaways
- The Dark Side Essential is the best choice for home bars needing a sturdy, imposing Darth Vader aesthetic.
- Choose the Imperial Army Classic if you want a detailed, high-quality representation of the Galactic Empire’s forces.
- Verify that your selected handle fits the standard 3/8-inch threading used on most commercial and home kegerators.
- Prioritize handles made from resin or heavy-duty materials to ensure they withstand the pressure of frequent pouring.
- Check the height and clearance of your bar setup to ensure these oversized character handles fit comfortably.
Matts Classic Collectibles Darth Vader Star Wars Tap Handle
Dark Side Essential
- The iconic Vader helmet adds an imposing look to any bar.
- It fits perfectly on all standard 3/8-inch threaded beer taps.
- The sturdy construction feels substantial when you are pouring a pint.
- BEST FOR DARK SIDE ESSENTIAL: Matts Classic Collectibles Darth Vader Star Wars Tap Handle Read More ↓
- BEST FOR IMPERIAL ARMY CLASSIC: Matts Classic Collectibles Storm Trooper Star Wars Tap Handle Read More ↓
Product Comparison: Star Wars Beer Tap Handles
Matts Classic Collectibles Darth Vader Star Wars Tap Handle
If you are looking to add some serious presence to your home bar, this Darth Vader beer tap handle is the ultimate way to command your kegerator. It is designed to fit any standard 3/8-inch tap, making it a breeze to swap out your boring factory handle for the Dark Lord himself.
I love how the helmet detail stands out against a dark stout or a heavy porter; it really sets the mood for a ‘Dark Side’ brew session. It is a fantastic conversation starter for any Star Wars fan who wants their bar to reflect their personality rather than looking like a generic pub.
Whether you are hosting a movie marathon or just pouring a cold one after work, having Vader at the helm feels pretty epic. However, you should be aware that the height and weight of the head can make it a bit top-heavy, which might cause some sensitive faucets to leak if the spring tension isn’t dialed in perfectly.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The iconic Vader helmet adds an imposing look to any bar.
- It fits perfectly on all standard 3/8-inch threaded beer taps.
- The sturdy construction feels substantial when you are pouring a pint.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The top-heavy design can accidentally trigger some sensitive auto-close faucets.
- The paint finish may chip if it hits the backsplash repeatedly.
Matts Classic Collectibles Storm Trooper Star Wars Tap Handle
The Stormtrooper beer tap handle is the perfect companion for someone who wants a cleaner, more imperial aesthetic for their draft setup. The high-contrast white helmet looks incredibly sharp, especially if you have a modern stainless steel tower.
Just like its Sith master, this handle fits the universal 3/8-inch thread, so you won’t need any special adapters to get it running. It is the ideal gift for the homebrewer who doesn’t take themselves too seriously and wants to bring a bit of the Galactic Empire into their man cave or garage bar.
The grip feels natural in your hand, providing plenty of leverage for a smooth pour every time. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the bright white finish shows every single beer splash and fingerprint, so you will find yourself wiping it down constantly to keep it looking pristine for your guests.
✓ Reasons to Buy
- The bright white helmet pops beautifully against dark bar backgrounds.
- It provides a comfortable, wide grip for easy pouring action.
- Standard threading ensures it works with almost any home kegerator.
✗ Reasons Not to Buy
- The white surface stains easily if dark beer splashes on it.
- It is noticeably bulky and might crowd a multi-tap tower setup.
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
Will these fit a standard home kegerator setup?
Yes, both the Darth Vader and Storm Trooper handles are designed with standard 3/8″-16 UNC internal threads. This is the universal size for almost all commercial and home draft systems in North America. You can simply screw them onto your existing faucet lever without any special tools or adapters.
What is the build quality of the Darth Vader Star handle like?
The Darth Vader Star handle is surprisingly sturdy and has a satisfying weight that makes pulling a pint feel substantial. However, because the helmet design is wider than a standard cylindrical handle, you should ensure you have enough clearance between your taps if you plan on running a multi-tap tower. It is best suited for a center-tap position where it can be the focal point of the bar.
How does the Storm Trooper Star handle hold up to frequent use?
The Storm Trooper Star handle features a crisp white finish that looks sharp, but it can show fingerprints or beer splashes more easily than darker models. The material is durable enough for daily use, though I recommend wiping it down with a damp cloth after a heavy session to prevent any staining on the white surface. It is a fantastic choice for a ‘clean’ minimalist bar aesthetic.
Should I be concerned about the height of these specialty handles?
Height is a critical factor because tall handles can accidentally hit the back of a keezer lid or a wall when pushed back to the ‘off’ position. Before buying, measure the distance from your faucet to any obstructions behind the tap to ensure the character’s head doesn’t prevent the valve from closing fully. These handles are taller than standard plastic knobs, so they require a bit more ‘swing’ room.
Are these handles made of solid resin or hollow plastic?
These specific Star Wars handles are typically cast in a dense resin, which provides a much better hand-feel than cheap, hollow plastic alternatives. This density ensures they don’t feel brittle when you apply pressure to pour a high-carbonated beer. The solid construction also means the threading is less likely to strip over time compared to thinner materials.
How do I align the character to face forward once it is tightened?
If your handle is facing the wrong way when tightened, you need to use a ‘faucet lock nut’ or ‘jam nut’ on your tap lever. Simply thread the nut onto the faucet first, screw the handle on until it is oriented correctly, and then tighten the nut upward against the base of the handle to lock it in place. This prevents you from over-tightening and potentially cracking the resin base just to get it straight.
Can these handles be used for high-volume commercial bars?
While they are great for home use, the intricate details on the Vader and Storm Trooper helmets can be difficult to deep-clean in a commercial environment where sanitation is strictly monitored. For a home bar, they are perfect, but professional bartenders might find the ergonomic grip less efficient than a traditional tapered handle during a rush. They are best used as ‘specialty’ handles for seasonal or rotating craft brews.
