Bar Refrigeration and Draft Equipment Brands We Service
Beer caves, back-bar and draft systems
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Updated October 14, 2026
Quick answer
Most Bay Area bars run back-bar coolers, keg coolers and glycol power packs from a handful of makers: Perlick, Micro Matic, True, Beverage-Air, Glastender, Krowne and Kegco. Refrigeration problems look similar across brands; what differs is controls, alarm codes and parts availability.
Brands at a glance
| Brand | Where we see it | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Perlick | Back-bar coolers, glycol power packs, underbar | Back-bars show an HA high-temperature alarm; see Perlick codes |
| Micro Matic | Draft systems, glycol power packs, kegerators | Common for long-draw systems |
| True | Back-bar, bottle and direct-draw coolers | See True guide |
| Beverage-Air | Back-bar, bottle and draft coolers | See Beverage-Air guide |
| Glastender | Underbar equipment, back-bar coolers, glycol | Often custom bar layouts |
| Krowne | Underbar and back-bar refrigeration | Common in hotel bars |
| Kegco | Commercial kegerators and draft coolers | Also sells home units; check the commercial model |
What is the same across brands
- Clogged front condensers cause most warm coolers
- Door gaskets and hinges wear with service traffic
- Glycol power packs need clean condensers and working pumps
Before calling about any brand
- Note the brand, model and serial from the data plate.
- Write down any alarm code exactly.
- Check the condenser grille for dust.
- Note whether the problem is one unit or several taps.
Commercial vs home units
Some brands sell both home and commercial kegerators. Commercial units are built for continuous duty and higher door traffic. If a home unit was installed in a bar, expect shorter life and limited parts.
Perlick
Perlick makes back-bar coolers, underbar equipment and glycol power packs. Its 4410 and 4420 power packs come in air-cooled and water-cooled versions with one to three 100 gph pumps; the air-cooled 4420 runs on a 208/230 V circuit. Perlick back-bars can show an HA high-temperature alarm, and power packs can show probe codes. See Perlick codes.
Micro Matic
Micro Matic supplies draft systems, couplers and Pro-Line glycol power packs. Its maintenance guidance for power packs calls for monthly glycol level checks, glycol replacement every 18 months (yearly in humid regions) and condenser checks every 60 days.
True and Beverage-Air
Both make back-bar, bottle and direct-draw coolers alongside their reach-ins. Current HC models run on R290. Dealer listings show long warranties on many current Beverage-Air back-bars. See the True and Beverage-Air guides.
Glastender, Krowne and Kegco
Glastender and Krowne build underbar systems and back-bar refrigeration, often as custom bar layouts. Kegco sells commercial and home kegerators and draft coolers; check that a unit in a bar is a commercial model.
Owner checks that apply to every brand
| Step | Check | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thermometer in a bottle of water | True product temperature |
| 2 | Front grille and condenser | Dust: clean |
| 3 | Doors, tracks, gaskets | Leaks: warm cabinet |
| 4 | Alarm or code | Note it before resetting |
| 5 | Glycol bath and pump (long-draw) | Warm bath or no flow: power pack |
Bay Area factors
Bay Area bars mix decades-old equipment with new R290 units. Older units often lack parts; newer units need technicians trained on flammable refrigerants. We service both.
Commercial vs home kegerators
Home kegerators are built for occasional use and a single keg. Commercial units run all day, handle heavier door traffic and are built to be serviced. If a home unit was installed in a bar, expect shorter life and limited parts. We service commercial units.
Parts availability
Common parts for Perlick, True and Beverage-Air are generally available through supply houses. Custom bar equipment from Glastender or Krowne may need parts ordered. Have the model and serial ready so we can source parts before the visit.
What our technician does
- Identifies the unit and checks temperatures and alarms.
- Cleans and inspects condensers and fans.
- Checks doors, gaskets, tracks and heaters.
- Tests controls, defrost and the refrigeration circuit.
- On glycol systems, checks bath, pump and mix.
Regular hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM.
Common failures by equipment type
| Equipment | Most common failure |
|---|---|
| Back-bar cooler | Clogged front condenser |
| Bottle cooler | Lid seals and drains |
| Direct-draw keg cooler | Warm tower, dirty condenser |
| Glycol power pack | Dirty condenser, pump failure |
| Glass-door back-bar | Door heaters, LED drivers |
Maintenance that applies to every brand
- Clean condensers monthly in bars.
- Check gaskets, tracks and lid seals weekly.
- Log keg cooler and back-bar temperatures daily.
- Follow the Brewers Association schedule for glycol packs: bath every two weeks, condenser, pumps and motors monthly.
- Book a professional inspection at least twice a year.
Bay Area bar layouts
Many Bay Area bars mix equipment from several brands installed over years, often in custom millwork. Before replacing a unit, note its breathing direction and dimensions; a different brand may not fit or vent the same way.
Perlick power pack electrical notes
Perlick's listings show the water-cooled 4410W-2 on a dedicated 120 V circuit and the air-cooled 4420 at 1.5 HP on 208/230 V single-phase. A pack on the wrong or shared circuit can trip or run poorly; check the spec plate when moving or replacing one.
When to call a technician
Have the brand, model and any alarm code ready when you call; it speeds up parts.
Open 7 days, 8 AM to 5 PM, with emergency service until 9 PM. CA Lic. #776244.
Frequently asked questions
Do you repair Perlick back-bar coolers?
Yes, along with the other brands listed here.
Do you repair home kegerators?
We focus on commercial equipment in bars, breweries and restaurants.
Do you service Micro Matic power packs?
Yes, the refrigeration side and pumps.
Do you service Glastender underbar refrigeration?
Yes.
Is Kegco commercial equipment?
Kegco sells both home and commercial units; check the model.
What brand of back-bar cooler is most reliable?
Reliability depends more on placement and condenser cleaning than brand; all major brands last when maintained.
Can I mix brands in one bar?
Yes; just match dimensions, breathing direction and electrical needs.
Do you repair Perlick power packs?
Yes, air- and water-cooled models.
Which brands do you service most?
Perlick, True, Beverage-Air, Micro Matic, Glastender, Krowne and Kegco commercial units, plus other commercial bar refrigeration.
Related guides
Sources
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