Krups BeerTender Manual

The manufacturer reserves the right to make constructive and engineering changes as warranted by technological advances. Appliance complying with European Directive 89/336/EEC (Legislative Decree 476 of 04/12/92) concerning electromagnetic compatibility.
Never place powered components in contact with water. There is a danger that this may cause a short circuit.

Intended use

This appliance has been manufactured exclusively for dispensing beer in a domestic setting. Only original BeerTender Kegs mentioning "Compatible BeerTender" can be used with the appliance; you should not use any other commercially available beer containers. Before using a keg, check the "best before end" date shown at the bottom of the keg. Do not insert or use BeerTender Kegs after the date shown. You should not use the appliance for purposes or with containers other than those specified above. You should not introduce any materials other than BeerTender Kegs inside the appliance. You should not make technical changes or use the appliance in any manner other than as directed, due to the risks involved! The appliance should be used solely by adults in full possession of their mental and physical capacities.

Cleaning
Before cleaning the appliance, it is essential to turn off the main switch and then pull the plug out of the socket. Never immerse the appliance in water!
Please note that too much dust can affect the efficiency of the cooling system of your BeerTender. It is possible that dust enters in the machine through the vent grid at the rear of the machine. We recommend that, using a vaccuum cleaner, you clean regularly this particular area. This will allow your BeerTender to last longer and remain efficient over time. You should never attempt to access internal parts of the appliance.

1. BeerTender dispensing system
2. Refrigerating chamber
3. Lid
4. Lid opening handle
5. LED control panel
6. Tap cover
7. Dispensing spout
8. Beer tap handle
9. Drip grate
10. Drip tray
11. Main switch
12. Power cord with plug

Beertender Keg

13. BeerTender Keg
14. Beer tube
15. BeerTender Keg tap

Cautionary Notes

Using the Beertender system
To obtain draft beer of optimal quality you should keep two basic factors in mind, the temperature of the beer and hygienic conditions.

1. Pre-chill the beer keg to prevent excess foam. Always use a chilled keg. If you fail to chill the keg sufficiently too much foam will be produced when you start to pour your beer.
2. Always clean the appliance after use. Beer is a natural product that can spoil. Therefore, you should always keep the appliance clean to maintain the quality of the beer dispensed and avoid unpleasant odours (see "Cleaning"). The dispensing spout should be cleaned before a new keg is installed and the drip tray and grate should be emptied after every use.

You should also follow these other rules when using the BeerTender system:

1. Do not attempt to chill a BeerTender Keg in your freezer. Just like glass bottles, a keg may burst when placed in the freezer. Moreover, freezing diminishes the quality of the beer;
   
2. Your BeerTender uses a technology that delivers ultimate cooling results when the ambient temperature is between 12°C and 30°C. At colder temperature, the appliance cooling system could be damaged. At warmer temperature, the cooling system will not be able to reach the set regulation temperature of 3°C.
   
   
   To avoid overheating, always keep the BeerTender keg out of direct sunlight. To obtain good cooling performance, never install your machine in a room with an ambient temperature above 30°C.
   
3. Always hold the appliance by the bottom edge when lifting it.
   
   
   Do not use the handle or power cord to lift the BeerTender.
   

Using the Keg
Make sure that you chill the keg before using it. If you fail to chill the keg sufficiently too much foam will be produced when you start to pour beer. Please also be aware that the first glass that you pour from every new keg will contain mostly foam. Draught beer in a bar behaves in exactly the same way!
The BeerTender Keg "Compatible BeerTender" features a patented system for storing and dispensing beer. It guarantees beer of higher, long-lasting quality and a BeerTender system that is very easy and pleasant to use.

Before installing a keg inside the appliance, check the "best before end" date shown at the bottom of the keg. This date is a reliable indication if the keg has been stored at room temperature.
The use of kegs "Compatible BeerTender" in the BeerTender system necessitate the use of beer tubes. A bag of tubes is delivered with the BeerTender appliance. To receive, free of charge, additional beer tubes please contact our customer service via. (see details per country at the end of this manual)

Fix a beer tube at the top of the keg by simply pressing firmly on the push button.

Contents under pressure. Do not shake or drop. Do not expose to sunlight or temperatures above 30°C. Even when the keg is empty, do not force it open and do not expose to flame or fire.

Getting the Beertender ready

For your own and others' safety, please keep meticulously to the "Safety rules" described in chap.3.

Cooling the Beertender Keg
BeerTender kegs must be chilled before use. Using a BeerTender keg that is too warm will result in too much foam.
There are two ways to chill the BeerTender Keg:

1. Inside the BeerTender (see "Using the BeerTender"). It will take about 15 hours to cool the keg down to 3°C if the BeerTender Keg and the appliance are stabilized at a room temperature of 20°C.
2. In a refrigerator. This will take about 12 hours depending on the cooling capacity of your refrigerator.

Tip: we recommend that you always keep an extra BeerTender Keg in the refrigerator. That way you will always have a chilled keg available. We also recommend you to switch the appliance at least one hour before intended use to get full benefit from the pre-cooling of the keg.


Do not attempt to chill the keg in a freezer. Just like glass bottles, a keg may burst when placed in the freezer. Moreover, freezing diminishes the quality of the beer.

Installing the Beertender appliance
The original packing is designed and made to protect the appliance. You are recommended to keep it for future transport.

Remove the BeerTender appliance from the packing container and place it on a dry, clean, level, stable surface that is sufficiently large to accommodate it. The temperature of the room must be between 12°C and 30°C. If ambient temperatures is outside these brackets, your BeerTender will not be able to deliver the set regulation temperature of 3°C. Set the drip tray and grate in place at the front of the appliance. Make sure the drip tray is properly fitted and positioned.
Do not install the appliance near sources of heat or in places exposed to direct sunlight.
Note: keep in mind that during use the drip tray will have to be emptied and rinsed regularly. When the BeerTender system is not being used, you can remove the drip tray and place it elsewhere to save space.

The drip tray must be positioned on a level surface and must not jut out from the surface it is resting on.

After installing the BeerTender appliance you must clean the dispensing spout; this is the only part of the appliance that will come into contact with the beer.
It is vital that you wash the dispensing spout before using the appliance for the first time and at least every time a new keg is connected inside the BeerTender system. This part can also be washed in a dishwasher.

To clean the spout, remove it from its housing.
After washing the spout, screw it back into place.

Connecting to the power supply
Electricity can be dangerous! Therefore you must always scrupulously abide by the safety rules.
The appliance must be plugged into a suitable, properly installed electric socket with an earth connection. The voltage of the appliance has been set in the factory. Check that the mains voltage matches the voltage indicated on the rating plate on the rear of the appliance.

Make sure the main switch on the right is set on "0" before connecting the BeerTender to the mains. Insert the plug into a socket with the correct voltage and turn on the appliance by moving the main switch to "I".

Using the Beertender system

Inserting a Beertender Keg
Note: the BeerTender may only be used with BeerTender Kegs "Compatible BeerTender" containing beer sold by the Heineken group. The appliance can only be used if it contains a BeerTender Keg and only if the main switch is set on "I".

The control display on top of the lid, when illuminated, tells you that the appliance is switched on.
The appliance will immediately start cooling the inner chamber as soon as the main switch is moved to "I".

You can open the appliance by pushing the front handle. When the handle is released, you can lift the lid up.
Note: do not force the lid beyond the set opening position as this could damage it.

When the lid is completely open, insert a BeerTender Keg as shown in the figure.

Open the tap cover by turning it anti-clockwise.
Note: this cover can be removed for cleaning.

Take the tap of the BeerTender Keg "Compatible BeerTender" and fit it into place.

Position the beer tube as shown on drawing.

Close the tap cover by turning it clockwise.

Make sure the tap handle is positioned vertically before lid is closed.

Carefully close the appliance lid.

Control display
Your appliance features a large display providing you with important and useful information. On the left side of the display:

1. Volume indicator The BeerTender Keg volume is indicated with 4 levels. The 4 levels are visible when the keg is full. They disappear progressively while emptying the keg. The last level starts to blink when only two glasses of beer (+ / - one) are left in the keg. This gives you the possibility to prepare in advance a new keg to be insereted in the appliance.
   
2. Temperature indicator The temperature indicator goes from red, for a beer which is too warm, to orange when cooling of the beer is almost complete. The perfect draught beer temperature is attained when the indicator is green.
   
   never use your BeerTender with ambient temperature above 30°C. Above that level, the 3°C set regulation temperature can not be attained and the temperature indicator will never reach the green level.
   

Sound emitted by the Beertender appliance
The cooling function of the BeerTender produces sound. The BeerTender features a cooling system which controls the temperature of the BeerTender Keg. There are two cooling modes:

1. Stand-by cooling, which is used in normal operating conditions. In this mode the cooling fan produces a barely audible noise;
2. Active cooling, which is triggered when temperature inside the cooling chamber is too high. As soon as the cooling chamber reaches the right temperature, the appliance will switch back into the stand-by mode.

Dispensing beer

Note: always check the "best before end" date shown at the bottom of the BeerTender Keg. Do not use the BeerTender Keg beyond this date.
Note: the beer must be dispensed into suitable containers; the dispensing funtion is started and stopped manually by the user.

1. Preparing a glass
   In order to obtain perfect draft beer, it is essential to start with a clean, cool glass.
   Rinse the glass in cold water before dispensing beer (the colder the glass the better).
   Tip: we recommend using your beer glasses for drinking beer alone. Some beverages, like milk, leave a small residue in the glass which will reduce the head on your beer.
   
2. Dispensing beer
   Tip: verify on the control display that the beer has reached the right drinking temperature. Position a glass beneath the tap, holding it at an angle of 45 degrees (see picture). Avoid contact between the dispensing spout and the glass. This could cause excessive foaming. Firmly and quickly pull the handle down as far as it will go. Let the beer run into the glass.
   Avoid contact between the dispensing spout, glass and beer already in the glass.
   Note: Every time you install a new keg in the BeerTender, the first glass of beer will fill up with too much foam. When this occurs, allow the glass to stand on the drip tray. As soon as the foam has settled, fill up the glass.
   Note: Too much foam will also be generated if the tap handle is opened just slightly or slowly, several beers can be dispensed in sequence when the tap handle is open. The beer will flow out more slowly after the first glass has been filled.
   
3. Beer in the glass
   Place the glass of beer on the grate and wait for the foam to settle.
   
4. The quality of a glass of beer
   An excellent draft beer has the following characteristics:

1. A head of about 3 cms;
2. A head evenly distributed around the wall of the glass and adhering to the surface of the beer;
3. A crystal clear colour, with bubbles of carbon dioxide escaping from the sides and bottom of the glass;

Note: to prevent excessive foam from forming, always use a pre-chilled BeerTender Keg and a clean glass rinsed in cold water.

Cleaning

In addition to routine cleaning, the BeerTender should be cleaned after daily use and when you install a new BeerTender Keg.

Do not dry the appliance and/or its components in a microwave and/or conventional oven.

Cleaning after daily use
The drip tray and grate should be cleaned after every use.
Remove the grate before emptying out the drip tray. The grate must be set back in place during normal use of the BeerTender.

Note: You can wash the drip tray with warm water and a mild detergent. The drip tray is also dishwasher safe.

Never use aggressive cleaning agents such as vinegar, acids, solvents or petrol.

Cleaning after installation of a new Beertender Keg
When you install a new BeerTender Keg you must clean the dispensing spout. The spout is the only part of the appliance that comes into contact with the beer. It is essential to wash the spout either normally by hand or in a dishwasher.

Note: the dispensing spout comprises plastic and metal parts that are permanently joined together and do not pose any problems of hygiene. Do not attempt to separate these parts.
The beer dispensing mechanism must be cleaned using a damp cloth and a mild detergent.
Note: use a piece of cotton to thoroughly clean all the parts.

Do not attempt to clean the mechanism using hard and/or sharp objects: it is a precision component and you will risk damaging it.

Routine cleaning
Clean the appliance cooling chamber on a regular basis using a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Do not fill the cooling chamber with water as this may result in permanent damage. Never use aggressive agents such as vinegar, acids, solvents or petrol.

The tap cover can be removed. Open the cover and remove it. Clean it with warm water and a mild detergent.

Do not wash the tap cover in a dishwasher, as it could be damaged and lose its shine. Never use aggressive agents such as vinegar, acids, solvents or petrol.

Children's safety

To prevent children from using the appliance, you can remove the tap handle.
To remove the handle, make sure it is in an upright position and pull it upwards.

Troubleshooting

If you have any problems or queries please contact our Customer Relations Team first for expert help and advice. (see details per country at the end of this manual)

Safety rules

This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety. Children must be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance. This appliance is intended to be used only in the household. It is not intended to be used in the following applications, and the guarantee will not apply for:

• Staff kitchen areas in stores, offices and other working environments;
• farms and client use of hotels, motels and other residential environments;
• Bed and breakfast type environments.
• restaurants and other similar venues, except where retail sales are involved

Do not store explosive substances such as aerosol cans with a flammable propellant in this appliance. If the power cord is damaged, do not use the appliance. The Power cord must necessarily be replaced by the manufacturer, by its after-sales service or by similarly qualified persons in order to avoid all risks. This appliance can be used by children over 8 years old and by persons with reduced physical, sensory or mental capacities, or lacking experience or knowledge, only if they are properly supervised or if they have received instructions as to how to use of appliance safely and they understand the implicit risks. Children must not play with the appliance.
Children should not clean or perform maintenance procedures on the appliance unless they are supervised by a responsible adult. Only connect the machine to a mains voltage supply that coincides with the voltage indicated on the sign plate of your appliance. The connection to an incorrect supply voltage will invalidate the guarantee and could be dangerous. In case of inappropriate use or failure to follow the instructions, the manufacturer guarantee is declared void. Use only "Beer Tender Compatible" barrels. Always use the machine on a flat, stable, heat-resistant surface which is protected from other heat sources or water splashes. In order to protect people against fire, electric shocks and wounds, avoid immersing the power cord or plug in water or any other liquid. Never unplug the appliance with wet hands. In case of an emergency, unplug the the appliance immediately. Do not use the appliance without its draining tray and grill. After use, empty and clean the draining tray every day. Unplug the machine from the mains whenever you are not using it. Unplug the machine from the mains before cleaning. Never clean the machine with running water and do not immerse it in any liquid. Never use detergents to clean the machine. Clean the machine using only soft sponges and brushes. In case of a prolonged period without use (vacations, storage, etc.), unplug, empty and clean the machine. Any functioning, cleaning or maintenance which is outside the limits of normal use should be reserved to the staff at the local authorized service centres. Do not disassemble the appliance or place any objects in any of its openings. The use of accessories not recommended by the manufacturer could cause fires, electric shocks or wounds. Do not let the power cord hang from the edge of a table or work top, nor come into contact with hot surfaces or sharp edges. Do not let the electric cord hang (to avoid the risk of stumbling). Never touch the cord with wet hands. Do not place the machine on a gas or electric stove, nor near such heat sources, nor inside a hot oven. Before unplugging the appliance, make sure the ON/OFF button is set to OFF, then remove the plug from the outlet. Do not unplug the machine by pulling on the cord. In case you need to use the machine with an extension cord, respect the corresponding load recommendations for the extention. If the wall outlet does not correspond to the machine plug, have the plug replaced by the after-sales service or by similarly qualified persons in order to avoid all risks. The wrapping is made up of recyclable materials. Contact the local authorities for more information on recycling programs. Your machine contains materials that can be recovered or recycled.

Always leave the beer engine on if you have a barrel inside the machine.