Stout Faucet vs Standard Faucet for Kegerators

What a stout faucet means on a listing

A stout faucet is a tap designed for nitrogenated draft. It has a small restrictor inside the spout that changes the flow, producing a dense, creamy pour. On listings, you may see the words "stout faucet", "cream faucet", or "nitro faucet" in the title or the bullet list.

The internal design is what sets it apart from a standard faucet. A standard faucet pours freely with a wide opening, while a stout faucet narrows the flow. This is why the two are not simply different finishes. When a listing names a stout faucet, it is telling you the unit is set up for a particular serving style.

If a listing does not name a faucet type, you cannot assume one is included. Read the bullet list and the box contents section to see what the unit ships with. That is the only reliable way to know the faucet type on a given model.

What a standard faucet means on a listing

A standard faucet is the common tap found on most kegerator listings. It opens fully with a straight spout and suits the majority of draft styles. Almost every single tap, dual tap, and triple tap model on this site includes standard faucets unless the title says otherwise.

The words "faucet" and "tap" are used interchangeably in titles. A listing that says "2 faucets" means two taps. A listing that says "stout faucet" means one tap of that type. Read the whole title before you compare models, because the first word of a model name rarely tells you the faucet type.

Standard faucets are the default choice. If you plan to serve only conventional drafts, a standard faucet is all you need. If you plan to serve nitrogenated styles, you may want to look for a stout faucet or plan to add one later.

Nitrocarbonation explained as a term

Nitrocarbonation is the term used for a mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide in a draft system. Nitrogen produces a smooth, creamy texture with a dense head, which is why certain stout styles are served this way. On a listing, you are unlikely to see the word "nitrocarbonation" itself, but you may see "nitro" or "stout" in the description.

The term matters because a stout faucet is designed for this kind of serving. The restrictor inside the spout works with the nitrogenated pour to create the characteristic look and mouthfeel. A standard faucet does not have that restrictor.

You do not need to understand the gas details to choose a faucet. What you need to read is which faucet type a listing includes and whether the unit can serve a nitrogenated style. This site does not give gas or pressure guidance, because listings do not state it.

Comparing the two on stated details

When you compare listings, the stated details you can rely on are the tap count, the faucet type if named, and the overall setup. A single tap with a standard faucet is a simple unit. A dual tap with one stout and one standard faucet gives you both options.

The tap count does not tell you the faucet type. A two tap tower can have two standard faucets, one stout and one standard, or two stout faucets depending on the listing. Read the bullet list for the exact wording. A triple tap model gives you even more room to mix faucet types.

Some listings name the faucet material, like stainless steel or chrome. That is a separate detail from the faucet type. A stainless stout faucet and a chrome stout faucet work the same way; the material affects the finish and the look of the tower.

Serving conditions in general terms

Serving conditions affect which faucet you will want. Conditions such as the style of drink, the size of the pour, and the number of people you serve change the decision. This site does not give temperatures or pressure settings, but you can plan in words.

If one person in your house prefers a creamy stout and everyone else drinks standard drafts, a dual tap with one of each saves you from swapping faucets. If you serve many people at a small venue, commercial listings with multiple taps are the usual choice.

The faucet type you pick should match the drinks you plan to serve. There is no single answer for every buyer. The stated details on a listing tell you what is included, and the rest is your plan for the space.

What to look for in a listing

Look for the words "stout faucet", "nitro faucet", or "cream faucet" in the title or bullet list. If none appear, assume the unit ships with standard faucets unless a bullet says otherwise.

Look at the tap count. A single tap unit with a stout faucet serves one style. A dual tap unit with mixed faucets serves both a creamy stout and a standard draft. A triple or four tap unit gives you more flexibility for a shared space or a small business.

Look at the box contents. The faucet type is usually listed there. If the listing does not say what faucets are included, that is a missing detail you should ask the seller about before you buy.

Compare units within the same cabinet width and tap count. The faucet type is one of the details that separates models that otherwise look alike.

What a title cannot say about faucets

A title can say "stout faucet" or "2 faucets", but it cannot tell you how the faucet is mounted, whether it is a tower or a direct draw setup, or which gas mix the unit uses. Those details, if stated, appear in the bullet list or the specifications section.

Titles also do not tell you whether a faucet is included in the box or sold separately. Some kegerators ship with the faucet already mounted on a tower, while others expect you to add components. Read the box contents to know what arrives.

When a title is silent on faucets, treat it as a missing detail. The site marks such details as "not stated by the seller", and you should ask the seller before committing to a purchase. The best kegerator guide walks through this comparison step by step.

What to pick for your situation

Questions

What is a stout faucet?

A stout faucet is a tap with an internal restrictor plate that produces a creamy pour from nitrogenated drafts. It is named for the stout styles it is designed to serve.

Can I use a standard faucet for a stout?

You can pour the drink, but you will not get the creamy texture a stout faucet provides. The restrictor inside a stout faucet is what changes the pour.

How do I know which faucet a listing includes?

Read the title and bullet list. Look for the words "stout", "nitro", or "cream" in the faucet description. If none appear, the unit likely ships with standard faucets.

What does nitrocarbonation mean?

Nitrocarbonation is the term for a mix of nitrogen and carbon dioxide used to serve a creamy style. You do not need gas details to choose a faucet; you need to read which faucet a listing states.

Do I need a stout faucet for a kegerator?

Only if you plan to serve nitrogenated styles. A standard faucet handles most drafts, and a stout faucet is for creamy pours.

Can one kegerator have both faucet types?

Yes. A dual tap tower can include one stout and one standard faucet, giving you both options on the same unit. Read the bullet list to confirm.