Which keg coupler fits? Fitting types at a glance

The keg coupler connects the keg to the beer and CO2 lines. Which one fits depends solely on the connection (the “fitting”) of the keg – not on the dispensing system.

The fitting types

Type	Name	Good to know
A	Flat	The most common: 432 of 649 breweries in our keg list, i.e. around two thirds. Type A couplers
S	Basket	The coupler is placed on from above and screwed in. 160 breweries in the keg list. Type S couplers
M	Combi	54 breweries in our keg list, e.g. Veltins, Gaffel, Einbecker and Schneider Weisse. Type M couplers
D	Köpi	Special connection for kegs from the König brewery. Type D couplers
U	U‑system	Irish beers such as Guinness and Kilkenny; they are dispensed with mixed gas and need a special coupler.

Look up your beer

Our keg list shows the connection used by around 650 breweries. If your brewery is not listed, look at the connection on top of the keg or ask your drinks retailer. Breweries change over from time to time, and a different connection may be used depending on the beer or keg size.

Which keg coupler for which beer?

Well-known brands from our keg list at a glance. If in doubt, take a look at the keg – breweries change over from time to time.

Connection	Brands (selection)
A Flat	Augustiner, Bitburger, Diebels, Flensburger, Franziskaner, Früh, Hacker-Pschorr, Jever, Köstritzer, Krombacher, Löwenbräu, Paulaner, Reissdorf, Rothaus, Spaten, Tucher, Warsteiner, Weihenstephan, Wernesgrüner
S Basket	Beck's, DAB, Erdinger, Fürstenberg, Heineken, Holsten, Kulmbacher, Licher, Lübzer, Radeberger
M Combi	Einbecker, Fiege, Gaffel, Gilden, Härke, Herrenhäuser, Schlösser, Schneider Weisse, Sion, Veltins
D Köpi	König Pilsener
U U‑system	Guinness, Kilkenny

All 649 entries with search and filter are in the keg list.

Cellar tapping or counter tapping?

Straight outlet (cellar tapping): the keg stands in the cellar or cold room, the lines lead upwards.
Angled outlet (counter tapping): the lines leave to the side – ideal when there is little space above the keg, for example under the counter or next to the mobile dispensing system.

The keg connection is the same for both. With our complete dispensing systems and in the configurator you choose the coupler type directly.

The connections on the keg coupler

Two lines leave the keg coupler: the beer line with a 5/8 inch and the CO2 line with a 3/4 inch thread. Which nuts, tails and hoses match is explained under connections & hoses; the right pressure regulator is under CO2 & pressure regulators.

And the 5-litre party keg?

5-litre party kegs do not need a keg coupler but a tap system of their own – for example with CO2 capsules.

Cleaning, care and spare parts

Clean at every keg change – the cooler operating manuals require this too. Clean the fitting with the keg cleaning brush for flat and combi fittings or for basket fittings.
Check the seals and replace them if they are cracked or leaking, for example with the replacement seal for flat and combi couplers or the plunger seal for combi couplers.
Cleaning the line: the cleaning container is available with a keg fitting for flat, combi, basket or Köpi. Your coupler is connected to it just like to a keg – how to continue is explained under cleaning your beer tap.

Frequently asked questions

Does a keg coupler fit every keg?

No. A coupler only fits kegs with the matching fitting – a flat coupler (type A) does not fit a keg with a basket fitting (type S).

Do I need a separate coupler for every beer?

Only if the kegs have different fittings. Krombacher and Bitburger both use type A and fit the same coupler; for Veltins (type M) you need a combi coupler.

Which keg coupler do I need for Guinness?

Guinness and Kilkenny use the U-system. You need a coupler of its own and mixed gas instead of pure carbon dioxide.

Are there dispensing systems with a matching coupler?

Yes. With our complete dispensing systems and in the configurator you choose the coupler type directly.

Matching products

Questions about your system? Write to us – we are happy to help. More topics under Good to know.

All information without guarantee. The manufacturers’ operating instructions and notes are authoritative.