Klarstein Skal Beer Dispenser Review: A Practical Home Bar Addition

Having a beer dispenser at home sounds like a fun idea, and the Klarstein Skal Beer Dispenser is one such gadget that promises to bring the bar experience to your living room. This gadget is designed for casual beer drinkers who love hosting small gatherings or just want to enjoy a cold pint at home. The idea of tapping into a fresh keg anytime you want is certainly appealing, but does this dispenser deliver on its promise?

I spent a couple of weeks testing out the Klarstein Skal, pouring pints and tinkering with its various features. It's not just about keeping your beer cold; it also uses a CO2 cartridge system to maintain the right pressure. This means your beer stays fresh and fizzy for longer, which is a nice touch if you don't plan on finishing the keg in one go.

One thing that stood out during my tests was the versatility of this device. It's compatible with all 5-litre kegs, including Heineken barrels thanks to an included adapter. This is perfect if you like to switch up your beer brands and styles. Overall, the Klarstein Skal seems like a solid choice for beer enthusiasts. Still, how does it hold up in terms of design, performance, and value?

Let's dive into the details and see what this beer dispenser is all about.

When it comes to value, the Klarstein Skal Beer Dispenser offers a reasonable package for home beer enthusiasts. Priced in the mid-range, it provides features that justify its cost, especially if you consider the convenience of having a fresh pint at your fingertips. The compatibility with various 5-litre kegs adds to its versatility, allowing you to sample different beer types without hassle.

The inclusion of three CO2 cartridges is a nice touch, reducing additional costs initially. The cooling system, while taking time, does the job effectively once the beer is chilled. Compared to other options on the market, the Klarstein offers a balance of quality and functionality without breaking the bank.

However, if you're someone who doesn't drink beer frequently or doesn't host parties often, you might find it hard to justify the expense. It's a gadget that serves a specific purpose, and if that aligns with your lifestyle, you'll likely find it a worthy investment.

On the whole, the Klarstein Skal provides good value for those who will use it regularly, but casual drinkers might want to consider if it's a necessary addition to their household.

The design of the Klarstein Skal Beer Dispenser is pretty straightforward. It's got a silver-grey stainless steel finish that makes it look sleek enough to fit into most kitchen or bar setups without being an eyesore. The build quality feels solid, and the materials used seem durable, which is important for a product that's going to be handling pressurized kegs.

There's an easy-to-read LED display that shows the beer temperature, which is a nice touch. You can adjust the temperature with the plus and minus keys, and the range is from 2°C to 12°C. I found this feature pretty useful, especially if you're particular about your beer's chill factor. The dispenser also operates quietly, with a noise level of about 38 dB. It’s not whisper-quiet but certainly isn’t going to drown out your conversation during a get-together.

One downside I noticed is the size. At 45 x 27 x 48 cm, it's not exactly compact. If you have limited counter space, you might struggle to find a spot for it. Additionally, the drip tray is removable and easy to clean, which is a relief since spills are inevitable with any beer dispenser.

In summary, the Klarstein Skal scores well on design and build quality, but make sure you've got the counter space to accommodate it.

Performance-wise, the Klarstein Skal Beer Dispenser does a decent job of keeping your beer cold and fresh. The thermoelectric cooling system is effective, though it takes about 19-21 hours to cool a keg from room temperature to around 4°C. That's quite a wait, so pre-cooling your kegs in the fridge might be a good practice. Once cooled, the beer remains at your desired temperature as long as the dispenser is plugged in.

The CO2 cartridge system ensures that you can pour a perfect pint with the right amount of foam. The device comes with three CO2 cartridges, and I found these lasted quite a while. Adjusting the CO2 pressure is straightforward, which is handy if you prefer a certain level of carbonation.

Using the dispenser is pretty straightforward. The tapping system is intuitive, and the LCD temperature display is easy to read. However, one drawback is the initial setup. Getting the keg and CO2 system in place requires a bit of effort, and the instructions could be clearer. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's smooth sailing.

Overall, the Klarstein Skal delivers on performance with some room for improvement in setup instructions.