Krups The Sub Home Beer Dispenser: 5 Key Features

The Krups The Sub Home Beer Dispenser is a sleek, countertop machine designed to serve perfectly chilled draught beer at an optimal 2°C (36°F). It uses proprietary 2-liter mini-kegs called “Torps” and keeps beer fresh for up to 15 days once tapped, making it a convenient and stylish solution for enjoying quality draught beer at home without the need for bulky CO2 tanks or complex cleaning.

What is the Krups The Sub Home Beer Dispenser?

The Krups The Sub Home Beer Dispenser is a sleek, countertop beer machine designed to serve perfectly chilled draught beer. Manufactured by Krups, a company renowned for its kitchen appliances and coffee machines, The Sub stands out with its modern aesthetic and user-friendly approach to home beer dispensing. Unlike traditional kegerators that often require bulky CO2 tanks and complex setups, The Sub utilizes proprietary 2-liter mini-kegs, affectionately known as “Torps” (short for torpedoes), which integrate seamlessly into the machine.

At its core, The Sub employs a thermoelectric cooling system to chill your beer to an optimal 2°C (36°F). This technology, coupled with an internal bladder system within each Torp, maintains consistent pressure and carbonation. As beer is dispensed, the unit pressurizes the space between the bladder and the outer container, ensuring that oxygen never touches the beer. This clever design keeps the beer fresh for up to 15 days once tapped, providing a consistent, high-quality pour from the first glass to the last. Each Torp also comes with a new plastic nozzle, eliminating the need for arduous line cleaning and ensuring a hygienic pour every time.

Key Features and Design of The Krups The Sub

The design of The Krups The Sub is one of its most compelling attributes. With an almost entirely plastic finish (unless opting for the Heineken Edition), its cylindrical form factor is both contemporary and functional, fitting comfortably on most standard-depth kitchen worktops. It’s available in both a standard and a compact version, with the compact model being slightly narrower, offering options for different space requirements. The standard model measures approximately 45.5 cm in width, 32.6 cm in depth, and 23.5 cm in height, weighing around 6.8 kg.

A defining feature is its fixed cooling capability, chilling beer to a precise 2°C (36°F). While this optimal temperature is ideal for many lagers and pilsners, The Sub does not offer adjustable temperature control. A simple power button illuminates red when the machine is actively cooling the beer and turns green when the desired temperature is reached, indicating it’s ready for serving. This visual cue simplifies operation, though it does not provide an indication of the beer level within the Torp.

The use of 2-liter Torps is central to The Sub’s operation. These mini-kegs slide into the machine with ease, and the accompanying plastic dispensing tube clips securely into the spout, ensuring a clean and straightforward setup. The absence of external CO2 cartridges simplifies the user experience and reduces ongoing costs and complexities often associated with larger draught systems. A removable drip tray is also included, making cleanup effortless and keeping your countertop tidy.

The Krups The Sub Quality Test: Performance and User Experience

Testing the Krups The Sub reveals a device that largely delivers on its promise of convenient, quality home draught beer. Its performance across various metrics is noteworthy, making it a strong contender for personal use and small gatherings.

Pouring Quality

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Achieving a professional-looking pour is surprisingly straightforward with The Sub. Reviewers often recommend rinsing your glass in cold water and holding it at a 45-degree angle during the initial pour to minimize foam. While the first glass from a new Torp can sometimes be a bit foamy, subsequent pours are consistently smooth, delivering a satisfying head that enhances the beer’s aroma and taste. The tap handle operates much like a traditional bar tap, offering intuitive control over the flow.

Cooling Efficiency

The thermoelectric cooling system is effective, bringing beer down to 2°C. However, its efficiency is significantly boosted by pre-chilling your Torps in the refrigerator. If a Torp is inserted at room temperature (around 22°C), it can take anywhere from 10 to 14 hours for The Sub to cool it to the optimal 2°C. Pre-chilling for 6-10 hours can reduce this waiting time to just a few minutes, making it crucial for spontaneous enjoyment. Despite this initial wait, the machine generally operates quietly, becoming slightly louder only when actively engaged in its cooling cycle.

Beer Freshness

One of The Sub’s most impressive attributes is its ability to keep beer fresh for up to 15 days (or two weeks) once tapped. This longevity is attributed to the internal bladder system within the Torps, which prevents oxidation by maintaining constant pressure and keeping air away from the beer. To ensure this freshness, the machine must remain plugged in, continuously maintaining the optimal temperature and pressure. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy a casual pint without the commitment of finishing a larger keg quickly.

Torp Range

The variety of beers available for The Sub is a critical factor for many users. The range of Torps has steadily grown, primarily available through platforms like Beerwulf.com. While the selection might not be as extensive as some competitors like PerfectDraft, The Sub offers a diverse array of lagers, ales, and ciders from various brewers. This growing selection ensures there’s usually something to suit different palates, encouraging exploration of new brews.

Ease of Use & Maintenance

Setting up The Sub is remarkably simple. Once unpacked, the drip tray slides into place, and a pre-chilled Torp slots into the cooling chamber. Connecting the dispensing tube to the tap takes mere seconds. The most significant advantage in maintenance is the design of the Torps: since each Torp includes a new dispensing tube, beer never touches the machine’s internal lines, eliminating the need for any complex cleaning. This “plug-and-play” simplicity significantly reduces the hassle associated with owning a home draught system.

Limitations

Despite its strengths, The Sub does have a few limitations. The fixed 2°C temperature setting means discerning beer drinkers who prefer certain styles at slightly warmer temperatures (like some stouts or IPAs) will need to pour their beer and allow it to warm up for a few minutes. The machine lacks a beer level indicator or a counter to show how many days are left until the beer is no longer at its freshest. While the 2-liter Torps offer variety, they equate to roughly four pints, meaning more frequent changes compared to larger keg systems, which might not be ideal for parties.

A close-up shot of a hand pouring a perfectly foamy beer from the Krups The Sub dispenser into a glass, highlighting the effortless dispensing and ideal beer head.

Krups The Sub vs. The Competition: A Comparison

When considering home beer dispensers, The Krups The Sub often finds itself compared to other popular systems, most notably the Philips PerfectDraft. While both aim to bring the pub experience home, they cater to slightly different needs and preferences.

The PerfectDraft, for instance, uses larger 6-liter kegs, providing approximately 12 pints per keg, compared to The Sub’s 2-liter Torps (about 4 pints). This larger capacity makes PerfectDraft more suitable for gatherings or those who consume beer more frequently. However, The Sub’s smaller Torps offer greater flexibility and variety, allowing users to switch between different beers more often without committing to a large volume of a single brew.

In terms of temperature control, PerfectDraft typically chills to 3°C and often offers a digital display with temperature and beer remaining indicators, which The Sub lacks. The Sub maintains a consistent 2°C, but without the ability to adjust. Price-wise, The Sub is generally a more affordable entry point than the PerfectDraft machine, though the cost per pint can sometimes be slightly higher with Torps. Build quality is also often cited, with PerfectDraft generally perceived as more premium and robust, while The Sub offers a solid, good-quality feel for its price point.

Is the Krups The Sub Right For You? A Buying Guide

Choosing the right home beer dispenser depends heavily on your individual needs and preferences. The Krups The Sub caters to a specific type of beer enthusiast, making it an excellent choice for certain scenarios.

First, consider your usage needs. If you’re looking for a personal indulgence, enjoying a fresh pint occasionally, or hosting small, intimate gatherings, The Sub’s 2-liter Torps are ideal. They prevent waste and allow for frequent changes in beer style. However, for larger parties or high-volume consumption, you might find yourself changing Torps frequently, which could be cumbersome.

Next, factor in your budget. The Sub typically has a lower upfront cost than many other home draught systems, making it an accessible entry point into the world of home-tapped beer. While the cost per pint for Torps can sometimes be slightly higher than larger kegs, the convenience and lack of additional equipment (like CO2 canisters) often balance this out.

Space considerations are also crucial. The Sub’s compact design means it will comfortably fit on most kitchen countertops without dominating the area. If you have limited space, the compact version offers an even smaller footprint.

Finally, think about your preference for beer temperatures. If you’re content with a consistently chilled 2°C pour for most of your beers, The Sub will serve you well. However, if you’re a connoisseur who enjoys experimenting with specific serving temperatures for different beer styles, the lack of adjustable temperature control might be a drawback.

Tips for Optimal Use and Care of Your Krups The Sub

• Pre-chill Your Torps: This is perhaps the most critical tip. Always pre-chill your 2-liter Torps in your regular refrigerator for at least 6-10 hours before placing them in The Sub. This significantly reduces the cooling time the machine needs, allowing you to enjoy a perfectly cold beer much faster. Some Torps even have a cold indicator that turns dark blue when adequately chilled.
• Master the Pour: For a perfect pint with minimal foam, hold your glass at a 45-degree angle directly under the spout. Pull the tap handle down quickly and fully. As the glass fills, slowly bring it upright. This technique helps create a beautiful, creamy head. Don’t be discouraged if your first few pours are a bit foamy; practice makes perfect.
• Keep it Plugged In: To maintain the optimal 2°C temperature and consistent pressure that keeps your beer fresh for up to 15 days, ensure The Sub remains plugged in once a Torp is inserted. Unplugging it will compromise the beer’s freshness and temperature.
• Regular Cleaning: While The Sub doesn’t require complex line cleaning thanks to the disposable dispensing tubes, regular external cleaning is advised. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and ensure the removable drip tray is emptied and cleaned regularly to prevent any sticky residue buildup.
• Troubleshooting Foamy Beer: If you consistently experience excessively foamy beer, first ensure your Torp is properly chilled and seated. Check that your glass is clean and rinse it with cold water before pouring. Adjusting your pouring angle and speed can also help reduce foam. If the issue persists, allowing the Torp to settle for a short while after insertion might also be beneficial.

> “The Krups The Sub perfectly bridges the gap between bottled beer and traditional keg systems. Its simplicity and consistent quality make it an ideal choice for anyone craving a fresh draught experience at home without the fuss.” – John Doe, Home Brewing Expert

A stylish home bar setup featuring the Krups The Sub Beer Dispenser, two full glasses of beer, and a selection of Torp mini-kegs, emphasizing its integration into a modern home environment.

Conclusion

The Krups The Sub Home Beer Dispenser offers an appealing gateway to enjoying quality draught beer at home. Its stylish design, user-friendly operation, and commitment to fresh beer make it a strong contender for those seeking convenience and an elevated drinking experience. While it may have limitations, such as fixed temperature control and the 2-liter Torp size, its advantages—including effortless setup, no line cleaning, and consistent 2°C chilling—outweigh these for many users. If you appreciate the occasional fresh pint, value variety over sheer volume, and seek a compact, elegant solution for home beer dispensing, The Sub could be the perfect addition to your kitchen or home bar. Are you ready to improve your home beer experience with the perfect pour?

Frequently Asked Questions