How Does a PerfectDraft Machine Work?

What Is a PerfectDraft Machine?

A PerfectDraft machine is a home draught beer system developed by Philips in partnership with AB InBev. It's designed to serve pub-quality draught beer at home, keeping your beer at the perfect serving temperature and pressure from the first glass to the last.

Unlike countertop beer dispensers that use CO₂ cartridges or external gas canisters, PerfectDraft uses a self-contained 6-litre keg with a built-in pressure system — meaning no gas bottles, no complicated setup, and no mess.

How Does It Work? The Key Components

1. The 6-Litre Keg

PerfectDraft uses proprietary 6-litre kegs, each pre-pressurised at the brewery. The keg contains a small internal CO₂ or mixed-gas capsule that maintains the correct serving pressure throughout the life of the keg — typically around 20 glasses of beer. Because the gas is built into the keg, there's nothing to refill or replace between kegs.

2. The Cooling System

The machine chills your keg to a precise 3°C — the optimal temperature for most lagers and wheat beers. A digital display on the front shows the current temperature, and a green indicator light confirms when your beer is ready to pour. From room temperature, a new keg typically takes around 2 hours to reach serving temperature.

3. The Tap and Flow Control

The stainless steel tap delivers a smooth, controlled pour with a natural head. The flow is regulated by the internal keg pressure, so you get consistent results every time — no over-pouring, no flat pints.

4. The Freshness Indicator

Each keg has a built-in freshness indicator that tracks how many days since you first tapped it. Most kegs stay fresh for up to 30 days once opened, so you can enjoy them at your own pace without rushing.

Which PerfectDraft Machine Should You Choose?

There are two main models available:

• Philips PerfectDraft Machine 7000 Series — the classic model, reliable and straightforward, ideal for most home users.
• PerfectDraft PRO Machine — the premium option with enhanced cooling performance and a sleeker design, perfect if you entertain regularly or want the best possible pour.

Both machines are compatible with the full range of PerfectDraft 6-litre kegs.

What Beers Are Available?

One of the biggest draws of PerfectDraft is the breadth of the keg range. You can enjoy world-famous lagers like Stella Artois, Budweiser, and Bud Light, continental favourites like Hoegaarden and Kwak Blonde, and even wheat beers like Franziskaner Weissbier.

Browse the full PerfectDraft Kegs collection to see everything available.

Is PerfectDraft Worth It?

If you regularly buy cans or bottles of premium lager, PerfectDraft typically works out cheaper per pint once you factor in the keg cost. More importantly, the quality of a chilled, pressurised draught pour at home is genuinely different from a can — and that's the point. It's a considered purchase, but for beer lovers, it's one that pays for itself quickly.

Ready to get started? Shop the PerfectDraft Machine or explore our full keg range.