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Perlicks... which one (525, 575, 545 flow control)?

Kegging
#1

I’m about to replace my standard faucets with Perlicks, but I’m incredibly indecisive. I’ve read the good and bad with each model and am looking for some more input.

525 - Stainless steel, pretty straight forward, no dripping issues
575 - Stainless steel, creamer (neat, but seems gimmicky), dripping issues
545 - Flow control, NON stainless, possible dripping issues

I like the idea of stainless steel over chrome plated. The creamer function on the 575 model sounds neat, but I’m guessing it’s one of those things you use a few times and forget about it or lose interest. I’ve read this model can have leaking issues.

For the 545, it’s not stainless, which I don’t like, but I like the idea of being able to control the flow. I’m replacing taps on a kegerator, so for me to open it up and dial up or down the psi for a certain keg is not a big issue, but controlling the flow right at the handle seems like a plus, especially if filling a growler or bottles from the tap. But I’m really stuck on that non-stainless issue. Why can’t they just make this model in stainless steel?!?!?! I’ve also read these can have dripping issues.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

#2

I’ve got the 575’s and never had a dripping issue. It is nice to have the creamer function but is it a necessity? No.

#3

I would vote 545’s out, non stainless, skip. I have the 525’s and love them. No dripping issues. Never used the flow control Perlicks but never heard anything bad about them.

#4

love my 525’s…never stick and no drip

#5

If ya don’t need the creamer then get the 525.

#6

Found the 525’s on AIH for $32.99 each. Went that route. I agree going stainless is the way. Nothing against our host here, but AIH has some great prices.

2 perlick 525SS faucets
14ft thickwall beer line
26x26 nylon bag
2 keg posts (gas/beer) with poppet and o-rings
growler filler attachment for 525 tap

All shipped 1/2 way across the country for $131.

#7

Upgrading to 525s was the best thing I ever did for my beer. Enjoy!

#8

Yeah, I’m very happy with the 525’s. Got them installed a few weeks ago. Replaced my beer lines with new and slightly longer lines (8ft) and have the whole system balanced nicely. Now getting a nice consistent pour. Taps aren’t sticking. No excessive foaming. The 525’s only drip 2 drops or so at the end of a pour. My old taps would drip for a minute or two after a pour.

Very happy!

EDIT: The growler attachment is pretty awesome too! Much easier to fill a growler or bottle the entire way without excessive foaming.

#9

I am definately planning on going the same route. I had looked into some last year and did not pull the trigger.

This year I have to do it. I use my gear much more nowadays, and the only thing I really need to improve how it is working are perlicks and longer liquid lines.

#10

I like the good old standard 525’s best. I will admit I have a flow control and a creamer as well. The creamer is fine once you get use to it… but when people are over they always f it up and can’t get it to shut off… Causing a mess. I love the flow control for filling growlers. I’ve been using the flow control faucet for a couple years with no issues.

#11

I own 4 perlick 525ss’s. They are phenomenal. Nuff said.

#12

I am still running the now extinct (discontinued) 425’s, and love them. They are also forward-sealing faucets, and have a spout tip that you can unscrew. When I bottle off of the keg, I unscrew the spout, and screw in a special order part that connects the faucet to a bottling wand, and allows me to easily fill bottles or growlers. The 425’s became more and more rare until now I don’t see anyone who has any remaining stock.

So long as you spray some Star San up in there before reconnecting a clean spout tip they seal very well.

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