Which liquor control system is better: EasyBar or Berg? Today I’ll discuss the reliability of these liquor control systems and how they operate and compare.
ARE YOUR BAR'S PROFITS DWINDLING?
Your bar isn’t meeting your financial goals. You’re unsure if your bartenders are stealing. Drink inconsistency drives you crazy. Fed up, you’re considering liquor control systems. Every manufacturer says theirs is the best. Now, a friend tells you liquor control systems are unreliable. If that’s true, why do all the casinos use them? Just what are the facts?
WHO ARE THE LEADERS IN LIQUOR CONTROL SYSTEMS?
There are many players in the liquor control industry. However, Berg and Easybar are only two major players in this business. Many small competitors offer a “me-too” version of the inconsequential freepour system. With the recent addition of its “Cocktail Pad,” Berg joins Easybar as the only companies offering a full array of liquor control products. The Easybar products are described in another post.
FOCUS ON YOUR GREATEST PROFIT CENTER
Mixed drinks is the greatest profit center in any hospitality venue. Multi-portion cocktails cannot be made with a freepour system. Therefore, this discussion is limited to the Berg and Easybar gun systems.
EASYBAR vs BERG LIQUOR CONTROL SYSTEMS
These are the factors to consider when purchasing a liquor control system:
- Drink quality.
- Equipment durability.
- Dealer support.
- Size of the liquor room used to support the system.
1. DRINK QUALITY
When it comes to liquor control systems, the key is technology. Thus, comparisons between Berg and Easybar center around pump technology. This is the distinguishing feature.
BERG EQUIPMENT
The pump in the Berg system utilizes constant air pressure to dispense the liquor. This is an inherently faulty design:
- Air constantly interacts with the alcohol, thereby affecting its taste.
- Fire is a potential hazard when the feed lines are installed above the finished ceiling.
LIQUOR JACKPOTTING: A BAR OWNER'S NIGHTMARE
Berg has another flaw in its delivery design. A solenoid valve opens when liquor is dispensed. When stuck in the “Open” position, all the liquor will be dispensed. This is referred to as “Liquor Jackpotting”. Multiple bartenders simultaneously dispensing the same brand can result in multiple short-pours.
EASYBAR EQUIPMENT
Easybar systems feature a “Positive Displacement Pump,” which utilizes a much different approach:
- Operates in a contaminent-free, airtight system.
- Momentary pressure (not air) is imposed on the alcohol by a diaphragm.
- The solenoid (upstream of the pump) assures the alcohol free of air and pressure.
- Drinks are dispensed on a first-come, first-served basis.
2. DURABILITY COMPARISON
Easybar has a significant presence in the gaming industry, with hundreds of gun systems in existence.
3. DEALER SUPPORT
Both companies offer remote support for routine issues. With its superior positive displacement pump, I believe Easybar is more reliable.
4. SIZE OF LIQUOR ROOM
The goal in any hospitality establishment is to maximize the front-of-the-house area. Easybar liquor control systems require far less space because of manifold and rack system design.
WHICH LIQUOR CONTROL SYSTEM IS BETTER - EASYBAR vs BERG
In terms of product depth, Berg and Easybar are on equal footing. Alcohol represents significant hospitality profits. Only the most reliable liquor control system should be considered. To me, Easybar is the most viable system.
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