Types of Beverage Dispenser
During events or parties where numerous people are present, having a beverage dispenser can be very useful. Dispenser enables the visitors to easily serve themselves with any drinks, like slush, smoothies, teas, and juices. This equipment makes serving drinks to every guest faster and more convenient for the host. Beverage dispenser can also be turned into self-service drinking station, allowing everyone to have a drink conveniently any time they like. Since beverage dispenser is portable, you can organize a gathering or event in any venue.
The types of available dispenser vary according to the drink, setting, or event. Several types of this dispenser include the non-insulated, insulated, and refrigerated dispensers.
Dispensers are equipped with valves or spigots for serving drinks. They are available in single, double, multiple containers and even polycarbonate tanks with a capacity of 25 gallons and above. The good thing about these containers is that they are interchangeable. Some of the dispenser models no longer require container since they can already blend the drinks within the machine, creating perfect consistency of the flavor.
Refrigerated type of beverage dispenser is powered by electricity. Inside it are refrigeration systems that function to keep beverages cold all the time. The material used on containers is a heavy-duty type of polycarbonate and their pouring valves are stainless steel. Plastic material is used on other material in place of steel.
For serving cold drinks such as slush and smoothies, refrigerated type of beverage dispenser is an ideal choice. The price of this dispenser costs from $500 up to $1000 and above based on the quantity of drink that can be dispensed in a span of time and the quantity of the valve it has. However extra care is required when cleaning a refrigerated dispenser because of its electrical parts. Special kits for cleaning this dispenser are available in the market.
Another type of beverage dispenser is the insulated, which has polyurethane that is of high-density to keep drink cold and warm. Polyurethane is known as a durable and scratch-resistant insulator used in manufacturing dispensers and other products of similar function. This kind of dispenser is useful for events that will take place for several hours.
For cold or hot beverages like juices, teas, coffees, and others, the insulated dispenser should be used. Compared to the refrigerated dispenser, insulated dispenser for beverages is more affordable; the cost is around $90-$250 and this cost depends on the dispenser ‘ s model and manufacturer.
The non-insulated type of beverage dispenser cannot maintain the temperature of drinks or cannot make frozen drinks, however it is easy and convenient to transport. This dispenser is not powered by electricity and cleaning is done quickly. It can be placed in a dishwasher. This dispenser is an ideal choice for public gatherings since it is a convenient self-service type of drink station.
In order to make dispensers look neat, labeling them with adhesive will let people know the drinks in the dispenser. Most valves and spigots can be replaced, so they can either be subjected for cleaning or can be changed into different style and color of choice.
Cleaning Beverage Dispensers
Just like the other drink and food containers, beverage dispensers must be regularly cleaned. When a beverage dispenser is used for different drinks aside from water and not cleaned, the drinks dispensed from it will have different taste after some time. This can also result to leftovers and build up of acid from past uses. The huge threat brought by bacteria and pollutants should be taken as an important factor in encouraging proper sanitation of dispensers.
To maintain cleanliness, it is advised that dispensers be cleaned each time you change drinks or every 4-6 weeks of use.
The following are the easy and quick steps of cleaning dispensers:
The materials needed are scrub pad or clean sponge, tap or hot water, bleach, and rubber gloves.
1. For electrical or mechanical beverage dispenser, you can unplug and remove the permeable parts that need not be washed. Other dispensers just require containers and tanks removed when cleaning.
2. For the bleach, a tablespoon of it is mixed with a gallon of water . Compared to soap, bleach has more strength in eliminating bacteria and pollutants.
3. To ensure that the hands are protected, rubber gloves must be worn. You can clean a dispenser by utilizing the scrub pad or sponge together with bleach solution. Use of abrasive materials such as steel wool should be avoided since it can scratch the dispenser ‘s coating.
4. Before washing away the solution with water, it should be left on the dispenser for 5 minutes.
5. Similar process should be done to the remaining parts of the dispenser, including the valve or spigot, if removable. For tight spots, thin stick covered in cloth or Q-Tips can be used. Hot water should be used for rinsing.
6. The dispenser should be rinsed on flowing water 3 or 4 times until no more bleach solution or suds remain on its area. This ensures thorough cleaning and prevention of poisoning when used in the future.
7. For wiping moisture from the dispenser, clean and soft cloth must be used or let the dispenser dry on its own before using it again.
For beverage dispensers with electric al parts, cleaning can be done by wiping some dry cloth or by dusting. Every part must be unplugged and double checked to avoid electrocution and accidents.
Other dispensers types are dishwasher safe, however it is better that they are cleaned manually to ensure that each spot and areas that are difficult to reach are cleaned.
During cleaning, checking for any problems such as exposed wires or rusted or dented metal parts is also important. If the areas with problem can no longer be fixed or cleaned then it is time to purchase a brand new dispenser.
Another important thing to bear in mind is maintaining sanitary beverage dispenser so as to prevent health problems such as poisoning and any bacterial ailments. Proper cleaning of dispensers keeps their quality in good state, ensuring that they can be used for many years.
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