Cup and Lid Dispenser

Cup Dispensers: What You Need to Know

Select a piece of equipment that maximizes your space availability while accommodating patrons and employees. Opt for a countertop cup dispenser if you don't want to go through the extra steps of wall mounting the unit or creating a hole in your countertop for an undercounter model. Wall-mounted cup dispensers will give you more counterspace but are more challenging to install than countertop units. Undercounter cup dispensers are the most difficult to install.

To set up an undercounter unit, you must create the needed space in your countertop. This may require drilling and cutting the area if holes aren't already there. Undercounter cup dispensers are optimal because they can't slide across the countertop and never fall from the wall, and if installed properly, they're the most secure form of cup dispenser. However, they can't be moved easily like a countertop cup dispenser can. If you're going to be maneuvering the dispenser to multiple locations, or if you're not sure exactly where you need it, get a countertop cup dispenser instead of a wall-mounted or undercounter unit. We'll discuss cup and lid dispenser setup and adjustment below.

Common Questions About Cup Dispensers

How do you install your wall-mounted cup dispenser?

Mount the unit on a wall with screws approved by the manufacturer. Points on the back of the equipment denote where the screws should be installed. Provide concealed backing that complies with building codes if you install it on plaster or drywall, then secure the dispenser with screws. Equip expansion shields or fiber plugs for the screws – or expansion bolts or toggle bolts – if you install it on alternate wall surfaces. You can eliminate gaps between the wall's finish and mounting plate with a filler, such as a channel that matches the material of your wall-mounted cup dispenser.

How do you install new replacement clips for your undercounter cup dispenser?

You must remove your undercounter cup dispenser from the cabinet or counter before installing new adjustment clips. The unit can be removed by turning the ring bezel clockwise, then pulling the dispenser straight out. Loosen the adjustment screws in the dispenser's mouth with a flathead screwdriver. Turn the ring bezel counterclockwise until the dispenser is opened fully, then remove any remaining cups. You'll need to remove the old clips if you want to replace any clips in the unit, and you can do so by pulling the bent part of the clip out from the upper slot, then pulling it straight out of the dispenser's top. Pushing and holding the plunger down reveals a series of slots. Insert the tapered end of the clip into the top slot with the bend facing out, then feed the replacement clip into the slot until it rests beneath the catch. Push the end of the new clip down into the upper slot of the dispenser, and if the clip is installed properly, it will move in and out when you turn the ring bezel back and forth.

How do you troubleshoot issues with your cup dispenser?

If the dispenser's clips move in or out when the bezel rotates or they're coming out of the dispenser, your adjustment clips have been bent. You'll need to pull the clips from the dispenser and bend them straight again. When reinstalling the clip, ensure it is flush with the tube's side and the tip is inserted into the ring bezel. If the cup rims are damaged, the clips are too tight and you'll need to readjust them. For dispensers that aren't flush with the cabinet, place your hand in the dispenser and lift it while rotating the unit clockwise to enable the dispenser to lock in the mounting collar.