Common Questions About Insulated Beverage Dispensers
How does an insulated drink dispenser work?
Insulated beverage dispensers have walls that block heat from entering or leaving. Any heat the container holds, such as hot coffee or tea, cannot escape into the room around it, and cold drinks, such as ice water or juice, are not warmed by heat outside the container. Due to thermostasis, insulated drinks will remain at their initial temperature for much longer than they would in an uninsulated container. However, insulated containers do not provide heat or refrigeration to their contents. Eventually, the contents will reach the same temperature as their surroundings – but depending on the individual model, the drinks inside can stay hot or cold for hours.
How long will an insulated hot beverage dispenser keep my drinks warm?
Insulated hot beverage dispensers will keep your coffee or tea warm for a significant period of time, but the exact length of time depends on many factors, including insulation efficiency, initial heat of the beverage, and the temperature of the surrounding area. Because of these variables, manufacturers cannot offer a precise time that your unit will keep drinks warm. Consult the product specifications sheet of individual models for more information.
Are cold and hot beverage dispensers interchangeable?
Many insulated dispensers keep cool drinks cool and warm drinks warm, but not all do. Those models listed as cold beverage dispensers should not be used for hot beverages. If the material is not designed to handle heat, hot drinks might degrade the material over time. Hot beverages in insulated cold beverage dispensers could also present a safety hazard if the containers are insufficiently spill-proof. Some of our options are even designed as soup containers with access for scooping instead of a pour spout. Make sure that the product you purchase is suitable for your needs.
Where would I use an insulated dispenser?
Insulated dispensers are quite helpful for catering operations, as making coffee, tea, or cider on location requires significant equipment. That equipment can be replaced by insulated dispensers, and the caterer can save time on site by preparing the drink beforehand. Other applications for these products include hotel lobbies – where guests expect hot coffee to be available – corporate break rooms, casual eating establishments, and more. These devices can save employees substantial time and effort that might otherwise be spent refilling cups and making more coffee.
