Countertop Soda Machine

Countertop Soda Machines: What You Need to Know

A commercial soda dispenser can be a critical part of your operation, providing self-serve beverages for customers or enabling staff to fill cups quickly for service. Also commonly called drink rails, these units can offer the convenience of serving on both sides, so they're useful for full-service and self-service, doubling your operation's drink output.

Finding the right soda fountain machine can be simple if one is specified for you by your beverage distributor, but it doesn't have to be much more challenging if you're going it alone. Simply consider how many beverages you need to serve, what volume you serve or expect to serve of your most-popular drinks, and whether you want customers to be served or help themselves.

Common Questions About Countertop Soda Machines

How does a soda fountain machine work?

The answer to that question is dictated by which type of soda dispenser machine you opt for among the two basic types: pre-mix and post-mix.

What is a pre-mix soda dispenser?

These units use tanks of syrup and water already mixed in correct proportions and ready for serving. That concoction typically is propelled to the dispensing head by carbon dioxide and runs in a single tube.

The tube passes through an area where it is cooled, typically a water bath chilled by a refrigeration system similar to that found on a refrigerator or ice machine. The refrigerant runs through separate tubes that snake through the water bath, chilling the soda running in the tubes.

Pre-mix units are easier to install because they only require one line per dispensing head and don't require use with a separate carbonator, which means fewer moving parts. They're ideal for areas where water quality is an issue or where the local water source may give post-mixed drinks an "off" flavor.

What is a post-mix soda dispenser?

The easiest way to think about these is to remember they serve drinks mixed after, or post, the operator's purchase. These typically use bag-in-box pouches of syrup that hook to supply lines to deliver the flavored syrup to the dispenser. They also must be used with a supply of clean water and a carbonator system, which infuses carbon dioxide into the water under high pressure.

The syrup and water flow to the dispenser heads in separate tubes, passing through the water bath as described above, and then are mixed by the dispenser head – also called the post. While a single dispenser for soda requires multiple syrup supplies, it can be served by just one plumbing connection and carbonator.

Post-mix systems occupy less room because they only require storage for condensed syrups, so they're great for operations with limited space. The syrups are also cheaper than buying tanks of pre-mixed drinks, but the tradeoff is more moving parts in this system that could need maintenance.

Should I get a self-serve or full-service soda dispenser?

Most of these fountain drink machines can transition easily between those two setups, so your plans won't necessarily dictate anything about the machine. The exceptions are models with ice bins rather than an ice dispenser, which should only be used back-of-house to ensure the ice isn't contaminated by users. Many customers expect a public-facing soda fountain machine to be adorned with graphics, such as beverage company logos, so you may want to look for one that meets this expectation if you opt for self-serve.

What kind of ice system should I get?

There are five options when it comes to offering ice in conjunction with your drink rail: integral ice machine, ice maker head installed on dispenser, separate ice-making unit, manual dispenser fill, and manual ice bin fill (listed in order of the least to most operator effort required). Manual-fill units and bins must be filled by an employee with ice carried from a separate ice machine with a tote or cart. If you opt for a soda dispenser that requires a separate ice maker head, ensure you follow manufacturer instructions to get the right unit to pair with your fountain drink machine.

How should I clean a soda dispenser?

You should perform daily light cleanings and regular deep cleanings of your dispenser for soda, both of which will be described in the owner's manual for the unit you purchase. Each machine is different, so we won't go into detail here, but here are a few things you should do every day:

• Ensure the soda fountain machine is powered off either at the switch or key, or the power source before cleaning.
• Wash hands.
• Remove nozzles and diffusers, and clean using a sanitizing solution; then allow to soak in sanitizing solution for at least 3 minutes. Allow to air dry completely before replacing.Use a clean cloth dipped in sanitizing solution to wipe the dispensing levers, backsplash, area around dispensing head, and customer touchpoints, including buttons and touchscreens.
• Remove drip pan and grill and take them to a wash sink for cleaning and sanitizing. Allow to air dry before replacing.
• Using a clean rag dipped in sanitizing solution, wipe down the entire exterior of the soda dispenser machine.
• If unit has an ice bin, empty it by scooping ice into a tote or cart, then clean the interior of the bin thoroughly and rinse with warm water. Replace ice.
• If fountain drink machine has an ice chute, clean it inside and out.

Advantages of Countertop Soda Machines

Space-Saving: With their compact design, countertop soda machines maximize counter space while still offering a wide range of beverage options.

Efficiency: These machines allow for quick dispensing of sodas, reducing wait times and improving customer service speed.

Cost-Effective: Countertop soda machines provide a more affordable alternative to larger soda fountain systems while still offering the convenience of multiple flavors.

Easy Maintenance: Designed for ease of use, countertop soda machines typically require minimal maintenance, with simple cleaning procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality beverage service.