Understanding Dipper Wells
Dipper wells are designed to rinse and store utensils such as ice cream scoops, knives, and paddles with warm water, keeping supplies clean and sanitary between uses. Primarily found in ice cream parlors and coffee shops, dipper wells reduce labor costs, improve service time, and streamline workflow by eliminating the repetitive need to wash utensils. Perpetual-flow and heated variations are available, but choosing the right one for your business is important.
Types of Dipper Wells
Dipper wells, which may also be called spade wells, come in different variations. Understanding the capabilities and specifications of each type helps ensure you're purchasing the best model for your operation.
Key Terms
- Dipper Well: a sink type commonly found in kitchens that’s used to rinse utensils between washes
- Faucet: a manually operated component used to control water flow – typically installed into countertops along with drop-in wells
- Spigot: installed with mounted dipper wells to ensure perpetual water flow without staff intervention
Perpetual-flow models are cost effective but use an abundant amount of water each day to maintain clean, warm water in the well at all times. These wells have faucets that continuously pour water into the unit and a drain to remove sitting water.
Dipper wells that hold heated water instead of using a continuous flow are more environmentally friendly, as they don't use as much water. These wells are heated to temperatures higher than 140 degrees Fahrenheit and often come with a timer that alerts operators when the water needs to be replaced. Utensils with metal, liquid, or gel-filled handles shouldn’t be placed in heated units, as these utensils can get too hot and lead to employee burns.
Mounted wells have key slots that allow operators to use screws to mount the well to walls, counters, and kitchen workstations. There is a rubber bumper for noise reduction and rounded corners that help minimize user injury.
Some drop-in wells require cutouts in countertops and underbar applications for installation. These typically come in one compartment bowl variations with low-lead, deck-mounted faucets. Various units require various cutout specifications, so be sure to check the dimensions carefully on each model.
Heated models are gaining on perpetual-flow units in popularity because they’re more environmentally friendly, so although the initial price is more expensive, operators save more money yearly with heated units by using less water. If your establishment already has a perpetual-flow dipper well and you’re looking for a simple replacement, heated options are ideal.
