Important factors to weigh include:
- Types of drinks to be dispensed
- Required capacity
- Desired number of valves
- Available counter space
- Manual vs automatic agitation
- Insulated vs non-insulated
- Permitted budget
Cold Brews and Iced Coffee
Coffee requires airpot dispensers capable of retaining optimum serving temperature. For cold brews, insulation and agitation are ideal to prevent dilution. Since people prefer different ratios of creamer to coffee, precision in dispensing is critical as well. A user-friendly system is important for patrons of all ages and abilities. Special coffee systems are available for iced and cold coffees.
Juices
High-acid juices like citrus require resistant liners (e.g. glass) to prevent corrosion and impairment of flavor. Pulp screens prevent clogs. Many juices should be kept at an optimal temperature to ensure freshness. A commercial juice dispenser and tea brewer can portray a health-conscious attitude to customers. A variety of juices and teas can increase customer satisfaction, and improve customer service.
Other Drinks
Dispensers for drinks like tea, lemonade, agua fresca, etc., focus on high capacity, ventilation, easy cleaning, and continuous flow. The cost-effective side of this allows suppliers to keep track of usage, ensuring good performance at all times. Preventative maintenance is another way companies can keep track of this, but a good company has proper plans in place for equipment.
For frozen beverages, updated, well-maintained machinery is important as well to prevent malfunctions. New versions of dispensers are user-friendly and easy to maintain.