A Guide to Commercial Soda Machines

When selecting a soda fountain for your foodservice establishment, one important decision to make is whether to choose a countertop model or a drop-in model. Each type offers distinct advantages based on the layout and needs of your business.

• Countertop Model: These countertop soda fountains are standalone units that sit on top of a counter or bar. They are ideal for establishments with limited space or those looking for a more portable option. Countertop soda fountains are easy to install and can be moved as needed, making them a versatile choice for food trucks, concession stands, or small cafes.
• Drop-in Models: Drop-in soda machines are designed to be installed directly into a countertop or bar, creating a seamless and integrated look. These units are perfect for businesses with a dedicated space for a soda fountain and are looking for a more permanent solution. Drop-in models offer a sleek and professional appearance, making them a popular choice for higher-end restaurants, bars, and fast-food chains.

Ultimately, the decision between a countertop and drop-in soda fountain will depend on your specific needs and space requirements. Consider factors such as mobility, aesthetics, and ease of installation when choosing the right model for your foodservice establishment.

There are two types of ice bins and ice makers commonly found on soda fountains, each offering distinct advantages for commercial use. 

• Attached Ice Dispenser: Attached ice dispensers are top-mounted onto the soda fountain and are designed to hold a supply of ice for dispensing into beverages. These bins do not make ice, they just hold ice. Many times the ice bin also serves as a cooling mechanism for the soda dispenser so it needs to be kept full. This isn't ideal for busy servers or bartenders but works well for self-serve stations. 
• Drop-In Ice Bins: Drop-in ice bins are integrated into the soda fountain system, providing a convenient and space-saving solution for storing ice. They are located beneath the soda machine which makes it easy for busy restaurant workers to scoop and refill the ice throughout the shift. These types of ice bins are best for back-of-house.

When it comes to soda fountains, one key feature to consider is the type of dispenser mechanism - push button or lever. Understanding the difference between these two options can help foodservice operators choose the right soda fountain for their needs.

• Push Button: Push button dispensers are a popular choice in many foodservice settings. With a simple push of a button, users can easily dispense the desired soda flavor into their cups. This type of dispenser is user-friendly and intuitive, making it ideal for self-serve stations or fast-paced environments where speed is essential. Push button dispensers also offer precise portion control, helping to minimize waste and maintain consistency in drink quality.
• Lever Dispenser: These dispensers provide a different experience for users. By pushing a lever, customers can control the flow of soda into their cups, allowing for more customization in the drink-making process. Lever dispensers can be preferred by some customers for the interactive element they provide, enhancing the overall beverage experience. Lever dispensers are often easier to clean and maintain compared to push button models, making them a practical choice for busy foodservice operations.

You'll also want to consider the number of dispensing valves the soda machine offers. The number of valves on a soda fountain machine directly correlates to the variety of flavors you can offer to your customers. Each valve corresponds to a different syrup flavor, allowing you to provide a wide selection of beverages. 

A great way to increase traffic and advertise specific flavors or brands is to draw attention to your soda machine with visual enhancements and signage:

• Lighting: The bright and energy-efficient nature of LED lighting ensures that your soda machine is visible even in low-light environments. This increased visibility can encourage customers to make a purchase.
• Graphics: Custom graphics and signage can be used to showcase the variety of drinks available and promote special offers or promotions. Eye-catching graphics can include images of refreshing beverages, brand logos, or enticing slogans. Clear and attractive signage can help customers navigate the dispenser and understand the available options.
• Interactive Displays: Incorporating interactive displays or digital screens near the soda fountain dispenser can engage customers and provide additional information. These displays can showcase drink recipes, nutritional facts, or promotional videos, enhancing the overall customer experience.
• Branding Elements: Utilizing branded elements such as branded cups, napkins, or straw dispensers can create a cohesive and professional look. Consistent branding across all elements of the soda fountain station can help reinforce brand identity and leave a lasting impression on customers.

The carbonation system of a soda machine plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect carbonated beverages. Two common types of carbonation systems found in soda fountain machines are internal carbonators and external carbonators. 

• Internal Carbonators: These internal carbonators are built directly into the soda fountain machine, providing a compact and space-saving solution. These systems typically have a smaller footprint, making them ideal for establishments with limited space or looking for a more integrated setup.
• External Carbonators: External carbonators are standalone units that are connected to the soda fountain machine, offering flexibility in installation and maintenance. These units can be placed in a separate location, such as a backroom or storage area, providing more options for customization in the layout of the beverage station. External carbonators are capable of handling larger volumes of carbonated water, making them suitable for high-demand environments such as busy restaurants or foodservice establishments.

Soda machines require a cooling option to keep carbonated beverages chilled to the ideal temperature. You'll find a few cooling options utilized in different soda fountain models:

• Ice Bank Cooling: Ice bank cooling systems rely on the ice bin to chill the water or soda syrup as it passes through the system. This method is energy-efficient and does not require a refrigeration unit, making it a cost-effective option for smaller establishments. It does require that the ice bin be kept full at all times. 
• Cold Plate Cooling: Cold plate cooling systems have metal plates inside the machine that are filled with a non-toxic refrigerant. As the beverage flows over the cold plates, it is quickly chilled to the desired serving temperature. Cold plate cooling is a popular choice for high-volume establishments because it can rapidly cool beverages and maintain consistency in taste.
• Direct Refrigeration: Direct refrigeration systems use a compressor and refrigerant to cool the water or syrup as it passes through the machine. This method provides precise temperature control and is ideal for establishments that serve a wide variety of beverages requiring different temperatures. Direct refrigeration systems are commonly found in larger establishments such as restaurants and convenience stores.

Some soda machine models include what's known as a "Flavor Shot" feature, which allows customers to add shots of tasty flavors to their soft drinks. This feature gives guests the freedom to customize their drink however they prefer with the provided flavor shots, opening up thousands of unique flavor combinations. 

Look for soda dispenser models with multiple valves and flavor shot options, allowing for nearly unlimited customization. In addition to the large amount of flavor options, these machines are compact and often around the same size as a standard beverage dispenser.

The next step in assembling your BIB setup is choosing your syrups. When picking flavors, considercrowd favorites that complement your menu items and that will attract high traffic for maximum sales. You aren't limited to soft drinks! BIB syrups include juice, iced tea, and even energy drinks. You can even choose from a range of brands, including craft sodas and name-brand soft drinks.

When choosing where to store and route your bag-in-box syrups, some could be contained in areas as small as the cabinet space underneath a countertop, while other complex setups will need much larger, sometimes remote, locations.

Syrups can be efficiently organized using a rack. For added convenience and ease of installation, we recommend purchasing a BIB installation kit that includes a sturdy holding rack, syrup pumps, pressure regulators, and any necessary clamps, fittings, and hoses. Including a rack in your system makes replacing syrups a breeze, and some models even feature slanted shelves to allow gravity to help squeeze out every last drop of syrup.