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The next party is coming up and you’re wondering where best to put the lemonade or sangria? Then a drink dispenser is a possible solution for you. They are available with different capacities and in different designs.
In our drink dispenser test 2023, we want to present the advantages and disadvantages of a drink dispenser. We will also show you the different types of dispensers available. In the following paragraphs, you can read about the options available to you and what you can expect in terms of costs.
Contents
Summary
- A beverage dispenser is also called a dispenser, which means “distributor”. The liquid is dispensed manually, semi-automatically or automatically.
- Most beverage dispensers are made of glass or stainless steel. These materials are resistant to both cold and heat and are therefore well suited for use.
- The best-known form of beverage dispenser is the water dispenser. We are familiar with these mainly from the public sector. However, there are also beverage dispensers for alcoholic drinks and hot water dispensers or juice dispensers.
The Best Drink Dispenser: Our Picks
Beverage dispenser: purchase and evaluation criteria
To make it easier for you to choose a beverage dispenser, there are various criteria you can look for before buying. In the following, we will show you which criteria you can use to compare drink dispensers. These criteria include:
In the following paragraphs, we will explain what is important in the individual criteria. This should make it easier for you to make a purchase decision and find the right choice for you.
Material
With regard to the material, there are 3 different materials that have proven themselves over time. These are:
- Glass
- Stainless steel
- Plastic
Stainless steel is often used, especially in the catering industry. It is temperature-resistant, durable and above all hygienic. These properties make the material very much in demand and much used in the public sector.
If you are looking for a beverage dispenser for private use, you will mostly find containers made of glass or plastic. Both materials are definitely suitable for cold drinks. This is not always the case for hot drinks.
However, if you are looking for a beverage dispenser for cold and hot drinks, borosilicate glass is particularly suitable for this purpose, as it can withstand heat of up to 500° Celsius.
Capacity
There are beverage dispensers with different capacities. They range from 2.5 litres to 19 litres. You should make sure that the tank is not too big. Otherwise, you may get sick from the liquid left behind. This happens if you leave it in too long.
Choose a size where you are sure that the liquid will be drunk or will not remain in the tank for too long.
If you buy a beverage dispenser for public use, you will usually have to use larger tanks. Otherwise, less than 10 litres will not be enough. In the private sector, 2.5 – 5 litres are sufficient for everyday use.
If you like to use the beverage dispenser when you are sitting together with friends, then it is advisable to use a larger tank.
Type of mounting
Most beverage dispensers are placed on a stand or on a base. These are available in different materials and also in different heights. This is the solution for both private and public areas.
However, if you want to buy a beverage dispenser for bottles, it will be mounted on the wall. So make sure that you have enough space to mount the dispenser.
Equipment
If you buy a beverage dispenser and want to place it in your home or office, you will definitely need something to put it on. Therefore, it is worthwhile to check whether the beverage dispenser also comes with a fixture.
As a rule, a beverage dispenser should come with a stand or a base. These raise the tank and make it easier for you to place a glass underneath when pouring.
Furthermore, a lid with a rubber seal should be included so that you can close the container and prevent dust or other substances from getting into the drink.
Guide: Questions you should ask yourself before buying a beverage dispenser
In the next few paragraphs, we want to explain to you what a beverage dispenser actually is and also what different options there are for you to find the perfect beverage dispenser for you. For this purpose, we have taken the most frequently asked questions and answered them in short words.
What is a beverage dispenser?
Beverage dispensers have long proven their worth both in private homes and in companies or catering establishments. Beverage dispensers are easy to use and are available for almost all variations of beverages.
The main feature of a beverage dispenser is that there is a device for taking the liquid it contains directly from a beverage container.
But there are also different types of beverage dispensers in the private sector. Mostly, this is done manually by a pump mechanism or a pressure mechanism. In the meantime, there are also semi-automatic or automatic devices.
What types of beverage dispensers are there?
| Type | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Beverage dispenser for water | Mostly with integrated cooling
Up to 19-litre tanks |
Usually more expensive because of the capacity
Not suitable for carbonated water or juices |
| Beverage dispenser for juices | Mostly made of stainless steel
With cooling, either in the form of cooling packs or integrated Durable and hygienic if made of stainless steel |
Stainless steel is more expensive |
| Beverage dispensers for alcoholic beverages | Available for different numbers of bottles
Easy to attach Can also be built by oneself with manual skills |
Cheap constructions often not stable
Not mobile, as they are mounted on the wall |
| Drink dispensers for hot drinks | Are usually suitable for both hot and cool drinks | Not very decorative |
Drink dispensers for juices and also hot water dispensers come mainly from the public sector and are therefore usually more expensive. In addition, they usually have a very plain design and the capacity is larger than is necessary for private use.
What does a beverage dispenser cost?
In the following, we have listed both fixed connections and variable locations with their average prices.
| Type | price range in euros |
|---|---|
| Water dispenser with fixed connection | from approx. 800 – 1500 |
| Beverage dispenser for juices, lemonades etc. | approx. 20 – 50 |
| Beverage dispenser for alcoholic beverages | approx. 25 – 60 euros |
| Beverage dispenser for hot beverages | approx. 60 – 80 |
For private use, fixed connections are becoming increasingly popular, but they are by far the most expensive. However, there are already complete systems where you have cold water, hot water and even a fixed carbon dioxide connection.
This is certainly practical, but you should calculate well in advance whether such an installation is really worthwhile for private use.
The conventional drink dispensers, mostly made of glass or plastic, are available for 20 – 50 euros on average. These are also available with a large storage capacity and are particularly suitable for private use if you throw the occasional party.
What are the alternatives to a beverage dispenser?
There is a great risk that the liquid contained in the dispenser will go bad, especially in the case of water with added fruit.
| Alternative | Description |
|---|---|
| Drinking water system | Drinking water systems are permanently installed and offer several options. You can usually get chilled still water, tempered water or soda water from the tap. The cooling system is concealed so that it is not visible. Only the tap is located on the sideboard. |
| Conventional bottles or water sprinklers | The purchase of various water sprinklers or conventional juice bottles is usually more profitable. These are usually better dosed for home use. |
Each of the systems has a certain advantage that should not be ignored. In general, you should think carefully beforehand about what you really need on a daily basis. Then you can get quotes and calculate what is really worthwhile in the private sector.
How do I build a beverage dispenser myself?
As always, the prerequisites for such a project are the necessary skill and the necessary time. The advantage is, of course, that you can build your own drinks dispenser according to the desired design and the required number of bottle holders.
Conclusion
Drink dispensers are great if you are a multi-generational household or you occasionally have your friends over. In the smallest storage quantity, they are also good for the office, so you don’t forget to drink.
If you like to travel, the foldable plastic drink dispensers are also a good option. Glass or stainless steel drink dispensers are more hygienic, but also a little more expensive. It’s just important to think carefully beforehand about how much capacity the drink dispenser needs to avoid the drinks going bad unnecessarily.
Picture source: Veselova / 123rf
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