Soda Machines Archives - Page 2 of 3

Do Soda Fountains Use Tap Water?

November 29, 2022

Soft drinks come in a variety of tasty flavors and brands, and people can usually find them available through soda fountains at restaurants and bars. While these machines can typically be relied upon to provide specific types of soda per the customer’s request, everyone has likely had the unfortunate experience where their drink comes out of the machine and it’s flat. Or, only bubbly soda water comes out of the machine but there is no syrup to provide the flavor. This leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth – both literally and figuratively. This also begs the question…Do soda fountains use tap water?

Do Soda Fountains Use Tap Water?

Soda fountains require quite a bit of carbonated water in order to function properly, and that water can be difficult and expensive to source. Today, experts from your trusted beverage company in Southern California will talk about whether or not soda fountains typically use tap water to carbonate their drinks, and why.

Fountains Function with Fresh Cold Water

In order to understand why the vast majority of soda fountains use tap water instead of bottled or filtered water for their machines, it is first necessary to learn how these machines work. In order to produce the nice, cold, bubbly soda that we so often enjoy with our meals, the fountain needs access to a steady stream of cold water. The machine comes with an interior pump that can be hooked up to many different sources of water.

For many bar and restaurant owners, the easiest and cheapest way to get the machines to work is to hook up the internal pump to the city’s tap water system. That way, the machine can work like a sink, providing instant cold water at the user’s request. The process of carbonating the water also requires that it be cold, which is why tap water is usually the best solution all around.

Is Tap Water Safe to Drink?

Depending on where you live, it is likely the case that your tap water is filtered using a standardized filtration method in your city. You can contact your local government officials to learn more about the safety of your nearby tap water if you are unsure of its source. For the most part, the tap water that enters soda machines is safe enough for folks to consume, especially since the carbonization process filters the water even further.

Most people don’t realize just how much tap water they end up consuming every day. Carbonated water and soda beverages are consumed by millions of gallons in the U.S. alone on a daily basis, and soda fountains are almost universally hooked up to tap water systems. It can be difficult to predict how many people are going to want to use the soda fountain every day, and how many times per day they will return. That is why the best way to keep these machines operational is to keep them hooked up to a tap water system for a steady stream of water at all times.

Keep Your Customers Happy with On-Demand Soda

Your soda fountain is one of the most important staples of your restaurant or bar business. It’s important that it is in continuous operation throughout your store’s opening hours, providing customers with the cool and bubbly drinks they know and love. Learn more about operating soda machinery and invest in top-notch Los Angeles soda fountain equipment when you get in touch with SC Beverage today for an equipment consultation. We can help you with custom or wholesale beverage equipment needs so you can start your food services business off on the right foot. Contact us today to get started!

Share this post:

History of the Soda Fountain

May 19, 2022

We walk by soda fountains all the time without a second thought, but they are actually quite incredible. In the United States, soda fountains actually have a long history of cultural significance that deserves a little more attention. So let’s look at the history of the soda fountain.

History of the Soda Fountain: The Original Soda Fountain

The first American soda fountains weren’t all that different from the ones we think of today. The original was patented in 1819 by a physician named Samuel Fahnestock. This relatively simple machine was composed of a specialized barrel with a pump and a spigot.

While the original soda fountain wasn’t serving up soft drinks, it was more than capable of producing carbonated water. This nifty device hid most of its inner workings behind the counter in much the same way that modern Los Angeles soda fountain equipment does today.

The Evolution of the Soda Fountain

Over the course of the 19th century, the early soda fountain got a little more high-tech. The machine invented by John Matthews in 1832 made soda fountains much more cost-effective. As a result, their use spread to individual shops. Drug stores and street vendors could officially afford to sell sparkling water and make a profit.

The nineteenth century also witnessed the aesthetic elevation of the soda fountain. These machines were nothing like the ones we see today. They were grand devices modeled after classical themes. The fanciest soda fountain resembled a carved column with endless intricate details. They were crafted from marble, brass, and mirror to create unforgettable centerpieces.

Soda Fountains and 20th Century Youth Culture

As soda fountains continued to evolve, they worked their way into everything from barbershops to restaurants. In many ways they became an iconic part of American culture and social behaviors. This trend is most apparent in 1950s American youth culture.

Prior to the mid-20th century, youth culture didn’t really exist. The shift from childhood to adulthood proved more clearly defined with little in the middle. That all changed as the concept of the “teenager” began to develop.

The Development of Youth Culture

You could certainly argue that this concept began to emerge around the time of the first world war. Still, the idea of being a young adult and having a unique cultural identity based on your age was not well established until the mid-1940s.

In the 1950s, the concept of the teenager and youth culture became the dominant feature of American culture. To this day, if you think of the 1950s, you probably picture young people gathered around a soda fountain in a brightly colored diner.

The Cultural Significance of Soda Fountains

Between the 1940s and the 1970s soda fountains created central locations where young people could meet, share cultural experiences, and express new ideas. These soda fountains may not have been the salons or the coffee houses of the Enlightenment, but they were a vital part of the consolidation of American youth culture.

More than seventy years later, we still identify cultural periods based on the youth culture of the day. While soda fountains may not be a central theme of today’s youth culture, there is no denying that soda fountains have played an important role in American culture and our shared memory of the past.

Carrying that Legacy Forward

At SC Beverage Company, we are proud to continue the tradition of bringing cost-effective soda fountains into locations where people can enjoy a refreshing drink together. Something as small as a shared conversation between friends or family is a testament to the enduring ability of a soda fountain to bring us all together.

Share this post:

Why Soda from Fountains Tastes Different

February 4, 2022

If you’ve taken that first sip of soda from the fountain and thought “this just tastes better,” you’re not alone. There are actually a number of reasons that can contribute to fountain drinks dancing on our taste buds with a little more zest than a canned drink. These are the most common reasons that explain why soda from a fountain machine tastes different.

Why Soda from Fountains Tastes Different

Fountain Soda Is Freshly Mixed

When you push your cup up against that dispenser, you aren’t getting pre-mixed soda. At that moment, carbonated water and the original soda syrup are both pulsating through the machine. The two streams combine at the end of their journey to create the soda you know and love. It really doesn’t get any fresher than that. As a result of this immediate process, you may notice that your soda is more flavorful and bubbly.

The Carbonation Is Just as Fresh

Carbonation isn’t for everyone. People tend to love it or hate it. If you fall in that former category, then there’s a good chance that you love the occasional soda from a fountain. Sure, a canned soda may scratch that itch, but it isn’t a match for freshly mixed soda. That carbonation has literally just been injected into your drink, so the bubbles are more active and tantalizing.

Ice Makes the Drink More Refreshing

The obsession with ice is largely an American thing, but we may actually have that one right. If you’re a restauranteur, then SC Beverage machines with fountain drinks and an ice maker are absolute essentials.

The ice cools the drink and just slightly dilutes it. Diluting your favorite soda may sound like a terrible idea, but it can actually help to enhance the sweetness of your soda as long as you don’t leave it out too long. As an added bonus on the owner’s side, using even a small amount of ice reduces the amount of syrup you use serving the average customer.

Your Straw Is Messing with You

Ok, so it’s not just the fountain that’s giving your taste buds that little roller coaster ride. There’s a good chance that your straw is an active accomplice. It’s essentially a bullet train that delivers flavor directly to your tongue. This effect is especially profound in slightly wider straws because they deliver a larger volume of soda. Some chain drive-thrus and restaurants actually choose wider straws on purpose to enhance your experience.

Of course, that means that you can at least replicate part of that experience at home. Keeping a few wide reusable straws around your kitchen means that you always have an option for enhancing your soda-drinking experience. As an added bonus, wide straws are much easier to clean and dry out.

You Can Create the Perfect Combos

The final benefit of using Los Angeles soda fountain equipment is the pure creativity offered up by a fountain soda machine. If you or a customer wants that perfect balance of sharp and sweet, there’s nothing to say you can’t mix sodas to your heart’s content. In fact, some of the best soda creations are arguably mixes.

Choosing Fountain Equipment

For the customer, going with a fountain drink is an easy choice. It offers better flavor and more options. However, it can be a little scary making that initial investment if you’re opening a new restaurant. The truth is that it’s practically always an investment worth making. Fountain drinks have higher profit margins and improve the customer experience.

They do require some maintenance, but it’s easy to learn the basics. With the help of your local southern California beverage system company, you’ll be up and running with well-maintained machines in no time.

Share this post:

Frequently Asked Questions about Soda Fountains

April 8, 2021

Soda fountain equipment can be found at pretty much any location that serves food, yet despite their ubiquity, most people don’t know all that much about them. The truth is that soda fountains are pretty complex machines. Luckily, the parts you need to clean and regularly maintain are all highly accessible and easy to reassemble. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about soda fountains.

Frequently Asked Questions about Soda Fountains

To make it even easier, we’ve put together a brief guide featuring the most commonly asked questions about soda fountain equipment. With any luck, we’ll answer a majority of your questions. If we do miss something, you can always contact the manufacturer for further information.

How Much Space Do I Need for a Soda Fountain?

You will want to confirm the dimensions with the manufacturer because there is some variation. However, the majority of eight valve soda fountains are about 32 inches high x 26 inches wide x 28 inches deep.

The backroom equipment is another story. Each five-gallon syrup box is approximately 11”x15”x8” and your standard carbonator is about 12”x12”x12”. Most restaurants organize this equipment and the spare syrup boxes using heavy-duty shelving units. Zip ties can always be used to secure the hoses in between cleaning for better organization.

Do You Need a Water Line?

As complicated as it may sound, a water line is essential. The syrups have to be diluted with water to create the bubbling drinks that we enjoy. In fact, the soda you’re getting out of your fountain is about five parts water and 1 part syrup. That’s why you’re able to get such a great deal on syrups and keep your profit margins high.

When you’re choosing your water line, make sure it’s at least 3/8” in interior diameter. That will allow the carbonator to get enough water through to do its job efficiently. If a water line is too small, then you’re going to have a lot of noise, and your sodas will come out rather flat. No one wants that.

Do You Need a Cooling System for Your Soda Fountain Equipment?

You absolutely need to keep your fountain system cold. The temperature helps the drink retain carbonation as it meets with the open air, increases customer satisfaction, and generally improves the process as a whole. Now there are a couple of different cooling system options, so you’ll want to discuss local conditions and frequency of use with your manufacturer to determine the best fit for you.

How Long Will a CO2 Tank Last?

If the system is well-maintained and has no leaks, then a 20 lb tank will last about the same amount of time as it takes to go through three 5 gallon boxes of syrup. With light use, that could be as much as six months, but most restaurants will go through it much more frequently.

Fortunately, it’s easy enough to get the tank refilled. Industrial gas suppliers, locations that offer welding services, and some restaurant supply stores offer refilling services. That being said, you should always keep a spare tank in a safe place just in case you forget to refill your tank in time.

How Often Does the Equipment Have to Be Cleaned?

The valves, outside surfaces, and ice trap should be cleaned daily. If you have an attached ice dispenser, then that should be emptied and cleaned once a week. You should always allow these parts to dry overnight to prevent mold and mildew. Last but not least, the lines themselves should be cleaned at least once a month.

We hope this was helpful. If you have any additional questions, contact a manufacturer of soda dispensers in Los Angeles to ensure that your soda fountain equipment is always in working order.

Share this post:

Preventing Dispenser Problems and Malfunctions

February 5, 2021

A great restaurant or bar is a combination of great drinks, exemplary staff, and excellent food. In fact, your guest’s experience relies a great deal on the initial impression made by the first drinks they receive. A refreshing drink sets the stage for your staff and food to truly shine. As a result, it is vital that your soda fountain equipment and bar are up to the standards you expect from your establishment. This way, you keep preventing dispenser problems and malfunctions before they can turn into real problems.

For the best dispensers and beer equipment in Orange County, SC Beverage has you covered. From dispensers to other soda fountain equipment, we cover all of OC and Los Angeles.

Preventing Dispenser Problems and Malfunctions

Luckily, it isn’t hard to prevent dispenser problems and malfunctions. All you require is quality equipment, a filtered water supply, and a well-established maintenance schedule. These three pieces are all that is required to ensure that your guests receive delicious and refreshing drinks on time, every time.

Starting with Quality Equipment

There are many options for soda fountain equipment, so it pays to know what to look for in a quality manufacturer. Choosing a well-established provider with a solid reputation is always a good bet. Companies like SC Beverage have been operating since the 1990s solely because they can reliably provide a high-quality product to all of their clients.

In addition, you should providers who offer a variety of beverage services made by a range of manufacturers to suit all of your needs. Water filtration systems, juice systems, coffee systems, and beer systems are just a few that you should expect to find on a manufacturer’s website. This gives you flexibility and allows you to integrate these systems as needed for the most efficient bar/kitchen set-up.

Always Have a Filtered Water Supply

A commercial water filtration system is a must-have for any form of food or drink service. It affects practically everything. From coffee to soda to soups, you’ll get plenty of use out of your water filtration system, and you’ll notice a boost in the quality of your food and drinks as a result. Of course, your water filtration system is only good as long as it’s maintained. You’ll want to clean it out and replace the filter about every six months to maintain the clarity and quality of your water.

A Rock-Solid Maintenance Schedule

Once you’ve set up your equipment and water filtration system, the best thing you can do to protect your investment is to create and act on a set maintenance schedule. Essentially, all of your drink machines will have three separate maintenance schedules with daily, weekly, and monthly tasks assigned.

Daily: Taps, handles, and surfaces should be cleaned. That includes ice trays. For soda fountain equipment, the nozzles can be soaked in an appropriate cleanser overnight. The morning staff should then rinse the nozzles prior to replacing them.
Weekly: You’ll want to completely clean out your ice machine. This is also a great time to take stock of syrups, kegs, and other supplies. Check all connections to make sure they’re secure. Leaking lines should not be used. If they can be tightened to eliminate the leak, then flush the line prior to use.
Monthly: Flush the lines on every system. This is the best way to ensure that your lines are clear of contaminants and working properly. It is much easier to replace one faulty line than to replace an entire system. This process is a bit time consuming, but it is easy enough to master with a little training.

Investment and Maintenance are Key

When it comes to preventing malfunctions in your drink systems, the initial investment and ongoing maintenance are the two primary factors that will contribute most to your success. It can be frustrating to maintain, but it’s worth it in the end.

Share this post: