When it comes to setting up a soda bar in a commercial establishment, one of the critical considerations is the space requirements for a Soda Bar Gun System. As a supplier of Soda Bar Gun System, I've encountered numerous inquiries from potential clients regarding the amount of space this system needs. In this blog, I'll delve into the factors that influence the space requirements and provide a comprehensive overview to help you make informed decisions.
Understanding the Soda Bar Gun System
Before we discuss the space requirements, it's essential to understand what a Soda Bar Gun System entails. A Commercial Soda Gun System is a complex setup that includes multiple components such as the soda guns, syrup lines, carbon dioxide tanks, and water supply lines. These components work together to dispense a variety of carbonated and non - carbonated beverages accurately.
Factors Affecting Space Requirements
1. Number of Soda Guns
The number of soda guns is one of the primary factors that determine the space needed. Each soda gun is typically used to dispense a different type of beverage, whether it's a cola, lemon - lime soda, or a flavored water. A basic setup might include 3 - 4 soda guns, while a more elaborate system in a large venue could have 8 or more.
Each soda gun requires a certain amount of counter space for easy access and operation. On average, a single soda gun needs about 6 - 8 inches of linear counter space. So, if you have a 6 - gun system, you would need approximately 36 - 48 inches of counter space just for the guns themselves.
2. Syrup and Supply Lines
The syrup and supply lines are another significant factor. These lines run from the syrup containers or bulk syrup tanks to the soda guns. They need to be routed in an organized manner to ensure proper flow and prevent kinking or blockages.
The length of the lines depends on the distance between the syrup storage area and the soda guns. Additionally, the lines need to be stored in a way that they are protected from damage and easy to clean. A general rule of thumb is to allocate some space under the counter for the line routing. For a small - to - medium - sized setup, you might need an additional 12 - 18 inches of under - counter depth for the lines.
3. Carbon Dioxide Tanks
Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is essential for carbonating the beverages in a soda bar. The CO₂ tanks come in different sizes, typically ranging from 5 - 20 pounds. The size of the tank you choose depends on the volume of carbonated beverages you expect to dispense.
A 5 - pound CO₂ tank is relatively small and can be stored in a compact space, while a 20 - pound tank is larger and requires more room. You'll need to allocate space for the tank itself, as well as some clearance around it for safety and ease of handling. On average, a 5 - pound tank might need about 12 inches of vertical space and 8 - 10 inches of horizontal space, while a 20 - pound tank could require 24 inches of vertical space and 12 - 15 inches of horizontal space.
4. Water Supply and Drainage
The soda gun system also requires a water supply and a drainage system. The water supply line needs to be connected to a clean water source, and the drainage system is used to remove excess water and clean the guns.
The water supply line can be routed through the wall or under the counter, but it still needs some space for connection and maintenance. The drainage system, which usually consists of a drain tube and a drain pan, also takes up some under - counter space. You should allocate about 6 - 8 inches of under - counter depth for the water supply and drainage components.
Space Requirements for Different Venues
1. Small Cafes and Bistros
In a small cafe or bistro, space is often at a premium. A basic Soda Bar Gun System with 3 - 4 soda guns, a small CO₂ tank, and a simple syrup storage setup can be installed in a relatively compact area.
You would need about 24 - 32 inches of counter space for the soda guns, 12 - 18 inches of under - counter depth for the syrup lines, water supply, and drainage, and a small area, say 12 x 12 inches, for the CO₂ tank. In total, you could set up a functional soda bar in an area of about 3 - 4 square feet of counter space and an additional 1 - 2 square feet of under - counter space.
2. Medium - Sized Restaurants
Medium - sized restaurants usually have more customers and a greater demand for a variety of beverages. A system with 5 - 6 soda guns, a medium - sized CO₂ tank, and a more comprehensive syrup storage setup is common.
You would need approximately 30 - 48 inches of counter space for the soda guns, 18 - 24 inches of under - counter depth for the lines and components, and a larger area, around 18 x 18 inches, for the CO₂ tank. The total space required would be around 5 - 6 square feet of counter space and 2 - 3 square feet of under - counter space.
3. Large Banquet Halls and Event Venues
In large banquet halls and event venues, where there is a high volume of beverage service, a more elaborate Soda Bar Gun System is necessary. A system with 8 or more soda guns, multiple CO₂ tanks, and a large - scale syrup storage setup is typical.
You would need 48 - 64 inches or more of counter space for the soda guns, 24 - 36 inches of under - counter depth for the lines and components, and a dedicated area for the CO₂ tanks, which could be as large as 24 x 24 inches or more. The total space required could be 8 - 10 square feet of counter space and 4 - 5 square feet of under - counter space.
Planning Your Soda Bar Layout
When planning the layout of your soda bar, it's important to consider not only the space requirements but also the workflow and accessibility. The soda guns should be placed within easy reach of the staff, and the syrup storage and CO₂ tank areas should be located in a way that allows for quick refilling and maintenance.
You should also think about the future expansion of your soda bar. If you anticipate adding more soda guns or increasing the variety of beverages in the future, it's wise to leave some extra space in your initial setup.
Conclusion
The space requirements for a Soda Bar Gun System vary depending on several factors, including the number of soda guns, the size of the CO₂ tanks, and the complexity of the syrup and supply lines. By carefully considering these factors and planning your layout accordingly, you can ensure that your soda bar operates efficiently and effectively.
If you're in the process of setting up a soda bar or looking to upgrade your existing system, I encourage you to reach out to us for more detailed information and personalized advice. We have a wide range of Soda Bar Gun System options to suit different needs and budgets. Contact us today to start the procurement and installation process.
References
- Beverage Industry Handbook, 3rd Edition
- Commercial Foodservice Equipment Guide
