Beverage Carbonation Systems and Supplies Key Terms

Know the lingo when dealing with beverage carbonation systems and supplies
By Kim Hill, Owner Karsun Designs Beverage carbonation and supplies are what maintain your drink equipment when serving refreshing soda or beer. Dealing with any type of carbonation systems will require that you know a little bit about how it works. Whether you own a restaurant, diner or cafe, there are several key terms that you should know so that you can utilize your equipment to the fullest.
 

Brix meters

Brix is what is is used in food production to accurately gauge the amount of sugars in a product such as soft drinks. Brix meters are digital refractometers that compute the Brix value so that you get the correct amount of C02 and sugar in your drinks.
Try: Global Spec shows how the Brix meter works with your carbonation system.

C02

C02, commonly known as carbon dioxide, is a odorless and colorless gas that is a natural part of our air. This is used in drink dispensers to give them the fizz we all like. It is also used in dispensing beer products.
Try: Encyclopædia Britannica explains how C02 helps soda become carbonated.

Syrups

Syrup is added to carbonated water in a dispenser and gives the consumer the flavored drink. A soda dispenser mixes the syrup and the carbonated water simultaneously.
Try: The Drugstore Museum has an informational guide on the history of soda machines, including how flavored syrups work with the dispenser process.

Nitrogen tanks

The basic idea of adding nitrogen to beer and serving it through a Guinness-style faucet was to imitate the effect of the beer engine. The consumer gets an alternative to draft beer with a foamier head.
Try: The Yeast Bank shows you how nitrogen tanks work with beer products and the benefits of using them.

Soda gun

A soda gun is used in restaurants and bars with the purpose of serving a variety of drinks to customers. These are utilized with the pre- and post-mix products. Pre-mix soda guns allow the attendant to supply the drink directly from the tap, while post-mix utilization is more precise and works great for mixed drinks.
Try: Easy Bar shows how a soda gun works, including changing photos so you can view the variety of soda gun products.

Pre or post mixed

Pre-mix products are already carbonated from the supplier you choose and provide a ready to drink product but take up more space. Post-mix options include syrup-only cylinders and utilize less space.
Try: Soda Dispensers offers a guide on all things soda dispenser related, including the benefits and cons of pre- and post-mixed products and how each one works.