Dispensers

A 3 gallon (11.4 L) beverage dispenser holds about 38 servings of 300 mL (10 oz) or about 32 of 355 mL (12 oz). A 2 gallon (7.6 L) dispenser holds about 25 servings of 300 mL. Dispensers with an ice tube keep drinks cold without melting ice watering them down. For an event, plan about 2 to 3 drinks per guest over two hours and refill before the dispenser drops below a quarter full.

An 8 L (about 2 gallon) cereal canister holds roughly 1.5 to 2 kg of flaked cereal, or about 50 to 65 servings of 30 g. Double and triple canister units offer two or three cereals in the same footprint. Gravity dispensers portion with a paddle wheel, so each turn releases a consistent amount, reducing waste compared with open bowls. Fill dispensers from sealed bags and never top up stale cereal with fresh.

Beverage dispensers should be emptied, washed, rinsed and sanitized at least daily, and whenever the drink is changed; take apart and clean the spigot, which is where residue builds up. Cereal and dry-food dispensers should be emptied and washed at least weekly, and dried completely before refilling, since moisture makes cereal stale and can encourage mould. Topping dispensers holding sticky items need cleaning more often.

Dispensers keep food covered, so it stays fresh longer and is protected from contamination by guests, which health inspectors favour at buffets. They also portion consistently and reduce waste and spills. Open bowls look abundant but need constant refilling and covering. Many hotels use dispensers for cereals and drinks and open displays only for whole fruit and packaged items.

Wood display boxes and risers, such as Cal-Mil Madera and Aspen, are designed to hold packaged food, bowls, platters and food pans rather than direct contact with unwrapped food. Use a liner, a pan or a bowl for loose items such as bread or fruit, and wipe the wood clean with a damp cloth and mild soap, never soaking it or putting it in a dish machine. Wood adds a rustic, market-style look to buffets and grab-and-go stations.

Shipping is a flat $16.50 anywhere in Canada and free on orders over $199 before tax. Orders are processed in 2 to 3 business days (cut-off 10:00 AM MST, Monday to Friday) and Canadian transit takes 2 to 6 business days. We also ship to the United States, with duties and taxes shown at checkout. See the Shipping page for full details.