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Dispelling Myths About Double Chamber Frozen Beverage Drink Machines from The Margarita Man of Eastern NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why does The Margarita Man of NC carry Two different styles of frozen drink machines?
A. We carry several different frozen drink machines so that we can offer our customers the best machine for their specific type of use. Some machines perform better in bars and restaurants than they do for a party rental company. Home usage can demand another style of machine. We have researched all of the different types of frozen drink equipment and have selected what we feel IS the best of the best. We always suggest units to our customers that will perform the best for their individual needs. Every model of our Donper frozen drink equipment that we carry has some of its own unique features, however there are two basic categories of machines; the original barrel freezer machine (Donpor XF124 and the twin bowl granita machine such as the Donper CX 224).
Q. How does the barrel freezer frozen drink machine work?
A. The barrel freezer is usually a stainless steel machine that has a freezing cylinder and a larger insulated retaining reservoir or hopper. This machine is top loaded, which means that you pour the premixed drink solution into the reservoir on top of the machine. Some of the drink mix will travel directly into the freezing cylinder or barrel and the rest will stay in the hopper. The freezing cylinder size varies from machine to machine but most hold from 1 to 2 gallons. This area freezes the mix by spinning it around and scraping it off the sides of the cylinder as it freezes. It will freeze the liquid fairly fast because of the small amount that it holds. As the mix in the cylinder freezes, the liquid being stored in the hopper gets simultaniously pre-chilled. As each frozen drink is dispensed, it is immediately replaced by the same amount of liquid from the hopper. This liquid blends in with the rest of the frozen mixture and freezes quickly. As the level of liquid being held in the reservoir becomes lower, the machine usually has a mix-low light to alert you to add more mix into the hopper. This style of machine works best in situations where one needs a steady flow of drinks. This is the "original" style of frozen drink machine which was developed about 30 years ago. It was the only type of frozen drink machine available, until the granita machines were developed
Q. How does the granita frozen drink machine work?
A. A granita machine has the compressor(s) housed in the base and 1, 2, or 3 clear bowls above for freezing, holding, and dispensing the frozen drinks. The freezing cylinder(s) are within each bowl. When the premixed drink solution is poured into the bowl, an auger blade spins around the freezing cylinder, shaving off the frozen mixture while also stirring the drinks. This type of machine freezes all of the drink mix that is placed into the bowl, so that the entire amount is frozen and ready to dispense. This style of machine will take longer to freeze simply because it is freezing a much larger quantity. Bowl capacity is approimately 3-gallons which is all frozen at the same time. The "bowl style" units will have more servings ready at the start of a timed event such as a wedding reception or party, when demand is the highest and where the initial freeze time is not an issue. This equipment can give you more than a one flavor option. (Donper) offers 1, 2, and 3 bowl models). This is great for most parties where both adults and children would like enjoy a frozen drink. For larger events all bowls can be filled with the same flavor. The "bowl style" machines have been around for about a dozen years now and have gone through several changes over the years. After several years of perfecting and re-engineering, these machines are now very dependable.
Q. I was told by someone that the Bowl style granita machines are not margarita machines. Is this true?
A. Absolutely NOT true. This type of machine is actually more versatile than the barrel freezers. They can make a perfect margarita, smoothie, or slushy. One can adjust the machine to achieve the proper consistency of the drink being served. Your favorite adult alcohol-based drink or a non-alcohol kids' slushy, these machines will do it all.
Q. How long does it take double bowl machines to freeze with the Donper?
A. If you are using a bottle of our mix you will be making approximately 4-5 gallons of drinks depending on mix choice. Our granita machine holds 3-gallons per bowl. It will take about 120 minutes to freeze that amount of drinks, a little longer in the heat of summer or if using outside. You can shorten the freeze time by prefreezing the alcohol and cooling the drink mix or starting with cold water. Keep in mind if the liquid going into the machine is chilled at 40 degrees it will take half the time to freeze than if 70 degrees when starting.
Q. Will the Bowl machines work outside in the heat of the summer?
A. Yes. These machines, as all brands, are air cooled and therefore high temperatures and humidity will have an adverse effect on them. However, as long as you keep any machine out of direct sunlight it will perform fine.
Q. I was told that the box type of machines can freeze drinks in 30 minutes. Is this true?
A. ANY style of frozen drink machine can freeze 1.5 gallons of drink mix in about 30 minutes. Even though you are filling most box style machines with 5 or more gallons of liquid, these machines are only freezing 1.5 gallons in the freezing chamber. The remainder of the drink mix sits up in the holding tank. The concept of this style machine is that when you serve a frozen drink, it is replaced with liquid mix from the retaining tank. Each drink dispensed is replaced by equal amounts of liquid that will then mix with the frozen beverage in the freezing cylinder. These machines have worked well for years in restaurants, bars, and places where they sell drinks at a slow, steady pace. The problem that we have had with this style of machine has been at the parties, events, and weddings where there are a large number of people trying to get a drink at the same time. If a party or event starts at 7:00 and you have 30 or more guests wanting a drink... PROBLEM! The barrel style machine will have about twenty 8oz drinks frozen and ready to serve. Working at its best, the faster that you dispense the drinks, the less frozen each one will progressively become. Usually by around the 15th serving, people will be only getting liquidy chilled slush. They may start dumping or abandoning the drinks (wasting expensive alcohol) until someone puts a sign on the machine to come back in 20 minutes or they may simply turn it off thinking that it is broken.
Q. What if I have more questions?
A. Great! If you still have more questions or concerns, please feel free to give us a call at 919-394-7044. Providing Frozen Drink Machine Rentals for businesses and individual's special party or event, we serve the entire eastern NC area, from Raleigh to the coast. www.margaritamaneasternnc.com
