What is an airpot?
An airpot is a portable vacuum insulated hot drinks dispenser with a glass or stainless steel internal liner. Airpots can be filled with a hot beverage such as tea and coffee and used to keep a drink warm for hours. Because airpots do not require electrical power, they are convenient for use outdoors or in temporary locations such as meeting rooms and formal receptions.
It is easy to combine airpots with a corresponding drip tray or rack in order to prevent spillages and provide necessary teabags and other equipment. Airpots are also a relatively safe method of serving drinks thanks to locking lids and mechanisms along with no open spouts. This makes it simple and safe to pour piping hot tea and coffee into whatever mugs you choose.
SHOW ME AIRPOTSWhy are airpots so popular?
Airpots make it easy to provide hot drinks anywhere. There’s no need for power, reduced chances of spillages and excellent heat retention. This means that hospitality staff do not need to wait in order to provide hot drinks, whilst drinkers can serve themselves quickly and easily.
The stainless steel liner in Olympia airpots makes them incredibly strong and durable whilst providing great heat retention. Spouts can also be locked in order to guard against spillages, keeping airpots neater than alternative beverage dispensers. Using similar technology to vacuum Thermos flasks, airpots are perfect for serving drinks at outdoor events or having refreshments ready for breaks in meetings.
TIP: Airpots stay cool to the touch, protecting customers from the risk of contact burns.
How to use an airpot
- Set the pump button or lever mechanism to open.
- Squeeze the two buttons on the spout to release the lid catch, then lift the lid. (Press and hold the button to release and lift the lid for lever action pots)
- Remove the flow pipe and fill the airpot with your beverage. Replace the flow pipe and lid.
- Push the pump button or move the lever down repeatedly to pump out contents and serve drinks.
TIP: Mixed retail businesses and hotels catering to business clients often use airpots to create a 'Grab and Go Station'. By providing airpots alongside disposable cups, milk, sugar and stirrers, these businesses enable customers to rapidly serve themselves a coffee. It's a great way to add value to the service you provide.
Choosing An Airpot
Capacity
Different airpots will suit different occasions. Smaller 1.9 litre airpots are great for individual meetings and can serve a smaller group of people. By comparison, Olympia’s 5 litre airpot is designed to quench the thirst of large groups and can also be used to create effective grab and go stations. Based on a 6oz coffee cup, each cafetiere will provide roughly:
| Capacity | Number of Cups |
|---|---|
| 1.9Ltr | 11 |
| 2.5Ltr | 14 |
| 3Ltr | 17 |
| 4Ltr | 23 |
| 5Ltr | 30 |
Internal Construction
Airpots work by having two walls with a vacuum between. The inner wall, or liner, will be made of either stainless steel or glass. Glass provides excellent thermal insulation but is significantly more costly and more fragile than a stainless steel equivalent. By comparison, stainless steel liners still provide great insulation but are significantly stronger. For this reason, most catering businesses prefer the rugged reliability of stainless steel liners.
Type of action
Almost all airpots work by drawing fluid up a tube from the central reservoir and out through a spout. That said, there are two different methods for doing so:
Pump action airpots feature an integrated top button which is pushed downwards in order to draw liquid out of the spout. This integration protects the mechanism from damage and avoids the potential for snagging sleeves or cups on an exterior handle.
By comparison, lever action airpots have a top mounted lever which is raised above the main body and is pressed in order to serve the drink. The additional leverage can offer an easier motion for quick and seamless beverage service.
Colour
Almost all airpots are finished in brushed stainless steel. This minimises the appearance of any damage during usage and also provides a clean and contemporary look. If, however, you want a more colourful option to fit your business, the Bravilor Furento range could be perfect! Options include everything from jet black to metallic pink, helping to make your hot beverage service stand out.
How to clean an airpot
Airpots are not dishwasher safe and should not be cleaned with corrosive chemicals. Simply empty any residual fluid and then clean with hot soapy water and a damp cloth.
In order to clear the flow pipe, reassemble the airpot and fill with hot, clean water and pump through the mechanism until completely clear. Do not use soapy water, as this could effect the flavour of future servings.
Ensure that all parts of the airpot are completely dry before storing.
TIP: For more information on using and maintaining airpots, try the Olympia instruction manual.
BROWSE ALL AIRPOTS