REFRESH

Overview

BUNN REFRESH is a commercial filtered-water dispenser for serving chilled still and sparkling water. It gives restaurants and other foodservice operations an option to offer water as part of a beverage menu, including custom-crafted still or carbonated water infusions. The lineup includes countertop push-button and portion-control models, along with tower configurations such as a pull-handle tower. Specific controls and finishes depend on the model.

A recirculation loop continuously moves water to help maintain a consistent dispensing temperature of 40°F. The fast-flow faucet accommodates cups or carafes up to 12 inches tall. REFRESH uses a water filter system and, for sparkling dispensing, connects to an external CO₂ supply.

Key Features

• Still and sparkling water: Dispenses chilled filtered water in still or carbonated form.
• Consistent cold temperature: Recirculation loop technology circulates water to maintain a reported temperature of 40°F.
• Fast-flow faucet: Provides clearance for large cups and carafes up to 12 inches in height.
• Light carbonation: An in-line patented water mistifier balances purified cold water and light carbonation to produce sparkling water intended for longer-lasting bubbles and flavour absorption.
• Water filtration: The included filtration system is described as reducing cyst, lead, particulates, chloramines, and chlorine taste and odour. BUNN reports 99.99% reduction of common water-borne bacteria, based on manufacturer laboratory testing with E. coli ATCC (11229).
• Choice of dispensing configuration: The lineup includes countertop push-button and portion-control models, plus tower options. The pull-handle tower is described as suitable for front-of-house use.

Specifications

• Equipment type: Commercial filtered-water dispenser.
• Dispensed beverages: Chilled still and sparkling water.
• Water temperature: 40°F, maintained by a recirculation loop.
• Faucet clearance: Accommodates cups or carafes up to 12 inches tall.
• Dimensions listed in the supplied product information: 26.9 inches high × 10.0 inches wide × 28.1 inches deep. Confirm the dimensions for the selected configuration before planning a counter opening or installation.
• Electrical supply: The REFRESH installation guide specifies a 120 VAC, 15 A, single-phase, 60 Hz grounded branch circuit for 120 V dispensers, with a NEMA 5-15R receptacle. The guide also lists a 6-foot power cord.
• Water supply: Cold water at 30–100 psig and a minimum flow rate of 3 fluid ounces per second.
• Water connection: 3/8-inch male flare connection at the dispenser.
• CO₂ connection: External CO₂ supply through a 1/4-inch MFL connection; the installation pictorial specifies a 120 psig cylinder regulator setting.
• Included filtration: Water filter system; the guide specifies replacement every 4,500 gallons or semi-annually.

Installation & Requirements

Location and support

The installation guide identifies REFRESH as an indoor dispenser for ambient temperatures from 50°F to 90°F. It advises avoiding direct sunlight and other external heat sources. The dispenser is heavy: use at least two people to lift or move it, and place it on a sturdy counter or shelf able to support at least 125 lb. The guide calls for at least 6 inches of clearance at the back and top and 4 inches at each side for air circulation. Leave space to move the unit for countertop cleaning.

Electrical connection

For a 120 V dispenser, the guide specifies an individual, grounded, two-wire branch circuit rated 120 VAC, 15 A, single phase, 60 Hz, with a NEMA 5-15R mating receptacle. It lists a 6-foot power cord. Keep the dispenser disconnected from power until the electrical hookup steps call for connection. The guide instructs the installer to confirm the source voltage and conductor colour coding, and to ensure the compressor and dispense switches are off before connecting the unit.

Water and filtration connections

Connect REFRESH to a cold-water system operating between 30 and 100 psig, capable of delivering at least 3 fluid ounces per second. The water inlet is a 3/8-inch male flare connection at the rear. The guide calls for a shutoff valve in the supply line and installation of the included filter as close as possible to the dispenser, downstream of the shutoff valve. Flush a new filter with at least 5 gallons of water before connecting it to the dispenser. The guide does not recommend saddle valves, noting that their openings may restrict water flow.

The manual calls for adequate backflow prevention in accordance with applicable plumbing and food codes. For installations outside the United States, it directs users to follow the applicable local plumbing and sanitation code. At least 18 inches of FDA-approved flexible beverage tubing before the dispenser can help it move for countertop cleaning; the manual identifies reinforced braided polyethylene as an example.

CO₂ connection and ventilation

Sparkling-water service requires an external CO₂ source and an external pressure regulator in the supply line. The CO₂ connection is a 1/4-inch MFL fitting at the back of the unit. The installation pictorial specifies setting the cylinder regulator to 120 psig. Secure the cylinder upright in a cool, well-ventilated location and protect it from sunlight when ambient temperature exceeds 125°F. The guide specifies 4 inches of side clearance and 6 inches at the top and back for air circulation; follow those clearances when positioning the dispenser.

Operation

REFRESH dispenses still or sparkling cold water. The available control depends on the selected model: the lineup includes push-button dispensing and portion-control dispensing. Tower configurations are also available, including a pull-handle option described by BUNN as suitable for front-of-house service. The fast-flow faucet accommodates a cup or carafe up to 12 inches tall.

For carbonated service, the dispenser must be connected to an external CO₂ supply and regulator. The manual includes initial-fill and water-line-purging procedures, but the supplied excerpts do not provide their full step-by-step instructions. Follow the current REFRESH operating guide for the complete startup procedure.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The supplied installation guide includes cleaning and preventative maintenance as manual topics, but the available text does not provide a complete cleaning procedure. It notes that flexible beverage tubing before the dispenser can facilitate moving the unit to clean the countertop. Use the current REFRESH guide for the full cleaning instructions rather than relying on a procedure intended for another BUNN product.

Replace the water filter every 4,500 gallons or semi-annually, as specified in the guide. Flush a replacement filter with at least 5 gallons of water before connecting it to the dispenser. The dispenser’s blue dispense LED provides filter alerts: a slow flash indicates that a cartridge is nearly due for replacement, while a rapid flash indicates that it must be replaced.

Troubleshooting

The manual describes several indicator patterns that can help identify service needs:

• Blue dispense LED flashes three times every three seconds: The manual identifies a water-bath fill error, which occurs when the bath does not fill within four minutes.
• Blue dispense LED flashes slowly: The water filter cartridge is nearly due for replacement.
• Blue dispense LED flashes rapidly: The water filter cartridge must be replaced.
• Red LEDs 1 and 2 flash once every three seconds: The manual associates this pattern with an open bath-thermistor circuit; the compressor will not run.
• Red LEDs 1 and 2 flash twice every three seconds: The manual associates this pattern with a shorted bath-thermistor circuit; the compressor will not run.
• Green LED 2 is on: The manual indicates that the compressor should be on.

If an indicator points to a bath-fill or thermistor fault, or the compressor does not operate as indicated, consult the REFRESH service information or a qualified service technician. The available manual text does not provide a full repair procedure for these conditions.

Applications

BUNN REFRESH is suited to commercial beverage service where operators want to dispense chilled filtered water alongside other menu beverages. Potential settings include quick-service and full-service restaurants, healthcare facilities, and college foodservice. The pull-handle tower option can suit front-of-house dispensing, while countertop push-button and portion-control configurations offer different ways to serve water at a counter.