A jug rinser is an invaluable tool for any espresso bar, ensuring cleanliness, efficiency, and superior coffee quality. If you're looking to enhance your cafe's operations, installing a jug rinser is a game-changer. This guide will walk you through the process, from unboxing to the final test, focusing on the popular Rhino 150ml Spin Jet Jug Rinser.
Why a Jug Rinser is Essential for Your Cafe
Jug rinsers offer numerous benefits that directly impact your coffee's taste and your cafe's workflow:
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Sanitization: Quickly and effectively cleans milk jugs, preventing bacterial growth and cross-contamination between milk types.
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Efficiency: Speeds up the workflow by allowing baristas to rinse jugs rapidly while steaming milk or preparing other drinks.
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Reduced Clutter: Keeps your benchtop clear of dirty jugs, promoting a more organized and aesthetically pleasing workspace.
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Improved Coffee Quality: Ensures that every milk-based drink starts with a clean jug, preventing off-flavors from residual milk.
Unboxing the Rhino 150ml Spin Jet Jug Rinser
The Rhino 150ml Spin Jet Jug Rinser is a popular choice due to its simple setup and practical design. It features a deep well for effective draining and a single rinsing point, avoiding a bulky drip tray. While it's designed for in-bench installation, an above-bench attachment is also available for those who prefer not to cut into their countertops.
Here's what you'll find in the box and what you'll need to supply:
Included in the Box:
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Stainless steel jug rinser unit with a simple sink well.
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Spin jet assembly.
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John Guest fitting for water connection.
Tools and Parts You'll Need (Not Included):
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Shifters (wrenches)
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Plumber's tape
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3/8" John Guest line (if using John Guest connection)
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18mm internal diameter waste hose
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O-ring/shackle for waste hose
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Jigsaw (with appropriate blade for your benchtop material)
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Drill
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Protective gear (safety goggles)
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Silicone sealant
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Optional: L-bracket fittings for John Guest or braided hose connections (if space is limited)
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Optional: Isolator switch for water line
Assembling Your Jug Rinser Unit
Before installing the unit into your bench, you'll need to assemble the spin jet mechanism within the sink well.
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Disassemble the Spin Jet: Unscrew the bottom nut of the spin jet. Note the orientation of the two silicone seals – one goes on top, one on the bottom.
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Insert into Sink Well: Slip the spin jet through the hole in the sink well, ensuring one silicone seal is on each side of the well.
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Reassemble and Tighten: Reattach the bottom nut and tighten it with a shifter. Make sure it's snug to prevent leaks.
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Attach the Spinner: Place the spinner piece onto the top of the spin jet, ensuring the small divot underneath aligns. Add the small washer, then secure the top cap. Tighten this connection by hand, holding the arm of the spinner to ensure it's firm.
Strategic Placement: Where to Install Your Jug Rinser
Choosing the right location for your jug rinser is crucial for an efficient workflow and an uncluttered barista station.
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Within Arm's Reach: Position it close to your espresso machine and steaming wand so baristas can easily rinse jugs without moving away from their station.
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Avoid Grinders and Pouring Areas: Never place the jug rinser in front of grinders or in areas where coffee is being poured. This is a wet zone and needs to be kept separate.
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Milk Side: Ideally, the jug rinser should be on the side where you steam milk. This allows for seamless operation: steam milk, rinse jug, fill bottle – all in one fluid motion.
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Under-Bench Considerations:
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Drainage: Ensure there's ample space underneath the bench for the drain hose to curve and connect without kinking.
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Water Source: Consider the location of your water supply.
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Fridge Clearance: The jug rinser unit has a significant depth. Most standard under-bench fridges will not provide enough clearance for the rinser to sit above them. Plan your under-bench layout carefully, often placing the rinser above a bin, an empty cupboard, or near water filters.
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Future Expansion: If you plan to upgrade your espresso machine (e.g., from a two-group to a three-group), ensure you leave enough space around the rinser to accommodate a larger machine.
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Pre-Installation Planning: Before cutting any holes, arrange all your cafe equipment on the benchtop to visualize the workflow and finalize the optimal placement. If you're working with a manufacturer or pouring a concrete bench, collaborate with your coffee supplier to plan the layout and pre-drill holes if necessary.
Cutting the Hole in Your Benchtop
The recommended cut-out size for the Rhino 150ml Spin Jet Jug Rinser is 154mm x 142mm. It's generally best to orient it longways (154mm side parallel to the edge of the bench).
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Measure and Mark: Carefully measure and mark the rectangular outline on your benchtop. Ensure it's centered and square. You can find downloadable templates online for precise marking.
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Protective Gear: Always wear safety goggles before cutting.
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Drill Pilot Holes: Drill four pilot holes within the marked rectangle, close to the corners but not directly in them. These holes should be large enough for your jigsaw blade to fit through.
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Cut the Hole: Insert your jigsaw blade into a pilot hole and carefully cut along the marked outline. Take your time to ensure a clean, precise cut. If you're cutting stainless steel, it's highly recommended to engage a professional.
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Clean and Test Fit: Clean up any debris from the cut. Test fit the jug rinser into the hole to ensure a snug fit with no movement.
Connecting Water and Waste
This is where you'll typically connect to your cafe's plumbing. While DIY is possible, consider engaging a plumber for secure and compliant connections.
Water Connection
The Rhino jug rinser comes with a John Guest fitting.
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Choose Your Connection:
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John Guest: Simple to use, but requires 3/8" John Guest line and additional fittings for the other end of the connection. Be mindful that John Guest fittings can take up significant under-bench depth.
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Braided Hose: If space is a concern, an L-bracket fitting with a traditional braided hose can provide a tighter curve and save space.
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Apply Plumber's Tape: Wrap plumber's tape around the threads of your water connection in a clockwise direction before tightening. This ensures a watertight seal.
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Connect to Unit: Attach your chosen water line to the jug rinser's water inlet. Tighten securely with a shifter.
Waste Connection
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Waste Hose: Attach an 18mm internal diameter waste hose to the drain outlet of the jug rinser. Use an O-ring or shackle to secure it tightly.
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Drainage:
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Direct to Drain: Ideally, connect the waste hose to an S-trap for direct drainage into your cafe's wastewater system. This prevents overflow and reduces maintenance.
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To a Bucket: If a direct drain isn't feasible, you can drain into a bucket. Important Tip: Cut a small triangular notch at the end of the hose that goes into the bucket. This prevents suction and ensures continuous flow, preventing the bucket from overflowing if the hose rests on the bottom. Be aware that buckets fill quickly!
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Final Test and Considerations
Once everything is connected, it's time to test your new jug rinser.
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Isolator Switch (Highly Recommended): If you haven't already, install an isolator switch on your water line to the jug rinser. This allows you to quickly turn off the water in case of a leak or maintenance.
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Apply Water Pressure: Carefully turn on your water source. Check all connections for leaks.
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Test with a Jug: Place a milk jug on the rinser and press down. Water should spray effectively, and the dirty water should drain cleanly into your waste setup.
Ready to Elevate Your Cafe?
Installing a jug rinser is a straightforward process that significantly boosts your cafe's hygiene, efficiency, and overall coffee quality. While DIY is an option, always consider local council regulations, certification requirements, and insurance implications. Don't hesitate to consult with a plumber or your cafe equipment supplier for assistance.
If you're looking for further support in designing your cafe layout or choosing the right equipment, consider partnering with Artisti. We offer expert advice and support to ensure your cafe is both functional and successful. Learn more here.
Have you installed a jug rinser in your cafe? What are your experiences? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below!
