Toggle Nav
0333 355 0535
My Account
Login Register Now
Shopping Cart
Advanced Search
main product photo
33% OFF

Jarvis

Catering Specialist
Reset

Hello! 👋

Hi there, I'm Jarvis! I see you're looking at the Cooler Jug | 3 Litre Beverage Dispenser | Cold Drink Container | APS U221. How can I help you with the technical specs or suitability for your business today?

Jarvis is an AI assistant and may occasionally provide incorrect details. To ensure your equipment fits and functions perfectly, we recommend verifying all critical specifications-including dimensions, power requirements, and compatibility-with our expert sales team prior to purchase.For orders or stock, call 0333 355 0535

How can we help? Choose an option below

Select an option to get started. We're here to help!

Product Questions

Specs, suitability, features & comparisons

Other Enquiries

Delivery, warranty, invoices & customer service

Product questions are answered instantly. Our support team typically responds within minutes.

APS In Stock

Cooler Jug | 3 Litre Beverage Dispenser | Cold Drink Container | APS U221

SKU: U221
£40.35 / exc vat
£48.42/ inc vat
  • Large 3-Litre Capacity
  • Central Ice Reservoir
  • Shock & Scratch-Proof Acrylic
  • Crystal Clear Design

Order by 12pm

Price Match

UK Warehouse

Have a quick question about this product?
Ask instantly →
Features Overview Specifications Case Study Reviews Installation Buying Guide FAQ

Product Overview

Spotted a gap in your buffet for a simple, stylish way to serve cold drinks? This commercial cooler jug is the answer. As a robust and  reliable 3 litre beverage dispenser, it’s designed to take the fuss out of serving everything from fresh orange juice at breakfast to chilled water at a conference. It’s the kind of no-nonsense kit that just works, letting your guests help themselves without any drips, spills, or hassle.

Built by APS, this dispenser is made from remarkably tough, shock and  scratch-proof acrylic, so it’s more than ready for the rough and  tumble of a busy catering environment. The star of the show is the central reservoir, which you can fill with water and  freeze. It slides into the middle of the dispenser to keep your drinks perfectly chilled for hours on end, but crucially, without watering them down. It’s a clever touch that your customers will definitely appreciate.

If you're running a hotel, café, or event catering business and  need a dependable solution for self-service drinks, this is for you. It’s practical, looks professional, and  is incredibly easy to use and  clean. This commercial cold drink container elevates your service from standard jugs to something a bit more special, ensuring every drink is served just right.

Key Features and  Benefits

  • Large 3-Litre Capacity: Serves plenty of guests without the need for constant refilling.
  • Central Ice Reservoir: Keeps drinks ice-cold for hours without diluting your punch or juices.
  • Shock & Scratch-Proof Acrylic: Built to withstand the daily knocks and  bumps of a busy service.
  • Crystal Clear Design: Beautifully showcases colourful juices, iced teas, and  fruit-infused waters.
  • Lightweight & Stable: Easy for staff to carry and  position, with a wide base to prevent tipping.
  • Simple Self-Service Tap: Allows for quick, no-mess pouring, making it ideal for buffets.
  • Easy to Disassemble: All parts separate easily, making hand-washing a quick and  simple job.
  • Enhanced Guest Experience: Offers a professional touch that’s a big step up from open pitchers.

Technical Specifications

  • Brand: APS
  • SKU: U221
  • Capacity: 3 Ltr / 105½oz
  • Dimensions: 290(H) x 180(W) x 180(D) mm
  • Weight: 0.8kg
  • Material: Acrylic
  • Colour: Clear
  • Special Feature: Central freezing reservoir for cooling
  • Care: Handwash only

Expert Review and  Insights

In the world of buffet service, presentation and  practicality have to go hand-in-hand. The APS U221 dispenser nails this. It’s a simple, effective piece of equipment that solves the age-old problem of keeping drinks cold without turning them into a watery mess. It’s a workhorse, not a show-pony, and  its durability means it'll earn its keep very quickly.

Hannah Cartwright – Buffet Equipment Expert View Profile →

  • Top Marks for the Ice Core: This feature genuinely keeps drinks chilled, preserving flavour and  quality for hours.

  • Manual Cleaning Required: It's handwash only, so it can't be thrown in the dishwasher after a busy service.

Case Study: Real Business, Real Results

The Willow Creek B&B in Bakewell, Peak District, was looking to improve its breakfast service. They found their open-top glass jugs of juice would get warm quickly, and  were prone to spills as guests served themselves.

"Our breakfast is our pride and  joy, but the juice situation was letting us down. These dispensers look far more professional, and  the juice stays perfectly chilled and  fresh right until the end of service. Our guests have even commented on it!"

Robert Davies – Owner

The change has directly led to better guest feedback on their breakfast offering and  has reduced juice wastage by an estimated 20%.

Installation and  Maintenance Guide

Setting It Up

  • Before the first use, always wash the container, lid, and  tap in warm, soapy water.
  • To prepare the cooling core, unscrew the cap, fill with water, and  place it in the freezer until solid.
  • Once frozen, screw the core securely into the base of the lid before filling the dispenser.
  • Ensure the dispenser is placed on a completely flat and  stable surface to prevent any wobbling.

Keeping It Going

  • This product is strictly handwash only. Do not place any parts in a commercial dishwasher.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge to clean; abrasive scourers can scratch the acrylic surface.
  • Periodically disassemble the tap mechanism for a thorough clean to prevent any build-up.
  • Allow all parts to air dry completely before reassembling and  storing away.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Beverage Dispenser

Not sure which dispenser is the best fit for your business? Here are a few pointers to help you decide.

Capacity vs. Footprint

Think about how many people you're serving at once. A larger capacity like this 3 litre beverage dispenser is fantastic for reducing refills, but make sure you have the counter space for it.

Material Matters

Acrylic (like this APS model) is a superb all-rounder – it's lightweight, shatter-resistant, and  great for busy areas. Glass looks premium but is heavier and  more fragile.

Cooling Method

An internal ice core is the gold standard for preventing dilution. Simpler models may require you to add ice directly to the drink, which is fine for water but not ideal for juices or cordials.

Tap Type

For self-service environments, a sturdy, non-drip tap is essential. A simple pull-down or push-button lever is often the most reliable and  easiest for guests to use.

Aesthetics and  Display

If the dispenser is front-of-house, you want it to look good! A clear body is perfect for showing off colourful and  appealing drinks like fruit punch or iced tea.

See all Plastic Jugs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this dispenser for hot drinks like tea or coffee?

A: No, this dispenser is specifically designed for cold beverages. The acrylic material is not suitable for holding hot liquids.

Q: Is the tap replaceable if it breaks?

A: The unit is sold as a single piece. The tap is designed to be highly durable for commercial use, but we do not sell it separately.

Q: How does the cooling feature work without watering down the drink?

A: It uses a separate, sealable central reservoir. You freeze this core and  it chills the surrounding liquid without any ice melting into the drink itself.

Q: Can I put slices of fruit in the main container with the juice?

A: Absolutely! It’s perfect for making fruit-infused water or punch. Just be sure the pieces don't block the tap mechanism.

Q: What is the main body of the cold drink dispenser 3 litre made from?

A: It is constructed from a strong, food-safe acrylic that is both shock-proof and  scratch-resistant.

Q: How stable is it when full?

A: Very stable. It has a wide, solid base designed to prevent tipping, even when the dispenser is full to its 3-litre capacity.

Q: Is it difficult to clean?

A: Not at all. It disassembles into a few key parts (container, lid, ice core, tap) for a quick and  easy handwash with warm, soapy water.

Q: Can the central ice core be filled with anything other than water?

A: We strongly recommend using only water. Other liquids can expand differently when frozen and  may damage or crack the core.

What Customers Are Saying

"Brilliant bit of kit. We use two for our Sunday lunch service, one for water and  one for orange. Looks smart, the tap is solid, and  it does the job perfectly."

Michael P. – Pub Landlord, York

"Really sturdy and  the ice tube is a fantastic idea. My only tiny gripe is that it's handwash only, but it’s so easy to take apart and  clean it hardly matters."

Fiona K. – Café Owner, Brighton

"Bought three of these for a large garden party we catered. They were easy to fill, didn't leak, and  kept the drinks cold all afternoon in the sun. Highly recommend."

Elegant Events Ltd – Catering Company, Bath

Add Review

The APS Advantage: Smart Design for Effortless Service

Choosing equipment from a brand like APS is about more than just the product's immediate features; it’s an investment in operational smoothness. With decades of experience, APS understands the unique pressures of the catering and  hospitality industry. This commercial cooler jug isn't just a container; it's a tool meticulously designed to enhance the guest experience while reducing staff workload. Its robust construction means you're buying a long-term asset, not a temporary fix that will need replacing after one busy season. The focus on practical details, like the non-diluting ice core and  the stable base, demonstrates a deep understanding of what truly matters front-of-house: consistency, reliability, and  effortless professionalism. This dispenser delivers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your guests, confident that a small but crucial detail of your service is taken care of.

Explore more from APS

How the Ice Core Keeps Drinks Colder, Longer (Without the Water)

Ever had a lovely jug of punch or juice that ends up a watery, flavourless shadow of its former self after an hour? That’s because the ice cubes melted directly into it. The central reservoir in this APS U221 beverage dispenser is the clever solution. Think of it less like an ice cube and  more like a sealed, reusable ice pack that sits right in the heart of your drink. You simply fill the tube with water, pop it in the freezer, and then slot it into the dispenser. It chills the entire 3 litres of liquid from the inside out, keeping it crisp and  cold for hours. The best part? Not a single drop of water melts into your drink, so the last glass tastes just as good as the first. It's the secret to serving consistently perfect cold drinks.

Who Should Buy This?

  • Hotels & Guest Houses: An ideal upgrade for your breakfast buffet, serving fresh juice or chilled water elegantly to guests.

  • Event & Function Caterers: A lightweight and  portable catering drink dispenser for serving welcome drinks at weddings and  corporate functions.

  • Cafés & Farm Shops: A fantastic way to offer self-serve iced tea, cordials, or fruit-infused water to customers.

  • Community Centres & Canteens: A durable, safe, and  easy-to-use option for serving cold drinks during lunch or at events.

Find equipment tailored to your type of business:

Shop for Cafes Shop for Hotels Shop for Restaurants View All Business Types

You Might Also Like

Why Choose EasyEquipment?

  • Trusted for 50+ Years

    We've been kitting out UK kitchens for half a century—we know our onions.

  • Speedy & Free Delivery

    Get your gear fast with free UK mainland delivery, often as soon as the next day.

  • Price Match Promise

    Find it for less elsewhere? We'll match the price, no quibbles or fuss.

  • Real UK Support

    Got a question? Our friendly, UK-based team is on the phone, ready to help you out.

Ready to Order?

Get your APS U221 3 Litre Beverage Dispenser on its way today and  make serving perfectly chilled drinks refreshingly simple.

Add to Cart Call Us for Advice

Customer Reviews

How do you rate this product?

Your voice makes a difference! We value your honest feedback and would love to hear about your experience with our products.

Please take a moment to leave a review and help us grow together.