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Selecting the right CO₂ tank for soda dispensing is essential for businesses in the food and beverage industry, including restaurants, bars, cafés, fast-food chains, and soda manufacturers. The right tank ensures consistent carbonation, minimizes downtime, and optimizes cost efficiency.
Many businesses overspend on refills or run out of CO₂ too soon because they choose the wrong tank size. I’ve worked with businesses that struggled with frequent tank changes or excess storage costs. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to select the ideal CO₂ tank for your business.
Table of Contents
Why CO₂ Tank Size Matters for Businesses
Choosing the right CO₂ tank size affects:
✅ Refill frequency – Larger tanks reduce the need for frequent refills.
✅ Storage space – Bigger tanks require dedicated space and safety measures.
✅ Operational costs – Larger tanks reduce cost per refill but have higher upfront costs.
✅ Business efficiency – The right tank prevents running out of CO₂ unexpectedly.
If your business sells soda regularly, upgrading to a larger CO₂ tank can reduce long-term expenses. Let’s compare common tank sizes and their business applications.
CO₂ Tank Size Comparison for Businesses
| 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W |
| 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda |
| Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants |
| 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W |
| 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda |
| Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants |
| 20" H x 6.87" W | 800L of soda | Coffee shops, bars, small restaurants | 20" H x 6.87" W |
Each tank size serves different business needs. Below, we’ll explore how to determine the best choice for your business.
Small CO₂ Tanks (5 lb & 10 lb): Best for Low-Volume Businesses
Who Should Use Small CO₂ Tanks?
- Cafés and coffee shops that only serve soda as an add-on.
- Small bars with minimal soda sales.
- Food trucks or mobile vendors with limited space.
Pros and Cons
✅ Compact and easy to store.
✅ Lower initial cost.
❌ Requires frequent refills.
❌ Higher cost per liter of soda.
A 5 lb CO₂ tank can support a small soda fountain, but if your business grows, you’ll need frequent refills. A 10 lb tank is a better option for slightly higher demand.
Medium CO₂ Tanks (20 lb & 50 lb): Ideal for Most Restaurants & Bars
Who Should Use Medium CO₂ Tanks?
- Restaurants and bars that serve soda regularly.
- Kegerators and microbreweries using CO₂ for draft beer.
- Fast-casual dining that offers self-serve soda fountains.
Pros and Cons
✅ Balanced size – fits in most storage areas.
✅ Fewer refills – reduces downtime.
✅ Lower cost per liter compared to small tanks.
❌ Requires more storage space than small tanks.
A 20 lb CO₂ tank is the best option for most restaurants, while a 50 lb tank is better for high-volume businesses.
Large CO₂ Tanks (100 lb & Bulk CO₂): Best for High-Volume Businesses
Who Should Use Large CO₂ Tanks?
- Fast-food chains that serve hundreds of drinks daily.
- Breweries and bottling plants producing carbonated beverages.
- Movie theaters, amusement parks, or stadiums with high soda demand.
Pros and Cons
✅ Lowest cost per liter of soda.
✅ Eliminates frequent tank changes.
✅ Ensures continuous soda supply.
❌ Requires dedicated storage space.
❌ Bulk tanks need professional installation.
For businesses serving thousands of sodas per day, bulk CO₂ systems (250+ lb) provide the best efficiency.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a CO₂ Tank
1. Beverage Sales Volume
- If you sell less than 50 drinks per day, a 5 lb or 10 lb tank is enough.
- If you sell 50–200 drinks per day, a 20 lb or 50 lb tank is better.
- If you sell 200+ drinks per day, a 100 lb tank or bulk CO₂ system is recommended.
2. Available Storage Space
- Small tanks fit easily under counters.
- Medium tanks require dedicated storage but remain manageable.
- Large tanks need proper ventilation and safety installation.
3. CO₂ Refilling Costs
- Smaller tanks have higher refilling costs per liter.
- Larger tanks reduce the number of refills needed, lowering long-term expenses.
- Bulk CO₂ systems provide the lowest cost per unit but require upfront investment.
4. Safety & Compliance
- Always store CO₂ tanks upright and secured to prevent tipping.
- Follow OSHA & food safety regulations for CO₂ storage and handling.
- Ensure proper ventilation in enclosed spaces to prevent CO₂ buildup.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best CO₂ Tank for Your Business
Best CO₂ Tank by Business Type
✅ Small coffee shop or café → 5 lb or 10 lb tank.
✅ Restaurant or bar → 20 lb or 50 lb tank.
✅ Fast food chain or brewery → 100 lb tank or bulk CO₂ system.
Upgrading to the right CO₂ tank reduces operational costs, minimizes downtime, and ensures consistent carbonation for every drink. I’ve seen businesses struggle with frequent refills or overspend on small tanks. Picking the right size will save money and improve efficiency.
If your business needs high-volume CO₂ supply, consult with a gas supplier for bulk CO₂ systems. The right choice will keep your operations running smoothly without interruption.
