What Is CO2 Used for in Restaurants?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is used in restaurants mainly for carbonating beverages, dispensing beer, preserving food, and fire suppression. These uses make CO2 an essential gas in the food service industry, helping businesses deliver quality products while ensuring proper preservation.

In this article, we’ll explore the key applications of CO2 in restaurant settings in more detail. You’ll also learn how proper management ensures both operational efficiency and safety.

Beverage Carbonation Systems

CO2 is the foundation of fountain drink systems in restaurants. When you order a soda at your favorite restaurant, CO2 is what gives that drink its signature fizz.

The process works by mixing water, flavored syrup, and pressurized CO2 gas. The CO2 dissolves into the liquid under pressure, creating the carbonation that makes soft drinks bubbly and refreshing.

Most restaurants use a bulk CO2 system that includes:

• A pressurized tank
• Regulator
• Lines that run to the beverage dispensing equipment

This setup allows for consistent carbonation levels across all drinks served.

The gas pressure in bulk CO2 tanks typically ranges from 60-90 PSI depending on temperature, then is regulated down to 38-45 PSI for the carbonation process, and finally to around 12-15 PSI at the fountain dispensers. This precise control ensures the perfect amount of carbonation every time.

Did you know: A typical fast-food restaurant can go through 50-100 pounds of CO2 each week just for carbonated beverages.

Draft Beer Systems

In a restaurant’s draft beer system, CO2 provides the pressure needed to move beer from kegs to taps without compromising quality.

CO2 is sometimes mixed with nitrogen for certain beers and used to “push” the beer through lines from kegs to dispensing taps. This pressurization prevents beer from going flat and ensures a consistent pour.

The proper pressure balance is critical for draft beer quality. Too much pressure creates overly foamy beer, while too little results in flat beer and slow pours.

Many restaurants use a dedicated CO2 system for their beer operations, separate from their soda systems. This allows for precise pressure control tailored to different beer styles.

Modern beer systems often feature sophisticated regulators that can be adjusted for different beer types. For example, ales typically require lower pressure than lagers.

Establishments serving Belgian or German beers may use specialized systems that allow for higher carbonation levels typical of these styles.

Food Preservation Applications

CO2 is increasingly used in restaurant food preservation systems because it helps extend shelf life while maintaining food quality.

In modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) systems, CO2 displaces oxygen around foods, significantly slowing bacterial growth and oxidation. This technology is especially useful for restaurants that prepare items in advance.

Some high-end restaurants use CO2 in specialized vacuum sealers and preservation systems. The gas creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria without affecting food flavor.

Flash freezing with CO2 is another common use, which lets restaurants quickly preserve prepared foods without the formation of large ice crystals that damage texture. This technique is especially valuable for delicate desserts and seafood items.

For restaurants with extensive catering operations, CO2 preservation systems help maintain food quality during transport. The gas keeps prepared foods fresh until they reach their destination.

Even the transportation of ingredients to restaurants often involves CO2 preservation systems. Many suppliers use these technologies to ensure products arrive in optimal condition.

Fire Suppression Systems

Many commercial kitchens rely on CO2-based fire suppression systems to protect valuable cooking equipment. These systems are particularly effective for electrical fires. Note that CO2 systems are not recommended for grease fires, which instead require wet chemical suppression systems designed specifically for kitchen applications.

CO2 fire suppression works by displacing oxygen, which smothers flames without damaging electronic equipment or leaving behind residue. This makes it ideal for restaurant environments where cleanup and business continuity are important considerations.

These systems typically include sensors that detect fires and automatically release CO2 to extinguish flames before they can spread. The rapid response helps minimize damage and downtime.

Fire suppression systems are designed with special nozzles that direct CO2 precisely where it’s needed, minimizing gas usage while maximizing effectiveness. This targeted approach is both efficient and cost-effective.

CO2 Safety in Restaurant Settings

Proper CO2 safety protocols are essential in restaurant settings. As an odorless, colorless gas, CO2 can pose serious health risks if not managed correctly.

The key safety practices to follow include:

• Regular inspections – all CO2 systems should be regularly inspected for leaks, especially at connection points and valves. Even small leaks can lead to dangerous buildup in confined spaces.
• CO2 monitoring – restaurants should install CO2 monitors in areas where the gas is stored or used extensively. These detectors provide early warning if concentrations reach potentially harmful levels.
• Staff training – everyone working in a restaurant should understand the symptoms of CO2 exposure, which include headaches, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.
• Proper ventilation – storage areas for CO2 tanks should be well-ventilated and clearly marked with appropriate warning signs. Tanks should always be secured to prevent tipping or damage.
• Adequate sourcing – restaurants should work with qualified suppliers who can provide guidance on proper installation, maintenance, and emergency procedures for all CO2 systems.

Explore the Versatility of CO2

CO2 has become an indispensable utility in modern restaurants, supporting everything from the beverages we enjoy to essential safety systems. Its many applications help restaurants deliver quality products while maintaining efficiency in their operations.

Understanding proper CO2 management is crucial for restaurant owners and managers. When handled correctly, this gas enhances the dining experience while contributing to food safety and preservation.