Restaurant Misting Systems
An Empty Chair Is Lost Revenue! Don't Let Heat Keep Your Customers Away!
- Many restaurants throughout the world have outdoor seating areas that are severely under-utilized due to hot temperatures.
- A misting system from Mistcooling can solve this outdoor temperature dilemma with ease!
- The aesthetic appeal of happy, cool customers enjoying the mist often attracts passers-by, causing an increase in customer traffic, even if they settle for a table indoors.
- Some restaurant owners have reported that their increased profits paid for the whole misting system in a single day!
- Are you ready for your restaurant to become the next Mistcooling success story? We're here to help make it happen!
Check out this Video Interview with Hooters! →
Here's a few highlights:
- Cooling the outdoor space increased the realistic seating capacity and reduced the wait times that previously kept some customers away.
- Increased income!
- Feel the temp drop within 2-3 minutes of turning the system on.
- Easy to operate!
- They run it all the time to attract customers who drive by.
- It's nostalgic and looks cool!
- Helps them compete with other restaurants that don't have it!
- The curtain of mist helps keep flies away.
- People will stay and have an extra beer because they're not miserably hot.
- It's a good deal!
How does mist cooling work?
Mist cooling combines 2 scientific principles:
- Enthalpy of Vaporization: When water evaporates, latent heat energy is used to break the bonds between water molecules, allowing them to transition from a liquid state to a gaseous state. As a result, the surrounding environment is cooled.
- The principle of increased surface area: A larger surface area allows more molecules to escape into the air, facilitating a faster evaporation process.
Combining the scientific principles:
By creating an ultra-fine mist of water droplets, measured in mere microns, almost all of the water is exposed to the air immediately. The resulting evaporation is so fast that a tremendous amount of heat is absorbed in the process. By constantly supplying and evaporating mist, rapid cooling can be achieved without getting things wet!
Types of Restaurant Misting Systems
One of the first steps in building your misting system is determining the best system type: Line-based, Fan-based, or a Line-Fan-Hybrid.
Create a Curtain of Mist!
It's the classic misting system design that has been tried and true for decades!
Adding a mist line to the open perimeter of covered spaces is a highly effective way to provide cooling. The "mist curtain" surrounding the area will remove heat from any air that passes through the mist, effectively reducing the air temperature inside the "mist curtain" without having to fill the area itself with mist. The goal is to create a cool environment while minimizing the risk of wetness.
Many restaurants already have ceiling fans in their covered, outdoor, areas, so adding misting fans is often unnecessary.
Mist lines also offer:
- Even Coverage: Line-based systems provide consistent and uniform coverage for areas of various shapes and sizes, making them suitable for a variety of residential needs.
- Less Noise: Line-based systems are generally quieter than fans, so this may be ideal if noise is a concern. (Pump type and placement may play a role in noise levels).
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Lines may be less visually intrusive, as the components are easy to hide or integrate into landscapes or structures.
- Cost Effective: The components in a line-based system are usually much less expensive than installing fans.
- Easy Installation: If you can operate a screwdriver and a step stool, then you can install Mistcooling line-based system as easily as hanging your favorite holiday decorations. It also doesn't require multiple power sources whereas fan systems do.
Add a Cool Breeze!
It's a super effective and very popular way to stay cool!
By combining the cooling power of mist evaporation with the added airflow, misting fans offer a highly effective cooling solution for any area. The turbulent airflow can increase the evaporation rate of the mist, and fans can be directed to force that cool air in a particular direction, allowing the user to target certain "hotspots." Wetness is also a rare concern, as the added airflow can increase evaporation of any droplets that collect on a surface. (System pressure may also affect this- see next section).
Mist Fans also offer:
- Versatility: Can be easily adjusted to target specific areas, making them ideal for a variety of outdoor settings.
- Adaptable to Environment: Misting fans can help overcome the challenges of humid environments with low airflow, but they can also be beneficial in windy environments by forcing the mist into the desired area.
- Less water usage: Misting fan systems generally use fewer nozzles than line-based systems, so less water is used over time, and smaller pumps may be utilized.
- Usage Flexibility: Fans can be operated independently from the mist pump. In-line shut off valves can even be installed on the water supply lines connected to each fan.
The Best of Both Worlds!
For the restaurants that need a little more!
Certain spaces may benefit from the curtain of mist around a covered area and the added benefit of increased airflow and targeted cooling. Perhaps your outdoor area is large, but only one side is open. Perhaps you have great shade, but it is humid and has no airflow. Perhaps you want to add a mist line to your covered space, but also point misting fans at an open area. We regularly assist our customers with hybrid line and fan systems.
Hybrid Systems also offer:
- Combines many advantages from both previous systems.
- Even More Coverage: The uniform coverage of lines, plus the targeted cooling of misting fans, can ensure that you are cooled to the max.
- Even More Adaptable to Environment: Since fans and mist lines can be operated independently, you can adjust your system's operation according to the demands of the day.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: You may still receive the stunning visual effects of a mist line, while also boosting effective cooling.
Know Your Pump Options
As a restaurant owner or manager, you want the highest quality, ultra fine mist that can only come from a high-pressure misting system, so we won't discuss mid and low-pressure options here. However, we have two different levels of high pressure pumps: Standard and Premium. The following chart will help you make the right decision for your restaurant.
High-Pressure Premium
Cooling Effectiveness: The Best
- Cost: $$$$
- Mist droplets: Fog-like
- 1500 PSI, Oil-based, Triplex pump
- Super-smooth operation.
- Pump Noise Level: Mild to Moderate (55-60Db)
- Supports up to 160 high-pressure nozzles (.006" orifice)
- Max Continuous Runtime: Up to 16 hours
- Regular Maintenance: filter elements, nozzle cleaning, winterization, and de-winterization.
- Unique Maintenance: oil change (super easy)
- 0.5 and 1 GPM pumps are smartphone compatible. 2 GPM is not.
- 1-Year warranty on pump
High-Pressure Standard
Cooling Effectiveness: Excellent
- Cost: $$$
- Mist droplets: Fog-like
- 1500 PSI, Oil-less, Duplex pump
- Some vibration may be noticed in lines.
- Pump Noise Level: Loud (70-75Db)
- Supports up to 40 high-pressure nozzles (.006" orifice)
- Max Continuous Runtime: 5-8 hours depending on climate
- Regular Maintenance: filter elements, nozzle cleaning, winterization, and de-winterization.
- Unique Maintenance: carbon brushes (moderate challenge)
- .15 and .3 GPM pumps are smartphone compatible.
- 1-Year warranty on pump
Designing Your Residential System
Once you have an idea of a system type and pressure, the next step is plan for your specific needs.
Before we get into specific measuring steps, a few things are important to consider for all system types:
- Water Source Requirements: Each Misting kit comes with a feed line that attaches to a standard 3/4" garden hose thread. Most of our misting pumps require a minimum water pressure of 40PSI coming into the pump while it is running. Having too little pressure and flow could shorten the pump's life span, lead to unwanted vibrations, or even prohibit operation. Most restaurants have 45-80PSI available, but if you know you have low water pressure, we recommending you contact one of our experts to explore available options before purchasing.
- Power Source Requirements: Most pumps come pre-wired for standard 110VAC power (Most can be modified for 220VAC upon request). It is recommended to plug most pumps into an outdoor-rated, 20Amp, GFCI protected outlet. Pumps that are 2 Gallons Per Minute(GPM), requires a dedicated 30AMP breaker and outlet for 110VAC operation. 3GPM or larger will require 230VAC 3-phase.
- Determining Pump Location: The best location for a pump is where power and water sources are in close proximity. It is common to find places like this near A/C units, or kitchens. Unlike many of our competitors, our pumps come standard with a rust-proof, weather-rated enclosure, so it is okay for the pump to be out in the elements, as long as it will not be flooded or submerged. The pump should also be able to sit level. The pump's noise level is also important to consider. We advise locating the pump away from the sitting area, but if it must be close by, we recommend choosing a premium pump over the standard. The pump should not be placed more than 200 feet away from the misting system.
- Water Quality and Filtration: All high pressure systems come standard with a 5-micron sediment filter with a replaceable element. For most municipal water sources, this filtration is sufficient to prevent excessive clogging, cleaning, and replacement of nozzles. However, if you know you have excessively hard water, high calcium content, or your water comes from a well, an additional scale filter should be added.
- System Control Options: Each enclosed pump comes with a standard on/off toggle switch. However, we offer additional control options for easier operation. Our smartphone controller is the most popular. The app allows on/off operation from your phone, as well as automation functions such as preset runtimes. The smartphone controller requires a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi signal, so it may not work where Wi-Fi is unavailable. We have other control options such as pre-wired timers, thermostats, humidistats, and more. Feel free to contact our experts for assistance in finding the right controller.
- Tubing Type and Color: We offer stainless steel tubing and flexible tubing in white, beige, dark brown, and black. Stainless steel may be preferred for aesthetic appearances in some situations. If your restaurant is in an area where temperatures exceed 110F, or the tubing will be in direct sunlight, stainless steel also may be required to prevent blowouts from heat destabilization.
- Measuring for Your System: See the following sections on measuring for line-based, fan-based, and hybrid system types.
Measuring for a Fan-based System
The first step is to determine the locations where your fan(s) will go. There are several important factors to consider:
- Fan type: We have non-oscillating fans that can be bracket mounted to walls, pillars, ceiling rafters, at any angle. We have oscillating fans that can cover a much wider area, but they are upright, wall-mount only.
- Fan size: Our non-oscillating fan only comes in 18". Oscillating fans are available in 18", 24", and 30," though 18" fans are normally sufficient for restaurant applications.
- Electrical sources: The fans must be installed close to an outdoor-rated electrical outlet, or outlets may need to be professionally installed where fans are desired.
- Safe mounting: It is important that fans are installed in locations that can properly support their weight.
- Fan "throw" range: A single 18" fan can move air up to 15-20 feet, depending on the surrounding environment. If it is oscillating, that can cover a lot of ground. 24" fans can throw air between 20"-30" feet.
Once you know how many fans you need, and where you want to install them, you simply need to plan your supply tube's route, and measure that length. Our fan packages already come with 25 feet of flexible tubing per fan, as well as all the fittings you need. If you find you need more than 25 feet per fan, our tubing can be purchased separately in 50-foot, 100-foot, 500-foot rolls, or even by-the-foot.
Measuring for a Hybrid Line and Fan System
We normally recommend following the steps for the prior system types. Add the line-based package to your cart first, then individually add the fans, tubing, fittings, and nozzles that you need according to the fan system instructions.
Important considerations: To avoid over-misting the area, we recommend our patented center-hub mist nozzles when combining lines and fans, as opposed to using fans with full mist rings. Each center hub nozzle has an approximate flow rate of two standard misting nozzles. When building a Hybrid system, it may be best to check with our Mistcooling experts to ensure you don't surpass your pump's output flow capacity.
Measuring for a Line-Based System
It starts with finding the open perimeter of the area you want to mist. We recommend 2-foot spacing between nozzles. Thus, a system for a patio with 3 open sides that are 20 feet each would require 30 nozzles.
Our pre-built misting system packages allow you to choose the nozzle count you need, and it will automatically choose the correctly sized pump!
Additional measurements: Once you've determined your nozzle count, you should also consider the distance between your pump and the mist line, including vertical runs. Additional tubing may be needed. You may also need to consider obstacles and corners, and plan to purchase the appropriate fittings. For example, elbow fittings:
Purchasing Your Misting System
High-Pressure Standard Mist Line Kits
Refreshing High-end mist mist without the high-end cost.
Shop Now (Flexible tubing kits) Shop Now (Stainless steel tubing kits)
High-Pressure Premium Mist Line Kits
The absolute top-of-the-line misting system that money can buy!
Shop Now (Flexible tubing kits) Shop Now (Stainless steel tubing kits)
High-Pressure Mist Fan Kits
Super fine mist in a cool breeze to make your outdoors enjoyable!
(High-pressure fan kits normally come with the high-pressure standard pump, but upgrading to a Premium pump may be possible depending on system size)
Still not sure what to buy?
Our misting experts in Texas can help with design, custom quotes, and more!
Purchasing Additional, Individual Parts
Pumps Fans Fittings Tubing Nozzles Clamps Filtration Controllers Tools
Installing Your Misting System
Installing Your Pump
Installing your misting pump involves a few simple steps:
- Unboxing: Some items are shipped inside pump enclosures.
- Setting the pump up in its location- Should be level, and well ventilated. Avoid installing the pump in a location that could be damaged if a leak should occur.
- Connecting to power.
- Connecting to water and purging air.
Our "Unboxing videos" show how to follow this process for the various pumps we offer.
Unboxing 200 PSI Unboxing 250 PSI Unboxing 1500 Standard Unboxing 1500 Premium
Installing Your Lines
Installing your mist line involves a few simple steps:
- Proper angling of nozzles: Ideally nozzles should be pointed down or out 45° from the covered space.
- Clamp placement: line clamps should be installed at least 2" away from misting tees and other fittings.
- Ensure that flexible tubing is cut straight and clean so it can seal properly in the fittings.
- 1/4" stainless tubing comes pre-machined to attach to push-lock fittings. It should not be cut. Short sections of flexible tubing may be used to make up for gaps or odd-sized distances.
- Make sure to follow all air purge procedures before pressurizing the system. Air in the lines can cause vibration and blowouts.
- We strongly advise keeping lines where they are easily accessible for maintenance. While we take great care to ensure top quality, blowouts and leaks can happen. Do not run lines behind walls or in ceilings where damage may result if a leak occurred.
Installing Your Fans
Installing your mist fan involves a few simple steps
- Properly attach your fan using the provided hardware. Each fan type comes with specific instructions in the manual.
- For oscillating fans, be sure to leave enough slack in your mist supply line so it is not stretched too tight as the fan moves.
- Ensure you only use properly rated outdoor power outlets. No extension cords.
Other Misting Applications
Residential Misting Systems
Is your backyard paradise too hot to enjoy? A high-quality misting system from Mistcooling is the answer you have been looking for!
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Restaurant Misting Systems
Maximize the value of your outdoor spaces by keeping your customers cool! Many restaurant owners have discovered significant business increases after installing a misting system from Mistcooling!
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Mosquito Misting Systems
Do you find that you can't sit outside and enjoy a good book because you're too busy swatting away mosquitoes? We have the solution for you!
Portable Misting Systems
Need to stay cool on the move? Maybe you're going somewhere that doesn't have a water or power source? We carry a variety of portable solutions designed for sports, outdoor events, camping, golf carts, and more!
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Pool Coolers
Does taking a dip in your pool feel more like a warm bath than a refreshing outdoor swim? Our pool coolers are a low-cost solution that uses your pool's natural pressure and a little applied physics to cool it down!
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Warehouse Cooling
Are your workers feeling sluggish from the heat, but you know that a full HVAC system is too expensive? Mist cooling systems can cool indoor spaces, protect your workers' health, and increase productivity without emptying your wallet.
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Special Effects Misting
Would a rolling fog be the perfect finishing touch for your landscape? Do you want to create your own personal rainbow? Misting systems can provide stunning visual effects for a wide variety of purposes!
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Barn Cooling / Animal Cooling
If you're hot, they're hot? Well, not anymore! Keep your animals and livestock safe and cool with a misting system from Mistcooling!
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A/C Pre-Cooling Systems
Dry, 105°F air isn't very effective at removing heat from your condenser coils! Stay cooler this summer! Increase your HVAC efficiency and cut energy costs by adding an A/C Precooling system from Mistcooling!
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Produce Case Misting Systems
No one wants to buy dry, shriveled produce! Keep your fruits and vegetables clean and fresh with our food-grade produce case misting systems!
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Humidification - Greenhouse/Data Centers
Use a Humidification system from Mistcooling to maintain a target humidity level in your facility.
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Roof Cooling
Did you know that your roof could be one of the primary heat sources driving your energy costs up? With a roof cooling system from Mistcooling, you can remove that heat from the equation!
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Dust Suppression
Whether you are building something, or tearing something down, dust can be a big problem! Catch it with mist and bring it to the ground with a Mistcooling dust suppression system!
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Odor Control
Is the EPA after you because your water treatment facility or garbage center is stinking up the nearby neighborhood? We can get those odors under control!
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Sanitization
With a recent, global pandemic in the rearview mirror, the importance of sanitization has never been clearer! Who needs to scrub when a sanitizing mist can do the work for you?!
Learn MoreSpecifications and Features
All about Misting Nozzles
Explore the significance of flow rate, utilize the Nozzle Selector Tool, discover how to maintain your nozzles, and learn about different misting applications. For more information on misting nozzles, visit Mistcooling.com
Misting Pumps
Having trouble deciding on a pump? Interested in the features of each pump? Unsure which mist cooling pump is the right fit for your needs? Find out the distinctions between misting pumps and more on our misting pump page.
Tubing Specifications and Features
Uncover the world of mist tubing, explore the distinctions between the various types, and determine the most suitable tubing for different misting applications.
Outdoor Fans
Explore Mistcooling's outdoor fan collection, tailored for patio, restaurant, and industrial settings. Familiarize yourself with the features and specifications of the misting fans that cater to your specific requirements.