Does Smoodi Require Plumbing or Special Setup?

When foodservice operators, facility managers, and procurement teams evaluate Smoodi for the first time, one of the earliest questions is always about installation. Does the machine need specialized plumbing? Does it require a dedicated electrical circuit? How much space does it take? The short answer is that Smoodi requires a standard electrical outlet, push-to-connect water and drain connections, and a sanitizer inlet. The setup is minimal compared to most commercial kitchen equipment, and installation is typically completed in a single day by a licensed plumber.

This article walks through every installation requirement in detail, so operators and their facilities teams know exactly what to expect before the machine arrives.

What Electrical Outlet Does Smoodi Use?

Smoodi runs on a standard 120 VAC / 7A electrical outlet with a NEMA 5-15P plug and integrated GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter). This is the same type of outlet found in virtually every commercial and residential space in the United States. The machine does not require three-phase power, a dedicated 20A circuit, or any specialized electrical work. If the planned installation location has a standard grounded wall outlet nearby, the electrical requirement is already met.

For context, a typical commercial coffee maker draws 12 to 15 amps. Smoodi's 7A draw is well within the capacity of a standard 15A outlet, and the machine can share a circuit with other low-draw equipment without risk of overload.

Does Smoodi Need a Water Line?

Yes. Smoodi requires a water connection for blending and for the automatic cleaning cycle that runs between every use. The water inlet uses a 3/8 inch push-to-connect fitting, which is the same type of quick-connect fitting used by ice machines, commercial coffee systems, and under-sink water filters. The water supply must be filtered, softened, and potable, with pressure between 50 and 80 PSI.

In most commercial facilities (restaurants, cafeterias, office kitchens, gym lobbies, hospital dining areas), a suitable water line is already within reach of the planned machine location. The push-to-connect fitting means the plumber does not need to solder or thread new pipe. The connection takes minutes once the water line is accessible.

What About the Sanitizer and Drain?

Smoodi also requires a sanitizer inlet and a drain connection. The sanitizer inlet uses a 1/4 inch push-to-connect fitting and connects to a standard foodservice sanitizer supply. This is the same type of sanitizer connection used by commercial dishwashers and other self-cleaning foodservice equipment.

The drain uses a 1 inch FNPT (female national pipe thread) connection. The drain line must slope at 1/2 inch per 12 inches and connect to an open drain within 10 feet of the machine. In most commercial locations, a floor drain or sink drain is available within this distance. If not, a plumber can extend a drain line during the same installation visit.

How Much Space Does the Machine Need?

Smoodi requires approximately 40 inches of floor space. The machine dimensions are 32.8 inches high by 10.4 inches wide by 18.2 inches deep, plus approximately 4 inches of clearance behind the machine for plumbing connections and ventilation. The machine weighs 65 pounds.

To put that in perspective, a standard commercial ice machine requires 24 to 48 inches of width plus several inches of side and rear clearance. A commercial espresso station with grinder requires 36 to 60 inches of counter space. Smoodi's footprint is smaller than both, making it suitable for tight spaces such as office breakrooms, hospital staff lounges, gym lobbies, and convenience store aisles.

For high-traffic locations that need more throughput, multiple Smoodi machines can be installed side by side. Each unit operates independently and blends simultaneously. Two machines together occupy roughly 80 inches of linear space (about 6.5 feet) while delivering double the capacity.

"It's been a day and a half and we've sold over 1,000 pieces. It's been great. Install was very fast. Our guys love it."

— Hector Ortiz, Food Service Operations Manager, Baptist Health

What Is NOT Required

Operators sometimes assume that an automated blending machine requires the same infrastructure as a full commercial kitchen installation. Smoodi does not require any of the following.

• Three-phase electrical power or a dedicated high-amperage circuit
• Custom countertop fabrication or built-in cabinetry
• Dedicated HVAC or exhaust ventilation
• A grease trap or commercial grease interceptor
• Floor reinforcement or structural modifications
• Internet connectivity (though optional telemetry features may use connectivity in some deployments)

The installation is comparable in complexity to adding a commercial ice machine or a countertop water dispenser. Operators who have installed either of those in their facility will find Smoodi's setup equally straightforward.

What Your Plumber Needs to Know

For operators who want to share this information directly with their facilities team or plumber, the complete installation checklist is as follows.

• Electrical: 120 VAC / 7A, NEMA 5-15P plug, integrated GFCI
• Water inlet: 3/8 inch push-to-connect, 50 to 80 PSI, filtered, softened, potable
• Sanitizer inlet: 1/4 inch push-to-connect
• Drain: 1 inch FNPT, 1/2 inch slope per 12 inches, open drain within 10 feet
• Floor space: approximately 40 inches, with 4 inches rear clearance
• Machine weight: 65 pounds

Smoodi's team also conducts a site assessment before installation to confirm that the planned location meets all requirements. This assessment is provided at no cost as part of the onboarding process.

Getting Started

Smoodi operates in more than 300 locations across the United States and has served more than two million smoothies. The operational lease starts at $299 per month (48-month term), with options at $349, $399, and $499 per month for shorter terms. Smoodi retains ownership and provides full service and maintenance on leased machines. A purchase option is available starting at $14,999. Smoodi was founded at Harvard Innovation Labs.

To request a free site assessment for your facility, visit getsmoodi.com/get-started. To estimate the revenue potential and return on investment at your location, visit getsmoodi.com/roi.