Airpots and insulated dispensers

[Nathan Kurz]

Does anyone have recommendations for brands of airpots or insulated dispensers? I'm looking for ways to keep 1-5 gallons of hot chocolate at serving temperature for about 6 hours. While hot chocolate is not quite coffee, I figured the same those of you with who deal with similar quantities of coffee might have some experience with the same equipment.

It seems like my choices are multiple .5 - 1 gallon airpots, 1-3 gallon vacuum insulated dispensers, and 3-5 gallon plastic insulated dispensers. Here's some examples of what I'm looking at:

Zojirushi 3 Liter Easy Serve Airpot

http://www.amazon.com/Zojirushi-SRAG30-Sta...t/dp/B0000CEUQI

Bunn 3.8 Liter Stainless Steel Airpot

http://www.katom.com/021-367250000.html

RegalWare 3 Liter Lever Pump Airpot

http://www.katom.com/376-KPW9107.html

Fetco Luxus Thermal Coffee Dispenser

http://www.wholelattelove.com/commercial/p...s_dispenser.cfm

Rubbermaid 5 Gallon Insulated Dispenser

http://www.katom.com/007-9F18.html

Cambro 5 Gallon Insulated Camserver

http://www.katom.com/144-CSR5110.html

Anyone have thoughts on these? Other things I should be looking at? Or corrections to my thinking? My current thinking is that:

1) Airpots with vacuum insulation are going to retain temperature much better than dispensers with foam.

2) Vacuum insulation with stainless steel is almost as effective for heat retention as glass, and better due to durability.

3) Airpots with lever pumps are easier to use than buttons, but that a dispenser with a pull spout will be significantly easier than both of these.

4) All else equal, one large container is going to maintain temperature better than multiple smaller containers.

5) Zojirushi and Luxus are great, but Bunn and Regalware are better value and will be just fine for light commercial use.

Corrections and suggestions appreciated!