The Vendo Galaxie Soft Drink Dispenser
The Vendo Galaxie Soft Drink Dispenser was the first pre-mix soda dispenser. Up until its creation in 1960, dispensers mixed the syrup and carbonated water when the handle was pulled. With this model, the syrup and carbonated water were stored premixed, outside of the dispenser. The complete soft drink was pressure fed by carbon dioxide gas through the dispenser. The futuristic look of the Vendo Galaxie was a result of the design collaboration of Clare Hodgman, a famous automobile and appliance designer, and the Engineering Department of The Cola-Cola Company. It was available in 1, 2, 3 or 4 dispensing valves. This model was made exclusively for Coca-Cola.
This counter-mounted dispenser was advertised as “The most modern way to dispense Coca-Cola (Pre-mix!).” Covered in a baked enamel with chrome and stainless steel accents. The top of the machine was illuminated and displayed the “Drink Coca-Cola” logo.
As the brochures show, the Vendo Galaxie soft drink dispenser was also marketed to be sold with an ice-making machine, like this Polar Chips Icemaker. The dispenser was installed directly onto the ice maker, making it quicker and more convenient to make a nice cold Coke.
Manufactured by:
Vendo Company
Kansas City, MO
You may have seen one of these drink dispensers or something very similar, since this machine can still be in use today. Blog-in with any additional comments you may have.
8 responses so far ↓
1 Paul Petrovich // Oct 15, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I own one of these machines in pristine condition, but the ice maker is kaput. Can anyone help me find a replacement ice maker? How are people handling the fact you can’t buy pre-mix anymore?
Thank you,
Paul
Sacramento
2 kathy stowe // Nov 28, 2008 at 9:43 pm
I have the Vendo Galaxie Dispenser with working ice machine. Was dispensing Coke and ice until 3 years ago , works great!
3 Lindsey Steadman // Mar 4, 2009 at 7:52 pm
We have a Vendo Galaxie Ice Machine with Coke dispenser. I am looking for the rubber bowl gasket that goes under the ice maker part that is supposed to catch the water that drips from the auger that turns. The rubber bowl gasket has a drain hole that attaches to a drain pipe. Do you know where I can find this part or any parts for this machine?
4 eddie vasquez // Feb 8, 2010 at 12:42 pm
what are these machines worth
5 vintagevending // Feb 10, 2010 at 3:41 pm
Eddie,
We can’t estimate a value on this machine, but if you try ebay or Craig’s List, they might pop up and allow you to see what they’re selling for.
6 Cheri Neidhart // May 15, 2010 at 12:55 pm
I have this machine with the ice maker machine with it, where can I find replacement parts and cosmetic pieces? Any idea of what this is worth, I have checked ebay & can find nothing
7 vintagevending // May 17, 2010 at 8:20 am
Cheri,
You can try American Soda Fountain Inc at http://americansodafountain.com/_wsn/page2.html
They might be able to help you out with parts and possibly give you an estimate of worth.
8 paul petrovich // Jun 20, 2010 at 6:33 pm
I have two for sale for $1,400 each plus shipping. This includes the galaxy head and the ice maker. The ice maker needs servicing on both. Not impossible. Contact me if interested. I bet I can get it shipped for $275 plus some crating. Fully restored, they go for upwards of $5,000.
pdcllc@hotmail.com
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