IHOP's New Syrup Containers
Note: Purchasing details at the very bottom
I hate having sticky fingers. Seriously, I do. Hated them ever since I was 3 or 4. Grabbing onto a horribly sticky handle with no sink nearby to wash my hands (napkins aren't enough) annoys me to no end: I can't move on or think about anything else until my hands are clean. Some dirt is fine, I can deal with dirt, I'm not germophobic. But syrup? No. No sticky syrup. I hate sticky syrup fingers.
Knowing that, it's probably not surprising that I was never very fond of IHOP (the International House of Pancakes). Ordering waffles, french toast, or pancakes in that restaurant (which is typical) meant picking up one of their syrup holders which, more often than not, had a globs of syrup drips stuck on the handle and sides.
Sure I could use a napkin, but then I'd have to deal with getting a sticky napkin off the handle look at it sitting next to my plate for the rest of the meal. No.
I wasn't aware of it back when my family used to go there more often, but the design of IHOP's old syrup containers were very conducive to being perpetually sticky. See the bottom of this post from Jerry Fahrni for an image: they were large, hard to pour (causing spillage), poured irregularly (like milk from a jug), not very ergonomic, difficult to clean (lots of indentations in the handle), difficult to distinguish between (strawberry was the easiest), and generally just looked bad.
After years of seeing those containers at IHOP, I was pleased to find that they were recently replaced with what you see above. Here are a few of the biggest improvements I see with the new design (without a lot of user testing to back up my thoughts, obviously):
1) They're a lot smaller
These are probably a quarter of the size of the old containers, which solves a lot of issues at once. They're easier to pass around the table, easier to pour steadily (particularly for older folks), and easier to place delicately away into the (similarly shrunken) holder. The size of the syrup chamber also makes you more aware of exactly how much you're pouring: you probably won't let half of the container empty onto your plate. The huge containers of old didn't noticeably change their appearance while you were pouring: these do, and that makes a big difference.
The one disadvantage, of course, is that they need to be refilled more often, probably after every 6-8 people. There's a hidden advantage to that though: more refilling also means more consistent and regular cleaning intervals, which I'm totally fine with.
2) They pour slowly and regularly
The shape of the opening resembles a gravy holder more than a milk jug, and that's a good thing. You can pour an even distribution of syrup over your plate without any pools, and when you're done the shape of the lid mostly prevents drips from landing on the edge of the container.
3) The lid is spring-loaded
The slight pressure pushing against your thumb feels satisfying - a lot nicer than the old lid which would just flip up on a hinge and flop shut when you let go, potentially scattering syrup. The way it glides into place also cuts off the end of the syrup stream, helping that last drop cleanly drip onto your plate.
4) The handle is ergonomically curved, and farther away from the body
Look at the old handle and then the new one above. This one is far easier to hold, and everyone holds it consistently: index finger supporting the ridge, thumb on the trigger, and maybe a few fingers grasping the small handle. The old handle was huge, angular, and probably designed to be held with two hands if necessary (not fun).
The gap between the handle and the body is also surprisingly roomy, despite the container's overall size. You won't be in danger of sliding your fingers across the (potentially sticky) body.
5) They're color-coded, with a nice white font
Blueberry is blue, strawberry is red, butter pecan is yellow, boysenberry is purple, and old fashioned is brown. Exactly as you'd expect.
The flavor names on the old containers were only etched into the black plastic lid with no white highlighting, which made them very hard to read. The white titles on the new containers are far better, and make distinguishing between flavors really easy, even for the color blind.
This is definitely the most noticeable improvement - a playful, useful, and eye-pleasing touch.
6) They're easier to clean
The only part that isn't a smooth curve is the hinge mechanism beneath the lid, but water under a faucet would probably clean that area just fine. Everything else can be quickly cleaned by the staff with a wet cloth - the syrup can't hide anywhere.
I kinda wish IHOP would either get rid of or redesign their annoying table ad holders, because at this point they're the only things that are still sticky. I suppose it's a better place for drips than the wall, but it's still sloppy.
Awesome, but not quite perfect
Although I'm pretty pleased with these containers overall, there's still one more thing that could be done to improve their design.
The waitress at IHOP saw me closely examining the new containers (I have no shame) and mentioned that although they're much nicer than the old ones, for whatever reason the spring mechanism breaks pretty often. That's unfortunate. You'd think the one potential break point of this design would be rigorously tested and toughened up before being mass-produced, but I guess not. Maybe it was intentional.
Overall these new syrup containers are a massive improvement, and reaching for the syrup at IHOP isn't nearly as dangerous as it used to be.
I think a lot of people will be thankful for that.
UPDATE 8/25/2013:
It seems the waitress was right, the spring mechanism does break a lot.
I've been to IHOP twice more since publishing this, and both times the old fashioned syrup containers were broken (though still pretty clean). Many of the tables around me had at least once broken one as well, which isn't a good sign. It seems that although these containers are definitely better from a cosmetic and ergonomic perspective, from an engineering standpoint they're pretty darn flaky.
UPDATE: 2/6/2014: How to buy
I found out how to buy these for yourself.
A company called Service Ideas based in Woodbury, MN is IHOP's provider, and they sell the bottles, the colored caps, and even the copper caddy themselves. It's officially called the "Syrup Saver Dispenser," presumably because the extra control it provides ends up saving you syrup. You can find them on page 82 of their 2014 catalog (which is linked to from their home page).
The dispensers are BPA-free and made in the United States, which is nice. Unfortunately you have to buy them in packs of 12 since they're more of a business-focused equipment provider, which is kinda cost prohibitive for individuals ($200 all in all).
Syrup Dispenser Body - SRJ10CL - $8.30
Syrup Dispenser Lid - SRLBLK - $8.40
Table Caddy (Copper) - SZC4 - $36.50
Table Caddy (Silver) - SZS4 - $36.40
Their customer service line is 1-800-328-4493, and I believe you can place orders by sending an email to orders@serviceideas.com. The exact ordering procedure isn't clear for individuals, but their customer support could probably help out.
Maybe if enough people call in asking to buy just 1 or 2 of these, they'll consider doing so.