The world runs on coffee. In fact, 12.6% of the world’s population – that's 1 billion people – drink coffee. Many start their days with a cup of java, but a large percentage enjoy coffee with dessert or as an afternoon treat.
To cater to as many customers as possible, your restaurant should keep the coffee flowing all day long.
The question is: which coffee machines should you invest in? Let’s look at our top picks for the best commercial coffee maker this year and how to choose the right machine.
How to Choose a Commercial Grade Coffee Maker
Finding the right commercial coffee maker isn’t as simple as buying the first model you come across. It’s important to make sure you’re making a smart investment.
When choosing a restaurant coffee machine, there are quite a few things to consider, including:
Features and Type
First, consider the type of coffee maker you want, and which features you’ll need. There are several types of commercial coffee machines:
- Drip
- Pourover
- Espresso
Each of these machines has a wide range of features. Do you want a built-in, automatic grinder? Do you need a milk frother? What about programmable features? Some models have multiple warmers, allowing you to brew multiple pots of coffee and keep them fresh.
The Size of Your Restaurant
Along with the features and type, you should also consider the size of your restaurant. If you run a small restaurant or cafe, you may only need a small machine.
Larger restaurants will need larger machines or the ability to brew multiple pots and keep them warm.
If you need commercial office coffee machines for your back-of-house, then you’ll need to consider how many employees you have and how many cups they consume each day.
- Low-volume machines produce about 50 cups per day
- Medium-volume machines can produce up to 200 cups per day
- High-volume machines can produce up to 500 cups per day
If you serve breakfast and it’s your busiest time of day, then you may need a high-volume machine to meet customer demand.
Durability and Reliability
A commercial coffee machine is a big investment, so it’s important to choose a model that’s durable and reliable.
Look for brands with a reputation for quality and models made with high-quality components, like stainless steel or FDA-approved materials.
Maintenance and Cleaning
When choosing a business coffee machine, don’t overlook the importance of maintenance and cleaning. Coffee machines that require intensive maintenance or are difficult to clean may be more of a hassle for your staff.
Of course, you’ll also need to factor your budget into the equation. It’s important to find a machine that will fit into your budget while still meeting your needs.
10 Commercial Coffee Machines Reviews
Now that you know what to look for when choosing a machine, let’s look at some of the top models for restaurants of different sizes and needs.
1. BLOOMFIELD 1072D3F Automatic Coffee Brewer
Bloomfield’s 1072D3F coffee machine has three warmers to keep three pots of coffee at just the right temperature. Made from durable stainless steel, this coffee machine is built to last. The easy-access design also makes cleaning and maintenance a breeze.
Despite having three warmers, this machine has a surprisingly small footprint of 16.25” W and 16.9” H.
The 1072D3F’s features include:
- An after-hours mode that saves energy
- Sprayhead design to saturate coffee grounds completely
- Front-mounted hot water faucet
Bloomfield is a respected brand in the industry, and the quality design will easily stand up to commercial use.
2. Omcan CM-CN-0002-D Air Pot
Omcan’s CM-CN-0002-D is a 2.2-liter air pot that will keep your coffee at just the right temperature. The stainless-steel base and liner make maintenance and cleaning a breeze.
Ideal for larger establishments, this model can brew up to 100 cups per hour at a rate of five minutes per jug. Equipped with warming plates on top of the machine, this coffee maker is compact and lightweight.
It’s ideal as a retail coffee machine or even for back-of-the-house.
3. UNIC TST
Looking for an advanced coffee machine for restaurant establishments? The UNIC TST is a super-automatic, 2-step espresso machine with a SteamAir wand and automated milk frother.
The UNIC TST has an impressive 6.5-liter coffee boiler, along with:
- 2 bean hoppers
- 2 grinders
- 48 programmable recipes
- Stainless steel brewing chamber
- Touchscreen display
- Infusion parameters
With a weight of 168 pounds, this is a serious coffee machine that’s best suited for coffee shops and high-end restaurants.
4. AMPTO B2016DE3IS4E
The AMPTO Bezzera is another high-end, professional coffee maker for restaurants wanting to serve high-quality espresso. This model is made in Italy and has a power output of 4600 watts.
The Bezzera has three groups and a 4.5-gallon copper boiler. The built-in volumetric motor pump connects directly to water.
Choose from four programmable coffee doses and enjoy all of the conveniences this fully automatic espresso maker has to offer.
5. Bunn VPR Pourover Coffee Brewer
Bunn is arguably one of the most well-known coffee makers for commercial use, and this model is one of the most affordable options.
The VPR is a pourover model with 1 upper and 1 lower warmer. It has a compact footprint and a simple setup – no plumbing connections required.
If you run a smaller restaurant, diner or cafe, this model may be the ideal choice.
6. Adcraft UB-286
The Adcraft UB-286 can brew up to 3.8 gallons of hot coffee per hour, making it a great option for most establishments. The stainless steel construction makes this unit durable, easy to maintain and even easier to clean.
Servers are sold separately, but this unit is easy to operate and highly durable. It can accommodate airpots up to 14” tall. You can even hook this model up directly to a water line to ensure there’s a continuous flow of coffee at all times in your restaurant.
Conclusion
No matter whether you run a small cafe or a busy high-end restaurant, a commercial coffee machine is a worthwhile investment. These machines are some of the best models and are designed to meet the needs of eateries of all sizes and budgets.