Best Commercial Coffee Makers for Your Restaurant

13 min read

As someone who’s spent years in the food industry, I know that the right commercial coffee maker can make or break a restaurant’s breakfast service. I remember when I first moved to Nashville from the Bay Area, I was blown away by the city’s vibrant café culture. But it wasn’t just about the ambiance; it was the quality of the coffee that made all the difference. Whether you’re running a bustling diner or a high-end bistro, choosing the best commercial coffee maker is crucial. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of commercial coffee makers, covering everything from types and features to our top recommendations. By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision for your restaurant.

Let’s start with the basics. Commercial coffee makers come in a variety of types, each suited to different needs and preferences. The most common types include:

  • Drip Coffee Makers: These are the workhorses of the coffee world, perfect for high-volume settings where speed and consistency are key.
  • Espresso Machines: Ideal for specialty coffee shops and restaurants looking to offer a wide range of coffee drinks, from lattes to cappuccinos.
  • Pour-Over Systems: Known for their artisanal touch, these systems are great for smaller cafes focusing on quality and craftsmanship.
  • Single-Serve Machines: Perfect for hotels, offices, and restaurants that want to offer a variety of coffee options with minimal waste.

Each type has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before making a decision. For example, if you’re running a high-volume café, a drip coffee maker might be the best choice due to its speed and efficiency. However, if you’re looking to offer a more artisanal experience, a pour-over system could be the way to go.

Key Features to Look for in a Commercial Coffee Maker

When shopping for a commercial coffee maker, there are several key features to keep in mind. These include:

  • Capacity: How much coffee can the machine brew at once? This is crucial for high-volume settings where you need to serve multiple customers quickly.
  • Brew Time: How long does it take to brew a pot or cup of coffee? Faster brew times can help keep lines moving during peak hours.
  • Programmability: Can you set the machine to brew at specific times or temperatures? This feature can help ensure consistency and save time.
  • Ease of Use: Is the machine user-friendly? A complicated machine can slow down service and require more training for staff.
  • Maintenance: How easy is the machine to clean and maintain? Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your coffee maker in top condition.
  • Durability: Is the machine built to last? A commercial coffee maker is an investment, so you want something that will hold up over time.

These features can vary widely between different models and brands, so it’s important to do your research and choose a machine that fits your specific needs.

Top Recommendations for Commercial Coffee Makers

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into some specific recommendations. Whether you’re looking for a high-volume drip coffee maker or a specialty espresso machine, there’s something on this list for every type of restaurant.

1. Bunn VP17-3SS Pourover Commercial Coffee Brewer

The Bunn VP17-3SS is a classic choice for high-volume settings. This pour-over brewer is known for its speed and reliability, making it a favorite among busy cafes and restaurants. With a capacity of up to 3.8 gallons per hour, it can keep up with even the busiest rush hours. The machine is also easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff.

One of the standout features of the Bunn VP17-3SS is its SplashGard funnel, which helps to evenly distribute water over the coffee grounds for a more consistent brew. The machine also has a digital display that allows you to program brew times and temperatures, ensuring that every pot of coffee is brewed to perfection. The only downside is that it may not be the best choice for smaller cafes or restaurants that prioritize a more artisanal touch. Maybe I should clarify that this machine is best suited for high-volume settings where speed and consistency are key.

2. La Marzocco Linea Classic Espresso Machine

If you’re looking to offer a wide range of specialty coffee drinks, the La Marzocco Linea Classic is a fantastic choice. This semi-automatic espresso machine is a favorite among baristas for its precision and control. With dual boilers and a saturated group design, it ensures consistent temperature stability and allows for simultaneous coffee brewing and steam production.

The Linea Classic also features a hot water economizer that increases energy efficiency by recycling heat from the boiler. This not only saves energy but also helps to maintain a consistent brewing temperature. The machine is built to last, with a durable stainless steel construction that can withstand the rigors of a busy café environment.

However, it’s worth noting that the Linea Classic is a more complex machine that requires some training to use effectively. It may not be the best choice for restaurants that are new to offering specialty coffee drinks. I’m torn between recommending this for its quality and cautioning against its complexity, but ultimately, if you’re serious about your espresso, this machine is worth the investment.

3. FETCO CBS-2131XTS Touchscreen Coffee Brewer

The FETCO CBS-2131XTS is a versatile and user-friendly option that’s perfect for a wide range of settings. This touchscreen brewer offers a high degree of programmability, allowing you to set brew times, temperatures, and even pulse brewing for a more customized brewing experience. With a capacity of up to 1.6 gallons per brew, it’s well-suited for medium to high-volume settings.

One of the standout features of the FETCO CBS-2131XTS is its Cascading Spray Dome (CSD) technology, which ensures even saturation of the coffee grounds for a more consistent brew. The machine also has a built-in hot water faucet, making it easy to prepare tea or other hot beverages. The touchscreen interface is intuitive and easy to use, requiring minimal training for staff.

The only downside is that the FETCO CBS-2131XTS may not be the best choice for smaller cafes or restaurants that prioritize a more artisanal touch. Is this the best approach? Let’s consider the benefits of a more hands-on brewing method.

4. Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741

For smaller cafes or restaurants that want to offer a more artisanal experience, the Technivorm Moccamaster KBT 741 is an excellent choice. This pour-over brewer is handmade in the Netherlands and is known for its precision and craftsmanship. With a capacity of up to 1.25 liters per brew, it’s well-suited for lower-volume settings where quality is a priority.

The Moccamaster KBT 741 features a unique copper boiling element that maintains a consistent brewing temperature between 196°F and 205°F. This ensures that the coffee is brewed at the optimal temperature for the best possible flavor. The machine also has a manual-adjust drip-stop that allows you to control the flow of coffee, giving you more control over the brewing process.

However, it’s worth noting that the Moccamaster KBT 741 is a more hands-on machine that requires some attention to use effectively. It may not be the best choice for busy cafes or restaurants that need to serve multiple customers quickly.

5. Keurig K150P Commercial Coffee Maker

If you’re looking for a single-serve option, the Keurig K150P is a great choice. This commercial coffee maker is perfect for hotels, offices, and restaurants that want to offer a variety of coffee options with minimal waste. With a capacity of up to 90 oz. per water reservoir, it can brew multiple cups of coffee before needing to be refilled.

The Keurig K150P features a touchscreen interface that allows you to program brew sizes, strengths, and temperatures. It also has a built-in water filter that ensures a clean and fresh-tasting brew every time. The machine is easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff.

However, it’s worth noting that the Keurig K150P may not be the best choice for high-volume settings where speed is a priority. The single-serve nature of the machine means that it can take longer to serve multiple customers.

6. Breville Barista Express Espresso Machine

The Breville Barista Express is a semi-automatic espresso machine that’s perfect for smaller cafes or restaurants that want to offer specialty coffee drinks. This machine features a built-in grinder that allows you to grind beans fresh for each shot, ensuring the best possible flavor. With a capacity of up to 2 liters per water tank, it’s well-suited for lower to medium-volume settings.

The Barista Express also features a thermocoil heating system that ensures consistent temperature stability and allows for simultaneous coffee brewing and steam production. The machine is easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff. It’s a great option for restaurants that want to offer specialty coffee drinks without the complexity of a more advanced espresso machine.

7. Wilbur Curtis G4 Twin 1.5 Gallon Coffee Brewer

The Wilbur Curtis G4 Twin is a high-volume coffee brewer that’s perfect for busy cafes and restaurants. This machine features a twin brewing system that allows you to brew two different types of coffee simultaneously, ensuring that you can keep up with customer demand. With a capacity of up to 1.5 gallons per brew, it’s well-suited for high-volume settings where speed is a priority.

The G4 Twin also features a digital control module that allows you to program brew times, temperatures, and even pulse brewing for a more customized brewing experience. The machine is easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff. If you’re looking for a high-volume coffee brewer that can keep up with the busiest rush hours, the Wilbur Curtis G4 Twin is a great choice.

8. BUNN 13300.0000 VP17-1A Pourover Commercial Coffee Brewer

The BUNN 13300.0000 VP17-1A is a classic pour-over brewer that’s perfect for high-volume settings. This machine is known for its speed and reliability, making it a favorite among busy cafes and restaurants. With a capacity of up to 3.8 gallons per hour, it can keep up with even the busiest rush hours. The machine is also easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff.

One of the standout features of the BUNN 13300.0000 VP17-1A is its SplashGard funnel, which helps to evenly distribute water over the coffee grounds for a more consistent brew. The machine also has a digital display that allows you to program brew times and temperatures, ensuring that every pot of coffee is brewed to perfection. It’s a great choice for busy cafes and restaurants that need to serve multiple customers quickly.

9. Grindmaster-Cecilware PF2-21A Pourover Filter Coffee Brewer

The Grindmaster-Cecilware PF2-21A is a versatile pour-over brewer that’s perfect for a wide range of settings. This machine features a dual brewing system that allows you to brew two different types of coffee simultaneously, ensuring that you can keep up with customer demand. With a capacity of up to 1.5 gallons per brew, it’s well-suited for medium to high-volume settings where speed is a priority.

The PF2-21A also features a digital control module that allows you to program brew times, temperatures, and even pulse brewing for a more customized brewing experience. The machine is easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff. If you’re looking for a versatile pour-over brewer that can keep up with customer demand, the Grindmaster-Cecilware PF2-21A is a great choice.

10. Bloomfield KCMO55S Coffee Maker

The Bloomfield KCMO55S is a compact and efficient coffee maker that’s perfect for smaller cafes or restaurants. This machine features a single burner design that allows you to brew up to 55 cups of coffee per hour, making it a great choice for lower-volume settings where space is a consideration. The machine is also easy to use and maintain, with a simple design that requires minimal training for staff.

One of the standout features of the Bloomfield KCMO55S is its stainless steel construction, which ensures durability and easy cleaning. The machine also has a built-in hot water faucet, making it easy to prepare tea or other hot beverages. If you’re looking for a compact and efficient coffee maker that can fit into a smaller space, the Bloomfield KCMO55S is a great choice.

Where to Buy Commercial Coffee Makers

When it comes to purchasing commercial coffee makers, there are several reputable vendors to consider. However, one of the best choices is Chef’s Deal. Chef’s Deal offers a wide range of commercial kitchen equipment, including high-quality coffee makers from top brands. They provide competitive pricing, excellent customer service, and reliable shipping options. Whether you’re looking for a drip coffee maker, espresso machine, or pour-over system, Chef’s Deal has you covered.

Of course, there are other vendors out there, but Chef’s Deal stands out for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. When you’re making a significant investment in your restaurant’s equipment, it’s important to choose a vendor you can trust.

FAQ

Q: What is the best type of commercial coffee maker for a high-volume café?
A: For a high-volume café, a drip coffee maker or a high-capacity pour-over brewer is often the best choice. These machines are designed to brew large quantities of coffee quickly and consistently, making them ideal for busy settings.

Q: How important is programmability in a commercial coffee maker?
A: Programmability is very important, especially in high-volume settings. Being able to set brew times, temperatures, and other parameters ensures consistency and saves time, allowing your staff to focus on other tasks.

Q: What should I look for in an espresso machine for my restaurant?
A: When choosing an espresso machine, look for features like dual boilers, temperature stability, and ease of use. A semi-automatic machine offers a good balance of control and convenience, making it a great choice for most restaurants.

Q: Is a single-serve coffee maker a good choice for a restaurant?
A: A single-serve coffee maker can be a good choice for hotels, offices, and smaller restaurants that want to offer a variety of coffee options with minimal waste. However, it may not be the best choice for high-volume settings where speed is a priority.

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@article{best-commercial-coffee-makers-for-your-restaurant,
    title   = {Best Commercial Coffee Makers for Your Restaurant},
    author  = {Chef's icon},
    year    = {2025},
    journal = {Chef's Icon},
    url     = {https://chefsicon.com/best-commercial-coffee-makers-for-your-restaurant/}
}

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