As coffee and coffee drinks continue to evolve, so does brewing, holding and service equipment.

Commercial coffee-making equipment can be complicated. But serving high-quality, piping hot coffee throughout your entire property is far simpler with the right pieces in the right places.

Coffee machines range from smaller pour-over pieces that are best in locker rooms or halfway houses, all the way up to high-volume urn machines that are well-suited for busy dining rooms and big banquets.
Here’s what you need to know to buy the right brewer for your property:

Automatic Coffee Makers: These machines typically hook directly up to a water line and eliminate the need to constantly fill a water tank. They are smaller and brew between 320 and 1,920 ounces per hour. Many are available with extra coffee warmers that keep pots of coffee hot while a new pot is brewing.

Pour-over Coffee Makers: Ideal for brewing fresh pots as needed, these machines offer a lot of versatility. Water is manually poured into a reservoir to make the coffee, with no water connection needed. They generally have a relatively small footprint, are portable and can usually brew between 440 and 520 ounces per hour.

Airpots and Thermals: Coffee is brewed directly into an insulated container that is completely sealed. This allows clubs to hold coffee at a proper temperature, providing better quality for longer periods. These are also ideal for serving a variety of specialty or flavored coffees for banquets or events, as several airpots can be set up beside one another. The containers usually hold one to three liters.

High-Volume Coffee Machine Urns: These machines will keep your dining room, banquet or event well-stocked with java. They can brew gallons of coffee in a matter of minutes, to ensure you have enough to serve all of your members and guests at all times. These machines also keep coffee at the ideal holding temperature until it’s ready to be served. They come in a variety of styles and capacities. There are smaller, single-tank units or larger, multi-tank options. You can also choose the type of power that matches your club’s available utilities.

Cappuccino / Espresso Machines: These machines brew fresh coffee that can be served straight or with steamed and foamed milk for a cappuccino. They are made of sturdy materials and typically have a sleek, attractive design that’s perfect for front-of-house use, so members and guests can see artisanal drinks being prepared. A wide variety of features and styles is available. Some have a hot water faucet, so you can prepare espresso and other coffee drinks, as well as hot chocolate and tea. Other models hook up directly to a water line for continuous, high-volume output. There are also pour-over machines, for lower-volume business.