Seven tips for choosing the perfect coffee maker for your restaurant

When you're in the restaurant business, quality coffee is essential. It can be challenging to create delicious coffee when you're working with inferior equipment; that's why investing in the perfect coffee maker for your cafe or restaurant pays.

Whether you're a small café or a large restaurant, this guide will provide essential tips on choosing the best commercial coffee maker that meets your budget and needs.

1.   Determine your peak coffee volume

One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a commercial coffee maker is its maximum output. This will depend on your peak coffee volume, which is the coffee required to satisfy your customers during busy times.

If you have large groups of customers requiring several servings of coffee at once, you'll need a machine with a higher output. On the other hand, if you have few customers at a time and would prefer to make individual cups on demand, you may get away with a lower-end machine.

2.   Assess your space, electricity, and facilities on your counter

A giant commercial coffee machine will take up more counter space than a smaller one; therefore, you should ensure enough room before purchasing. Additionally, ensure that there is an appropriate power supply close by for the machine (if necessary) and that your counter has adequate water supply and drainage facilities.

The size of your machine will also determine the type and amount of product you can use. For example, if you plan on grinding fresh coffee beans, you may need to invest in a larger grinder (or multiple grinders) to keep up with the high demand.

The weight-bearing ability of your counter is also an issue, as some commercial coffee makers can be pretty hefty.

3.   Restaurant outlook

If you run a restaurant focused on creating a strong coffee offering, you'll want to invest in top-of-the-range equipment to produce high quality coffee drinks.

You can go with coffee makers with grinders for grinding fresh coffee beans or machines with various settings to ensure the perfect cup every time. It's worth noting that these machines tend to be more expensive, so ensure you have the budget before investing.

If your restaurant focuses elsewhere and you want a basic coffee offering, machines with fewer features may be sufficient. However, be sure to ensure they can produce a consistent cup of coffee, as this is what customers expect.

4.   Budget considerations

Buying a commercial coffee maker can be expensive, and you'll want to ensure you get the best value for your money. Start by researching different models, brands, and prices online to understand the range available and which best meets your needs.

Your budget should account for not only the initial purchase price of the machine but also any future maintenance or repair costs. The cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs will depend on the type of machine you select, so factor this into your budget.

5.   Consider brand reputation

As with every product, some brands are better than others for commercial coffee makers. Research the most popular brands, read customer reviews, and talk to other business owners with experience with particular models.

This will give you a good idea of which machines are reliable, durable, and offer great value for money. The brand you choose should have a good reputation for after-sales service so that they can provide prompt and helpful assistance if there are any issues with your machine in the future.

6.   Factor in energy efficiency and sustainability

As a business, you need to try and keep operating costs as low as possible, so look for a commercial coffee maker that is energy-efficient. Many models now come with features such as automatic shut off and standby mode, which help to reduce overall energy consumption. You should also consider the impact your machine has on the environment.

Look for machines made with recyclable materials and those certified by Energy Star or other environmental organisations. This will not only be beneficial for the planet but can also help you to save money in the long run.

7.   Technology and automation

Many coffee makers now have automated features like pre-programmed recipes or touch screens that allow you to easily select your desired drink.

You can also look for machines that can remotely monitor and adjust settings, as well as mobile applications that allow you to control the machine from your smartphone. The right technology can make all the difference in a busy café or restaurant, so consider features such as these when shopping for your commercial coffee maker.

When selecting a commercial coffee maker, there are a few crucial points to remember.

Research different models and brands to find the best value for money, ensure you know about any energy efficiency or sustainability certifications, and look for machines with automated features to help streamline your coffee making process.

You can select the perfect machine for your business with some research and knowledge.