7 Best Commercial Coffee Makers in 2021: Reviews & Buyers Guide

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Best Commercial Coffee Maker

Are you looking for the best commercial coffee maker to use for a food business, cafe, or office? Serving up delicious coffee is serious business, so continue reading to learn about the most popular options.

With tons of commercial brewers out there, it can be difficult to make a final decision. That’s why I’ve done the research to discover the top ones, what each of them has to offer, and how they compare.

Investing in a commercial coffee maker will allow you to make larger quantities of java. Smaller machines take a lot more effort than a large one meant to be used for a crowd. There are plenty of options out there depending on what features are important to you, so let’s get to it!

What’s fresh coffee without the best commercial grinder? Check those out here!

7 Best Commercial Coffee Makers

Whether you often serve up several cups of joe to every coffee drinker in the family, you own a local cafe, or you want to have fresh brew ready for the office staff – this list has the perfect commercial java brewer for you. Some have sleek designs, a built-in coffee grinder, or features that couldn’t be easier to use. 

Keep reading to learn all about the features, pros, and cons of each one.

Best For Convenience: Hamilton Beach 42 Cup Urn (40515)

Hamilton Beach Coffee Urn

Key Features

  • 42-cup brewer: 203.09 fl oz (6 L)
  • Brews 12 to 42 cups
  • 2 way dispenser
  • Internal water level marks
  • Twist lock lid
  • Heat-resistant handle
  • Large handles
  • Indicator light when ready to serve
  • Dimensions: 11.5 x 11.5 x 18.6 inches (29.2 x 29.2 x 47.2 cm)
  • Weight: 4 lbs (1.8 kg)

The Hamilton Beach urn is convenient to use in busy restaurants and for buffet-style catering services. It brews as fast as one minute per cup, so a full urn should be ready in approximately 42 minutes.

Other handy features include the internal water level mark which makes it easy to fill the exact amount of water you need. Then, the indicator light tells you when it’s ready.

The twist-lock lid ensures that there aren’t any spills from the top. Large handles give you a better grip for easy transport and set up.

Pros:

  • Fast brewing time
  • Easy to fill with internal water level markings
  • Locking lid and big handles provide safety features
  • Allows you to dispense single cups or continuous flow for a carafe
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Large capacity

Cons:

  • Not insulated

Final Verdict

The Hamilton Beach 42-cup urn is ideal for any crowded event. It offers countless conveniences to make brewing a little or a lot of tasty joe effortlessly.

Best For Efficiency: BUNN VP17-3SS3L Pourover Commercial Coffee Brewer with 3 Lower Warmers

BUNN VP17-3SS3L Pourover Commercial Coffee Brewer with 3 Lower Warmers

Key Features

  • Three warmer plates
  • Portable
  • 12-cup pour-over coffee brewer
  • SplashGuard Funnel
  • Makes 3.8 gallons (14.4 L) of coffee per hour
  • Decanters are sold separately
  • Stainless steel finish
  • Dimensions: 17.7 x 16.4 x 17.8 inches (45 x 41.6 x 45 cm)
  • Weight: 24 lbs (10.9 kg)

The BUNN VP17-3SS3L is efficient with no programming, no automation, and three warmer plates for convenience. This brewer offers easy transportation – simply unplug and go.

This brewer is no-fuss all around. To make java, simply pour water over coffee grounds and brewing begins immediately. The stainless steel finish is durable, attractive, and easy to wipe. The funnel protects against splashes.

Pros:

  • Easy to use and clean up
  • Sturdy
  • Fast brewing time
  • No plumbing line required
  • Travel-friendly

Cons:

  • No indicators to tell you when coffee is ready
  • No glass carafe included

Final Verdict

This Bunn coffee maker is efficient. It’s easy transportation and quick brew makes it perfect for a small coffee shop, family-owned diner, church, and more.

Best For Cafes: Jura 15343 WE6 Coffee and Espresso Center

Jura 15343 WE6 Coffee and Espresso Center

Key Features

  • 101 fl oz (3 L) removable water reservoir capacity
  • 17.7 (502 g) bean hopper capacity
  • 15-bar pump pressure
  • Thermoblock heating system
  • Programmable features
  • Integrated descaling program
  • Innovative technology display
  • Eight specialty presets
  • Built-in professional-grade coffee bean grinder
  • Height-adjustable spout
  • Dimensions: 9.10 x 9.10 x 9.10 inches (23.1 x 23.1 x 23.1 cm)
  • Weight: 22 lbs (10 kg)

The Jura WE6 commercial espresso machine is the perfect crowd pleaser. It will allow you to make professional barista standard java to impress any coffee lover. It also has a large-capacity reservoir and features eight specialty presets from ristretto to espresso and more.

If you’re looking to be the go-to local cafe, this machine is for you! The 15-bar pump pressure and 6-level grinder ensures that flavor and aroma is well-extracted. There are multiple specialty and water temperature options.

The resettable day counter shows the number of preparation for specific drink specialties each day. This is an awesome way to study the statistics of what specialty beverage is the bestseller or what day is your busiest day of the week.

Pros:

  • Large-capacity brewer
  • Fully featured and functional
  • Brewing temperature variety
  • Makes professional barista drinks
  • Programmability
  • Versatility
  • Accommodates for customer preference
  • Integrated grinder and cleaning program
  • Elegant aesthetics

Cons:

  • maximum daily output of 30 specialty drinks

Final Verdict

The Jura WE6 is the ideal automatic espresso machine for cafes. Since there is a limit of 30 specialty outputs per day it may be best for small shops for restaurants. Otherwise, purchase a couple and you’re good to go impress your java lovers!

RELATED: Interested in checking out other Jura brewers? Take a look at the best Jura machines.

Best For Versatility: Keurig K150P Commercial Brewing System

Keurig K150P Commercial Brewing System

Key Features

  • Instructions available in multiple languages
  • Automatic on/off feature
  • Brews K-cup pods only
  • Adjustable temperature
  • Full-color touchscreen LCD
  • Energy-saving mode
  • High-altitude setting
  • Drainable internal tank
  • Optional direct water line plumbing
  • Removable drip tray (makes room for larger cups)
  • Five selectable brew sizes
  • Dimensions: 13.9 x 14 x 10.4 inches (35.3 x 35.5 x 26.4 cm)
  • Weight: 18 lbs (8.2 kg)

The Keurig K150P is one of the more versatile automatic coffee makers for commercial use. It’s programmable and great for small businesses.

This Keurig machine can be directly connected to a water line for an endless supply of water. Waterline plumbing is excellent for business use as you don’t have to refill the tank, especially during peak hours of the business.

It has an intuitive full-color LCD screen control panel and automatic on/off functions. Other programmable features include temperature adjustments, five present brew sizes, and automatic shut off. If your location is at 5,000 ft above sea level, you can set the machine at high-altitude mode so temperature and extraction are appropriate.

Pros:

  • NSF Certified for food service and commercial use
  • Intuitive touchscreen control panel
  • Easy to operate
  • Convenient and mess-free
  • Programmability
  • Versatility
  • Automatic shut off saves energy

Cons:

  • Limited to K-cup brewing, no ground coffee

Final Verdict

The Keurig K150P is versatile and excellent for food service and it’s NSF approved. It’s recommended for a small food business that make medium-volume jave for customers. It can also work well for family get togethers or small offices.

Best For Plentiful Features: BUNN VPR-2EP 12-Cup Pourover Commercial Brewer

BUNN VPR-2EP 12-Cup Pourover Commercial Coffee Brewer

Key Features

  • Makes 12-cup per brew or 3.8 gals/hour
  • Tank capacity: 155 FL oz (4.6 L)
  • Stainless steel components
  • Two 12-cup BPA-free plastic decanters with stainless steel base are included
  • Two warmer plates
  • Two warmer switches
  • SplashGuard Funnel
  • Dimensions: 16.2 x 8 x 20.7 inches (41.1 x 20.3 x 52.6 cm)
  • Shipping Weight: 22.8 lbs (10.3 kg)

The BUNN VPR 2EP is a commercial brewer comes with it all! It’s designed to make 3.8 gallons of joe per hour. It has a large capacity tank that holds 4.6 liters of water. And, as soon as you pour water into the tank, it automatically starts brewing.

The SplashGuard Funnel is a mess-free and safety feature. The machine also comes with two 12-cup decanters. It has two warmer plates and separate switches for each.

The stainless steel components are easy to clean. They also provide durability and a nice look.

Pros:

  • Makes java quick and has an automatic start
  • Large-capacity water tank
  • Splashguard funnel provides safety and mess-free brewing
  • Easy to use and clean
  • Slim and sleek design
  • Shatter-free and BPA-free plastic decanters

Cons:

  • Some users don’t prefer plastic decanters (glass ones are available to purchase separately)

Final Verdict

The BUNN VPR 2EP is simple, efficient, and filled with features. It’s great for small to medium sized business and large families.

Best For Hotels and Restaurants: Proctor Silex 45100 100 Cup Brushed Aluminum Coffee Urn

Proctor Silex 45100 100 Cup Brushed Aluminum Coffee Urn

Key Features

  • Dual heater
  • NSF approved
  • 6 gallon (100 cups) capacity
  • Boil-dry protection
  • Gentle warming heater keep hot coffee
  • One-hand dispensing
  • Light indicator
  • Clear-view level indicator
  • Twist and lock lid
  • Large plastic handles
  • Brushed aluminum vessel
  • Cup-a-minute brewing
  • Dimensions: 12.6 x 23.5 x 11.7 inches (32 x 59.7 x 29.7 cm)
  • Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)

  • Dual heater
  • NSF approved
  • 6 gallon (100 cups) capacity
  • Boil-dry protection
  • Gentle warming heater keep hot coffee
  • One-hand dispensing
  • Light indicator
  • Clear-view level indicator
  • Twist and lock lid
  • Large plastic handles
  • Brushed aluminum vessel
  • Cup-a-minute brewing
  • Dimensions: 12.6 x 23.5 x 11.7 inches (32 x 59.7 x 29.7 cm)
  • Weight: 8.8 lbs (4 kg)

The Proctor Silex 45100 coffee urn was made for restaurant and hotel use. It’s makes up to 100 cups and has a clear-view indicator to show when java is low. The boil-dry protection automatically shuts the unit off when the tank is empty.

No need to worry about cofee getting cold when business is slow. The dual heater system brews hot java, then a gentle warming heater keeps it warm to maintain an enjoyable temperature.

Bonus: it’s design is sleek looking and it doesn’t take up much space.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Extra-large capacity brewer
  • Safety features
  • Saves energy
  • Keeps beverage warm
  • Convenient single-hand dispensing
  • Easy to clean and maintain
  • NSF approved

Cons:

  • Reports of leaking pouring spout

Final Verdict

The Procter Silex 100 machine is great for large catering services, hotels, and restaurants. It warmer works well even for those companies who’s business slows down for parts of the day.

Best For High-Volume Businesses: Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

Key Features

  • Commercial grade group head
  • Steam wand
  • Optional pod and capsule adaptor
  • Linear design
  • Iron frame and stainless steel side panels
  • Ergonomic design portafilter
  • 64 fl oz (1.9 L) removable water reservoir
  • Dimensions: 9.2 x 11.4 x 13.3 inches (23.4 x 29 x 33.8 cm)
  • Weight: 30.8 lbs (14 kg)

The Rancilio Silva espresso machine is a commercial-grade machine. It’s made of sturdy iron frame and stainless steel side panels that also adds to its pleasing aesthetics.

The commercial-grade group head is built to extract the premium quality coffee taste and withstand heat through continuous use. The steam wand moves in a complete range of motion to conveniently steam milk for latte and other specialty blends.

It has a large capacity water reservoir to minimize the frequency of refills. This feature especially convenient at times when your foodservice business is at its high-volume hours.

Pros:

  • Sturdy and built to last
  • Makes great espresso
  • Large capacity reservoir
  • Commercial-grade espresso maker
  • Ergonomic design portafilter for secure handling and superb extraction
  • Small footprint
  • Easy to use and clean

Cons:

  • Drip tray is too narrow for some users

Final Verdict

This Rancilio Silva espresso maker is ideal for any business that offers specialty blends including lattes. Its size and features makes it one of the best for high-volume businesses that want to serve up flavorful java.

In Comparison

Hamilton Beach 42 Cup Urn (40515)

  • best for convenience
  • brews 12 to 42 cups
  • indicator light when ready

BUNN VP17-3SS3L Pourover Commercial Coffee Brewer with 3 Lower Warmers

  • best for efficiency
  • three warmers plates
  • no programming

Jura 15343 WE6 Coffee and Espresso Center

  • best for cafes
  • brews professional specialty drinks
  • programmable features

Keurig K150P Commercial Brewing System

  • best for versatility
  • programmable
  • connects to waterline

BUNN VPR-2EP 12-Cup Pourover Commercial Brewer

  • best for plentiful features
  • large capacity tank
  • automatic brewing

Proctor Silex 45100 100 Cup Brushed Aluminum Urn

  • best for hotels and restaurants
  • large capacity machine
  • dual heating feature

Rancilio Silvia Espresso Machine with Iron Frame and Stainless Steel Side Panels

  • best for high-volume businesses
  • sturdy, stainless steel material
  • large capacity reservoir

Buyers Guide For Commercial Machines

If you’re still up in the air about which commercial brewer to choose, not to worry! We understand that there are several things to consider and want to help you make a purchase you’re going to love.


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Capacity

Think about the purpose your machine is going to serve. Where will you be using it and what is the average number of cups you’ll be serving in a day or period of time?

Brewers can be a 4-cup machine or a 100-cup machine. Once you crunch some numbers, it’ll help you make that call.

Type of Drinks

Are you trying to keep things simple or do you want to get a little fancy? Maybe you want to be able to serve up a simple cup of joe. Or, you may want to give the option of iced coffee or specialty blends.

Decide what you want to be able to serve and what type of machine you’ll need. An espresso machine is great for specialty blends. Meanwhile, a drip coffee maker is good for a simple hot cup of java.

Java Freshness

If you’re looking for a machine that’s going to make top-notch tasting java, you probably want to use a grinder. Grinding your beans as opposed to using pre-ground coffee brews up a better freshness, flavor, and scent. This is especially important for cafes to incorporate.

You can purchase this separately, but a built-in is an added convenience. Check out the Jura 15343 WE6 espresso machine for this feature.

Cleaning and Maintenance

If you’re working in or running a fast-paced business, you probably want a machine that’s easy to clean and maintain. Some machines like the Jura WE6 has an integrated rinsing and cleaning feature.

If your using a commercial brewer for a one-time family get together or laid-back cafe, you may not be worried about having time to properly clean your machine.

Cost

Since commercial coffee makers offer conveniences like making a large amount of java, you’re going to pay more than you would for a small standard brewer. However, if you’re purchasing a java brewer for a popular cafe or a diner, you’re certainly going to earn your money back for a high-quality machine.

The more elements that are included, the higher the cost. Features like a thermal carafe, automatic brewing, or an integrated grinder come with a cost. But, if it makes your business run smoother, it’s probably worth it. If you’re just looking for a simple cup of brewed coffee, it may be okay to spend a little less. 

The good news? There are so many commercial coffee makers out there with prices perfect for anyone’s budget. You’ll even notice the cost of each best commercial coffee maker on this list varies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Before making your final decision, check out answers to some of the most common questions.

What is the best commercial coffee maker?

The best commercial coffee maker depends on individual needs and preference.

You’ll notice that there’s an option best for hotels and restaurants while the Keurig K150P Commercial Brewing System is the most versatile and could work in many settings.

What is the best professional coffee machine?

All the machines on our list can work in a professional setting. Consider the following factors to choose the best one:

  • quantity and quality of beverage
  • appearance of machine
  • features including technology, automatic brewing, and clean-up

Why are commercial espresso machines so expensive?

You’ll notice that the espresso machine on our list comes with tons of features and its appearance is also top-notch. All of its components work to make outstanding drinks. If you’re looking for a high-standard espresso maker, you’re going to pay for it. But, the unmatched taste and convenience of the machine make it well worth the cost.

Do commercial coffee machines require plumping?

If the machine you purchase has a large enough water reservoir, you won’t have to constantly refill it or connect to plumbing. However, a machine that does connect to a waterline can save you time spent refilling.

How long does a commercial coffee machine last?

Commercial machines should last for many years because they are designed to perform heavy-duty tasks. With that said, the better it’s maintained, the longer it will last.

It’s best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations if you want your machine the last as long as possible.

Happy Brewing!

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