Shopping for Commercial Coffee Accessories
Having the right commercial coffee maker is vital, but buying commercial coffee maker accessories to go along with it is just as critical in offering smooth coffee service to your guests. The right supplies ensure you can handle the volume of orders you receive and may be the difference between a great tasting cup of coffee and one that tastes like it was brewed with creek water. This buyers' guide is designed to educate novice coffee makers looking to begin a successful coffee program.
Basic Essentials
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are a necessity with most types of brewers. Decanter brewers, airpot brewers, and satellite brewers all require filters to function properly. Filters are made mainly of crepe paper and high-quality heavyweight paper, enabling the brewed coffee to flow freely while keeping grounds in place.
For a filter to be compatible with a particular brewer, it needs to be the right size and shape. Common filters are cone or basket shaped. Urn brewers and other high-volume equipment will require different filters than decanter brewers, so be sure to select the right ones for your equipment. If a filter isn't strong enough, it'll tear or rupture, letting coffee grounds settle in the pot, so be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines when choosing filters.
Coffee
An expensive brewing machine is worth nothing without the right coffee. You'll need to select your coffee based on the type of machine you're using, the amount you'll brew at one time, and whether or not you own a grinder.
To brew large quantities of coffee at a cafe or restaurant, operations should order whole bean or pre-ground coffee beans in bulk. For a hotel room or lobby machine, consider small, individually wrapped ground coffee beans that may be packaged with a coffee filter. For many single-cup brewers, you'll need disposable, pre-filled plastic coffee pods.
Replacement Parts
Failure of one small part can put a coffee brewer completely out of commission or limit its capabilities. Because it's not cost effective to purchase an entirely new machine when this happens, having the option to purchase replacement parts for as little as a few dollars is an essential component of any coffee service.
Storage & Service
Coffee Warming Plates
A coffee warming plate serves two functions: keeping coffee hot and ready to serve and holding the pot while coffee is brewed from a decanter coffee maker. These units are ideal for any foodservice operation that provides table service and requires ready-to-serve coffee. Most plates are made of durable steel, so they can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
While most decanter brewers have built-in warming plates, additional units can be used to hold coffee at server stations and free up the brewer burner for a fresh pot. These plates are available in one-, two-, and three-burner models. Side-by-side units are easy to access, while back-to-back step-up plates can conserve space on the countertop and fit nicely in line with your brewer.
These plates should only be relied on to warm coffee for 30 minutes or less. After that time, the brew tends to develop a burnt, bitter taste. These shouldn't be relied on if coffee won't be served within that time frame. In those situations, consider a thermal carafe.
Chafing Fuel
If you're serving coffee out of a non-electric coffee urn, your unit may use chafing fuel to keep it warm. This option is ideal for outdoor catering events where there isn't convenient access to electricity, but it's also safe for indoor use.
Decanter
Coffee decanters are available in several styles and pair with coffee makers that brew directly into them. Identical replacement models can be purchased for most popular brands, while some manufacturers offer drip-proof and fast-pour types. Those with stainless steel bases are more durable than all-glass varieties. Most standard decanters have a 64-ounce capacity, and a black or orange rim indicates whether the coffee is regular or decaffeinated, respectively.
Thermal Carafe
Thermal carafes are a common-sense alternative for keeping coffee hot and fresh for as long as 2 hours. They'll keep coffee at a hot serving temperature, maintaining freshness and preventing the burnt taste that can develop when coffee is left on a warmer. Like decanters, carafes are typically designed to be used by wait staff in full-service restaurants, although some chains are known to leave a fresh carafe on the table to let customers help themselves.
Airpots
Similar to thermal carafes, airpots are designed for self-serve applications and the best coffee airpots keep coffee fresh for as long as 2 hours. They range in capacity from 2 to 4 liters and dispense coffee into a cup with the press of a lever or button. They're insulated, sometimes with glass, and come in mainly stainless steel or black designs.
French Press
French press coffee makers brew and serve small amounts of coffee from a single container. You may consider supplementing your brewing equipment with these containers to brew small servings of rich coffee. They may be insulated to retain some warmth, but they are intended for serving coffee immediately after it is brewed.
Presentation & Add-ons
Cups & Mugs
Coffee cups and mugs are an essential part of any operation that offers coffee service. Paper and foam coffee cups work well for self-serve and to-go operations, such as convenience stores, breakrooms, and fast food restaurants, while reusable coffee mugs are sufficient for other types of basic coffee service. Guests may expect a saucer with their coffee cup. Specialty cups provide an authentic experience in settings where non-standard drinks will be served at the table. Here are some options:
- Espresso cups, also known as demitasse cups, hold between 2 and 3 ounces for serving single and double shots.
- Cappuccino cups are regularly 5 or 6 ounces, enabling an even ratio between espresso and steamed milk.
- Latte cups are significantly larger than cappuccino cups, supporting a five-to-one ratio of steamed milk and espresso.
- Cafe au lait cups are broader and shorter than regular coffee mugs and larger than cappuccino and espresso cups. They often have no handles, making them look like small bowls.
Operators can choose from various materials for their reusable coffee cups, including ceramic, melamine, and plastic. Glass coffee mugs and cups showcase specialty beverages and can add a classy feel to regular coffee served at fine dining establishments.
Airpot Racks
Airpot and decanter racks are designed to hold dispensing equipment securely and are usually set up in serving lines and coffee stations. They include drip trays for easy cleanup and often feature compartments for creamers and sugar. Signage areas provide a place for coffee descriptions. Airpot racks are available in sizes large enough to accommodate six containers, and most have a carbon steel wire construction, which resists corrosion and streamlines cleaning.
Sugar & Cream Service
It's important to offer your customers the option to sweeten their coffee and add milk or cream. This requires a way to store and present these products. If you offer individual packets and cups, you'll need tabletop or countertop organizers to hold them. For a more formal experience, offer your guests cream pitchers and sugar dispensers or bowls. For back-of-house operations, consider dry product dispensers, which can hold large quantities of sugar and other sweeteners and dispense them at the push of a button.
Airpot Covers
Airpot covers are used to create a uniform appearance, especially on banquet lines, where they can be used to match chrome chafing dishes. They're built to accommodate push-button or lever-top airpots and may be made of polished or brushed stainless steel or chrome.
Whipped Cream & Toppings
Adding whipped cream to a cup of coffee can add an extra oomph to your presentation and entice customers to return. Special dispensers give operations a simple, efficient solution for topping off their coffee creations with an eye-catching, delicious dollop of cream. Drizzle caramel or chocolate syrup over these drinks using squeeze dispensers.
Quality & Convenience
In its most basic form, coffee includes two ingredients: water and ground coffee beans. Using good water, freshly ground beans, and other quality and convenience enhancements will provide a solid foundation for your coffee service. Consider the following options to take your operation to the next level:
Coffee Maker Water Filters
If the water you use to make your coffee has chlorine, sediment, or other impurities, it can adversely affect your final product. Using these water filters will keep your coffee tasting the way it should and prevent expensive coffee equipment from building up limescale.
Coffee Grinders
Because operators can purchase pre-ground coffee, coffee bean grinders aren't essential equipment when purchasing commercial coffee accessories. For a higher quality, full-flavor coffee, though, operators should consider grinding coffee on site shortly before it's brewed.
Supply Lines
Although many commercial coffee makers include a pourover feature, connecting compatible equipment to a plumbed water line will provide consistent access to water for brewing. Consider purchasing a supply line to optimize your machine's capabilities, which may include a hot water tap for other hot beverages.
Nitrogen Infusion
Nitrogen infusion only applies to cold brew coffee, which is brewed differently than traditional hot coffee or iced coffee. Depending on your cold brew equipment, you may be able to use nitrogen infusion for a smoother flavor. You'll need a nitrogen infuser and a nitrogen tank.
KaTom's Quick Guide to Purchasing Commercial Coffee Accessories
Here's a quick guide to two things you should consider when selecting commercial coffee accessories.
- Essentials. Once you've selected brewing equipment, determine which additional brewing essentials you require. You'll need methods for storing and serving your coffee, including ingredients and toppings, as well as brewer-specific requirements, such as coffee filters. You should also consider the potential need for any replacement parts and their availability.
- Extras. You'll need to select from additional options that can improve quality and convenience, such as supply lines for hooking up an optional water source or nitrogen tanks for cold brew equipment.
