FETCO vs. Curtis

Both FETCO and Curtis offer reliable commercial coffee makers. FETCO focuses on high-volume brewing with customizable controls, while Curtis produces machines with user-friendly technology. Choose the coffee maker that best suits your operation.

FETCO vs. Curtis: Comparison Snapshot

About FETCO

FETCO, or Food Equipment Technologies Company, was founded in 1987 by Zbigniew Lassota and Christopher Novak in Lake Zurich, Ill. Today, the brand manufactures commercial coffee and tea brewing equipment, beverage dispensers, and other beverage equipment, with products used in more than 40 countries.

Key Strengths:

• Cascading spray dome ensures even water distribution and prevents scale buildup
• Operators can set exact brew times, volumes, and temperatures with programmable controls
• Constructed of stainless steel and laser-welded tanks

About Curtis

Wilbur Curtis founded the Wilbur Curtis Company in 1941 in Hollywood, Calif. Curtis remains a family-owned business manufacturing coffee and tea brewing equipment, cappuccino dispensers, and more. Today, Curtis is a leading manufacturer of commercial brewing systems for a variety of operations.

Key Strengths:

• Digitally controlled precision with capabilities to program exact recipes
• Sprayhead technology enhances oil and flavor extraction
• IntelliFresh technology monitors volume and freshness

Key Differences Explained

Performance and Reliability

FETCO coffee brewers are built to deliver consistent results in high-volume environments. The CBS-72A High- Volume Thermal Coffee Maker can produce up to 60 gallons of coffee per hour, which suits institutions, banquet facilities, and other operations with significant beverage demand. Laser-welded stainless steel tanks help reduce leak risks and support long-term reliability. The Curtis High- Volume Thermal Coffee Maker can produce up to 21 gallons of coffee per hour. Designed for continuous use in busy foodservice settings, Curtis brewers offer dependable operation and programmable brewing controls that help maintain consistent coffee quality from batch to batch. Stainless steel components ensure long-term durability and reliable performance.

Design and Ease of Use

Depending on the series, FETCO utilizes a cascading spray dome that prevents clogging, ensures even water saturation, and simulates pour over extraction. The lime-resistant spray dome attaches with a magnet, simplifying cleaning. Select NG and Extractor Plus units have a removable electrical panel, enabling faster access to key components and streamlining maintenance and service. FETCO's intuitive touchscreens and digital controls help operators select batch sizes, program recipes, and adjust water temperature. Curtis' stainless steel exteriors withstand repeated use in high-volume operations. The GemX series features thermal servers that improve heat retention and maintain flavor. The IntelliFresh system automatically manages and monitors temperature to prevent a scorched flavor. Many Curtis brewers include preprogrammed recipe settings for various coffee profiles, including light roast, dark roast, and high-yield applications.

Maintenance and Durability

For FETCO units, remove and wash brew cones, wash the spray dome, and drain and wash thermal dispensers daily. Inspect hoses and descale water tanks every one to three months. With proper care and maintenance, FETCO coffee brewers can last 12 years.

For Cutris coffee brewers, rinse and wash brew baskets, wipe surfaces, and clean dispensers daily. Clear mineral deposits from holes in the sprayhead weekly. Curtis coffee makers can remain in service 15 years with regular cleaning.

Price and Value

Pricing varies for both brands depending on the coffee maker model. FETCO coffee makers offer value through high-volume output, quality extraction, and reliability in busy operations. Many models feature programmable brewing controls that help operators maintain consistency across batches. Curtis brewers provide value through longevity, durability, and technology. Many models include programmable brewing controls and preset recipe options that help operators achieve consistent results with minimal adjustment. Choose the brand that suits your operation and daily brewing volume.

Which Coffee Maker Brand Is Right for You?

Shop FETCO & Curtis at KaTom

KaTom offers quality coffee brewers from FETCO and Curtis that meet the demands of coffee shops, bakeries, restaurants, and more. Explore KaTom's collection of FETCO and Curtis coffee brewers to find the right fit for your space, service volume, and production needs.