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Best Coffee Makers

Last updated on Feb 4, 2025

Choosing the right commercial coffee maker is essential for any foodservice establishment aiming to deliver consistently high-quality coffee to its customers. Whether prioritizing speed, affordability, or versatility, the best coffee makers cater to various brewing needs and business sizes. From reliable drip machines to innovative cold brew systems, each category highlights equipment designed to optimize performance and enhance customer satisfaction. Selecting a coffee maker tailored to your specific operation helps you streamline service, reduce downtime, and provide an exceptional coffee experience that keeps customers returning.


Shop All Commercial Coffee Makers

Check out our top choices for the best coffee makers:
  1. Best Coffee Maker Overall: Bunn Low Profile Pourover Coffee Brewer
  2. Best Budget Coffee Maker: Avantco C10 12 Cup Pourover Commercial Coffee Maker
  3. Best Automatic Coffee Maker: Curtis Automatic Airpot Coffee Brewer
  4. Best Pourover Coffee Maker: Bunn 12 Cup Pourover Coffee Brewer
  5. Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Toddy 5 Gallon Commercial Cold Brew System

Note: All prices are current to time of publication. See product page for updated pricing.

Best Coffee Maker Overall

a Bunn coffee maker on a countertop

The Bunn Low Profile Pourover Coffee Brewer is the best overall coffee maker due to its reliability, efficiency, and versatility. Designed with a low-profile structure, this machine fits easily under cabinets, saving valuable counter space while maintaining a professional appearance. With three warmers, it can brew and keep multiple carafes of coffee hot simultaneously, making it ideal for busy establishments that serve high coffee volumes. Its durable stainless steel construction ensures longevity, and the pourover design eliminates the need for a direct water line, allowing for flexible placement in various setups.

Shop Bunn Low Profile Pourover Coffee Brewer | $466.99

View our customer reviews for the Bunn Low Profile Pourover Coffee Brewer.

Pros
  • Three warmers provide excellent capacity for peak service hours
  • Pourover design eliminates plumbing requirements, offering placement flexibility
  • Durable stainless steel build ensures long-term use
Cons
  • Lack of automated features may not suit all users
  • Requires manual refilling, which can slow workflow during busy periods
  • Larger footprint compared to single-pot machines

Best Budget Coffee Maker

a an Avantco coffee maker on a countertop

The Avantco C10 12 Cup Pourover Commercial Coffee Maker offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and performance, making it perfect for coffee shop startups. With its simple design and dual warmer plates, it allows operators to brew one pot of coffee while keeping another warm, ensuring a steady supply for busy periods. The compact size makes it an excellent fit for small counters, while its stainless steel exterior enhances durability. This coffee maker requires no plumbing, providing maximum flexibility for placement in various settings.

Shop Avantco C10 12 Cup Pourover Commercial Coffee Maker | $194.99

Read customer reviews for the Avantco C10 12 Cup Pourover Commercial Coffee Maker.

Runner Up Budget Coffee Maker: Bloomfield Decanter Style Eco Brewer

Pros
  • Budget-friendly price point ideal for startups
  • Dual warmers accommodate higher serving demands
  • Compact and portable design fits into tight spaces
Cons
  • Limited brewing capacity may not suit high-volume operations
  • Lacks advanced features like digital controls
  • Less longevity than premium models

Best Automatic Coffee Maker

a Curtis coffee maker on a countertop

The Curtis Automatic Airpot Coffee Brewer is the ultimate automatic coffee maker for businesses seeking consistent quality and high efficiency. This machine pairs advanced digital controls with a reliable brewing system, ensuring precision with every pot. Its compatibility with airpots keeps coffee hot and fresh for extended periods, making it ideal for self-serve stations or catering events. The sleek design and compact footprint allow it to fit seamlessly into any workspace, while its robust brewing capacity meets the demands of busy establishments.

Shop Curtis Automatic Airpot Coffee Brewer | $699.00

Read customer reviews for the Curtis D500GT12A000.

Runner Up Automatic Coffee Maker: Bloomfield Koffee King 3 Automatic Coffee Brewer

Pros
  • Digital controls allow precise brewing customization
  • Keeps coffee hot and fresh in airpots for extended service periods
  • Compact design conserves counter space
Cons
  • Requires a direct water line, limiting placement flexibility
  • Initial setup may be complex for users unfamiliar with the system
  • Higher upfront cost compared to simpler drip brewers

Best Pourover Coffee Maker

a Bunn coffee maker on a countertop

As a specialized drip coffee maker, pourover coffee machines have an independent water supply and don't require water line attachments. The Bunn 12 Cup Pourover Coffee Brewer stands out as the best pourover coffee maker for its straightforward operation, durable construction, and dual warmer design. Its compact and portable nature makes it a versatile choice for establishments that need a reliable coffee maker without a direct water line. The brewer includes two glass decanters, allowing for quick service of fresh coffee while keeping another pot warm. Its stainless steel construction ensures durability, while its simple controls make it easy to operate, even in high-demand settings.

Shop Bunn 12 Cup Pourover Coffee Brewer | $369.99

View our customer reviews for Bunn 12 Cup Pourover Coffee Brewer.

Runner Up Pourover Coffee Maker: Avantco C15 Pourover Airpot Coffee Brewer

Pros
  • Dual warmers allow simultaneous brewing and warming of coffee
  • No plumbing required, offering flexibility in placement
  • Compact and light weight design enhances portability and minimizes countertop footprint
Cons
  • Manual refilling can become tedious in high-traffic environments
  • Limited to two pots of coffee at a time, which may not suit larger operations
  • Lack of advanced features like programmable brewing

Best Cold Brew Coffee Maker

a Toddy Cold Brew coffee maker on a table

The Toddy 5 Gallon Commercial Cold Brew System is a top choice for businesses crafting large quantities of smooth, flavorful cold brew. This system simplifies the brewing process with its efficient design, which includes a durable brewing container, reusable filters, and a built-in lift to facilitate easy draining and serving. Its ability to produce up to 5 gallons of concentrate per batch makes it ideal for high-volume operations like cafes, coffee shops, and catering services. With a focus on efficiency and quality, this system ensures consistent results with minimal effort, perfect for meeting customer demand for cold brew.

Shop Toddy 5 Gallon Commercial Cold Brew System | $86.99

View our customer reviews for Toddy 5 Gallon Commercial Cold Brew Systems.

Runner Up Cold Brew Coffee Maker: Crown Beverages 8 Gallon Capacity Cold Brew System

Pros
  • Dual warmers allow simultaneous brewing and warming of coffee
  • No plumbing required, offering flexibility in placement
  • Compact and lightweight design enhances portability and minimizes countertop footprint
Cons
  • Manual refilling can become tedious in high-traffic environments
  • Limited to two pots of coffee at a time, which may not suit larger operations
  • Lack of advanced features like programmable brewing
Restaurant Equipment

Pourover vs Automatic Coffee Makers

When using a drip coffee brewing method, it's crucial to understand the distinction between pourover and automatic drip coffee makers. Pourover coffee makers feature an independent water supply, making them ideal for spaces without a direct water connection. These machines require the user to manually fill the water reservoir and often lack advanced digital controls, favoring simplicity and portability. They are well-suited for smaller operations, catering services, or businesses that prioritize flexibility and maximizing counterspace.

Automatic coffee makers, on the other hand, connect directly to a water line, streamlining the brewing process for high-volume establishments. With features like programmable settings and consistent brewing cycles, they ensure efficiency and precision, especially during busy hours. Choosing between the two depends on your workflow, available infrastructure, and desired level of control over the brewing process.

Choosing the best commercial coffee maker depends on the unique needs of your business, whether it's a bustling cafe, a catering service, or a corporate office. From the versatility of the best overall model to the affordability of the best budget option, each category highlights machines designed to meet specific demands. Drip coffee makers offer consistency and efficiency for high-volume service, while pourover models prioritize flavor and control. For businesses focused on specialty drinks, the cold brew systems deliver rich, smooth coffee in large batches. By matching the right coffee maker to your operation's priorities, you can ensure quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

The information provided on this website does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Please refer to our Content Policy for more details.

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